Visiting the Prado independently: If you want to visit on your own, you can find tickets on their official website. You have a couple of options. We like Omio because its a more user-friendly experience, giving you all the train and bus options in one place, and its all in English. The way we see it, the answer to this question has two possible paths you could go down. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We might make a commission from it at no extra cost to you. Either way, youre in the right place. Poland also has the biggest castle in the world, and many believe that vodka originated in Poland. Southern Europe Road Trip: 18 Days Across Italy, France & Spain Dont worry if you have less than two weeks below the main itinerary, we have ideas on how to condense the itinerary into shorter time frames. We know that not everyone has the privilege to travel non-stop or even longer than two weeks a year.Whether you are in a traditional workspace, business entrepreneur, freelancer, retiree, or student, we want to show you how you can explore the world and make the most out of your 14-day vacation. Take the high-speed AVE train from Barcelona-Sants to Girona, which takes just 40 minutes each way. 2 weeks first time in Italy itinerary suggestions please We recently spent more than a month in Spain mostly southern Spain and wrote this detailed guide to help you plan an amazing Spain itinerary for anywhere from 7 days to 2 weeks or more. Itineraries East Coast Australia: Ultimate road trips for 2 to 6 weeks The UK is popular for many things including its monarchy, culture, history, and performers. I have no idea where to start, where to go, etc. You can take buses, trains, or rent a car to travel between cities. Check prices and train times for your dates on Omio, which is what we used in Spain to book trains and buses when the official Renfe website wouldnt take our American credit card (which happened at seemingly random times). There are thousands of pieces of art in the Prado, and we certainly wouldve had no idea where to start. Just like Bulgaria, its also located on the Black Sea. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. You can save even more money if you focus on Poland or Czechia only or book a trip to Switzerland just for 2-3 days instead of an entire week. Once youre in Spain, you should plan on using the efficient and affordable rail network to get between places. What wonderful memories you'll create in this historic piece of real estate on the Iberian Peninsula! Throughout our time in Spain, particularly in Andaluca, we were struck by the contrast between the grandeur of cathedrals and churches, which were very much meant to project power first and foremost, and mosques, which are more humble places of worship. Let's be friends! However, if you are crossing countries and they are not next to each other, you are probably better off flying than doing a long drive. Thanks for the kind words hope your trip is amazing. $2,500 offers comfort and a bit of luxury where you can dine at nice restaurants. 2 Week Italy Itinerary: The Perfect Travel itinerary 2022 - Urban Abroad Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Poland: Central Europe in general can be costly, but only if you plan to visit Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Day 7 Venice We really enjoyed the Museu dHistoria Catalunya, a relatively small multi-floor museum in Barceloneta by the beach. Tourists flock to this group of five seaside towns for good reason. Tickets are known to sell out in the high season.. What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Europe, Itinerary #1 South Europe: Spain and France or France and Italy, Itinerary #2 Central Europe: Germany and Poland, Itinerary #3 Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Itinerary #4 East Europe: Hungary and Croatia or Romania and Bulgaria, Itinerary #5 Nordic: Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, Itinerary #6 West Europe: The UK, Netherlands, and Belgium. Spend a couple of days traversing each of the paths on the water's edge while stopping for pesto pizza, limoncello, and refreshing rock-pool swims along the way. Learn how your comment data is processed. $2,000 will take you a long way if you choose one expensive place to spend a week and the other one is a more affordable country (e.g Germany and Poland or Switzerland and Czechia). Thanks everyone! It does not store any personal data. We have a complete guide and itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland. Other than Bucharest, you have to go to the Transylvanian region, known as the home of Dracula. Check under each itinerary to see the average cost of a 2-week trip in Europe. If you are willing to fly, then picking both Italy and Spain are ok. Two Weeks In Italy By Train | Interrail.eu Here is a list of the best places to see in Lithuania: You can go to Latvia from Lithuania by driving, riding a bus, plane, or taking the train. Dont overwhelm yourself trying to see everything in 8 days. and I really appreciate your help. From Madrid, Granada is a bit of a journey. Originally, it was supposed to be the burial place of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand the royal couple responsible for bringing the two Spanish kingdoms together but they ended up deciding on Granada later in life after they conquered the last Muslim kingdom in Granada in 1492. Top 20 Most Popular French Cities for International Visitors, How to Get to France From Barcelona and Other Spanish Cities, Travel Guide for Provence in Southern France, One Week in Spain: The Ultimate Itinerary, From Marseille to Montpellier - Top Mediterranean Cities, 19 Regions and Islands of Spain: From Worst to Best, How to Travel from Barcelona to Valencia by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane, The Top 9 Things to Do in La Spezia, Italy, How to Travel From Provence to Tuscany by Train, Bus, and Car, The 10 Best Things to Do in Provence in the South of France. Im set on Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastian and a bit torn between Granada, Valencia & Seville. I saved so many of your tips for museums, walking tours, neighborhoods to stay in and much more. There, you can go fishing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and for those who love birds, birdwatching is a popular thing to do in Estonia. We stayed at Limehome in Granada, which was one of our favorite places that we stayed during our entire month in Spain. The last country on our list is Belgium. However, in this itinerary, we will only cover Norway, Iceland, and Denmark. One of the unique things youll find in Granada (and other parts of Andalusia, though not nearly as prominently as in Granada), are tea houses, which are a clear example of the influence of the seven centuries of Muslim rule in Granada. Buses and trains are quite reliable and affordable. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. You could also see the Northern Lights here. Berlin is loved for being vegan-friendly, but meat-eaters shouldnt have a problem finding their way around restaurants either. Dont forget to go try different beers and waffles which are two of my favourite part of my visit. You can take a swim on its sandy beaches, lakes, and rivers. Theres a small (former) mosque in the center of Toledo near Puerta del Sol that was built in 999 AD. Wearing a mask is no longer required in many places in Europe, but its smart to carry one just in case you get to countries that still require them. Paris is an obvious place to visit, but if you dont like big cities or have been here before, you can consider other places. Two Weeks In Italy By Train Planning a two-week trip in Italy by train can seem overwhelming. The Prado is massive. We would actually skip the interior of the Toledo Cathedral, which, while spectacular, costs more than 12 Euros to enter, and even more if you want to go up into the belltower and cloister. Along the train ride, youll pass olive trees as far as the eye can see. I would fly from Barcelona to Venice. The way you get to the top is unique too. It is loved for its dishes to die for, beautiful castles, amazing hiking trails, and warm culture. The tours also dont cost that much. Our guide has three itineraries you can check out and see which one suits you best. 7-Day Morocco Itinerary 1: Off the beaten track from Marrakesh. But this is how wed do it if it was our first time in Spain. DISCLAIMER: This post might have links to travel services and products that we enjoy. To understand the context around Madrid and its role in Spanish history, wed recommend connecting with a local expert. Our recommendation for you is to focus your time on: Barcelona (and Catalonia), Madrid (and the surrounding area), Granada, and Seville. Avignon is also a launch pad for day trips to other Provence towns,so plan for at least three days there. For many years, it has been voted the happiest country in the world. For this next itinerary, well be covering 2 weeks in Central Europe, which consists of the countries Germany, Poland, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia, and Hungary. You should geat a hop-on hop-off bus that will take you to the top attractions of Paris. Poland and Czechia are both affordable destinations compared to their neighbouring countries. If you are a fan of Gaudi, you will want to spend more time in Barcelona than Madrid. Choose from 8 trips with 46 customer reviews, that range from 11 up to 14 days. Day 1 & 2 - Barcelona, Spain Day 3 & 4 - Madrid, Spain Day 5 & 6 - Granada, Spain Day 7 - Cordoba, Spain Day 8 & 9 - Seville, Spain Day 10 - 12 - Lisbon, Portugal To find the cheapest flight options from your city, you can use the search form below Alysha isnt a coffee drinker, but she LOVES tea. Sienna -- the Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. The second path would be to pick another region like Asturias in the northwest or Basque Country in the northeast (or even Mallorca, an island off the south coast of Spain), and spend your extra time there. Youve seen Christianity, youve seen Judaism, now for the last of the three main monotheistic religions, Islam. The best way to get to Madrid is by train. Most people will go to Berlin or Munich, but there are also other cities such as Hamburg, Frankfurt, Nuremberg and Cologne to name a few. Julius Caesar himself was responsible for the construction of the original city walls of Seville, which are long gone as the city expanded well past the original Roman citys boundaries.. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I personally loved their local food, especially beetroot. Its 15-20 minutes to both the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, and 10 minutes to the heart of Malasaa and La Latina, two of our favorite places to hang out in Madrid. Day 3 Madrid/Toledo Dont be scared off by a change there, but know that it will likely be a bit longer with the change (but also a bit cheaper).. Alright, now that weve covered logistics and given you an overview of what the itinerary below looks like, time to get into the details. So try to book your long-distance train tickets as far in advance as possible to save money! You can also save more money by looking at ready-to-eat meals at grocery stores or cooking in the hostel is possible. We see the merits of both approaches, and this one comes down to your personal preferences. You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Here are the best things to do with a day in Toledo. If you are on a budget, you can probably do it for $1,700 but no less. Now, back to those two areas. After the Muslims invaded Spain in 711 AD, they called the . Its a masterpiece, and its well worth having the audio guide or a guided tour to enrich your experience and learn more about Gauds masterpiece, which is still in-progress (though is due to be completed in 2026, 100 years after his death). For what its worth, we really loved Granada and Seville. There are a couple of themes in the Prado Museum, the main ones being the Spanish collection, featuring some of Spains most famous painters like Goya and Velasquez, the Italian collection, and the Flemish collection, which was our favorite. Which does include a lot of things focused on the military, but uses a much wider aperture to explore the history of the country. 2 Weeks in Spain: How to Plan an Amazing 14 Day Spain Itinerary There are three markets in Barcelona that we liked (though we went to a couple of the more local markets that are found in each neighborhood and enjoyed those too). Granada was one of our favorite stops in Spain for a couple of different reasons. From the dramatic Alpine cliffs and fashionable streets of Northern Italy to the ancient ruins of Rome to the sun-soaked Sicilian beaches, Italy is a place of staggering contrasts and beauty. How To Spend 2 Weeks in Spain: The Perfect Itinerary The impact of those centuries of a strong Muslim community are immediately evident as you walk the streets of Granada, particularly in the Albaicn, the Muslim Quarter. Linked by hiking trails (and a frequent train) that ascend up the surrounding cliffs through lemon groves and vineyards, each colorful center brings its own identity to the region. If this is your first time here, list the attractions you really want to see first. There are so many countries to choose from if you plan to visit Europe. If you've ever thought about taking a road trip around southern Europe, here's the ultimate guide to get you started. Madrid feels distinctly more livable, with dense housing and sprawling green spaces, and the biggest difference we noticed is that we heard far, far fewer people speaking languages other than Spanish. Day 6 Barcelona - evening flight to Venice From national parks, vibrant cities, historical sites, and beach access to the Black Sea. There are two synagogues in Toledo that are worth visiting, and they represent two of very few old synagogues left in Spain. You can cover at least two major cities; the capital city Vilnius, and the cultural art city of Kaunas. Rely on using public transportation in all countries, such as buses and trains, instead of renting a car or flying. That sounds like an incredible trip enjoy! 2 Weeks in Europe - The Perfect Europe Itinerary - Finding the Universe Im planning a trip to Spain next summer and have really enjoyed your blog! Allow 2-3 weeks to make the most of each . The quickest option would be to drive, which would take you more or less five hours, but the cheapest option is by riding a train. I want to preface this section with the fact that were not really art museum people. The budget for 14 days in Europe depends on a few things such as the countries, type of tours, accommodation, and how you plan to move around. Taste of Italy! 2 Week Italy Itinerary from North to South To help you plan a trip, in this guide, we share a detailed 2-week Italy itinerary that brings you to all the most famous places in the country: Rome, Florence, Venice, Milan, but also the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, Tuscan countryside, Cinque Terre, Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and a few other destinations that should be at the top of every Italy The food is great, it is rich in culture, the abundance of historical sites, and thousands of wineries to explore. Because before coming to Seville, we had a very different picture in our heads of a city that is distinctly Spanish, more than any other city in Spain. Make sure to do the ground floor and upper floor of the cloister, and check out the gargoyles on the upper floor.. Follow our 18 day journey across 3 countries: Italy, France and Spain (4 including Monaco ). Alhambra Tickets sold out for your dates? Don't miss a walk through the historic La Lonja silk exchange building, and if you time things right, throw tomatoes at your friends duringthe annualLa Tomatinafestival. Here are some of the things to do in Barcelona that we think should be staples on your trip. Poland, on the other hand, is famous for its food, stunning geography, folklore, history, and friendly locals. Poland has a dark history, but the country is more than that. We have an entire guide dedicated to planning a day trip to Girona from Barcelona, which you should read for more details. As this itinerary is intense, you will need be there by 9am to restrict yourself to seeing the masterpeices only. There are entire rooms dedicated to the Flemish masters, and we would make sure to cover it on your visit. Its where we stayed, and we basically walked everywhere we went in Madrid. You will stay in a hostel and consume street food or grocery store meals. The amount of thought and care that has gone into every single element the two facades, the interior, everything is staggering. Spain Itinerary Day 1: Barcelona There's no better place to welcome visitors to Spain than Barcelona. TWOWRVLLR. IS AN AMAZON ASSOCIATE AND USES OTHER AFFILIATE PROGRAMS, FOR WHICH WE EARN A COMMISSION AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up. Depending on the airline and destination, you might be required to submit a test before boarding. You have a couple of options. Day 1 Depart US We think Barcelona is worth a full three days, and we think a day trip to Girona to get deeper into Catalonia and see one of our favorite cities in Spain also deserves a place on your visit to Spain. The most recommended option is through riding a bus as it is the cheapest and fastest. Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. Iceland is relying 100% on renewable energy; hydropower and geothermal. I know, it feels weird to go all that way and only see a couple of cities and their surrounding areas.. You can either spend the entire 4 days in Riga, the capital city or take day trips to see Gauja National Park and Turaida Museum Reserve for example. Here's what that looks like in map form. Iceland is also famous for a lot of natural wonders such as geysers, active volcanoes, and glaciers. Florence -- Uffizi Gallery, Bargello Gallery, the Baptistry, the Duomo museum, and the church of San Miniato al Monte. You can move around 2-3 times for a fast paced trip that checks off Italy bucket list items. This continent has peninsulas, islands, and varied landforms, as well as seas, lakes, and other bodies of water. In fact, the majority of both buildings are expansions that were built around structures that were built during the period of the Caliphate.. The next itineraries are for backpackers who have more time available for exploring all the highlights of the gorgeous east coast of Australia. We stayed at TOC in Barcelona and enjoyed it, and theyre known for providing a great experience. Southern Spain 2-Week Itinerary (By Car or Train!) | Tall Girl Big World Youll be able to see windmills, cheese markets, bulb fields, and earthenware, among others. Its basically due south, and the Sierra Nevada Mountains make the journey a little longer and more circuitous than it should be. We do think that you should devote one day to Crdoba, which is a 40 minute train ride away and is home to one of the most important Muslim sites in Spain the Mosque Cathedral. Today, its one of the best examples (outside of Andaluca, I suppose) of the coming together of the three prominent religions and cultures in Spanish history Muslim, Jewish, and Christian. You can explore the entirety of Copenhagen and even have time to go to Odense, where the famous childrens book author, Hans Christian Andersen was born. If youre looking for a boutique hostel thats a cross between a hotel and a hostel with private, hotel-style rooms and the social aspects youd expect from a hostel look at TOC Hostel. This detailed 10 day Italy itinerary is going to help you plan an incredible trip, with options for extending your trip to 14 days, or condensing it into 7. Most of the cities are connected via buses and trains hence moving around during your 2 weeks in Europe shouldnt be a problem. It forms a triumvirate of important pieces of the Muslim history of Andaluca with the Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Alczar of Seville. The second is the Sinagoga del Trnsito, which is very different far less ornate and has a small but mighty museum (the Sephardi Museum) on the history of Judaism on the Iberian Peninsula. Denmark is a small country but popular not only in Europe but around the world. We think this is a huge mistake! Another option is to spend a few days enjoying the high-energy of Barcelona before heading to . France on the other hand is well-known for macarons, wine, champagne, great pastries, as well as fashion, museums, and other historical sites. For a luxury trip, $3,000 will get you very comfortable. Two Week Travelleris a travel blog that shares, creates, and publishes 2-week travel itineraries. You really cant visit Spain without including Barcelona. The undying lively atmosphere, world-famous attractions and monuments, and stupendous beaches all wrapped into one. Founded by the Greeks, colonized by the Romans, made famous again by Van GoghArles is the essence of Provence, completewith a great Roman arenaright in the center. If you want to see Fjords, you have to head west; from Trondheim all the way down to Stavanger. The best way to get around Europe is to rent a car especially if the country youre visiting are next to each other or have an open border agreement. Like most of the main art museums across Europe, we think the Prado is best experienced with a knowledgeable guide who knows something about art history. Its better to travel a bit slower, see fewer places, but be able to enjoy and process everything you have seen and experienced. $4,000 means you can stay in hotels right downtown and near the top attractions, With this budget, you can even hire taxis during your entire trip. If you want to save money, you can stay outside the city and rent a car instead. Which is how we experienced the museum. Very dark. Italy is one of my favorite destinations in Europe. Great, let's delve into this two weeks in Portugal and Spain itinerary. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Latvia: To reach Estonia if youre coming from Latvia, you could board a plane, ride a bus, take the train, or drive. Day 10 CT - afternoon/evening train to Rome (3-4 hours) Weve organized this trip going east to west from Barcelona to Seville, but you could easily do it the opposite direction. The most famous of the things to do in Madrid is the Museo del Prado, a collection of mainly paintings that was shaped by the Spanish royal family at the peak of their power between the 16th and 19th Centuries. If theyre sold out for your dates, look at Get Your Guide for skip-the-line tickets, or join a guided tour (wed recommend this one with Take Walks, our favorite tour company in Europe).
spain and italy 2 week itinerary