12 day itinerary for Europe

Itinerary

Let’s craft a fabulous 12-day European adventure that checks all your boxes: shopping, beaches, food, and stunning scenery. We’ll mix vibrant cities with beautiful coastal spots, ensuring you have a delightful blend of experiences. Here’s a suggested itinerary:

## Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona, Spain

• Morning: Arrive in Barcelona. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Stroll down La Rambla, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Don’t miss the Mercat de Sant Josep de la Boqueria for some delicious tapas!
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local tapas bar. Try some patatas bravas and jamón ibérico.

## Day 2: Barcelona

• Morning: Visit the iconic Sagrada Familia. Book your tickets in advance to skip the lines!
• Afternoon: Head to the beach at Barceloneta. Relax, sunbathe, or take a dip in the Mediterranean.
• Evening: Dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Savor some paella while watching the sunset.

## Day 3: Barcelona to Nice, France

• Morning: Take a flight or train to Nice (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and explore the Promenade des Anglais. Enjoy some shopping in the boutiques along Avenue Jean Médecin.
• Evening: Dinner at a local bistro. Try the famous Niçoise salad and finish with a gelato.

## Day 4: Nice and the French Riviera

• Morning: Take a day trip to nearby Cannes or Antibes. Enjoy the beaches and do some luxury shopping.
• Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Antibes and visit the Picasso Museum.
• Evening: Return to Nice for dinner. Try some socca, a local chickpea pancake.

## Day 5: Nice to Florence, Italy

• Morning: Travel to Florence (about 4 hours by train).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the iconic Duomo. Don’t forget to climb to the top for breathtaking views!
• Evening: Dinner at a trattoria. Indulge in Florentine steak and a glass of Chianti.

## Day 6: Florence

• Morning: Visit the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo.
• Afternoon: Explore the Ponte Vecchio and shop for jewelry and leather goods.
• Evening: Enjoy a cooking class where you can learn to make traditional Italian dishes.

## Day 7: Florence to Positano, Italy

• Morning: Take a train to Naples and then a ferry to Positano (total travel time about 4-5 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax on the beach. The views are simply stunning!
• Evening: Dinner at a cliffside restaurant. Try the local seafood and limoncello.

## Day 8: Positano and the Amalfi Coast

• Morning: Take a boat tour along the Amalfi Coast, stopping at Amalfi and Ravello.
• Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Amalfi and enjoy some beach time.
• Evening: Return to Positano for dinner. Enjoy fresh pasta with local tomatoes and basil.

## Day 9: Positano to Rome, Italy

• Morning: Travel to Rome (about 3-4 hours by bus or train).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
• Evening: Dinner in Trastevere. Try Roman-style pizza and finish with a classic tiramisu.

## Day 10: Rome

• Morning: Visit the Vatican City, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
• Afternoon: Explore the shopping streets around Via del Corso. Don’t miss the Spanish Steps!
• Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local osteria. Sample some Roman artichokes and cacio e pepe.

## Day 11: Rome to Santorini, Greece

• Morning: Fly to Santorini (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax at a beach like Kamari or Perissa.
• Evening: Dinner with a view in Oia. Enjoy fresh seafood and watch the famous sunset.

## Day 12: Santorini

• Morning: Explore the stunning villages of Fira and Oia. Don’t forget to shop for local art and jewelry!
• Afternoon: Visit the ancient ruins of Akrotiri or relax on the unique red and black sand beaches.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a cliffside restaurant, savoring local wines and dishes.

Departure

• Depending on your flight schedule, you might have time for a final stroll or some last-minute shopping before heading to the airport.

This itinerary offers a delightful mix of culture, relaxation, and culinary experiences, all while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery Europe has to offer. Enjoy your trip! 🌍✈️🍽️🏖️