10 Day Europe Exploration: Paris, Barcelona, and Rome

Many cities in the US offer direct flights to Paris, which is why I recommend starting here. You will be tired from the flight and probably just want to check into your hotel, grab a bite to eat and rest. If not, or if you arrive during the day, check out the areas close to your hotel.

Sometimes, the day after a long flight, I’m tired or jet-lagged, so I’m hesitant to book several tours/reservations on the first full day. Additionally, one time my flight to Europe was canceled and I missed a tour experience because of this; I could get a refund but could not reschedule as the tour was fully booked for the remainder of my time in that location.

Unless you are very pressed for time, I recommend booking only one tour on your first day; I really enjoyed the chocolate and pastry tour. It took about three hours and I had at least 10 different samples – yum! This is a great way to begin your exploration of Paris. Wear comfortable shoes!

I also recommend seeing Sacre Coeur. It’s simply beautiful and provides excellent photo opportunities. Some folks like to have picnics here; I had lunch at a brasserie nearby.

There are tons of great dining options in Paris for every budget. Another option is to end your day with a wonderful Seine River dinner cruise.

Depending on your tastes, these three in the same day may be too much, but they are in relatively close proximity, so it is possible to fit them all in. With that said, some folks can spend hours, or even a full day the Louvre and if that sounds like you, we can adjust the itinerary.

The last time I went to Paris it was just after the Norte Dame fire, so I couldn’t go inside. However, the area itself is very beautiful so even if you just go for the photo ops, that’s fine! Of course, if you do plan on waiting in line to go inside, you will need to be mindful about your schedule for the rest of the day. There are plenty of vendor stations in this area so pick up a crepe or another treat while you are here.

I loved the Eiffel Tower. To get up the tower, you can take the stairs or the elevator. The elevator had a long line, so I took the stairs; it was a very windy, steep climb! There are two main dining options here. I had lunch on the middle floor because it was more affordable, but you can also make dinner reservations at Jules Verne at the top of the Eiffel Tower for approximately $600 USD for two people if you desire.

The flight from Paris to Rome is two hours and you can find cheap flights (~$50 USD) with discount airlines. If you do this, be sure that you read their baggage allowance rules. I like to catch early flights because most hotels have you check out around 11am anyway and then you have most of the day to explore your new destination!

Grab some lunch and more importantly, some gelato! Check out the Altare della Patria, often referred to as the “Wedding Cake.” The view from the top is amazing!

A visit to the Vatican is a must. I’m not a super artsy person and I found my time here fascinating. I really loved the Sistine Chapel; they just don’t make ‘em like they used to! I recommend purchasing a “skip the line” guided tour as the lines can be overwhelmingly long. Plan to be here for about half the day. Tickets are approximately $80 per person.

A trip to the Colosseum is a must and I recommend a guided tour because there is some cool history that you otherwise may never learn. The Roman Forum is close by, and you can buy a tour ticket that includes both for about $70.

Head to the Spanish Steps but don’t sit on them! Walk over to the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. There are plenty of lunch options in these areas as well.

The flight from Rome to Barcelona is a little less than two hours. Like the above, you can find really cheap flights with discount airlines.

Check out Las Ramblas, visit La Boqueria, and enjoy some tapas. There are plenty of shops and places to grab a bite to eat. Since this area is very touristy, it’s a little pricier than other places in Barcelona. Unfortunately, scams and pickpocketing are not uncommon here, so be mindful if you include this area on your itinerary. While I didn’t have any issues, there have been reports of mimes offering to take photos and then asking for money. It seems like a similar practice to touts in Southeast Asia and I don’t necessarily consider it a scam, but more of an annoyance. It’s all about setting expectations and educating yourself.

Antoni Gaudi was a Spanish architect and designer. The very unique style of his work was inspired by nature, religion and architecture. His most famous piece of work, La Sagrada Familia, which is still incomplete, is the most visited monument in Spain and should not be missed.

If you are on foot, I recommend starting your day at La Pedrera, another Gaudi creation. From here, it’s an 18-minute walk to La Sagrada Familia.

Casa Batlló, yet another Gaudi masterpiece, is in this area as well. It is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in Barcelona so definitely check it out.

Park Güell is also fairly close; catch a ride or walk 30 min to get here and see the beautiful gardens and architectural elements. You may prefer to book a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia and Park Güell for about $110 per person.

If you are a fan of the arts, you can’t miss the Picasso Museum. Most people spend less than two hours here so there’s still plenty of time to head over to the boardwalk and grab some lunch.

Seafood on the Mediterranean is amazing, some of the best I’ve ever had. You should definitely experience some authentic Spanish cuisine during your time here (did someone say paella?!). La Mar Salada has excellent options.

End your day by attending a flamenco show if you enjoy this type of entertainment.

You did it! Three countries in ten days, but now it’s time to head to the airport to return home... until next time.