21 day itinerary
Croatia+switzerland+france+spain+portugall
Itinerary
What an exciting adventure you have ahead of you! A 21-day journey through Croatia, Switzerland, France, Spain, and Portugal sounds like a dream. Let’s create a relaxed itinerary that allows you to soak in the beauty of parks, green spaces, and main attractions while keeping it budget-friendly. Here’s a day-by-day plan for your trip:
Days 1-4: Croatia ( & Plitvice Lakes)
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into a budget-friendly guesthouse or hostel.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the Old Town, visit the , and walk along the city walls.
- Evening: Enjoy a sunset at , overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Day 2:
- Morning: Visit . Take a ferry and explore the botanical gardens and peacocks.
- Afternoon: Relax at or take a swim in the sea.
- Evening: Dinner at a local konoba (tavern) for some traditional Croatian cuisine.
Day 3:
- Morning: Travel to Plitvice Lakes (about 3 hours by bus). Check into a nearby guesthouse.
- Afternoon: Spend the day exploring the park’s stunning lakes and waterfalls. Take the walking trails and enjoy the lush greenery.
- Evening: Have dinner at a local eatery near the park.
Day 4: Plitvice Lakes to
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final stroll in the park.
- Afternoon: Head to (about 2 hours by bus). Check into your accommodation.
- Evening: Explore the and relax in .
Days 5-8: Switzerland (Zürich & Lucerne)
Day 5: Zürich
- Morning: Travel to Zürich (about 8 hours by train, enjoy the scenic views).
- Afternoon: Check into a budget hotel or hostel. Visit the beautiful and take a walk along the promenade.
- Evening: Explore the Old Town and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 6: Zürich
- Morning: Visit the and the .
- Afternoon: Explore the (art museum) or take a boat trip on the lake.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner in the lively Niederdorf area.
Day 7: Lucerne
- Morning: Take a train to Lucerne (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Visit the and the . Stroll along the lake.
- Evening: Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 8:
- Day Trip: Take a day trip to . Enjoy the views, hiking trails, and the scenic cogwheel train ride.
- Evening: Return to Lucerne for a relaxed evening.
Days 9-12: France (Paris)
Day 9: Travel to Paris
- Morning: Travel to Paris (about 4 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Visit the for a leisurely stroll.
- Evening: Dinner in the Latin Quarter.
Day 10: Paris
- Morning: Visit the and take a walk in the .
- Afternoon: Explore the or the (consider a budget-friendly picnic lunch in a park).
- Evening: Enjoy a Seine River cruise.
Day 11: Paris
- Morning: Visit and the . Enjoy the views of the city.
- Afternoon: Relax in the or .
- Evening: Dinner at a bistro in .
Day 12: Versailles
- Day Trip: Take a day trip to the . Explore the gardens and the estate.
- Evening: Return to Paris for a relaxed evening.
Days 13-16: Spain (Barcelona)
Day 13: Travel to Barcelona
- Morning: Travel to Barcelona (about 6 hours by train).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Visit and enjoy the colorful mosaics.
- Evening: Dinner in the Gràcia neighborhood.
Day 14: Barcelona
- Morning: Visit . Pre-book tickets to avoid long lines.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the and relax at .
- Evening: Tapas dinner in the El Born district.
Day 15: Barcelona
- Morning: Visit . Take the cable car for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Explore the and the gardens.
- Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show for a taste of Spanish culture.
Day 16: Day Trip to
- Day Trip: Take a day trip to . Hike the trails and visit the monastery.
- Evening: Return to Barcelona for a relaxed evening.
Days 17-21: Portugal (Lisbon)
Day 17: Travel to Lisbon
- Morning: Fly to Lisbon (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Visit the for a leisurely stroll.
- Evening: Dinner in the Bairro Alto district.
Day 18: Lisbon
- Morning: Explore the historic and visit the .
- Afternoon: Relax in the .
- Evening: Enjoy a Fado music performance with dinner.
Day 19: Sintra
- Day Trip: Take a day trip to Sintra. Visit the and the gardens.
- Evening: Return to Lisbon for a relaxed evening.
Day 20:
- Day Trip: Visit , a charming coastal town. Relax on the beach and explore the parks.
- Evening: Return to Lisbon for your last dinner in Portugal.
Day 21: Departure
- Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Depart from Lisbon.
Tips for a Budget-Friendly Trip:
- Use public transportation (trains and buses) for intercity travel.
- Look for budget accommodations like hostels, guesthouses, or Airbnb.
- Enjoy picnics in parks to save on meals.
- Take advantage of free walking tours in major cities.
This itinerary balances relaxation with exploration, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of each destination while keeping it budget-friendly. Have an amazing trip! 🌍✈️
