Paris, Lyon, Monaco, Nice, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Toledo, Andalusia, Portugal

Oh, what an exciting adventure you have ahead of you! With 12 days to explore Paris, Lyon, Monaco, Nice, Marseille, Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Toledo, Andalusia, and Portugal, you're in for a whirlwind of culture, history, and stunning landscapes. Let's craft a budget-friendly and enjoyable itinerary for you:

Day 1-3: Paris

• Day 1: Start your journey in the City of Light by visiting iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Stroll along the Seine River and enjoy a picnic in one of the beautiful parks.
• Day 2: Explore the charming neighborhoods of Montmartre and Le Marais. Visit Sacré-Cœur Basilica and indulge in delicious pastries at local bakeries.
• Day 3: Spend the day at Versailles Palace and Gardens, soaking in the opulence of the former royal residence.

Day 4: Lyon

• Take a train to Lyon, known for its gastronomy. Wander through the Old Town, visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and try local specialties at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse.

Day 5: Monaco

• Travel to Monaco, a glamorous city-state on the French Riviera. Explore the Prince's Palace, Monte Carlo Casino, and enjoy the stunning views from the Jardin Exotique.

Day 6-7: Nice

• Day 6: Relax on the beaches of Nice, stroll along the Promenade des Anglais, and explore the colorful Old Town.
• Day 7: Take a day trip to the charming village of Eze and visit the stunning Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat.

Day 8: Marseille

• Head to Marseille, France's oldest city. Visit the Vieux Port, Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local markets.

Day 9-10: Barcelona

• Day 9: Travel to Barcelona and explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Barri Gòtic and El Born. Visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
• Day 10: Spend the day at the beach, visit the Picasso Museum, and enjoy tapas in the lively El Raval district.

Day 11: Valencia

• Take a train to Valencia and explore the City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia Cathedral, and the Central Market. Don't miss trying the famous paella!

Day 12: Madrid

• End your journey in Madrid, Spain's capital. Visit the Prado Museum, Royal Palace, and Retiro Park. Enjoy a traditional flamenco show in the evening.

Additional Tips:

• To keep costs down, consider staying in budget accommodations like hostels or Airbnb.
• Take advantage of public transportation or walk to explore each city.
• Look for free or discounted entry days at museums and attractions.
• Sample local street food and markets for affordable dining options.

With this itinerary, you'll have a fantastic and budget-friendly journey through some of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Bon voyage!