Heads up: this article contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Travel4Kelvin earns from qualifying purchases.
Two weeks is enough to taste four of Europe's best countries — if you plan the route well and accept that you're sampling, not settling in. This itinerary runs from Rome to Lisbon through Italy, France, Spain and Portugal, with one base per stop and no backtracking.
The budget figure is a mid-range estimate covering hotels, dining, local transport and activities — it doesn't include your long-haul flight or the flights and trains between countries. It's the same route as our free 2-Week Europe Sampler PDF, expanded here with the practical details.
Before you go: entry rules for 2026
Two acronyms are in the news, so here is where things stand as of October 2026. Rules change, so check the official EU travel site and your government's travel advice before you fly.
- EES (Entry/Exit System): in force since April 10, 2026. On your first crossing into the Schengen Area you'll be registered at the border — a facial photo and fingerprints — instead of getting a passport stamp. Later entries are quicker. Expect some queues at busy airports and arrive earlier than usual for departures.
- ETIAS: the €20 online travel authorization for visa-exempt visitors is not required yet. Its launch has slipped to 2027 with no firm date, so you don't need it for a trip this year — but recheck before booking anything far ahead.
- Passport: the standard Schengen rule is that your passport must have been issued within the last 10 years and be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure. Short stays are limited to 90 days in any 180.
The route at a glance
| Days | Country | Base |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | Italy | Rome, then Florence |
| 5–7 | France | Paris, then Lyon |
| 8–10 | Spain | Barcelona, then Málaga / Costa del Sol |
| 11–14 | Portugal | Lisbon, Algarve day trip, Porto |
Days 1–4: Italy
Fly into Rome and spend your first days with the big ancient sights, then take the train to Florence for the Renaissance.
Day 1: Rome arrival
- Arrive, check in, evening at Piazza Navona
- Aperitivo hour in Trastevere
- Gelato at Fatamorgana
Day 2: Ancient Rome
- Colosseum & Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill views
- Dinner near the Vatican
Day 3: Vatican & fountains
- Vatican Museums & the Sistine Chapel
- Climb St. Peter's dome
- Trevi Fountain at dusk
Day 4: Florence
- Morning train from Rome to Florence (about 1.5 hours)
- Uffizi Gallery — book ahead
- Ponte Vecchio & the Oltrarno
Days 5–7: France
Fly from Florence to Paris (or go by train via Turin), then take the TGV south to Lyon, France's food capital.
Day 5: Paris arrival
- Check in around Le Marais
- Eiffel Tower evening light show
- Dinner in Saint-Germain
Day 6: Louvre & Montmartre
- The Louvre — book tickets ahead
- Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
- Seine river cruise at sunset
Day 7: Lyon
- TGV from Paris to Lyon (about 2 hours)
- Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Lyon
- Dinner at a bouchon, Lyon's traditional bistro
Days 8–10: Spain
Fly or take the train from Lyon to Barcelona, then head south to the Málaga coast.
Day 8: Barcelona arrival
- Stroll Las Ramblas
- Sagrada Família — pre-book your slot
- Sunset tapas at Barceloneta Beach
Day 9: Gaudí & the old quarters
- Park Güell in the morning
- El Born & the Picasso Museum
- Dinner in Gràcia
Day 10: Málaga & the Costa del Sol
- Fly or bus to Málaga
- Picasso Birthplace Museum
- Evening stroll on the Costa del Sol
Days 11–14: Portugal
Fly from Málaga to Lisbon (about an hour), then finish in Porto and fly home from there.
Day 11: Lisbon arrival
- Explore the Alfama
- Ride the Tram 28 scenic route
- Fado dinner in Mouraria
Day 12: Belém
- Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery
- Pastéis de Belém custard tarts
- LX Factory if it's Sunday
Day 13: Algarve day trip, then Porto
- Ponta da Piedade caves near Lagos
- Praia da Marinha beach
- Return to Lisbon, evening train to Porto
Day 14: Porto
- Port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Livraria Lello bookshop
- Farewell dinner on the Ribeira waterfront
Getting between stops
| Leg | How |
|---|---|
| Home → Rome | Fly in to Rome (FCO) |
| Rome → Florence | High-speed train, about 1.5 hours |
| Florence → Paris | Flight (or train via Turin) |
| Paris → Lyon | TGV, about 2 hours |
| Lyon → Barcelona | Flight or train |
| Barcelona → Málaga | Flight or train |
| Málaga → Lisbon | Flight, about 1 hour |
| Lisbon → Porto | Train (evening) |
| Porto → Home | Fly home from Porto |
Book these ahead
The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, Sagrada Família and the Alhambra all need advance tickets, and the Uffizi, the Louvre and Park Güell are far smoother with a reserved slot. Do it as soon as your dates are fixed.
If you have less (or more) time
- 10 days: drop Lyon and the Algarve day trip. You lose a little food and beach, and gain a calmer pace.
- Prefer fewer countries? Pick two neighbors — Spain and Portugal, or Italy and France — and use our premium 7-day city guides for a slower trip.
What to pack for a multi-country trip
Four countries means four chances to lose time to luggage. Pack one carry-on, wash a few things, and keep your electronics sorted — our one-bag packing list covers the rest.
Packing cubes
Keep four countries' worth of clothes organized in one carry-on.
Universal travel adapter
One adapter with USB ports covers Italy, France, Spain and Portugal. See our adapter guide for which plugs you need.
Take this itinerary with you
Download the free 2-Week Europe Sampler PDF, or go deeper with our premium 7-day city guides.
Free Sampler PDF → City guides →Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is two weeks enough for Italy, France, Spain and Portugal?
It's enough for a taste of each, built around one or two bases per country. It's a fast pace, so trim to 10 days or fewer countries if you'd rather linger.
How much does a two-week Europe trip cost?
Our mid-range estimate is roughly $150–250 per day for hotels, dining, local transport and activities. That excludes your long-haul flight and the flights or trains between countries.
Do I need ETIAS for Europe in 2026?
Not yet. As of October 2026 the ETIAS travel authorization has not launched; it's now expected in 2027 with no firm date. The Entry/Exit System (EES) border registration is already in force, so expect fingerprints and a photo on your first entry.
Should I fly open-jaw?
Usually yes for a one-way route like this. Flying into Rome and home from Lisbon or Porto saves a full day of backtracking.