Itinerary

A 22-day journey through Málaga, Lisbon, Rome, Naples, and Madrid sounds like a dream! Let’s create a relaxed itinerary that allows you to soak in the culture, savor the cuisine, and enjoy the sights without feeling rushed. Here’s a day-by-day plan for your adventure:

## Days 1-5: Málaga, Spain

## Day 1: Arrival in Málaga

• Arrive in Málaga and check into your accommodation.
• Spend the afternoon strolling along the beach at La Malagueta.
• Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a beachside chiringuito (beach bar) with fresh seafood.

## Day 2: Explore Málaga

• Visit the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre in the morning.
• Have lunch at a local tapas bar in the historic center.
• Spend the afternoon at the Picasso Museum and explore the surrounding streets.
• Dinner at a traditional Andalusian restaurant.

## Day 3: Day Trip to Ronda

• Take a day trip to Ronda (about 1.5 hours away).
• Explore the stunning Puente Nuevo bridge and the picturesque old town.
• Enjoy lunch with a view of the gorge.
• Return to Málaga in the evening and relax.

## Day 4: Cultural Immersion

• Visit the Centre Pompidou Málaga in the morning.
• Spend the afternoon at the beach or visit the Mercado de Atarazanas for local delicacies.
• Enjoy a flamenco show in the evening.

## Day 5: Leisure Day

• Take a leisurely morning, perhaps with a coffee at a local café.
• Visit the Botanical Garden (Jardín Histórico La Concepción) in the afternoon.
• Enjoy a sunset walk along the promenade and dinner at a local restaurant.

## Days 6-10: Lisbon, Portugal

## Day 6: Travel to Lisbon

• Fly or take a train to Lisbon (about 1 hour).
• Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Explore the Alfama district in the evening, enjoying dinner at a fado restaurant.

## Day 7: Discover Lisbon

• Visit Belém to see the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower.
• Try the famous Pastéis de Belém for a sweet treat.
• Spend the afternoon at the [MAAT (Museum of Art](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=MAAT%20(Museum%20of%20Art&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"), Architecture, and Technology).
• Dinner in the Bairro Alto district.

## Day 8: Sintra Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Sintra (about 30 minutes by train).
• Visit the colorful Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.
• Enjoy lunch in the charming town center.
• Return to Lisbon for a relaxed evening.

## Day 9: Explore More Neighborhoods

• Visit the LX Factory for brunch and some shopping.
• Explore the Chiado and Baixa districts, including the Santa Justa Lift.
• Spend the afternoon at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.
• Dinner at a riverside restaurant.

## Day 10: Relax and Reflect

• Take a leisurely morning, perhaps visiting a local market.
• Spend the afternoon at the beach in Cascais (about 30 minutes by train).
• Enjoy a sunset dinner back in Lisbon.

## Days 11-15: Rome, Italy

## Day 11: Travel to Rome

• Fly to Rome (about 2.5 hours).
• Check into your accommodation and unwind.
• Enjoy a casual dinner in Trastevere, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.

## Day 12: Ancient Rome

• Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum in the morning.
• Have lunch in the Monti district.
• Spend the afternoon at the Palatine Hill.
• Dinner near the Pantheon, followed by gelato.

## Day 13: Vatican City

• Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (book tickets in advance).
• Enjoy lunch in the Vatican area.
• Spend the afternoon exploring Castel Sant'Angelo.
• Dinner in the Prati district.

## Day 14: Art and Culture

• Visit the Borghese Gallery in the morning (reserve tickets).
• Stroll through the beautiful Villa Borghese gardens.
• Have lunch in the area and then explore the Spanish Steps and Trevi Fountain.
• Dinner in the Campo de' Fiori area.

## Day 15: Leisure Day

• Take a leisurely morning, perhaps visiting a local café.
• Explore the Testaccio neighborhood for authentic Roman cuisine.
• Spend the afternoon shopping or visiting any missed attractions.
• Enjoy a relaxed dinner.

## Days 16-19: Naples, Italy

## Day 16: Travel to Naples

• Take a train to Naples (about 1 hour).
• Check into your accommodation and relax.
• Explore the historic center and enjoy pizza for dinner.

## Day 17: Pompeii Day Trip

• Take a day trip to Pompeii (about 30 minutes by train).
• Spend the day exploring the ancient ruins.
• Return to Naples for dinner and perhaps some gelato.

## Day 18: Explore Naples

• Visit the National Archaeological Museum in the morning.
• Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria.
• Spend the afternoon at the seaside promenade (Lungomare).
• Dinner in the Chiaia district.

## Day 19: Relax and Enjoy

• Take a leisurely morning, perhaps visiting a local market.
• Explore the Quartieri Spagnoli for a taste of local life.
• Enjoy a final dinner in Naples, savoring the local cuisine.

## Days 20-22: Madrid, Spain

## Day 20: Travel to Madrid

• Fly or take a train to Madrid (about 2 hours).
• Check into your accommodation and unwind.
• Explore the Retiro Park in the evening and have dinner nearby.

## Day 21: Art and Culture

• Visit the Prado Museum in the morning (book tickets in advance).
• Enjoy lunch in the nearby Huertas district.
• Spend the afternoon at the Reina Sofia Museum.
• Dinner in the La Latina neighborhood, famous for tapas.

## Day 22: Last Day in Madrid

• Take a leisurely morning, perhaps visiting the Mercado de San Miguel for breakfast.
• Explore the Royal Palace and its gardens.
• Enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Have a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant before your departure.

Tips for Your Journey:

• Always check local opening hours and book tickets in advance for popular attractions.
• Embrace the local cuisine and try to eat where the locals do!
• Take your time to wander and discover hidden gems in each city.

Enjoy your incredible journey through these beautiful cities! Safe travels! 🌍✈️🍽️