Perfect Itinerary For A Week-Long Vacation

This 4-day itinerary for London is perfect for first-time visitors to the city. It includes all the must-see attractions, from Big Ben and Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace and the London Eye. The itinerary also includes a day trip to the historic city of Oxford, which is home to the famous university. The final day is spent exploring the trendy neighbourhoods of Camden Town and Soho, before finishing with a visit to the iconic Madame Tussauds or the British Museum.

London

Day One: Westminster and Buckingham Palace

Start your day at Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the site of coronations for centuries. Then, head across the street to the Palace of Westminster and snap some photos of Big Ben. Next, walk through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard. After lunch, tour the Churchill War Rooms.

Day Two: Museums and Markets

Spend the morning at the British Museum, then have lunch. In the afternoon, head to Covent Garden and Soho, and browse the shops along Regent Street.

Day Three: The Tower of London and Southwark

Begin your day at the Tower of London, then take a boat at Tower Pier and have a picnic lunch on the Thames while cruising to Westminster Pier. In the afternoon, tour Shakespeare's Globe and the Tate Modern. End your day with dinner and a play, concert, or evening walking tour.

Day Four: Kensington and Hyde Park

Start your day at the Victoria and Albert Museum. After lunch (or a picnic in the park), stroll through Hyde Park and visit Kensington Palace and Gardens.

Paris

Day 1: Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower

After arriving in Paris and getting settled, head to the Montmartre neighbourhood. This area became popular with artists in the 1860s due to its cheap rent, and its picturesque streets served as inspiration for many masterpieces. Wander along Rue Lepic, past Café des 2 Moulins (featured in the film *Amélie*), and up to Place du Tertre, a town square surrounded by cafés and bars. From here, walk to the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica for beautiful views over the Parisian rooftops. If you're interested in art, visit one of the smaller galleries, such as L'Espace Salvador Dalí, Musée de Montmartre, or Musée de l'Erotisme. In the evening, head down to the Eiffel Tower and watch the sunset from the Champ de Mars park at its feet.

Day 2: Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and River Seine

Start your day at the world-famous Louvre Museum, which features a labyrinth of hallways and rooms filled with thousands of artworks. Spend a few hours exploring the museum's highlights, such as the *Mona Lisa*, *Venus de Milo*, and *Winged Victory of Samothrace. In the afternoon, make your way to the Champs-Élysées, Paris's most famous avenue. Stroll along the flat 30-minute walk to the Arc de Triomphe, stopping at Le Grand Palais and Le Petit Palais along the way. In the evening, enjoy a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge or a dinner cruise along the River Seine.

Day 3: Fashion, Architecture, and Medieval Paris

Today is all about French fashion and beautiful architecture. Start at the Galeries Lafayette department store, which features French designer brands and a stunning interior dome. From here, walk to Printemps, another famous French department store. Next, head to the Palais Garnier, a stunning opera house built by Napoleon III. In the afternoon, cross the River Seine to the Ile de la Cité, a medieval island that was once the heart of Paris. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Sainte-Chapelle, both icons of the city.

Day 4: Choose Your Own Adventure

On your final day in Paris, you have two options. Option 1 is to explore the Left Bank of the Seine. Start at the Musée d'Orsay, a former train station that now houses French art from the Impressionist era. After the museum, head to the Latin Quarter, a hip and cheap area due to the nearby university. Relax in the Luxembourg Gardens, then visit the Panthéon, where historical figures such as Voltaire and Marie Curie are buried. End your day along Rue Mouffetard, a narrow cobbled street with cheap eateries and boutiques. Option 2 is to take a day trip outside of Paris. Popular choices include Monet's Garden in Giverny, the Château de Versailles, or Disneyland Paris.

Rome

Day 1: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and Trastevere

Start your day at the Colosseum, one of the world's most iconic sights. You can book a guided tour or explore on your own, but be sure to book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines. After the Colosseum, head to the nearby Roman Forum and Capitoline Hill to continue your journey through ancient Rome. In the evening, walk over to Trastevere, one of Rome's most picturesque and beloved neighbourhoods, for dinner and drinks.

Day 2: Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica

On your second day, visit Vatican City, a small country within Rome that is home to stunning art and architecture. Start your day at the Vatican Museums, which house one of the world's most impressive art collections. Don't miss the Sistine Chapel, with its famous ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo. After the museums, head to St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most impressive churches in Italy. You can climb the dome for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 3: Centro Storico and the Borghese Gallery

Spend your third day exploring the historic centre of Rome, known as the Centro Storico. Start at Piazza del Popolo, a large and lively square that was once a traditional entrance point to the city. From there, walk to the Galleria Borghese, a beautiful art gallery housed in a former palace. In the afternoon, stroll through the Centro Storico, taking in sights such as the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps.

Day 4: Appian Way, Catacombs, and Local Neighbourhoods

On your final day, get out of the city centre and explore some of Rome's ancient sites, such as the Appian Way and the Catacombs. In the afternoon, visit some of Rome's local neighbourhoods, such as Trastevere, with its cobblestone streets and charming piazzas, or Testaccio, a foodie neighbourhood known for its market and local feel.

Barcelona

Day 1

• Morning: Take a free walking tour of the city, including the Gothic Quarter, to get your bearings.
• Mid-morning: Head to the Gothic Quarter, or 'Barrio Gòtico', and explore the charming, cobbled streets. See the Barcelona Cathedral, with its Gothic spires and intricate details, and wander through the surrounding neighbourhood.
• Lunch: Try some tapas and traditional Catalan food in one of the Gothic Quarter's restaurants.
• Afternoon: Visit La Boqueria, Barcelona's oldest public market, and sample some of the fresh produce, seafood, and traditional dishes on offer.
• Evening: Watch a flamenco show at Los Tarantos or Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.

Day 2

• Morning: Explore Park Güell, a 45-acre garden complex designed by Antoni Gaudí.
• Mid-morning: Head to La Sagrada Familia, another of Gaudí's works and one of the most famous attractions in Barcelona.
• Lunch: Try some traditional seafood at La Barceloneta, Barcelona's popular beach.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll down La Rambla, a popular central boulevard, and see the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the city's opera house.

Day 3

• Morning: Visit the Picasso Museum, home to over 4,000 pieces of Picasso's work.
• Mid-morning: Ride the harbour cable car for incredible views of the city and the sea.
• Lunch: Take a food tour or cooking class to learn about traditional Catalan cooking and select fresh ingredients.
• Afternoon: Explore Montjuïc Hill, including the Castell de Montjuïc, the Joan Miró Foundation, and the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya.
• Evening: Watch the Magic Fountain show at Plaça Espanya.

Day 4

• Morning: Take a day trip to Girona, a beautiful city just 100km from Barcelona. Climb the city walls, wander the Jewish Quarter, and see the Cathedral of Girona.
• Lunch: Try some traditional Catalan food in Girona, such as at the Monastery of Saint Daniel.
• Afternoon: Return to Barcelona and explore some of the city's free public art, including works by Gaudí and Joan Miró.

Amsterdam

Day 1

Start your day at the beautiful Vondelpark, Amsterdam's oldest park. After a relaxing stroll, head to the Rijksmuseum, the National Museum of the Netherlands, to admire the works of Rembrandt and Vermeer. In the evening, unwind with a canal cruise and soak in the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2

Begin your day at the Van Gogh Museum, home to the largest collection of Van Gogh's artwork. Next, visit the Heineken Museum for an insightful look into the world of beer. In the afternoon, explore the FOAM Museum, featuring contemporary photography.

Day 3

Visit the Anne Frank Museum, a poignant reminder of World War II. In the afternoon, cycle or walk to Jordaan, a lively neighbourhood known for its quaint cafes, vibrant artwork, and hidden pubs.

Day 4

Start your day at the Royal Palace of Amsterdam, a stunning example of Dutch resplendence. Then, learn about the art of cocktail-making at the House of Bols. In the evening, explore the De Wallen, also known as the Red Light District, a unique aspect of Amsterdam's nightlife.

Day 5

Take a day trip to nearby towns such as The Hague and Rotterdam. Experience Dutch culture and enjoy the modern atmosphere of these cities.

Day 6

Visit the A'dam Lookout for a panoramic view of the city. Next, head to the NEMO Museum for an interactive science and technology experience. In the evening, indulge in a food tour to savour authentic Dutch cuisine.

Day 7

Spend your last day exploring the city's markets and shopping districts. Areas like Albert Cuyp Market, The 9 Streets, and Leidsestraat offer a multicultural experience with a variety of shopping and dining options.

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