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Barcelona, Spain
Flight from Toronto
The top things to do in Barcelona include marveling at Gaudí's architecture like the Sagrada Familia, exploring the whimsical Park Güell, wandering the medieval Gothic Quarter, sampling local life at Mercat de la Boqueria, relaxing on Barceloneta Beach, visiting world-class art at the Picasso Museum, and experiencing the views and shows at Montjuïc Hill, all while soaking in the vibrant Catalan culture and delicious food scene
The best day trip from Barcelona is definitely a visit to the famous monastery perched on the dramatic Montserrat mountain! It’s a natural and cultural wonder and a true must-see.
Duration: 7 – 9 hours
Time: 9:45 am
Highlights: Full-day tour from Barcelona, choose between a multi-course lunch or a tapas brunch, ride the cogwheel train to the top of Montserrat Monastery, enjoy a winery tour and three tastings of regional organic wines
Inclusions: Guided visit to Montserrat Monastery, local English-speaking guide, transportation in a shared bus, regional tapas lunch with dessert (tapas option only), multi-course meal with wine (lunch option only), three wine tastings
We cannot recommend this full-day tour enough because it not only takes you to visit Santa Maria de Montserrat, but also includes a fantastic wine tour in the afternoon – in a castle, no less! How cool is that?
We loved riding the cogwheel train up the side of the Montserrat mountain, as we got the most incredible views on the way! Things only got better when we reached the top, as our guide, Laura, gave us an incredible tour of the Santa Maria monastery, which dates back to 1025. We also had some time to explore by ourselves, too, and we even got to try some foods made by the resident monks!
So, the day was already pretty fantastic, but the visit to the Oller del Mas Winery really was the cherry on top. I mean, it’s an award-winning winery set in a 10th-century castle, and it has been owned by the same family for 36 generations. I don’t think wine tasting gets much better than this!
We had a delicious tapas lunch at Oller del Mas, although there’s the option to upgrade to a full meal if you’d like something heartier. We also got to try so many different wines and do a cellar tour, which was so much fun, especially in such a beautiful and historic setting.
The tour costs $102 USD with the tapas, or $119 USD with the full lunch option. Given that this price included our cogwheel tickets, entry to the monastery, food, wine tasting, and transport from the city, we thought that it was great value for money.
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Paris, France
Fly to Paris from Barcelona
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Paris offers iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral, alongside charming strolls through Montmartre, Seine River cruises, impressionist art at the Musée d'Orsay, and historical walks along the Champs-Élysées, plus relaxing in the Luxembourg Gardens, all while enjoying famous French food and soaking in the artistic atmosphere
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Things to do in Paris
1. Go to the top of the Eiffel Tower
2. 1/2 day Walking tour includes the following: $75.00 usd
Elysee Montmartre (Pass By)Sightseeing and photos
1 Basiliquedu Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre You will hear about the history and the stories about the sacre coeu … Read more20 minutes • Admission Ticket free
2 Montmartre You will hear about the history and the stories about the montmarte1 hour • Admission Ticket free
3 Hotel de Ville You will hear about the history and the stories about Hotel de ville10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4 Arc de Triomphe You will hear about the history and the stories about the arc de triomphe.20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not included
5 Louvre Museum You will hear about the history and the stories about the Louvre20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
6 EiffelTower You will hear about the history and the stories about the Eiffel Tower … Read more30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
7 Moulin Rouge You will hear about the history and the stories about the Moulin Rouge10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included8Quartier Latin You will hear about the history and the stories about the Latin Quater.15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free9Jardin des Tuileries You will hear about the history and the stories about the jardin de Tuileries. 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free10Champs-Elysees You will hear about the history and the stories about the Champs-elysees.5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeLa Maison de Dalida (Pass By)Sightseeing and photosPont Neuf (Pass By)Sightseeing and photos11Le Trocadero et son esplanade You will hear about the history and the stories about the area.20 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeConciergerie (Pass By)Sightseeing and photosFontaine Saint-Michel (Pass By)Sightseeing and photosPlace de la Concorde (Pass By)Sightseeing and photos12Place Du Tertre Sightseeing and Photos5 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeLe Bateau-Lavoir (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosTheatre des Abbesses (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosCite de l'Architecture & du Patrimoine (Pass By)Sightseeing and photosMusee de L'Homme (Pass By)Cité de l'architecture et du patrimoine13Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Paris Sightseeing and Photos10 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeFontaines Wallace (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosCentre Pompidou (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosLe BHV Marais (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosEglise Saint-Pierre de Montmartre (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosIle de la Cite (Pass By)Sightseeing and PhotosCafé des Deux Moulins (Pass By)Café des Deux Moulins, Rue Lepic, Paris14Paris Metro Sightseeing and Photos10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not IncludedSeine River (Pass By)Paroisse Saint-Pierre de Montmartre
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Amsterdam, Netherlands
Train to Amsterdam from London
• train The “from £39”/£44 prices are starting fares that are limited in availability and typically require booking well ahead — not all dates/times will have these cheap seats. 
• Prices vary widely with date, demand, and how far in advance you book — similar to airline pricing. 
🕒 Journey Time
• The direct train usually takes about 4 – 5 hours from London St Pancras International to Amsterdam Centraal. 
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Amsterdam's top activities include iconic canal cruises for unique city views, exploring world-class art at the Rijksmuseum (Rembrandt, Vermeer) and Van Gogh Museum, and poignant visits to the Anne Frank House. Beyond these, wander historic neighborhoods, experience the vibrant Dam Square, savor local snacks like bitterballen, and consider viewpoints like the A'DAM Lookout for stunning panoramas
Food & Drink
Stroopwafels: Warm, caramel-filled waffles.
Bitterballen: Crispy, savory meatballs, perfect with beer.
Dutch Fries: Served with mayonnaise or other toppings.
Getting Around
Amsterdam is one of the best cities we have visited for public transportation. The trams were very easy to use, and you can use your bank card for both the trams and the trains (for day trips out of the city). Google Maps was very easy to use to navigate the city.
Biking is also a great way to get around. Amsterdam has more bicycles than people and cars, and their bike lanes are clearly marked. But be careful when crossing them. Look for cars and bikes!
If the weather is nice, walking in Amsterdam is very easy. It is mostly flat and very walkable. Our hotel host told us you could walk the entire city in 3 hours. We did not attempt to do that, but got around easily by walking.
Amsterdam: Classic Saloon Boat Cruise with Cheese & Wine $25.00
Discover Amsterdam’s canals on a classic covered saloon boat cruise. Pass sights like the Maritime
Anne Frank Museum
When planning for Amsterdam, there are a few things that you MUST get tickets in advance. The Anne Frank museum sells out quickly, and the only place to get them is online.
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Germany, Germany
Train to Berlin from Amsterdam
🚆 Train Typical Prices (One‑Way)
Cheapest advance‑purchase fares:
• **From about €38 – €45 (~CAD 57–68) one‑way when booked well in advance (Sparpreis / low‑fare tickets). 
• Return tickets can sometimes be cheaper overall (e.g., ~€76 round‑trip if similar low fares are available). 
Standard fares if booked later or without deals:
• Around €95 – €140+ for typical second‑class tickets
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Top things to do in Berlin include visiting historical landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag Building, and Berlin Wall Memorial, exploring world-class art on Museum Island, experiencing vibrant culture at the East Side Gallery, relaxing in Tiergarten, and soaking in views from the TV Tower, plus unique activities like hunting for treasures at Mauerpark Flea Market or diving into Berlin's famous nightlife
Shopping & Entertainment
Kurfürstendamm (Ku'damm): Famous boulevard for shopping.
Alexanderplatz: A bustling hub with shops, dining, and the TV Tower.
Mauerpark Flea Market: Sundays bring bargains, karaoke, and street food
East Berlin was the Soviet-occupied sector of the city that was fenced off from the rest of the capital by the Berlin Wall, so it’s absolutely fascinating to explore the local neighborhoods and hear about the history. It’s a very trendy area nowadays with tons of street art, so you’ll be able to snap lots of Insta-worthy photos!
Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour
Avoid missing out on valuable information about Berlin’s past and present on this half-day guided walking tour through the city's Mitte district. Visit landmarks from the city’s Prussian, Imperial, Nazi, Cold War, and modern eras, offering insight into the evolution of this fascinating German capital. Stroll along the iconic Berlin Wall and follow Unter den Linden to the Brandenburg Gate. Then check out the rebuilt Reichstag and the Holocaust Memorial and hear the amazing stories of Cold War Berlin at Checkpoint Charlie.Learn about Berlin during the eras of the Prussians, Imperialists, Nazis and the Cold War Visit Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag, the Holocaust Memorial, Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror Walk along the Berlin Wall and down Unter den Linden
Read more about - Discover Berlin Half-Day Walking Tour - https://www.viator.com/tours/$33.00
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Prague, Czech Republic
Train to Prague from Berlin
Typical Train Prices (One‑Way)
💡 Advance‑purchase / Saver fares:
• ~€18.99 – €19.99 (~CAD 28–30) when booked well in advance on saver deals. 
• Some tickets can even be found around ~€18–€20 depending on date and provider. 
💶 Standard / Flexible fares:
• ~€30 – €45 for regular second‑class tickets if you book somewhat ahead. 
• Prices can go higher (~€70–€80+) if booked late or during busy peak travel times. 
⏱️ Journey Time
• Trains typically take about 4 – 5 hours from Berlin Hauptbahnhof → Prague hlavní nádraží
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The best things to do in Prague involve exploring iconic landmarks like the vast Prague Castle complex, walking across the historic Charles Bridge, and soaking in the atmosphere of the Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock, alongside experiencing local life at places like Náplavka riverside, visiting the Jewish Quarter, climbing Petřín Hill, and tasting local Czech cuisine and beer
Náplavka: Enjoy riverside promenades, farmers' markets on Saturdays, and live music
Prague Guided Walking Tour and Cruise with Authentic Czech Lunch- viator-
It starts at 10 am in front of the Charles Bridge and lasts for 6 hours
This tour costs €85, which is such a good deal considering it includes the walking tour, tram to the castle, lunch, drinks, the river cruise, and entrance to the Charles Bridge Museum.
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Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy
Fly to Venice from Prague
One‑way (budget) flights
~£13–£29 (~€15–€32) on Ryanair to Treviso*
One‑way (VCE)
~CA $140–$150 (~€90–€100+)
Return (standard)
~CA $230–$250 (~€150–€165+)
Return (discount deal)
~CA $120–$170 (~€80–€115+)
Skyscanner, Expedia, orbit
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Top things to do in Venice include exploring St. Mark's Square (Piazza San Marco) & Basilica, touring the Doge's Palace, riding a gondola through canals, crossing the Rialto & Bridge of Sighs, visiting Murano & Burano islands, and catching a show at Teatro La Fenice, all while getting lost in the charming alleyways and enjoying Venetian cicchetti & Spritz
This tour is the perfect pick for time-tight travelers visiting Venice. Save yourself the hassle of booking tickets and waiting in long lines and opt for this convenient one-day itinerary instead. As well as skip-the-line admission and guided tours of St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace, the trip also includes a scenic gondola ride and visits to Murano and Burano to watch glass-blowing and lace-making demonstrations.
Read more about - St Mark's, Doge's Palace, with Murano and Burano & Gondola Ride -$48.00
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Rome, Italy
Train to Rome from Venice
Booking Time
Price Range (Approx.)
Advanced deals
€13 – €30+
Typical advance fare
€30 – €60+
Standard / later booking
€70 – €90+
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Rome's top attractions include iconic ancient sites like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon, Vatican City (St. Peter's Basilica & Museums), the beautiful Trevi Fountain & Piazza Navona, exploring charming Trastevere, indulging in Roman cuisine, and visiting art-filled spots like the Borghese Gallery, all best done with pre-booked tickets and comfortable shoes for walking
Food & Experiences
Roman Food Tours: Taste authentic pasta, pizza, gelato, and local specialties.
Drinking from "Nasoni": Refill your water bottle at Rome's many public drinking fountains.
Tips for Visiting
Book Ahead: Essential for Colosseum, Vatican, and Borghese to skip long lines.
Dress Modestly: Cover shoulders and knees for churches and the Vatican.
Walk: Rome is best explored on foot; wear comfortable shoes.
Check Out the Market at Campo de’ Fiori
Get a Tour of the Colosseum
🇮🇹 Best Tours & Experiences in Rome
*********FREE walking tours 🚶
Colosseum tour with access to the gladiator arena 🏟️
Guided food tour in Trastevere 🍕
Pasta-making class with wine, limoncello, and dessert 🍝
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Sicily, Italy
Fly to Sicily from Rome
Destination flights
Cheapest One‑Way (approx)
Rome → Catania
~€15 – €45+ (budget)
Rome → Palermo
~€24 – €60+ (budget/standard)
Rome → Trapani
~€30 + (budget)
Ryanair, expedia
Use search tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights or Momondo to compare airlines and price alerts.
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The top things to do in Sicily include exploring historic cities like Palermo (Palatine Chapel, markets), Taormina (Greek Theatre, seaside views), and Syracuse (Ortigia Island, ancient ruins), hiking Mount Etna, relaxing in beautiful towns like Cefalù and Ragusa Ibla, visiting ancient Greek temples at Agrigento's Valley of the Temples, and experiencing stunning nature at Zingaro Reserve or Scala dei Turchi, all while indulging in world-famous Sicilian street food and pastries like cannoli and arancini
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Sicily's "best" part depends on your interests, but Taormina offers stunning views & history (Greek Theater, Etna backdrop), Palermo is great for vibrant street food & culture, while the Southeast (Noto, Ragusa) boasts stunning Baroque towns, and Agrigento's Valley of the Temples provides incredible ancient ruins, making for a diverse, unforgettable
For Culture & Foodies:
Palermo: Chaotic, historic capital with amazing street food (arancini!), markets, and Norman architecture.
Noto & Modica: Baroque gems famous for architecture and chocolate.
Catania: Rejuvenated city center, vibrant fish market, great base for Etna/Taormina
Recommendation:
For a first-timer, combine a few highlights: start in the East (Catania/Taormina/Etna), head south for the Baroque towns (Noto/Ragusa), and explore the West (Palermo/Cefalù/Trapani) for varied experiences
Yes, it's very doable to travel from Catania/Taormina/Etna south to Baroque towns like Noto/Ragusa, and then explore Palermo/Cefalù/Trapani, but it requires time as Sicily is large; driving offers flexibility for these varied destinations (Etna, coastal towns, inland baroque gems, western sights) but parking needs planning in towns, while trains/buses cover main routes but limit day trips. A logical route would be Catania (Etna base) -> Taormina -> Noto/Ragusa area -> Palermo (Cefalù day trip) -> Trapani, using a rental car for freedom or buses for budget, focusing on 3-4 nights per base to avoid rushing
Suggested Route Flow
Start East (Catania/Taormina): Fly into Catania (CTA). Explore Catania, Mount Etna, and Taormina, using one as a base.
Head South (Baroque Towns): Drive/bus from Taormina area to the Val di Noto (Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Scicli). Consider basing in Noto or Ragusa.
Westward Journey: Travel from the southeast towards Palermo/Trapani.
Explore West (Palermo/Cefalù/Trapani): Base in Palermo for Cefalù day trips and Monreale, or stay in Trapani for western sights.
Key Tips
Factor in Travel Time: Allow at least half a day for travel between major areas.
Base Yourself: Use 3-4 bases (e.g., Taormina, Ragusa, Palermo) for easier day trips.
Parking in Palermo: ZTL (restricted traffic zones) exist; hotels can help.
Public Transport Limits: Be mindful of fewer buses/trains on Sundays