Itineraries

The Perfect One Day Verona Itinerary + Map

February 22, 2020 by admin Leave a Comment

If you have only one day in Verona and you want to spend a busy day exploring the main attraction, then below is the perfect itinerary on what to see in Verona in 1 day.

The guide below includes map snippets to help you navigate your way around the city. This route includes top sights close to each other and easily accessible if you are on your feet, have a car or want to travel on local bus service.

You can also take advantage of the many tours in Verona that will help you explore and make the most of your day, hitting up all the highlights of the city.

How To See Verona In A Day

Whether you are travelling from Venice to Verona for a day trip or even any of the Lake Garda towns nearby, Verona has so much more to offer in history, culture, and architecture.

No trip to Verona whether exploring for one day or even 2 days in Verona is complete without checking off many of the places below.

Of course, I would recommend staying longer than a day in Verona but if that is all you have then these are the places to visit.

If you are staying overnight make sure you check out my tips on the best areas to stay in Verona. In addition to my extensive list of things to do in Verona.

Walking tour map – Map of places to visit in Verona in one day

1- Start Your Trip by Visiting the Basilica di San Zeno Maggiore

To see most of Verona in one day, aim to start as early as 8 or 9am if possible. Head to the Basilica, you can spend 50 minutes to explore the large 12th century Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore, a Romanesque building in northern Italy Veneto region.

The interior has an unusual 14th-century timber roof and beautiful Romanesque capitals.

This is one of the most attractive and better-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in Northern Italy, with several art masterpieces on display. This a quiet place to relax and has a perfect atmosphere.

2- Walk across the Ponte di Castelvecchio

This bridge is just 15 minute walk away from Basilica di San Zeno and you can easily spend 30 minutes on this location.

Enjoy walking across the bridge and you can see a city from a river’s perspective.

The Castelvecchio Bridge shows off the world’s largest period at the time of its building in the 14th century and this is also known as Ponte di Castel Vecchio.

3- Short Visit of Castelvecchio Museum

You can reach to Castelvecchio museum by just 5 to 7-minute walk from Castelvecchio Bridge. This museum has a great collection of sculpture, statues, paintings, ancient weapons & more within a restored palace Sculptures from the 12th to the 15th century are displayed in the galleries on the ground floor.

The museum showcases a compelling collection of arms and armors. You can explore this place in about 40 to 45 minutes.

The Castelvecchio museum also hosts short-term exhibitions, educational programs, and conferences.

To explore more in art and history or want to know more about the best museums in Verona you can view my recent post on the Best Museums In Verona.

4- Spend Some Time at Verona Cathedral

Another beautiful attraction is the Verona Cathedral, officially called Duomo Cattedrale di Santa Maria Matricolare.

Verona Cathedral is on 10 minute drive from Castelvecchio museum. You can also take the local bus in Verona.

The cathedral is a 12th-century Romanesque basilica with a 15th-century Gothic nave. Certainly one of the highlights to any visit to Verona.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption has some pretty impressive works of art. The Duomo Santa Maria Matricolare is a three-aisled church with nicely decorated aisles and numerous chapels.

5- Cross the bridge of Ponte Pietra

The Ponte Pietra, once known as the Pons Marmoreus, is a Roman arch bridge crossing the Adige River in Verona, Italy.

The bridge was completed in 100 BC, It is the oldest bridge in Verona. This Bridge is just a 5 minute walk away from the Verona Cathedral and you can spend 25 to 30 minutes there.

The old bridge sports a tunic of plantlife growing out of its sidewalls while the bridge deck, pedestrian-only, given ample opportunity for photos of Verona in the distance with the river as background.

Across the Roman bridge of Ponte Pietra, on the hillside below Castel San Pietro, the Roman Theater was constructed in the first century during the reign of Augustus.

6- Reach to Castel San Pietro

Verona has some of the most ancient castles in the world and San Pietro is one of them. This Castel is 10 minutes by feet from Ponte Pietra you can enjoy 40 to 45 minutes there.

It was built to allow their native to protect and defend themselves. It’s a hill located in a strategic position, which rises a few hundred meters above the Roman Theatre.

It is a place of great touristic interest. Stop at the Re Teodorico restaurant for cold drinks before leaving and enjoy the picture perfect scenery.

In 1801, when the Napoleonic army arrived, some of the ancient building gets destroyed.

7- Continue to Sant’Anastasia

A Gothic church from the late 13th century, Sant’Anastasia towers above a little piazza in the heart of Verona.

The important attractiveness in Sant’Anastasia is the famous fresco by Pisanello, “St. George & the Princess,” although its marvelous red Veronese marble pillars and the 72-meter bell tower are equally majestic. Its distance is just 15 minute walk away from the Castel San Pietro.

This church is called Verona’s largest church and a showcase for local art. You can spend 40 minutes of your time here.

If you are fond of architecture, this is definitely one to visit as it’s the most major Gothic-style religious monument in Verona.

8- Move on towards Piazza dei Signori

Piazza dei Signori is a city square in Verona, Italy and surrounded by palaces, and in the middle stands a monument to Dante erected in 1865.

Dante’s statue and interesting glimpses through its arches. And a quite brilliant pizza restaurant, Impero, which sprawls out in front of one of the loveliest buildings provides a good vantage point.

It considered the most beautiful squares in Verona. This is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Sant’Anastasia.

About 60 minutes here will be enough to explore. This area is surrounded by notable buildings. Most of the piazza’s buildings are off-limits to the public, but you can explore the 12th-century Palazzo della Ragione.

9- Climb the Torre dei Lamberti

The Torre dei Lamberti is the tallest tower in Verona and its just 2 to 3 minutes’ walk from Piazza dei Signori. This 84m-high watchtower give the panoramic views of Verona and mountains and built by the Lamberti family in 1172.

Climb the 368 steps or take the elevator to the top of the 12th century tower on a clear day and get a chance to see the unforgettable great stunning views.

Again about 60 minutes will be suffice to explore this area. This tower is a must for those that love a good view, as you see almost everything in the center and then the countryside in the mist. Especially good view of the main squares.

10- Explore the Charming Piazza delle Erbe

One of the biggest and most lively squares in the city, Piazza Delle Erbe where you can find the fountain of Madonna Verona which obviously is the bodyguard of Verona.

This place is just 5 minute walk from the tower. The Piazza delle Erbe (“square of the herbs”) is the oldest square in the city and was once a Roman forum.

Now it’s a most busy fruit and vegetable market full of beautiful color and freshness. You can also enjoy the flower market to see vibrant colors which held on every Sunday. Juliet’s balcony is also a short walk from here too.

Where To Eat In Verona – Treat Yourself with a Worthy Dinner

At the end of the journey, now it’s time to get some energy to have some delicious food. When it comes to food in Verona, it may be difficult to choose one restaurant, especially when you are short on time and don’t have time to think so now no need to worry.

Also because many look so good. I have got you covered! At Piazza Delle Erbe you can find lot of food options but just to save your time.

I’ll suggest to try La Prosciutteria (Piazza delle Erbe 31, 37121, Verona Italy) in Piazza Delle Erbe.

This one is considered one of best restaurants in Verona including best Italian cuisine and warm, welcoming staff. And if you like meat and cheese you will definitely LOVE it.

It has fresh products, an excellent atmosphere, and tasteful plates. You can choose from a variety of different types of products for a big plate or you can take an affordable Panini, from 6€.

And if you are looking for some late-night pizza cravings then consider Bar Ristorante Della Ragione (Piazza delle Erbe 6, 37121, Verona Italy) for best pizza in Verona.

Pro Tip: With to limited time on 1 day tour of Verona, I would recommend asking your hotel for local recommendations for where dinner for a bit of local touch as this will save time by going from place to place to finalize the best food to eat.

If you have more time, as you explore you get to see which places you might want to head back to for dinner in the evening. With limited time, ask a local or do a little research online beforehand.

Is The Verona Card Worth It?

The VeronaCard offers a combined ticket that gives you access to free or reduced-price to attractions in the city and free travel on public transport. You can get in 24 hours and 48 hours running from the first time you use it.

How Many Days To Spend In Verona?

As I have said above, Verona is even more beautiful the longer you stay but if you can even visit for one day, you will no doubt be in awe and want to return to visit.

So how many days in Verona is enough? I would say at a minimum of 2 days would be ideal.

There stunning places to eat, views to enjoy from towers, beautiful museums, the walls around the city you will no doubt want to explore at leisure.

I have returned to Verona a few times now and discover something new each time. There are also even cuter and pretty towns to check on day trips from Verona so yes a few days in Verona to make the most of all the cool things to see and enjoy are well worth the long trip in my view.

Getting Around Verona

Train tour: There is a train tour that circles around the historic centre of Verona. You can catch this little train from Piazza Bra.

Sightseeing bus tour: This is a guided tour on a double-decker bus where you can get on and off the bus whenever you like. You need your day pass to hop on. The route and itineraries for the bus tours last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours and allow you to visit many of the Verona sites that are on the must-see list.

Walking: This is an amazing city to explore on foot. With only one day to tour Verona, you can visit many of the sites by walking the historical centre.

Local buses: There are local buses in Verona running local routes as well as summer bus timetables from Verona to Lake Garda towns. As I have mentioned, you don’t really need public transport in Verona as most of the sites are walking distance.

To reach places beyond the main tourist places or if you happen to stay near the suburbs in Verona, there is a bus station in front of the main train station at Porta Nuova on Piazzale 25 Aprile. From here you can catch buses to all the different neighbourhoods in Verona.

Train: Once you arrive in Verona the only time you really need to use the train is when visiting the next towns and other cities beyond Verona. You can get by walking on foot or using the local buses in Verona.

Getting To Verona

As I mainly travel from London, if you are traveling from the UK or anywhere in Europe, you will find plenty of flights via EasyJet, Wizz, RyanAir flying into Verona.

You can check what other airlines fly to Verona from your location via Expedia. If you are flying from London, majority of flights on budget airlines can be anywhere between £50 for a return if booked well in advance and during peak season can go all the way to about £150.

Once you arrive in Verona, the airport is only 20 minutes drive to the historical centre of Verona. There are shuttle buses from Verona Airport. You can get more info via the airport website.

Where To Stay In Verona

I would highly recommend staying in the Historic center aka the Città Antica. This is Verona’s buzzing heart and home to major sights such as the Romanesque-style Cathedral and Juliet’s House, with its stone balcony.

There are plenty of cool cafes, upscale restaurants and laid-back trattorias dish up Italian classics. This is also where you will find the Verona Arena which hosts opera performances.

If you love shopping, you can also vind plenty of retail therapy opportunities, from Indie boutiques and designer fashion stores line pedestrianized Via Mazzini, and a daily market sells produce and trinkets on Piazza delle Erbe.

I have shared a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Verona with recommending places to stay in the city. Below are a couple of options from budget to luxury.

Budget: Protezione della Giovane – female only hostel

Mid-Range: Hotel Siena

Luxury: Hotel Accademia

Best Time To Visit Verona

Any time is great to see this amazing city but by far the best time to visit is between June and August when the weather is warm and pleasant with little rain

. Verona weather during this time is around 25ºC so pretty warm. Perfect weather to explore the city on foot.

March to May are also a great time to visit but you do still get spells of rain. I guess this is no different if visiting somewhere like London.

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Touring Italy In 10 Days – The Perfect Rome Florence & Venice Itinerary

February 20, 2020 by admin 1 Comment

With so many beautiful places to visit in Italy, you will no doubt want to plan a trip to Italy at some point.

If you are a love of Italy like myself then my Rome, Florence and Venice itinerary below should be right up your alley. Touring Italy’s popular and beautiful cities, which are also among my favourites.

I love exploring Italy by train, the amazing part about it is that it is so much cheaper to explore by train than to do a similar itinerary of the UK and Ireland.

Whether you are visiting Italy from the UK or USA you can certainly start this itinerary from Venice, or Florence(more like Pisa because of proximity to the airport) or Rome as this one does and then take to the cheap trains.

Planning A Trip To Rome Florence And Venice Italy

You can travel by flight between some of the cities but I find it pointless as you lose so much time having to arrive at the airport 1-2 hours before departure.

And then going though passport control or security is too much hassle when you can just check the trains or coach times and prices between the cities and jump on the best one quickly.

With this Italy itinerary of Rome, Florence, Venice partly because most people if coming from further afield, Rome is an easy international airport for most to start from.

From there on I highly recommend using the train in Italy as its easy, cheap and one of the best ways to travel around Italy.

If you are on a super tight budget their are options for coach services like Flixbus which are cheap and travel between many of the cities in Italy. With prices as little as 5 Euros, its an absolute steal!

Rome Florence Pisa Venice Itinerary At A Glance

Day 1: Explore Rome must-see attractions
Day 2: Visit Vatican City Museums & hidden gems
Day 3: Optional day trip from Rome to Pompeii
Day 4: Arrive in Florence – Explore Pizza del Duomo
Day 5: Take to Florence galleries and viewpoints
Day 6: Optional day trip to Pisa from Florence
Day 7: Arrive In Venice and explore Grand Canal sights
Day 8: Day trip from Venice to Burano And Murano
Day 9: Take To Venice viewpoints
Day 10: Review alternative itineraries

Itinerary For Rome Florence Venice In 10 Days

Day 1-3 Rome Must Sees & Vatican City Hidden Gems

Day 1 In Rome

The Italy itinerary that starts with 3 days in Rome and 1 day in the historic and spectacular Pompeii. And then on to discover Florence and the beautiful Venice. Your eyes and your heart will be captivated by these amazing cities in Italy!

There is no tourist in the world who has not visited, or dreams of visiting, the Capital of Italy. Rome is a city rich in history, culture and archaeological remains unique in the world, for this reason it is a destination for visits by curious people from all over the world

Limiting the list of things to do in Rome to just 10 entries is almost unthinkable. The eternal city offers so much, besides the most famous attractions and monuments, that it seems almost an insult, but not always those who pass through the eternal city have too much time to see everything. It is therefore necessary to do a selection of must-see places in Rome. Be sure to also check out our list of restaurants in Italy not to miss out on which includes a few located in Rome.

The Colosseum

A timeless classic, an inevitable stop on every visit to Rome that can be defined as such. It is said that when the Colosseum falls, the eternal city will also fall, taking the whole world with it.

Its original name is Flavian Amphitheater and it was the scene of fierce battles between gladiators and beasts, but also a scenario for simulations of naval battles. The Colosseum is still today one of the symbols of Rome, recognized throughout the world.

The Pantheon

Another symbol of Rome, it is presented to the public adorned with a majestic dome and the famous colonnade.

Legend has it that right here, when Romulus died, an eagle grabbed him and carried him up to the sky. As its name indicates (Pan = Tutti and Theon = divinity) the building is a monument dedicated to all the deities, built by the emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD.

From a pagan temple it was converted into a Christian basilica in 609, dedicated to Santa Maria ad Martyres. In 1870 it became a resting place for the sovereigns of Italy, including Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I and Margherita di Savoia. Buried at the Pantheon is also the great artist Raffaello Sanzio.

Altar of the Fatherland

Also known as the Vittoriano, it is a monument built to celebrate King Vittorio Emanuele II, the one who carried out the unification of Italy. During fascism’ years it was often the scene of the regime’s demonstrations: today it has become a symbol not only of national identity, but also of artistic and cultural identity.

Piazza Navona

This is where one of my favourite fountains in Italy is located. A place where you can relax sitting at a bar table, surrounded by baroque sculptures and architecture.

Piazza Navona is one of the most popular squares for tourists and Roman citizens and is located where the ancient stadium of Domitian once stood. Here, in fact, thanks to the oval shape of the space, games and sporting events were organized until the nineteenth century.

At the square it is also possible to admire a work by Bernini, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, or the Ganges, the Danube, the Rio della Plata and the Nile. Each is represented by a giant positioned on a pyramidal rock on which there is also a Roman obelisk.

Day 2 The Vatican City Museums

In this place important and precious works of antiquity are preserved, from the Greek and Roman periods, such as the Lacoonte, the Apoxyomenos and the Apollo del Belvedere, but also examples of Egyptian and Etruscan art.

The Vatican Museums are universally known as one of the richest and most splendid museum complexes in the world and also include a Pinacoteca, with works by Raphael, Caravaggio and Leonardo da Vinci.

One cannot fail to mention the famous Sistine Chapel, the result of Michelangelo’s genius, who welcomes over 20,000 visitors every day.

Also Read: Tips For Visiting The Vatican City

Saint Peter’s Basilica

In any image of the city skyline stands the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Michelangelo, as well as its spectacular colonnaded portico of the square in front, made by Bernini instead.

The building represents not only one of the most wonderful and important examples of Italian architecture, but it is also one of the symbolic places of Christianity.

The Basilica also houses masterpieces of rare beauty created by the most important artists of the Roman Renaissance and Baroque, such as the Pietà by Michelangelo, the Cattedra di S. Pietro and the Baldacchino by Bernini.

Piazza di Spagna

Another unmissable stop in the capital, Piazza di Spagna and the Trinità dei Monti stairway represent a unique background in the world for fashion shows and famous movie scenes.

Among the celebrities who have crossed their lives with this place, we remember, for example, Giuseppe Balsamo known as Cagliostro.

Alchemist and esotericist, he stayed at one of the inns overlooking the square. It is said that he was arrested right on this square, but a more curious legend tells of the ghost of his wife, who apparently still roams in the area. It was she who denounced her husband to the Holy Office!

The Trevi Fountain

To find it, it is sufficient to be able to distinguish the rushing noise of the water among the noises of the city.

After having travelled through a maze of narrow streets you reach the Trevi Fountain, which is just as you imagine it: sumptuous, crowded, representative of the Dolce Vita. Throw yourself a coin and make a wish!

One of the most instagrammable places in Rome, we suggest you go in the evening hours so as not to find too many people.

But Italian itinerary did not end here, discover the beautiful, historic Pompeii.

From Rome, it is possible to reach Pompeii in different ways: train, car, shuttle bus organized by city tours.

My advice is to choose the means of transport you prefer, although it is always a pleasure to participate in an organized tour. This way you don’t have to worry about navigating transportation and things to do. You explore the highlights and have someone else worry about how to get there, around and back.

Day 3 Day Trip From Rome: What to see in Pompeii in one day

You can either continue exploring Rome on day three or take the opportunity to visit Pompei.

You can choose between two options:

Devote an entire day to the Pompeii excavations.
Make a regenerating stop for an aperitif after visiting the Villa of the Mysteries and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of the Rosary.

The Pompeii excavations, here are some things to see inside.

Just a few tips for you: to avoid the queue, buy the admission ticket online and remember to print it, wear comfortable shoes and bring with you sandwich, water, smartphone for photos, summer sunscreen and winter umbrella. There is so much to see and you have to walk.

The most important things to see in Pompeii are:

The Forum and the Temple of Apollo
The Amphitheater
House of the Faun
Teatro Grande

Some useful information:

When: from November 1st to March 31st: every day from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, with last entry at 3:30 pm. From April 1st to October 31st: every day from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm, with last entry at 6:00 pm.

Closed: 1 January, 1 May, 25 December.

How much: € 13, reduced € 7.50. The ticket for access to the sites of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplonti, Stabia, Boscoreale (valid for 3 days) costs € 22 full, € 12 reduced. Free admission for EU citizens under 18 or over 65.

Getting From Rome To Florence By Train

After having seen the beautiful Pompeii and having taken so many photos, you will be incredulous going to take the train to Florence.

From Rome to Florence, there are several train solutions that you can consider:

The Freccia Rossa train
The Regional Fast train

The Rome to Florence train costs around 35 euros for a Freccia Rossa ticket and 21 for a regional ticket. You can buy it from the TrenItalia site. Note that some of the fast trains from Rome to Florence may require advance booking but not always.

Particularly the early morning ones. Again for the best way to travel from Rome to Florence, also check out Omio linked above which will give you options for trains, coaches and flights so you can go for the best option for your budget and schedule. Rome to Florence train time is 1 hour 30 minutes.

Also Read: Best Places To Stay In Rome

Day 4-6 Places To Visit In Florence And Day Trip To Pisa

Day 4 in Florence

If you take the high-speed train from Rome to Florence in the morning you could be in Florence before the afternoon. The second city on the 10 day itinerary of Rome, Florence Venice.

The itinerary begins in Piazza del Duomo, the heart of Florence. Here stands the magnificent Cathedral, or Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, with the famous dome by Brunelleschi, the Baptistery with the wonderful Porta del Paradiso by Ghiberti and the Campanile di Giotto, from which you can enjoy an incredible view of the city. For additional inspiration, I share a one day Florence itinerary on the blog.

If you have enough time, it is worthwhile to visit them all, otherwise, you could choose to see the inside of the Cathedral and the Dome, limiting yourself to see the other monuments from the outside.

Continue towards Via dei Calzaiuoli to reach the beautiful Piazza della Signoria, for centuries at the center of Florence’s political life. Here the imposing Palazzo Vecchio, the current seat of the town council and civic museum. To the right of Palazzo Vecchio you can admire the fascinating Loggia dei Lanzi, where some famous statues are placed, such as the Perseus by Benvenuto Cellini.

In Piazza della Signoria there is the Fontana del Nettuno dell’Ammannati and the equestrian monument of Cosimo I by Giambologna. Along the way, in Via Calzaiuoli, you will recognize the Church of Orsanimichele, with its particular architectural structure and the statues that adorn its facade, works by great artists such as Donatello, Ghiberti and Verrocchio.

A few steps from Palazzo Vecchio you will find the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most visited and known Italian museums, known for its vast collection of Renaissance works by artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raffaello, just to name a few of the most famous.

If you intend to visit the Uffizi, especially if you have little time, I definitely recommend booking museum admission tickets in advance, which will allow you to avoid wasting precious time in the long lines at the museum entrance. Consider spending at least 2 hours in the Uffizi Gallery, but even better, visit the museum on a guided tour to not miss the most important masterpieces.

The Ponte Vecchio is one of the symbols of Florence, halfway between the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Vecchio (joined by the wonderful Vasari Corridor that passes right above the heads of the tourists overlooking the bridge).

Also Read: Things To Do In Florence In Winter

Day 5 in Florence

The second day of Florence itinerary begins in Piazza Santa Maria Novella, recently renovated, overlooked by one of the most beautiful churches in Florence: the Church of Santa Maria Novella. The facade of the church is in white and green marble and was designed by Leon Battista Alberti, while the splendid Tornabuoni Chapel (not to be missed!) Was frescoed by Ghirlandaio.

In Piazza San Lorenzo, if you wish, you can make a brief visit to the Church of San Lorenzo or in the majestic Medici Chapels, where the members of the Medici family were buried and where you will find a beautiful marble statue of Michelangelo, placed in the New Sacristy.

The Academy Gallery is among the most loved and visited museums. Here the original marble statue of Michelangelo’s David was placed. A copy of the work is in front of Palazzo Vecchio, yet another in Piazzale Michelangelo but seeing the original is something else! If you want to come and visit the museum, I advise you to book the ticket in advance.

Also Read: Why You Shouldn’t Miss Piazza Santa Croce In Florence

If you want to spend a day in Pisa, I recommend you to take a fast regional train and book it on the Trenitalia.it website in advance.

Day 6 Day Trip From Florence – What to see in Pisa in one day

While the title of the post mentions 3 cities, with Pisa being so close to Florence, you can easily and quickly change this Italian itinerary to be a Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice itinerary. If short on time you can keep it but why miss an opportunity to check out the Leaning Tower of Pisa!

Once out of the station, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele is immediately visible, the administrative fulcrum of the city, where a series of historic buildings overlook this almost amphitheatric square and the perimeter almost completely characterized by arcades full of shops and walkable.

From here you walk towards Corso Italia, the most famous street in Pisa, crowded with all kinds of shops, the ideal walk for all shopping lovers.

Also Read: How To Get To Pisa From Florence

After passing Piazza del Carmine and Piazza della Pera, we come to the famous Logge dei Banchi at the entrance to the Ponte di Mezzo on the Arno river (the one where the famous Gioco del Ponte is played), a characteristic and impressive loggia erected on a project by Buontalenti during the first years of the seventeenth century and used to house the market of wool and silk (hence the name banks – stalls).

We head towards Lungarno Galilei: the lungarni of Pisa, or those roads that line the Arno river, are renowned both among the inhabitants and tourists of Pisa: meeting points and gathering for the former with bars, restaurants and pubs, and pleasant and suggestive walk for the latter, which here can admire the urban architecture of the city and the historical imprint of the buildings – also of medieval origin, then reworked over the years – and of the buildings that constitute, in a certain sense, the fulcrum artistic.

On the Lungarno Galilei, after the Palazzo Lanfranchi, we find the Church of San Sepolcro with its curious octagonal plan, born with the purpose of church, refuge, hospital and convent and dedicated to the Templars.

About ten minutes further on, we are in Piazza dei Miracoli, passing through Via Santa Maria, a side street of the aforementioned square, where there are two of the most renowned faculties of the University of Pisa: the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature and the School for Interpreters and Translators.

And it is just a stone’s throw from the school that opens on Via Santa Maria the glimpse of the beautiful Piazza dei Miracoli, the one that everyone knows about the Leaning Tower, although it hosts other buildings of historical and artistic interest to which it owes its name: the Baptistery , the Duomo and the Camposanto (to represent the cycle of life – birth, life, death).

The Duomo of Pisa is a splendid example of Pisan Romanesque whose facade is in grey and white marble, decorated with polychrome marble unlike the interior, where black and white marbles prevail. Its bell tower (the famous Tower), one of the most famous in the world, about 50 meters high has a characteristic slope that can be defined without a shadow of a doubt unique in the world, due to a subsidence of the land already detected at the time of its construction.

Being in front of the Tower of Pisa is something really exciting! When I visit Pisa I love standing in front of the Tower to admire it. Can you imagine how the square would look if the tower were not inclined? I believe that it would lose part of its unique charm.

The tower, closed to the public a few years ago, has been reopened and it is therefore possible to climb to the top to visit it and look out from one of its many small windows.

Day 7-10 Explore Venice Canals And Day Trip To Murano And Burano

From Florence to Venice you can find many transport options, my advice is to opt for the train because you won’t find a parking space by car. There are intercity trains, the journey takes 4 hours. You can also take the fast train, FRECCIA ROSSA, the journey takes 2 hours and the cost is 43 euros.

Day 7 In Venice – Let’s find out what to see in Venice in 3 days

If you really can’t give up the car, avoid the garages in Piazzale Roma, which are very expensive, and leave your car in parking lots outside Venice, for example those in Porto Marghera or those in Mestre. If you arrive in Venice by train, you will get off at the Santa Lucia station.

Also Read: How To Get To Venice From Verona

With the bus, you’ll find yourself in Piazzale Roma. From here it crosses the Calatrava bridge, one of the last architectural works of Venice, to find yourself in front of the train station. A little further on, the Scalzi bridge.

Your Venice tour has already begun: in just a few steps you have crossed 2 of the 4 bridges that cross the Grand Canal (you will see the Accademia and Rialto in the coming days). Following the signs for San Marco or Rialto, you will find yourself walking through the typical Venetian streets and you will arrive in the historic center of Venice in half an hour scarce.

We advise you to always keep your mobile phone handy for orientation. Better yet … Ask the Venetians for help who, at first sight, might seem gruff, but they will be delighted to help you. On the other hand, Venice is a maze of narrow streets in which getting lost is the simplest thing. And to be honest, the secret, perhaps, is just that.

Also Read: Best Areas To Stay In Venice

Piazza San Marco, the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale

After filling your stomach, it’s time to get ready for an afternoon of art, history and culture.

The stage in this case is called Piazza San Marco, the city lounge overlooked by some of the most beautiful Venetian buildings, such as the Basilica, the Bell Tower, the Clock Tower and the Doge’s Palace.

A visit to the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale is a must: a couple of hours should be enough for a quick tour, something more for a more in-depth visit. Better to go to the Basilica in the afternoon so you avoid the crowds of groups and schools.

If you also decide to visit the Bell Tower and the Clock (the latter can only be visited on request), then put 4 good hours in the budget. Know that it will be a beautiful afternoon.

From Piazza San Marco you can decide to lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets that surround it and arrive, calmly, at the Rialto Bridge, where to close your first day in Venice.

Beyond the bridge, you will find yourself in the area of the Pescaria, the fish market: here, absolutely a must, an aperitif in one of the many cafes in the area. They are called bacari, typical Venetian taverns where you can stop to drink a “shade”, a glass of wine, and to taste some “cicheto”, snacks that are also typical of the local tradition (this can be meatballs, canapés with cod or with sardines, fried shrimp and so on).

Also Read: Guide To The Best Viewpoints In Venice

Aerial view of Venice, Santa Maria della Salute and Piazza San Marco. World famous Venice landmarks. View from St Mark Campanile

Day 8 in Venice

Get ready for a tour of the Venetian islands: Murano, Burano and Torcello. In reality, there would also be other islands to see, but for your 3 days in Venice, these are the ones we recommend.

Murano is the island of blown glass, famous and appreciated throughout the world for its glass production. If you are interested in the topic, you could take the time to visit a glass factory: there are many that organize demonstrations for tourists and enthusiasts.

Burano is the island of lace and, among the 3, is perhaps the most picturesque because of its colorful houses. To taste the buranelli, typical sweets made with flour, sugar, eggs and butter, also known as bussolà.

Finally, the island of Torcello, today practically uninhabited (it has only a dozen inhabitants), is the ideal destination if you are looking for something outside of the classic tourist itineraries. Here you will see the Devil’s Bridge and the throne of Attila, you can visit the local museum, which preserves archaeological finds found on the island, and the Basilica.

It’s up to you to decide whether to rely on an organized tour or opt for public transport and visit the islands with your times.

If you don’t feel like arranging, trust a tour: there are some that in 4 hours show you all three islands. If, on the other hand, you want to do things slowly and enjoy the wonders you will see without haste, we recommend using public transport: all the islands are easily reachable by Vaporetto.

For the evening we recommend that you book a table at Il Refolo, a delightful restaurant in Campo San Giacomo dell’Orio, one of the quietest squares in Venice, in the Santa Croce area, right next to an old town church.

Also Read: How To Get Around In Venice

Day 9 in Venice

For your last day in Venice we held one of the most bizarre monuments in the city: the Scala Contarini del Bovolo. It is an imposing spiral staircase (in Venetian dialect it is called bovolo), over 26 meters high, with 80 monolithic steps, from whose arches you can enjoy a breathtaking view of all of Venice, including the majestic San Marco domes. The remains of the ancient frescoes that decorated the interiors and exteriors of the tower are also striking.

Day 10 In Italy & Alternative Itineraries

I have intentionally left room in the 10-day itinerary for Rome, Florence and Venice this way you can use it to add a day in Rome, Venice or Florence. You also have the option to remove suggested day trips or add cities like Milan to create a Milan-Venice-Florence-Rome itinerary, you can also opt to change to a Rome-Florence-Cinque Terre Venice itinerary. The beauty of Italy is that train travel is easy, fast and cheap too.

If you are traveling from the US to Italy, the additional day also gives you room to chill and get over some of your jet lag.

Also Read: Top Tips For Saving Money In Venice

Options For Package Tours In Italy

I tend to book many of my travel separately as I like to have a little bit of control over my itinerary. This way I can book separate tours and day trips when I want them. For where to stay in Rome, Florence or and Venice, I have linked to some of the posts where I cover that in more detail. Otherwise, I always use my favourite hotel booking site to book my accommodation when I travel.

If you prefer to have everything done for you, there are options to have say, Rome and Venice tour packages or Rome Florence Venice package holidays. Many of them will handle accommodation, transportation and include some meals like breakfast. You wont have to worry about getting from Rome to Florence or Rome to Venice trains. All that is taken care of. Below are a couple of options for package tours to check out.

Check out Viator’s multi-day tours around Italy.
GAdventures offers tours from 7-10 day around Italy and Europe.
Contiki runs a variety of tours for under 35s so you can explore Europes as well as find plenty of cheap holidays to Rome and Venice in addition to many other cities in Italy and Europe.

There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this tour between Rome – Florence and Venice! Of course, no Italy trip to Rome, Florence or Venice would be complete without a couple of detours to nearby towns and cities.

Love Italy? Also Read:

What To Pack For Venice
Essential Items For A European Trip
What To Pack For Florence
How To Save Money When Booking The Venice Taxi
Lake Como Towns You Need To Visit
Top Places To Visit In Verona
A Weekend In Pisa
Best Italian Hashtags For Travel

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The Perfect Guide To Two Weeks In England Scotland and Ireland

January 27, 2020 by admin 5 Comments

Views of Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf from The Shard viewing deck

I have previously shared a post with all the beautiful cities in the UK to visit when you get a chance.

Building on that this post, I am now sharing tips for the perfect 2 weeks in England, Scotland and Ireland! Exploring many of cool places to visit in the UK and Ireland.

Iconic cities like London, Edinburgh and Dublin. Taking in all the famous cities in each of the cites in addition to the day trips you can brunch on.

So, this two-week itinerary should help with inspo on how to plan a 14-day trip covering 3 UK countries so that you make the most of the beautiful countryside, breathtaking coastlines, and vibrant cities.

Pro-tip: Whatever airport you land in, when arriving in London. Getting to central London or into the city is super easy. See here for my tips on how to get from Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted to central London.

Southbank Walk London - River Thames Walk

Southbank with view of St Pauls in the distance

Essential Travel Planning Tips for Your Two-Week UK & Ireland Trip

Planning a two-week itinerary for England, Scotland, and Ireland by train is one of the best ways to experience the charm of the British Isles — from London’s historic streets to the wild Scottish Highlands and the scenic coastlines of Ireland. To make the most of your adventure, here are a few smart travel tips to simplify your planning and protect your budget.

🚆 1. Rail Passes Save Time & Money

If you’re traveling by train, look into rail passes in the UK and Ireland, like the BritRail Pass or Ireland’s Trekker Pass. These let you hop between cities without worrying about fluctuating ticket prices, and they’re ideal for flexible, multi-city trips.

📱 2. Stay Connected with a UK-Friendly SIM

Roaming charges add up fast. Instead, get one of the best SIM cards for European travel, or opt for a reliable eSIM for travel in the British Isles. You’ll get instant access to maps, train schedules, and local tips — essential when you’re moving through three countries.

🛡️ 3. Get Travel Insurance That Covers All Countries

Since you’ll be crossing borders, make sure to purchase travel insurance for multi-country Europe trips. Look for policies that include medical coverage, trip interruption, and protection for train or ferry delays — especially important when traveling by rail and sea between the UK and Ireland.

💳 4. Use the Right Travel Credit Card

To avoid hidden fees abroad, use credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Many of these cards also offer added benefits like trip insurance, rental car protection, and even concierge services — a great fit for travelers on the move.

🎟️ 5. Book Tours That Offer Rewards

Want to explore landmarks like the Tower of London, the Cliffs of Moher, or Edinburgh Castle with a guide? Many operators now offer guided tours with cashback or points, especially when you book through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide using a rewards credit card.

Some Of The Best Tours Around The UK & Ireland

Check out G Adventures for curated trips around Scotland and Ireland.
Contiki offers 18-35-year-olds travel adventures withing UK covering a mix of itineries from Great Britain and Ireland, England and Scotland and Ireland.

Two weeks in England, Scotland and Ireland

The perfect UK and Ireland itinerary start with London. While every trip will require budget either that is luxe or shoestring when looking at where to stay in London.

I have hopefully made that aspect of the trip with my guide on the best areas to stay in London in addition to the best hostels in London for those on a budget trip. Some hostels also allow you to have private and family rooms so don’t be too quick to write them off completely.

England Days 1 -5

Two days in London

While bus tours aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s worth considering one especially if you’re in London on a limited time schedule.

It’s a great way of making sure you don’t miss any important sights. However, if you prefer to do things on your own, below is an itinerary on where to go in London, in addition.

I have also shared a DIY walking tour of London in my one day London itinerary post.

Food trucks on Southbank not to be missed on any UK itinerary or London itinerary.

Day 1 – Exploring Westminster And London Westend

Pro tip: Check out Attraction Tix for discounts of tickets to London attractions from 2for1 tickets at London Eye, London Aquarium(great if travelling with kids), Harry Potter Studio, London Dungeon and more.

Parliament Square and Houses of Parliament

Visit the centre of the UK government, home of Big Ben, and watch live debates as they unfold. You can take audio and guided tours through the Central Lobby, Members Lobby and Commons Chamber.

You can also follow the same route that the Monarch took at the State Opening of Parliament. When you’re finished with the tours, head outside to Parliament Square and check out the statues of Churchill, Lincoln and Mandela.

Westminster Abbey

This 700 year old church is the site of the Royal Wedding, the place of coronation for British monarchs and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Audio guides are available as you walk round and admire the paintings, stained glass windows and religious artefacts.

St James’s Park

This is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a green space in the city. Enjoy views of the lake and fountain, watch the pelicans at feeding time and take photos of the colourful flower beds.

Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is only open for tours between July and October. However, the Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt throughout the year.

Make sure you’re there for 11am on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday or Monday.

Piccadilly Circus

This road junction and public space is one of the busiest in London. Here you can see the Piccadilly Lights, check out the Theatre District and discover some Harry Potter locations.

This is also in the Westend which plays host to much of London’s nightlife.

Water fountains at Trafalgar Square. The lions can be found to the right of the fountains.

Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery

This is another public square, and where you’ll find the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. You can also visit St. Martin-in-the-Fields, an old church that holds free concerts at different times throughout the week.

While exploring Trafalgar Square, you also check out London’s hidden gem that is the Instagrammable Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden.

Westminster Bridge

This bridge crosses the River Thames and connects Westminster on the West and Lambeth on the East. This is a great place to take photos of the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

Here you can also grab a ride on many of London’s River cruise tours some of which also include afternoon Tea.

An aerial view of Westminister Bridge, Parliament Palaces and Big Ben along the River Thames.

London Dungeon

If you like gory history, then you’ll love the London Dungeons. This is an attraction that recreates gruesome historical events in a humorous style.

There are live actors, special effects and rides as well, so you won’t run out of thrills here.

London Eye

One of the most popular attractions in London, the London Eye is an observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames.

At 443 metres high, it’s an amazing viewpoint to look over the city, and not one to be missed among many of London’s attractions.

London Eye on Southbank at Night.

Day 2 – Explore The Southbank And Beyond

While London might be expensive, there are plenty of ways to save money. I have shared money-saving 10 tips when visiting London to help reduce costs.

Tower of London

See the Crown Jewels in this historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames and one of the world’s most famous fortresses.

It has served as a royal palace, a prison, an armory and even a zoo. You can take tours which are guided by the Beefeaters. I covered the Tower of London when I visited during the WW commemoration exhibition.

Sky Garden

This is one of the best places to enjoy views over the city. While the rest of the skyscraper is an office block, the top of the building is a public viewing space complete with a garden, open air terrace, two restaurants and a bar.

I have shared a post on the blog on the Sky Garden and how to book a ticket.

View of St Pauls Cathedral From Madison on One New Change.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

This iconic cathedral offers a multimedia tour or a guided tour to help you explore its beautiful interior.

You can also venture down into the crypt and learn about the tombs and memorials of important people in British history, such as the Duke of Wellington.

Make sure to visit the Whispering Gallery and the Golden Gallery for views over the city.

Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare fans shouldn’t miss this attraction – it’s a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, and is now a lively performing arts venue.

There are guided tours, a gift shop and restaurant on site, and you can even catch a play while you’re there.

tower of london poppies | tower of london pictures

Tower Bridge with view of poppies in Tower of London moat.

Tower Bridge

Arguably the most iconic bridge in London, this is a must see. You can visit the Glass Floor and learn about the story of the Bridge, through interactive displays and videos.

Tower Bridge is just as beautiful during the day and at night.

Borough Market

Grab some lunch at Borough Market, one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. You’ll be spoilt for choice here with cuisine from all over the world.

One of the best places for a good hearty breakfast as well so be sure to check this place out.

London Scotland Ireland itinerary | London scotland Ireland itinerary

Borough Market food.

The Shard

The Shard is a 95 storey skyscraper and is the tallest building in the European Union. It includes three different viewing platforms , as well as a choice of restaurants and bars.

I have shared a post on our stay at Shangri-La which it located within The Shard. For what to expect when visiting the viewing decks at the shard I have shared pictures from the Shard.

West End Show

The West End is a region of London that is home to many theatres. Some of the most famous ones include the Lyceum Theatre, Apollo Victoria and the Adelphi Theatre.

For tips on the best theatre shows to watch in London I have a post on the blog in addition to where to stay in Soho.

Ireland Scotland England travel itinerary | England Scotland ireland itinerary

Magnificent view of Tower Bridge, the Shard and the River Thames at night, London, Uk.

Day 3 in Cambridge(Day Trip From London)

With beautiful architecture, fascinating museums and a picturesque river running through the city, you won’t run out of things to do in Cambridge. Here are some of the best things to see:

Go punting along the river

What better to way to take in the sights than from a romantic little boat? There are plenty of boat tour companies offering trips down the River Cam.

The Bridge of Sighs

This is a beautifully ornate covered bridge across the Cam, connecting the Third Court at St John’s College Cambridge with the New Court. If you go punting, you’ll float underneath it.

Punting in Cambridge

Visit university buildings

The Cambridge University buildings are spread out on either side of the River Cam. It’s worth visiting them just to admire the amazing architecture, especially St. John’s College.

Fitzwilliam Museum

If you like arts and antiques, then this is the place to be. It’s home to artefacts from as far back as 2500 BC and has over half a million artworks.

Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is home to an amazing collection of plants from around the world, spread over 40 acres. There are also several glasshouses which are filled with vibrant flowers and plants.

London Ireland itinerary | London scotland itinerary

Historical buildings in Oxford.

Day 4 in Oxford, Bath and Stonehenge tour (Day Trip From London)

The famous university city of Oxford, the ancient city of Bath and the mysterious and fascinating Stonehenge will give you a glimpse into the history of England.

I haved blogged about how to do a day trip to Oxford from London if you want to do it on your own. Otherwise I recommend doing a tour which covers a lot of ground in one go. There are plenty of tours that combine Oxford, Stonehenge and Bath into one tour.

Oxford Castle

Oxford Castle was originally built in the 10^th century, before being used as a prison in the 14^th century. You can take a tour to discover the history of the castle, which includes climbing to the roof for a view over the city.

Take an architectural tour though Bath

Bath is the only city in the UK that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a walking tour to take in centuries of architectural art. You can find some pictures from a few visits in Bath.

The Roman Baths

No trip to Bath is complete without visiting the Roman Baths. These were used for bathing by the Romans until the end of the 5^th century. Although you can’t bathe there today, you can use interactive exhibits and CGI to learn about how important these baths were.

Stonehenge tour

Stonehenge is arguably the world’s most famous prehistoric monument. This ring of standing stones is a World Heritage Site and attracts millions of people each year.

You can also visit Neolithic houses and the visitor centre to learn more about Neolithic life. There are plenty of companies running tours, so you won’t have difficulty finding one.

Exploring Oxford

Day 5 in London then flight/train to Edinburgh

Spend one more day exploring the capital before you head north to Scotland.

Kensington Palace

This is the offices and residences of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Some historic parts of the palace are open to the public and are available for tours.

Kensington Gardens

These were once part of the Kensington palace grounds, but are now open to the public. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and relax in the beautiful greenery. Visit the Serpentine Galleries or admire the Albert Memorial.

Maggie Jones’s Restaurant

For some lunch, head to Maggie Jones’s restaurant. This farmhouse-style venue serves up simple, British classics like fish pie and apple crumble.

Victoria and Albert Museum

This art and design museum covers 12.5 acres and has 145 galleries filled with 5000 years of art from around the world. It’s a great way to spend the afternoon, and it’s worth checking to see what exhibitions they have on.

If you are leaving on a late flight to Edinburgh and have some flexibility I highly recommend checking out the cool places to visit in Shoreditch. A chic and hip area of London that is full of colourful street art.

England and scotland itinerary | London Ireland itinerary

Street art in Shoreditch – This where you can also find cool markets, cafes and bars.

Pro tip: Check out Omio for train, flight and coach times and compare prices for each mode of transportation on one site.

Flight/train to Edinburgh:

By flight: a nonstop flight would take 1 hour 15 minutes. Depending on the airline, the cost varies between £30 and £85, with EasyJet being the cheapest option.
By train: a train would take between 4.5 hours to 5.5 hours. Depending on the time, an advance single ticket would cost around £73.
Edinburgh also provides a gateway for those that want to combine travel Scotland and Faroe Islands as part of an itinerary.

Scotland Days 5-9

2 days in Edinburgh

Discover Scotland’s hilly capital and immerse yourself in the rich culture. There are plenty of tours you can do in Edinburgh.

From food tours to ghost tours and whisky tasting tours as well as castle tours and Highlands tours.

If you are visiting Edinburgh with a partner and need inspiration on romantic things to do in Edinburgh, I have just the guide.

Day 6 In Edinburgh

Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle sits high above the city, offering panoramic views. It’s home to many items from Scottish history, including the Scottish crown jewels.

At 1pm every day, the gun is fired from here, and this is not one to be missed. While you are here, also make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to dine in the Secret Garden at the Witchery.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

This is right next to Edinburgh Castle, and is packed full of exhibits on optical illusions. There are holograms, a mirror maze and a camera obscura on the top of the building – a fascinating insight into how light and prisms work.

St. Giles’ Cathedral

Founded in the 12^th century, St. Giles’ Cathedral is a stunning gothic style building. You can explore the building in your own time or take a guided tour. Make sure to visit Thistle Chapel to see the beautiful interior.

The Royal Mile

This is a stretch of streets running through the heart of Edinburgh. It runs from Edinburgh Castle all the way to Holyrood Palace, and is dotted with attractions, historical sites, souvenir shops, restaurants and pubs. For more also read my post on things to do in Edinburgh on weekend. If you are a Harry Potter fan you are also in for a treat as just around the corner from Royal Mile is Victoria Street which features among Harry Potter locations in Edinburgh.

Watch a traditional Scottish show

If you want a full cultural experience, you should see a traditional Scottish show, such as the Spirit of Scotland experience.

Local performers will put on a show with musicians, dancers, bagpipes and full Highland dress. A four course traditional Scottish meal is also included.

Edinburgh Castle in Scotland – spring with pink cherry blossom.

Day 7 In Edinburgh

Holyrood Palace

Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. However, it is open to the public to explore the 14 State Apartments, the ruins of the 12^th century Holyrood Abbey and royal gardens. You can purchase your tickets to the palace in advance.

Arthur’s Seat

Arthur’s Seat is an ancient volcano sitting 251 metres above sea level, situation in Holyrood Park. It dates back to 2000 years ago, and is one of four hill forts that are well preserved. It takes about 1-2 hours to climb, so prepare enough time beforehand.

Dynamic Earth

This is a fun, interactive museum all about the history of Earth. There is something for everyone here, with a time machine ride into the past and a spaceship simulation.

HMY Britannia

For over forty years, this ship was the residence of the Royal Family. You can visit the ship and see where Prince Harry and Prince William spent their summer holidays, and where kings and queens and high profile celebrities and leaders dined.

Day 8 in Glasgow

Explore this port city which is also the most populous city in Scotland. Again plenty of tours to immerse yourself into the city’s history, gastronomy and other fun tours for Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands.

Glasgow Cathedral and Necropolis

Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis are a must see to get an insight into the city. The cathedral is one of the oldest buildings in the city, consecrated in 1197.

Marvel at the high Gothic arches and beautiful stained windows. Just behind the cathedral is the Necropolis, which has approximately 3500 monuments and over 50,000 grave sites.

Merchant City

This is one of the most interesting areas in Glasgow, and one of the oldest. Dating back to the 1750s, it was once home to warehouses belonging to traders. Today, the warehouses have been taken over by cool bars, restaurants, designer boutiques and galleries.

The West End

This is a district 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. It has been voted one of the UK’s trendiest neighbourhoods and is you’ll find cute little lanes and leafy streets at every turn. Harry Potter fans shouldn’t miss out on the main building of the University of Glasgow.

Glasgow Botanical Gardens

Located in the West End, these gorgeous gardens are a lovely place for a riverside walk. There are several glasshouses featuring exotic plants, a herb garden and a world rose garden.

Day 9 Highlands tour Loch Ness, Glencoe and Highlands day tour from Edinburgh

A trip to Scotland wouldn’t be complete without exploring its Scotland’s scenic drives and the amazing natural wonders of the Scottish Highlands.

Visit the home of the mythical Loch Ness Monster, the valleys of Glencoe and Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the UK. Check out a day tour here.

As part of your Scottish Highlands itinerary, for the Harry Potter fans, it might be worth checking out the Harry Potter train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

Protip: Getting from Glasgow to Dublin. I would check out options via Omio or book your tickets in advance from RyanAir.

The early in advance you book the cheaper the tickets. With RyanAir just make sure you are able to print your boarding passes or download the app so that you can have the boarding passes on your one.

NOTE: Phone boarding passes are only allowed for those passport holders not requiring a visa to enter the country. If you had to get a UK/Ireland visa in advance then you will need a paper print out that has to be visa checked at the check-in desk.

Flight to Dublin from Glasgow:

A nonstop flight would take 1 hour, and start from £22 with Ryanair

Flight to Dublin from Glasgow:

A nonstop flight would take 1 hour 10 minutes, and start from £29 with Ryanair

Republic of Ireland Days 10-14

2 days in Dublin

The capital of the Republic of Ireland is a mix of heritage and hedonism, and you’ll soon find out why.

Note that I have not included Belfast in this UK and Ireland itinerary but you can get tours from Dublin that also include Belfast for those that want to add in the Giant Causeway.

You have options like this tour from Dublin to Giant Causeway. This way you can do one day in Dublin and one day for the Giant Causeway.

You can also book your tickets in advance for tours like the Guinness Tours, Jameson Whiskey Tours, Big Bus as well as the Dublin Pass.

Day 10 In Dublin

Irish Emigration Museum

The Irish Emigration Museum tells the story of the millions of people who emigrated from Ireland to different places around the world, many of them to America.

You’ll learn about why they emigrated, the process behind it, and building their new lives.

Jeanie Johnston Tallship & Famine Experience

This is a replica of the original Jeanie Johnston ship that carried cargo between Ireland and North America. During the Irish Famine it transported emigrants instead. You can take a tour to learn more about what life was like onboard.

Trinity College and the Long Room

Part of the University of Dublin, Trinity College has several impressive buildings that you can visit. The Old Library is one of the most popular ones, housing over 200,000 books including the Book of Kells – the world’s most famous medieval manuscript.

London Scotland itinerary | England and scotland itinerary

Trinity College Library in Dublin

National Gallery of Ireland

This gallery boasts an incredible collection of Irish and European art. It hosts over 10,000 works of art and 2,500 paintings – including those of Turner and Rembrandt.

Little Museum of Dublin

For a smaller, more intimate look into history, visit the Little Museum of Dublin. Here you can learn about what life in Dublin was like in the 20^th century and has over 5,000 artefacts on display, as well as an exhibit on U2, Ireland’s most famous rock band.

Sunset over River Liffey

Towards the end of the day, make your way down to the River Liffey to catch the sunset. It runs through the centre of the city, and has several bridges which serve as great viewpoints.

Temple Bar district

The Temple Bar district is the place to be if you’re looking for live music and pints of Guinness. There are tons of bars and pubs here, but some of the most popular ones are Bad Bobs, The Temple Bar and The Old Storehouse.

Temple Bar in Dublin

Day 11 In Dublin

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle is actually home to several government buildings that are built up around the old medieval castle. You can take a self-guided tour or a guided tour to explore the main castle, the Chester Beattie Library museum and the Irish police museum.

Christ Church Cathedral

This is Dublin’s oldest medieval cathedral, dating back to 1028. While the Gothic architecture is impressive in itself, you can also visit the crypt to see a number of attractions including a mummified cat and rat, and collection of silverware.

Dublinia

Dublinia is a fun museum where you can learn about medieval and Viking Dublin. There are exhibits and model houses which show you what life was like back then. You can also climb up to the top of St. Michael’s Tower to take in the views.

Kilmainham Gaol

Although this is further away from the city centre, it’s definitely worth visiting. There have been several noble inmates who were executed here during the 1916 revolution. Some scenes in the original The Italian Job film was filmed here, as well as Paddington 2.

Guinness Storehouse

Dublin’s most popular attraction is the Guinness Storehouse. This seven storey attraction is located in St. James’s Gate Brewery, where Ireland’s favourite drink has been brewed since 1759. You can learn all about Guinness here, and a pint is included in your ticket price.

Day 12 in Galway

This little harbour city on the west coast will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to Medieval Ireland. An unmissable stop on any Ireland road trip.

Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum exhibits three floors of the history of Galway City, and is located with fantastic views over the Spanish Arch, River Corrib and Galway Bay.

Galway Cathedral

This cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in the city, and its huge octagonal dome is visible from miles away. Although it was only constructed in the 1950s, it is designed with some eclectic Renaissance and Romanesque details. It has a stunning collection of art which is also worth a visit.

Eyre Square

Situated in the heart of the city, Eyre Square is a public park and a great place to take a break from exploring. It is officially called the John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, in remembrance of the US President who made a speech there.

Dunguaire Castle

This is a gorgeous 16^th century tower house on the shore of Galway Bay, and is within walking distance from the city centre. It is open to the public all year, and in the summer months it offers local entertainment and banquets.

Kenny Gallery

This was originally a family-run bookshop in WW2, and has now expanded into an extensive art gallery. Apart from hosting over half a million books, it also showcases the works of local and international artists.

The Cliffs of Moher, Irelands Most Visited Natural Tourist Attraction, sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland.

Day 11 Cliffs of Moher (+Options)

These stunning natural masterpieces are only a 90 minute drive from Galway city. They run for 8km along the coast and rise to 214m. It is a haven for wildlife and you can spot puffins, peregrine falcons and razorbills.

Take the Doolin Cliff Walk and explore the beautiful cliff views. We rented a car from Dublin and this region of Ireland on our own but you have the option to let someone else take the reigns and sort out transport and stops for you and do a tour from Dublin.

I have shared a detailed post on the best tours from Dublin to Cliffs of Moher.

Optional day:

Chill and explore more of Dublin

Take the opportunity to explore more of Dublin. Whiskey fans can take a tour of the old Jameson Distillery and learn about how the spirit is made.

You can also stroll around the city and take in the sights like St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Spire of Dublin and the Ha’penny Bridge.

Day trip to Giant’s Causeway

Another option is to visit the Giant’s Causeway and see the majestic 40,000 basalt stone columns which were left behind by a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago.

Explore the trails and take in the coastal scenery at this UNESCO Heritage Site. Personalised guided tours and audio guides are also available.

How To Plan A Trip To England Ireland And Scotland

Deciding when to visit the UK is an important aspect as prices for flights and hotels in the UK will all rise and fall depending on season.

So if you are for example coming to watch the NYE fireworks in London, expect to pay a premium for hotels and flights but the more in advance you book the better.

Among the best times to visit London are just after new years, just before Spring, in addition to autumn. I find that prices are a little more reasonable.

Visiting in the summer is also a delight everything just looks beautiful when the sun is out and you can experience summer in many of our beautiful parks.

Whatever time you visit the UK, the cities are still beautiful even when its raining. For tips on what to pack when visiting London in spring or summer I have shared a guide on all the essentials to bring.

While this winter has been mild, also read my guide on things to pack for London in winter so you don’t miss anything. If this is your first time visiting Europe I also have a guide on the essential items to pack for a trip to Europe.

Below are some guide books for travel in UK and Republic of Ireland to help you plan your trip even further.

The beauty of the itinerary above is that you can split and cut any way you want. If you only have time to do the London and Scotland itinerary part or you can just to England and Scotland itinerary and skip Ireland.

If you have the full two weeks you can complete the whole England, Scotland and Ireland travel itinerary.

For those lucky enough to be travelling a month in the UK and Ireland you can really take your time to explore the countries and maybe even add more UK cities not included in this two-week itinerary.

If you have additional time to spare, be sure to add Cork’s famous Blarney Stone.

UK Travel Tips – Planning your travel for the England Scotland Ireland itinerary:

I have linked to many post on the blog that also provide you with additional information on putting together your itinery. From where to stay, things to do to getting around in London, Scotland and Ireland.

London/England Travel: You have buses, trains and tram making it super easy to see the city. London is actually a walkable city, which surprises many American tourists considering not many US cities are walkable.

You do not need to rent a car in London but may choose to do so if you are visiting Oxford or Cambridge. Again you only need the car to get there. Those cities do not require a car to explore.

Scotland Travel: There plenty of trains leaving London to Scotland which means you can start with either Glasgow or Edinburgh. You have plenty of options.

You can also fly there cheaply! Sometimes the flight is cheaper from London to Scotland than the train is. Yep – think how irritating that must be for us. Getting around Edinburgh and Glasgow is super easy.

There are buses and the cities are walkable as well so you can walk off all that haggis!

Ireland Travel: Travel in Dublin is great, with the city being walkable but for some areas, you will obviously need to use the trams which are plenty in Dublin.

The problem I find occurs when you are traveling outside Dublin as transportation is not that great. There are trains but for places like Cliffs of Moher which I will post about in more detail, you really either need to do a tour or drive yourself there.

This way you have the flexibility to stop in Galway and many other towns in between. Be sure to also include Ireland’s national parks such as the beautiful Killarney National Park.

The Best Time To Visit The UK

While any time is a great time to visit the UK, you will find that the best time to visit would be between end of March to late September because the UK weather is at is most ideal for exploring.

The end of March is when the weather starts to get better. We get a lot less rain making it ideal to explore on foot.

As we head into Spring/Summer, you have more activities that open up to you, particularly outdoor activities.

I also just love being able to chill in the park without the rain, or dining outside cafes and restaurants while the sun is shining.

Visiting during a long itinerary such as this when the weather is at its best means that you can get more options for ways you choose to explore, particularly when it comes to Ireland where transportation isn’t as great as the UK.

In poor weather, you may find it best to hire a car, whereas when the weather is great you don’t mind getting the buses so much.

How To Spend One Day In Lisbon – The Perfect Itinerary!

January 24, 2020 by admin 5 Comments

One day in Lisbon is enough to scratch the surface and see the main sights, but it will leave you wanting more.

If you only have a few days to spend in Portugal, it’s worth taking the time to plan thoroughly so that you manage to see all the popular attractions in Lisbon.

I have shared tips on how to spend 3 days in Lisbon but for those that are tight on time this one day Lisbon itinerary will take you through all the things not to miss in Lisbon.

To save time on travelling get a Viva Viagem card, which I mentioned in the Getting Around Lisbon post as it gives you access to all of the buses, trams, and metro lines and makes it quick and easy to whizz around.

You can even try the tuk-tuks which are plentiful and offer tours to popular attractions, they can be expensive, but they’re open to haggling and they’re quick to zip in and out of traffic.

If you are limited on time I would suggest getting the Lisboa Card instead, as that includes free transportation in addition to free entrance to all the cool places to visit in Lisbon in one day mentioned below.

Get the Viva Viagem card if you are in Lisbon longer.

Santa Justa Lift – Free entrance with the Lisboa card.

One Day Lisbon Itinerary – Things To Do In Lisbon In One Day

I have dreamed about visiting Portugal for a long time. So if you are in beautiful Lisbon, I recommend you start your day early as you only have one day to explore Lisbon. Grab breakfast at any of the cool cafes in Lisbon I have previously shared.

Or if you are in the mood for a hearty breakfast, check out my post on the best breakfast places in Lisbon and then head out to your first stop in Lisbon.

Pro Tip! Buy your Lisboa card in advance for your one day tour of Lisbon as it offers the following:

Free transportation on the Lisbon Metro subway and buses, trams, lifts of CARRIS lines, CP Train Lisboa -Sintra, Lisboa – Cais do Sodré, Lisboa – Azambuja, Fertagus Lisboa – Setúbal.
Free pass in 35 museums, monuments and places of interest.
10% to 50% discount on local services and cultural and tourist interest. 5% to 10% discount in participating stores for wide range of genuinely Portuguese articles.

Belem

If you’re staying in the centre of Lisbon, the best tactic is to start on the outskirts and work your way back to the main town.

Hop on the number 15 tram at Praça do Comercio and go out to Belem on the west side of the city to start your day.

Avoid the coach tours and the general hordes by arriving early, if you can be up and out of the hotel early to be in Belem before 10 am, and then you’ll beat the crowds.

For additional tips on all the places to visit in Belem check out my guide.

Hit Pasteis de Belem for the famous original custard tart as early as possible, there is an inside cafe where you can have an espresso and a pastry, or you can buy a pack of six pasteis to take away and enjoy by the fountain in the nearby monastery gardens.

These are the only tarts that can be called Pasteis de Belem as they are made right here in the area, elsewhere in Lisbon and Portugal (and the rest of the world) they must be called Pasteis de Nata.

Each bakery has its own secret recipe for their custard tarts, but these were the originals and were originally baked by the nuns as a way of using up the egg yolks that were left over after the whites were used in wine production and the convent laundries.

Before you hit the sweet stuff, make sure you check out Portugal’s traditional dishes.

Views From MAAT

Jeronimos Monastery

Your one full day trip in Lisbon a visit to this place is a much. The vast building overlooks the wide Tejo river flowing out to the ocean, and in the Age of Discoveries, the church on the site was the final place for sailors to pray before they set out for the New World.

The current monastery commenced construction in 1501 and was completed 100 years later in 1601.

If you go inside the monastery and church, you are still able to walk around the cloisters and admire the architectural details inspired by the monastery’s position next to the water, and the treasure trove from the New World.

You have to buy your tickets in the main building, then go to the monastery entrance, in the summertime, there are long queues with no shade so buy your tickets in advance if you can. Free entrance with the Lisboa card.

one day lisbon itinerary | one day lisbon itinerary

Jeronimos Monastery – Free entrance with the Lisboa card.

Monument to the Discoveries

Walk through the gardens in front of the monastery and through the underpass that leads to the river, and you will emerge right under the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.

The monument faces out to sea and has Prince Henry the Navigator, so-called because he had the vision to fund the voyages to the new world, at the prow of his ship.

You can also see 32 other figures ranged behind him, all carrying symbols such as compasses, swords, or crosses that help you guess the part they played in conquering the New World.

The tiled map in front of the monuments which shows all the Portuguese sea routes and the lands that were part of the empire.

Monument to the Discoveries

Belem Tower

As far as what to do in Lisbon in one day, you cannot miss a visit to Belem Tower.

You can walk downriver to the Belem Tower in about ten minutes after visiting the Discoveries Monument, and it’s a pleasant stroll along a riverside promenade. You’ll be wowed by the 16th century Belem Tower.

A famous Lisbon landmark this mini-castle is the point from which the explorers set sail for the new world.

See if you can find the rhino sculpted on the outer wall of the tower! Free entrance with the Lisboa card.

Torre di Belem

Time Out Market – Things Not To Miss In Lisbon!

Head back to the city via train from Belem to Cais do Sodré, tram from opposite the monastery, or uber to the Time Out Market.

No 1 day Libon itinerary would be complete without food. The market is a great place to try some authentic Portuguese dishes for lunch, and you can finish your meal with an ice cream for the Santini’s kiosk.

This traditional gelato -maker started with a shop in Estoril just outside Lisbon and has a wide variety of flavours, including vinho verde!

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Que tal terminar a semana com um copo de vinho no #TimeOutMarketLisboa? 🍷 | 📸: @zabeti #TOMfoodies #ourfoodies #timeoutmarketlisboa #winelovers #vinhotinto #redwine #lisboa #timeoutbar #bardaodete

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Praça do Comércio

You can head back to the river from the Time Out Market, then walk along towards the main square of Praça do Comercio.

This vast square has always been the main market square in Lisbon and was decimated, along with much of Lisbon in the Earthquake of 1755.

The houses around the square were rebuilt quickly, and Lisbon is the city with the oldest street grid system in Europe due to this need to build rapidly.

The architecture is known as ‘Pombalina’ after the Marques de Pombal, who was instrumental in the reconstruction of the city in the 18th century.

With your back to the Tejo river head right up into the winding streets of the Alfama and head up to the Castelo Sao Jorge, via the Sé de Lisboa and the Mirador Santa Luzia.

Sights to see in Lisbon | What to see in lisbon in one day

Augustus Arch – There is a viewpoint at the top too. Free entrance with the Lisboa card.

Explore Alfama Neighbourhood

Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon and is a warren of houses and streets which climb towards the castle.

The Se, Lisbon’s cathedral, sits on the edge of the district, and parts of it date back to the 13th century, but it too fell victim to the famous earthquake, and it has been partially reconstructed and renovated to what you see today.

This is an unmissable neighbourhood on your Lisbon itinerary whether you have one day, 2 days or 3.

Mirador In Alfama – (Miradors are viewpoints in Lisbon which are dotted around the city.)

Continue past the cathedral square up the hill until you get to the mirador Santa Luzia, from here you have a fantastic view over the city to the Christ Redeemer statue on the other bank of the river.

Check out the detailed tiled mural depicting the soldier who ended the four-month siege of Lisbon in 1147.

The story goes that the knight Martim Moniz discovered a side gate of the castle open at a time when the moors had decamped inside the walls to protect themselves from the Christians who wanted to reconquer Lisbon.

The small gate was open, and Martim alerted his comrades who raced around to gain access to the castle, the Moorish guards noticed that the Christian knights were trying to enter but as they closed the gate, the brave Martim wedged his body in the gap, thus holding it open.

He was crushed to death, but his name has been legend ever since. The famous Martim Moniz gate is to the north of the castle and overlooks a square that also bears his name.

As your time is limited, it’s better to admire the Sao Jorge Castle from the outside; the inside is pleasant, but it was reconstructed during the time of the Salazar dictatorship rather than being an original fortification.

Baixa-Chiado

Among the cool sights to see in Lisbon this part of town. Head down the hill into Chiado at the end of the day for coffee and a little shopping.

You can ride the Santa Justa Lift(see third image in the post), an iron elevator built in 1902 from river level to the streets above for a few euros, or you can walk up the steps built into the sides of the roads.

This district has plenty of boutiques and bars to explore, so give your legs a rest before you head up to Rossio square.

Rossio

In the centre of Rossio Square stands a statue of King Pedro VI atop a tall column.

He is cast in bronze and shown in his general’s uniform and royal cloak with a crown of laurel atop his head, and a representation of the Constitutional Charter of 1826 in his right hand.

Ranged around the base of the corinthian column are the allegorical figures of Wisdom, Strength, Justice, and Moderation, all qualities attributed to the 4th king of Portugal and 1st Emperor of Brazil.

Rossio Square with beautiful fountains and tiled ground

Local legend has it that the statue itself was initially designed for Emperor Maximillian I of Mexico and was on its way to the New World on a ship via Lisbon when the news came in 1867 that he had been shot.

According to the stories the statue was offloaded into a Lisbon warehouse where it languished until someone had the bright idea to repurpose it for Rossio square.

People say that Maximillian’s head was struck off and a replacement likeness of King Pedro IV was cast and attached in time for the statue to be erected in 1870, and this is the reason that the column is so tall.

Local historians have since proved this story fake by pointing out the details that clearly mark the statues as representing a Portuguese figure, such as the Portuguese Coat of Arms on the buttons and the Portuguese Order of the Tower and Sword collar.

It’s still a fun story and one which you are likely to hear tour guides tell their groups in Rossio Square.

This one-day whistle-stop tour of Lisbon gives you enough to see the main attractions. But there are lots of hidden treasures tucked away for you to save until next time you visit too.

Rossio Station in Lisbon

Have More Than A Day In Lisbon?

If you have more than a day in Lisbon I would highly recommend a quick day trip to Sintra which is easily accessible via train from Rossio.

Tickets are less than 3 Euros and the journey is about 45 minutes. I have covered places to visit in Sintra in a separate post that I have also linked.

How To Get Around In Lisbon

Getting around Lisbon is pretty easy. You have trams, trains, taxis, Uber and buses. You will need to use at least one or two of these methods to get around, when getting from the Airport to Lisbon central.

You can explore Lisbon on foot but as this is a city built on hills, you will find that you need to break up your walking with getting trams in the city.

Particularly you will need to get the trams to get to Belem and other places further from where you are staying. If you have a Lisboa card, public transport is free.

For tickets, you have options for single tickets, 24 hour tickets, Zapping your card(a charge card). For a complete guide on how to get around Lisbon, read my post for info.

Using The Lisboa Card

Is the Lisboa card worth it? Well, you can get access to 29 museums, monuments and more, it also includes unlimited use of public transport, in addition there are many more tourist attractions offered at a reduced price. You can choose between, 1-2 or 3 day Lisbon pass.

The Best Time To Visit Lisbon

I have had the please of visiting both winter and warmer months and Lisbon is still just as beautiful, hence one why its among the best places to visit in Europe of a bit of winter sun.

Visiting just before the summer is probably best as during the summer the city is just too busy and congested more than the usual congestion which isn’t a pleasant experience.

You have to wait a lot longer for trams and buses as most are too busy to get on. My recommendation for the best time to visit would be winter months and spring as well as autumn.

Where To Stay In Lisbon

I would recommend staying in Alfama district, Baixa Chiado, Rossio as these are fairly central and within walking distance to attractions.

I would also say that it really doesnt matter so much where you stay as the sites are spread out through the city, that you will no doubt have to use a tram or two to get around. Check out my post on the best places to stay in Lisbon.

There you have it, what you see in Lisbon in one day. Have you been to Portugal? Are you planning your first visit to Lisbon? What else do you think should be added to this 1 day Lisbon itinerary?

The Perfect Oxford Day Trip Itinerary – With Tips On Travel From London

December 11, 2019 by admin 6 Comments

Oxford is certainly one of those cities that you will want to go back to again and again but for when time is limited there is a need for the perfect day trip itinerary to make the most of your time.

Everywhere you turn, you’re met with stunning medieval and bold, contemporary buildings that define the city and the whole country.

While it is undeniable that the construction which makes Oxford so famous worldwide is the Old Oxford University, it wouldn’t be fair to give it all the credit for Oxford’s beauty.

There are plenty of things to do in Oxford, surprising considering the size of Oxford. A lot of people are drawn to the city by the historic castles, free museums, classical theatres and tranquil parks.

Also, many cozy bars and taverns in cobbled streets and alleys, where you can relax and take a moment to breathe in the city’s atmosphere. Even though it is a small place, it does have a lot to offer!

To help you navigate your way through this magical place, I have created a one-day itinerary that with a list of all the most important spots to visit as well as information and tips about transport, including how to get to Oxford from London!

Getting to and from Oxford From London

I have had the pleasure of living in Oxford for 2 years and explored many beautiful villages in Oxford but even now that I am back in London, I have made many a journey back to Oxford.

There are several ways to reach Oxford. Travel from Oxford to London or vice versa is super easy. You can take a train, go by car, or catch a bus. Located 97km northwest of London, Oxford is roughly 53 miles (85 km) from London, so whichever way you choose to travel, it won’t take very long, unless you happen to be travelling at peak times.

Travelling To Oxford By Train

Travelling by train is perhaps the fastest option, although a bit more expensive than choosing an alternative of travelling by bus.

Trains leave for Oxford Station every 5 to 10 minutes from Paddington Station.

The journey takes more or less an hour. In 2019, standard round trip, off-peak tickets were about £25, but much cheaper round trip fares are available when purchased as two, one-way tickets, well in advance.

Keep in mind that peak fares will be more expensive during Monday to Friday (not on public holidays) between 06:30 and 09:30, and between 16:00 and 19:00.

How To Get From London To Oxford By Bus

A very convenient way to travel as there are buses running frequently 24 hours per day. The Oxford Tube company is a popular choice, which leaves London Victoria Coach Station around every 10 to 20 minutes.

The journey takes about an hour and 40 minutes. The Oxford Tube has pick -up points from multiple stops in London and in Oxford.

The fare costs £9 one way or £15 for round-trip. There are multiple trip deals, as well as student, senior and child fares available. You can also purchase a ticket on the bus.

Another similar company you could use is x90, another direct coach service that takes you from Oxford to London in around 120 minutes.

Whether you’re shopping, sightseeing or visiting family and friends, there are coaches leaving up to every 30 minutes for most of the day from London and Oxford.

They have different pick-up points throughout London including Victoria station, and you can check for the most convenient an X90 that costs £8 one way for an adult or £14 period return.

Pro tip: You can search for tickets for trains and coaches under one site that lets you compare departing times and prices all in one! Check out Omio for buses, trains and flight options although flights are not necessary for this journey.

You can also download the tickets onto your mobile phone to save you printing tickets for the bus from London to Oxford or the train tickets.

Car; Driving To Oxford From London

Oxford is 62 miles northwest of London via the M4, M25, M40 and A roads.

It takes about an hour and a half to drive and as a commuter route using motorways, its an easy driving which I have done about million times while I was living and working in Oxford so drove between London and Oxford for nearly two year. If you don’t have a car, car rentals are super cheap.

The few times I had issues with our car, I used to get off at Didcot where there is a Europcar across from the station where you can rent a car for about £20 a day, you also have rentals from Heathrow Airport which is near the M4 on the route to Oxford.

Or if coming from London there are plenty of really great places to pick up from.

The reason I mentioned the airport is that you can sometimes find rentals cheaper depending on where you are picking up from. To search for car rentals check out EasyCar rentals.

If you do decide to travel by car, prices for the parking areas in Oxford are:

A quick warning though, finding a free parking spot can be quite difficult. Here’s a link in case you want to check to Oxford parking price for specific locations. (starting at £4 for up until 1 hour).

Oxford also has the park and ride where you can drop your car off in a bigger car park and then take a shuttle into the town centre.

Public transport In Oxford:

Since Oxford is really not that big of a city and many sites are easy to reach on foot, if weather permits, you may want to simply walk.

However, the local bus network is very comprehensive and it is quite easy to get on a bus in various part of the city. The city’s main bus and coach station is at Gloucester Green.

You can purchase a 24 hour day pass which entitles you to unlimited travel for 24 hours from time of purchase.

The pass includes travel on all local services and includes Thames Travel and Stagecoach services within SmartZone.

Not valid on Stagecoach night services. Just £4.30 – buy from the driver. Alternatively, you can also purchase single fares directly from the driver at around £1.20. Find more information at Oxford Bus.

Okay, now that you know how to find your way around, let’s look at some places that you will definitely will not want to miss once you are ready for your one day in Oxford!

The Perfect Oxford Day Trip Itinerary | Things To Do In Oxford

While I have mentioned details for how to get to Oxford from London so that you can do your day trip from London to Oxford with ease, for the itinerary below, it doesn’t matter whether you are coming from London or somewhere north of Oxford.

My only recommendation is to leave as early as possible so that you can make the most of your Oxford one day trip from London or wherever you are coming from in the UK.

Morning Activities In Oxford

Your one day in Oxford starts off with the very popular sites in Oxford such as Carfax Tower and Christ Church College.

So make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes for your Oxford trip as this itinerary assumes you will be walking around the city from sight to sight.

Among the list of things do in Oxford in one day are of course the Bridge of Sighs which is not to be missed…

Carfax Tower

On the crossroads between the High Street, St Aldate’s, Cornmarket Street and Queen Street lies Carfax Tower, right in the heart of the city.

In fact, many consider this to be the true center of the city, and it’s the spot from which distances to other towns and cities are measured. The tower which was constructed with defense purposes is now the most important city’s landmark.

Carfax Tower price: You can climb the narrow spiral staircase up to the top for around £3 for a perfect view of the High Street and the surrounding buildings.

Christ Church College

Part of the University of Oxford, this college is an absolute must! It is truly an awe-inspiring site, with the beautiful quads and buildings, including the Cathedral.

It comes at almost no surprise that the well-known Harry Potter scenes were filmed in various locations of Christ Church College including the quads, cloisters and the staircase.

The college’s dining hall was recreated as the Great Hall in the film! By the way, it is actually still a working dining hall where students eat their meal every day.

As this is the most popular (and spectacular) college to visit, you will need to purchase a ticket to enter at a relatively small fee (around).

We strongly recommend checking for individual opening times and possible closures for the day of your tour in Oxford at their official website:

And if it happens to be closed, don’t worry, there are many other sites that will keep you engaged. We recommend checking out one (or more) of the following colleges as they are also pretty unique and interesting to see:

David’s College, Exeter College and Trinity College.

And by the way, in case you’re confused about what actually is Oxford University, here is an explanation: one of the oldest Universities in the world, Oxford University is made up of thirty-eight colleges, each of which is independently governed.

There’s no campus, with all the colleges, halls, faculties and departments set throughout the city center, that is why there is no one specific building that counts as the Oxford University, like some other universities.

Oxford Castle

Built for William the Conqueror in 1071, it was unfortunately largely destroyed after the English Civil War, but here is your chance to wander through the remaining part of this historic building for an overview of the extraordinary history of the city of Oxford.

Here you can also see the prison cells used by the defeated Royalists in this castle, which remained in use until 1996!

Afternoon Activities For Your Oxford Trip

Radcliff Camera

The Radcliffe Camera

Make sure to walk through the Radcliffe Square to marvel at another iconic Oxford’s building that is the Radcliffe Camera.

This large, circular building was designed by James Gibbs and built in 1737-1749. Built in the English Palladian style, it forms part of the Bodleian Library complex.

The Bodleian Library

Being the oldest working library in Europe, it is a top location to visit. The unique Gothic interior, vast collection of accumulated books and writings (around 9 million), cozy atmosphere is a perfect reflection of many years of heritage.

Bridge of Sighs

Hertford Bridge, often called “the Bridge of Sighs”, is a skyway joining two parts of Hertford College over New College Lane in Oxford, England. Yet another architectural wonder of Oxford, a majestic piece of art.

The Bridge Of Sighs In Oxford

Sheldonian Theatre

This 17^th century venue with a global reputation visually as well as acoustically makes it a popular place of interest.

The theater was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, who turned his back on the popular Gothic style and based his plans on the 1st century BC Theatre of Marcellus in Rome. However, the rood had to be rebuilt in 1802 by George Saunders.

The Oxford University Museum of Natural History

Also known simply as the Oxford University Museum, this temple displays wonderful history of natural science in a detailed yet comprehensible manner.

Observe many University of Oxford’s natural history specimens, including the famous Oxford Dodo (the most such complete remains and said to have inspired Charles Dodgson, aka Lewis Carroll, in creating the character in Alice in Wonderland) and others.

The University of Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum

The oldest botanic garden in Great Britain and one of the oldest scientific gardens in the world, is home to a collection of over 5,000 different types of plant, some of which exist nowhere else.

It is a remarkable garden with splendid greenhouses. Definitely a must for any nature lover! Take a stroll in an oasis of tranquility. Ticket costs around £4.

Punting in Oxford

Early Evening In Oxford

Go punting

When it comes to romantic things to do in Oxford, this is one is top among Oxford date night ideas. Whether you spend one day in Oxford or a whole weekend affair, this is another activity not to be missed. Particularly great in the summer but even in the winter they will give you a blanket if doing punting with a tour company.

In the spring and summer during a warm day, enjoy punting along Oxford’s stunning River Cherwell. Situated underneath Magdalen College Tower, at the lower end of Oxford’s world famous high street you will find Magdalen Bridge Boathouse.

Here you can hire traditionally crafted punts, rowing boats or spoil yourself by hiring a Chauffeured boat. You may also opt to move this to early in the day for a little break from walking.

Ashmolean Museum (open until 5pm)

If you have worked through the list above with ease another place worth checking out is the Ashmolean Museum.

The most important museum of art and archaeology, allows you to step into half a million years of history. From mummies to modern art, it offers a huge amount of very interesting knowledge to take home with you!

Map Of Of Places Of Interest In Oxford

Map of museums, libraries, cafes and places of interest in Oxford. As you can see, many of the places are within walking distance making doing an oxford day trip itinerary fairly easy.

Places To Eat In Oxford During Your Day Trip

Ha! You thought, this girl is crazy and hasn’t included food, who does she think she is?! Hold your horses! I come with options. So as you have only one day in Oxford so choosing where to eat is just as important so that you feel as if you have completely got a well-rounded experience of Oxford.

For your Oxford day trip, especially if this your first time in Oxford, you may also want to experience cool gems for places to eat in Oxford.

So below are some options to consider not only for quick coffees but afternoon tea, lunch or even light dinner before you get back on the train, bus or car to return home or your hotel.

The Grand Cafe

One cannot complete a day trip to Oxford is complete without a visit to the historic Grand Café. Located on the Sat on the site of the first coffee house in England. This cute and elegant café is the place to head for a sophisticated high tea.

I have shared tips on tasty but affordable afternoon teas In London but while in Oxford this is another past time not to miss out on. Taste the delicious finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and petit fours and endless cups of tea.

Rest your feet as you discuss how to tackle the rest of your Oxford day trip itinerary. If you leave this to the end of the day then you can chill until its time to get the bus to the station.

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The site of the first coffee house in England 📍During the day serving lunch, cream teas and high teas. ☕️

A post shared by The Grand Café (@thegrandcafe_oxford) on Mar 14, 2019 at 8:35am PDT

Thirsty Meeples

Thirsty Meeples is another popular spot worthy of checking out. Something of an Oxford institution, Thirsty Meeples is the city’s first and only board game café.

They have over 2,500 games to choose from, and you are invited to grab a table, pick your game and get competitive over a cup of great coffee or craft beer.

The food menu is not that extensive but there is a choice of freshly made sandwiches, hot snacks and bowls of nuts, crisps and sweets for when your attention is on the game!

Note that Thirsty Meeples can get busy very quickly, so it’s always best to book ahead if you can, especially if you’re coming with a large group of friends.

Cafe Coco

A chilled out cafe for a relaxed affair. They serve breakfast, mezza and pizzas too.

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Breakfast of champions! . Have you tried our Shakshuka yet? 🍛 . Veggie options available🌱 . #CaféCofo #magicatmosphere

A post shared by Cafe CoCo Oxford (@cafecocooxford) on Sep 26, 2019 at 3:01am PDT

Ashmolean Rooftop Restaurant

After a long day, it is good to treat yourself with a nice big meal and a drink. You’ve deserve it! Ashmolean serves up much more than items of historical importance from around the world.

Up on the top level you can sit down to smoked haddock gratin or butternut squash risotto. Also, it’s worth going just for the panorama. Or, simply grab a drink to complement the view, and reflect on your experience in wonderful Oxford.

Pub Food

Don’t forget that your also have a few pubs dotted around the town centre if you love a good hearty pub meal. Many of which are filling and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. For pub grab you can check out the Kings Arms and The Oxford Kitchen.

Oxford Sightseeing Tour | Oxford Tour Guide

While Oxford is fairly easy to navigate, if you find yourself overwhelmed searching what to see in Oxford in one day, there are Oxford tour guides.

You can do an Oxford tour from London, you can also choose to do Oxford city walking tour when you arrive and then explore on your own for the rest of the afternoon and implement some of the elements from this itinerary to mix things up a little.

The tours also allow you to forget about how to travel from London to Oxford as some of that is sorted out for your by the tour company. Below are a couple of Oxford day tours from London.

- Combine Warner Bros Harry Potter Tour With Day Trip To Oxford
- Oxford And Cambridge Day Trip From London

Private Guided Tour Of Oxford From London(By Train)
You can find additional options for coach trips to Oxford as well as combined tours on Viator.

Planning Your One Day Trip To Oxford.

Decide on whether you want to do DIY or booked tour.
Search which mode of transportation is best for you. If you are a group I would recommend booking a car because if you use the train you will likely pay upwards of £100 for return train tickets when a car might cost your about £40 for one day plus the £5 parking at a park and ride and then £3 bus returns into Oxford. You can walk around Oxford using the rest of your savings on food or shopping in Oxford.
If you are using the coach to Oxford, you can opt to stay near Victoria Coach Station so you can catch the earliest bus to Oxford from London Victoria.
Explore Oxford for the day and return up to rest and relax.

Have More Than A Day In Oxford?

Other Things To Do In Oxford

If you have more than a day or are planning a weekend in Oxford there are plenty of other things to do in Oxford beside the above places mentioned in the Oxford day trip itinerary. These are below:

Visit and explore the beautiful Blenheim Palace. You can also have afternoon tea at the palace before exploring the gardens to walk off the tea and cake.
Explore nearby villages in Oxford from Wantage, Abingdon, Didcot, Blewbury and many others.
Visit Cotswolds nearby.
Go shopping at Bicester Village with all the amazing discounts at designer outlets.
Explore Britain’s oldest botanical gardens by checking out the Oxford Botanical Garden.
Explore the beautiful parks in Oxford. Perfect for picnics if visiting Oxford in the summer.

Where To Stay In Oxford

As I mentioned above, I lived in Oxford while working there so I got to stay at many of the cute English villages in Oxford.

I got to know many of the roads around Oxford as I frequently drove from London to Oxford so when it comes to where to stay in Oxford, if you are only here for the weekend I would suggest staying as central as possible.

If you are spending a week or more in Oxford then pick one of the villages to stay and explore the area.

Experience the little pubs and explore local living in the countryside. For hotels in Oxford in the city center see below my recommendations.

Budget Accommodation In Oxford(hotels below £50)

Mid-Range Hotels In Oxford(hotels below £100)

Heather House B&B
Vocos Oxford Spires
Courtyard By Marriot Oxford City Centre
St Margarets Hotel
Malborough House Hotel
The Burlington House(A 5* hotel under £100!)

Luxury Hotel In Oxford(hotels above £100)

Stylish accommodation with views of Oxford Colleges.

Museum Hotels Oxford
Head of the River
Malmaison Oxford(A boutique hotel that used to be a Victorian prison!)
Old Bank Hotel
Macdonald Randolph Hotel (The epitome of English luxury)

For the full list of hotels in Oxford check out booking.com.

Visiting The More Of The UK? Also Read:

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The Perfect London & Paris Itinerary – In 1 Week

November 28, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

I love a multi-city itinerary trip, so this post is done in mind with those like me who like to get their money’s worth.

The perfect London and Paris itinerary for 6-7 days. The first city is London and the second is Paris, deeply different but they both have so much beauty to tell.

London is a pomegranate. Sweet, sour, juicy, a fruit to be shelled. Impossible to eat it all together. London is evasive: it escapes definitions.

Every time you exit from the tube (metro), it’s a different city. In this Paris and London itinerary guide, you will find some tips for visiting London in 3 days before taking the Eurostar to Paris.

Particularly perfect especially if it’s your first time visiting the two cities. I have also shared a one day London itinerary for those short on time as well as tips on the best areas to stay in London for first-time visitors.

What To See In London In 3 days

Keep calm and have a cuppa: it is normal to feel lost. How do you organize an itinerary when there are so many things to see?

When visiting a city full of places of interest like London, the important thing is not to get caught up in the desire to see everything.

You will never succeed, especially if the time at your disposal is limited. First things first, for tips on getting to central London from Heathrow airport, Gatwick, Standsted, Luton and City Airport, I have linked to my guide on all transport options from tube, overground, coach and taxi options with cost estimates too.

What To See In London In three Days At A Glance

Give yourself priorities. List only the things you absolutely cannot miss. The ones you would eat your hands off. Choose based on your passions and interests, don’t just visit the most famous places.

Day 1 In London: From Borough Market to Buckingham Palace

Borough Market – delicious food!
From Tower Bridge to Millennium Bridge
Tate Modern Museum
Big Ben, House of Parliament and London Eye
From Westminster to Buckingham Palace

Day 2 In London: From Notting Hill to 5am tea

Portobello Road and Notting Hill
Old Spitalfields Market
Brick Lane
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

Day 3 Day In London: Between museums and Camden Town

National Gallery
Camden Town

Pro tip: While London might be expensive know that there are ways to save money in London also you can combine your visit with exploring many of the free things to do in London. Some of which I have already included in this post.

The Perfect One Week London And Paris Itinerary

Day 1 In London – Tower Bridge, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace

A great place to start your discovery of London is the Southbank, a district between the Thames and Waterloo station, where there are some landmark buildings of the city.

You can walk the length of the banks on the River Thames and see many of the tourist sights.

Borough Market, one of the largest food markets in London, with a wide selection of ethnic street food and local products. This place is not to be missed.

The nearest subway station is London Bridge. This can be combined with a visit to many cool places to visit in London Bridge.

From Tower Bridge to Millennium Bridge

The iconic towers of Tower Bridge emerge from the river a short distance from Borough Market. The usual photo is a must. We continue towards Westminster along the Thames until we reach another famous bridge, the futuristic Millennium Bridge.

Note that depending on your start in London, this place is also great to visit at night. For evening pictures check out my post on Tower Bridge at night.

Behind the Millennium Bridge there are two institutions of London culture: the Shakespeare’s Globe, a modern reconstruction of Shakespeare’s legendary theatre (what a thrill it must be to watch a live show!), And the Tate Modern gallery.

Crossing the bridge, you can instead reach the St. Paul’s Cathedral, whose dome soars above the river.

The Tate Modern Museum for Contemporary Art

Visit the Tate Modern, a temple of modern art with over 4 million visitors a year. Admission is free, while seeing its permanent collection and temporary exhibitions is priceless.

From Tate Modern’s Switch House you can admire a beautiful panorama of London.

Tate Modern Opening Times

From Sunday to Thursday, 10am-6pm
Friday and Saturday, 10am-10pm
Free entry

Big Ben, Palace of Westminster and the London Eye

From Tate Modern walk along the river bank passing Blackfriars Bridge, Waterloo Bridge before arriving on Southbank with its cool restaurants, cafes, theatre and cinema and markets.

We are in the heart of London: just look up to see some very famous monuments. I’m talking about Big Ben, the clock tower on the northeast corner of the Palace of Westminster, also called the House of Parliament.

The profile of these immortal places is reflected in the waters of the Thames.

Currently, Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster are being renovated. The works, which hide the facades of the visitors, could last until 2021.

Not far away, between the Westminster Bridge and the Hungerford Bridge, is the London Eye, Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel.

Until 2013 it was the highest point from which to observe London and even today it offers a mind-boggling view.

planning a trip to paris from London | best itinerary for London and Paris

Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom.

Westminster Abbey, St. James’s Park and Buckingham Palace

From Big Ben continue behind the House of Parliament towards Westminster Abbey, another symbolic building, where English kings and queens have been crowned and where the most famous characters of British history are buried, from Elizabeth I to Charles Dickens.

Then slip into St. James’s Park, one of the magnificent Royal Parks of London, and hunt squirrels for a few minutes.

It is extraordinary how, upon entering a London park, one immediately feels far from the city, the sounds of traffic disappear, and all around there are only meadows, trees and expanses of water.

Walk around the park on one of the long sides until you see Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the monarchy.

To be a place so important and super visited (when you change the guard you struggle to see something), it is individually … small.

It is now sunset time, the feet ask for a truce: thus ends the first day of exploration in London.

Pro tip: If you have any steam left and want to experience London at Night I have shared tips on things to do in London at night.

There are so many cool things in this 24-hour city. From movie marathons to 24-hr cafes and restaurants in London. Also if looking to stay near this part of London check out my post on hotels near London Eye.

London Eye on the Thames

Day 2: London in colour, from Notting Hill to five o’clock tea

On day 2 in London we dedicate it to the discovery of some historic neighbourhoods and markets, which have become a cult for visitors. Not only: let’s take tea at five, one of those experiences to do in London to feel very British.

Portobello Road and Notting Hill

Morning of day 2 in London, the first stop is Portobello Road, a famous street in the Notting Hill district, a reference point for lovers of antique markets and film tourism.

The most famous and crowded market is held every Saturday, but the other days of the week it is nice to walk among the shops with colourful signs and photograph pastel facades. Lose yourself in the back streets of Notting Hill, they are a real treat.

london and paris in a week itinerary | trip to london and paris

Portobello Road

Old Spitalfields Market between vintage and new designers

At Notting Hill Gate, we take the tube and get off at the Liverpool Street stop of the Circle line.

Here awaits us the Old Spitalfield Market, another historic indoor market famous for it’s vintage clothing and design stands, but there is also street food. They say that the leading designers of the future can be found here.

Brick Lane: street art and food

From Old Spitalfield Market in just a few steps you are on Brick Lane, London street famous for street art and multicultural soul.

Especially in the past, this area was known as “Bangla Town” due to the high concentration of South-East Asian immigrants. Today this feature has made it a trend zone, a reference point for ethnic cuisine, especially Indian.

On Sunday, Brick Lane is filled with Londoners and tourists, attracted by its vintage clothing, antiques and street food market.

Walking through the neighbourhood, you can admire extraordinary works of street art, including some works by Banksy.

You can also combine your visit to Shoreditch with a food tour, for more read my post on how I ate through East London.

Also Read: If you are looking to explore Shoreditch much deeper then read my post on cool things to do in Shoreditch as well as where to stay in Shoreditch London.

Five o’clock tea at the K + K Hotel George

Five o’clock tea is a tradition rooted in the Victorian era. Is that why making it feel so deliciously out of fashion?

We tried this experience in the luxurious garden of the K + K Hotel George in London. For a wide selection of afternoon tea in London, check out my post with lists of affordable afternoon tea in London.

London Paris cheap travel | london to paris itinerary for London and Paris |

Afternoon tea set consisting of a collection of pastries

Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park at sunset

After tea, a digestive walk is needed. And which place in London at sunset is more romantic than Kensington Gardens?

In the literary tradition, this park is linked to the books of Peter Pan: it is here that the first volume is set, featuring the eternal child born of the pen of James Matthew Barrie. If you are lucky, you might happen to spot some fairy.

To the west, Kensington Gardens are connected to the famous Hyde Park, so you can walk around either.

Also Read: If you are still in the mood for more and want to experience London nightlife then I have just the guide for you!

Portobello Road

Day 3: In London between museums and Camden Town

The third day in London is a mix of classic and contemporary, a race against time to visit some of the remaining attractions.

Trafalgar Square and National Gallery of London

The morning begins in Trafalgar Square, the famous square with the column of Admiral Nelson resting on four bronze lions. Right here is one of London’s most visited museums, the National Gallery.

The beautiful building houses a free permanent collection, which includes some of the most famous paintings in the world: Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo, the Sunflowers by Van Gogh, paintings by Caravaggio, Turner, Constable, Monet, the Flemings … A true and true own temple of art. If you love museums and galleries read my post on free museums and galleries in London.

The National Gallery: useful info

Open daily, 10 am-6pm (Friday until 9pm)
Free entry

Trafalgar Square

From the National Gallery and Trafalgar Square, if you love a bit of retail therapy then head over to check out Oxford Street. The famous shopping mecca of London with high street stores, department stores and boutiques.

Also Read: If you love shopping, there are plenty of places to score bargains in London check out my post on the best places to shop in London cheaply.

Camden Town Between Vintage And Street Food

So many paintings bring an appetite. We then move on the tube to Camden Town, one of the most alternative and punk neighbourhoods in London.

A veritable jungle of colours, smells and markets one inside the other, in which street food and antiques blend together like in the other London markets. You will need at least 2-3 hours in the area to explore.

Also Read: If you have more time in London another cool place to check out that is within easy reach from Camden is the beautiful Little Venice in London near Paddington.

Natural History Museum of London

After lunch, we visit another famous London museum. In addition to its precious collection, the Museum of Natural History deserves a visit especially for its architecture: the mighty entrance hall with its grand staircase and historiated windows, the huge blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling. We remain speechless.

Natural History Museum: useful info

Open every day, 10 am-5.50pm
Free entry

Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus

The last stop in London before the return is in its beating heart, Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, which is usually decked out with hundreds of Union Jacks.

This is a very lively place in the collective imagination, seen on TV or in the cinema, so crossing them is almost surreal.

Don’t miss a visit to the huge Waterstones bookshop of Piccadilly: six floors and over 200,000 volumes make it the largest bookshop in Europe.

That covers your 3 days in London! Up next is Paris! BUT – Before you leave London make sure you are dont miss out on the best London souvenirs to buy.

Borough Market stalls in London

How To Get From London To Paris

London and Paris are two of the great international European capitals. Between them is the Channel, a stretch of sea that separates both territories.

And a train that unites them. Currently, the Eurostar, a high-speed train, is responsible for covering the route between these two capitals.

There are different types of tickets depending on the route and class chosen on the train. There are one-way tickets to different cities with round-trip stops or combined tickets.

Prices start at £29 and reach £490. In short, you have a lot of options to choose from. The London Paris Eurostar travel time is under 3 hours and you arrive in the middle of town.

This is my preference compared to travel via flight from London to Paris when you will land in smaller airports and require a coach to get into the city in addition to all the airport security madness which is long and a tad painful if you add to that the baggage restrictions.

The cheapest prices are obtained by accepting certain conditions and restrictions. For example, exchange limits or reimbursement offers applied for weekends or reservations that must be made a specific number of days in advance.

On the company’s website you will find the wide range of fares and ticket types. In addition, on the website of the National Society of French Railways (SNCF) you will find more information and the possibility to book online.

Pro Tip: The more in advance you book your tickets the higher the chance of getting cheaper tickets.

Other transport Options: Flights from London to paris as well as London to Paris Coach travel but I would not recommend this unless you are travelling on a shoestring as the journey is LOOOOONG!

Southbank in the evening

When To Leave London For Paris?

This all depends on the price of the train ticket. So you can leave on the evening of day 3 in London. There are trains leaving London around 8pm and you can be in Paris before 10pm.

Note that this means you need to book your Paris accommodation to start from this day. You can also opt to leave on the morning of day 4 in London.

There are Eurostar trains leaving as early as 5.30am. You can arrive in Paris and start exploring as early as you want.

Just make sure your Airbnb or hotel in Paris allows for early check-in so you can drop of your bags and head to the nears cafe to load up on caffeine and a croissant.

I have shared a post on cheap hotels in Kings Cross if you want to stay central but close to Kings Cross St Pancras for the Eurostar train.

Printemps Cafe Views

Is it possible to visit Paris in 48 hours? Plus Day 1 In Paris

So you have arrived in Paris and checked into your cool hotel with views of Eiffel Tower. It’s now time to go exploring.

The route to Paris in 48 hours crosses the main monuments, gardens and commercial streets of the city. You can go shopping, visit the attractions, the museums, have a coffee, stroll in the parks. Also a mandatory day trip to Versailles.

To start the tour of the city with impetus, I suggest you see the Eiffel Tower right away! One of my favourite spots is Trocadero where I have seen many a sunrise in Paris.

You will have the best impact arriving by metro at the Trocadero stop, where you will come across the grandiose tower and the extensive Champ de Mars, the park where the symbol of the city is located.

Sunrise in Paris | london and paris in a week itinerary | trip to london and paris

Sunrise on Trocadero

From the Trocadero stop you will arrive at the base of the Eiffel Tower, where you will find the ticket offices.

You can buy various types of tickets to reach the different floors of the tower; we recommend reaching the third floor, where the highest lookout point is.

After visiting the Eiffel Tower, you can reach the Latin Quarter, one of the busiest and cheapest places to dine. I recommend that you take the RER to Champs de Mars (Eiffel Tower to the Saint-Michel station).

Places to check out in the Latin Quarter include:

Pantheon
Jardin du Luxembourg
Shakespeare & Company Bookstore
Grand Mosque of Paris
Jardin des Plantes

After dinner you can have a drink in the area or take a walk to see the illuminated monuments. Crossing the Île de la Cité from the Latin Quarter, you will arrive at Notre Dame from any bridge of the Seine.

Along the island, you can reach the Hotel de Ville, the seat of the Paris municipality.

In the evening there are plenty of options from evening dinner cruises on the Seine to night tours exploring Paris. After dinner, a nice walk crossing many of the beautiful Bridges of Paris is another pleasure that is underestimated.

Also Read: If views are your thing then check out my post on the best viewpoints in Paris which also includes cafes and restaurants with views.

Morning coffee on the balcony with a view of Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe

Day 2 In Paris – Visiting The Main Tourist Sights In Paris

Today’s itinerary is particularly extensive when you will tick of many of my top 20 things to do in Paris, but will allow you to visit the most important places in Paris. Reaching the Hôtel National des Invalides around 10:00 and finishing the route at Montmartre at 20:00, you will have 3 hours to walk and 7 hours to do what you want.

Start the Paris tour at 10:00 at the Hôtel National des Invalides. The nearest metro stations are those of Invalides, Varennes and La Tour-Maubourg. Inside the church, under the central dome, there is the tomb of Napoleon.

Near the Invalides, there is the Rodin Museum, very convenient to visit and highly recommendable. In his garden you can contemplate the most famous works of the French sculptor.

Crossing the area surrounding the Invalides you will arrive at the Pont Alexandre III, the most beautiful bridge in Paris.

Going forward in a straight line you will reach the Grand Palais and the Petit Palais. The latter building, with free entrance, has an excellent decoration and an interesting atrium.

Heading towards Avenue Winston Churchill you will come across the Elysian Fields and, to the left, with the Arc de Triomphe.

Walking without haste you can observe the luxurious shop windows in the area or have a coffee in one of the pleasant bars you will find along the way.

In our opinion, although not as spectacular as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe offers the best views of Paris. It is therefore more than advisable to climb to the top of the Arc.

Returning back towards the Elysian Fields, and after walking more or less for half an hour, you will arrive at the Place de la Concorde, where you will see the Luxor obelisk.

From the centre of the square you can observe the Champs Elysées to the west, the Tuileries Garden to the east, the National Assembly to the south and the Madeleine Church to the north.

Walking towards the Madeleine you will walk along the Rue Royale, one of the most famous shopping streets in Paris. You can enter the church and then, coming back, take the Saint Honoré street on your left.

Walking along Saint Honoré you will see Place Vendome to the left, guarded by the famous column that imitates that of Trajan in Rome.

Louvre pyramid in black and white

Coming out of the square and crossing back the previous route indicated, you will arrive at the Tuileries Garden.

Crossing them you will reach the Louvre Museum, a visit to which you can dedicate the desired time. We advise you to be selective in choosing the rooms and works to see. Make sure you buy skip the line tickets for the Louvre as there can sometimes be queues.

Leaving the museum to the north, you can take the Avenue de l’Opéra, a commercial street that built Napoleon III to communicate the Louvre with the Palais Garnier, the Opera building that you can visit if you wish.

Passing the building you will reach the Haussmann Boulevard, where there are the Lafayette and Printemps galleries, two luxurious department stores.

We recommend that you enter the Lafayette Galleries just to see its famous dome. When you visit Printemps don’t miss out on the views in the terrace cafe at Printemps.

If you want to learn more about the area, you can walk to the Grandes Boulevares metro station, where you will find the Hard Rock Cafe and the Grévin Wax Museum.

The following stop is at Montmartre, which can be reached by taking the metro (Blanche) or walking towards Rue Montmartre to the Blanche square, where the famous Moulin Rouge is located.

The Boulevard de Clichy is a bohemian street with lots of nightlife and shopping, which can be defined as the “red light” area of Paris.

Walking east on Boulevard de Clichy, you will arrive at the Anverse metro and follow the signs for the Montmartre funicular. You can use this means of transport or climb the 200 steps to reach the top, as you prefer.

Once you get to the top of Montmartre you can visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and walk its streets.

Following the flow of tourists, you will reach the Place du Tertre (better known as the Painters Square), one of the best places in Paris to dine without spending much.

After dinner, you can watch (at 11:00 pm) a show at the Moulin Rouge. But if you don’t want to pay for your expensive ticket, you can still spend the evening in one of the many bars in the neighbourhood.

Day 3 In Paris: visit Versailles in one day from Paris

When planning a trip to Paris another element to consider are easy day trips from Paris. Thanks to the genius of the artists who made it and to the size and personality of its client, King Louis XIV, the castle of Versailles is among the most subdued and famous in the world.

The visit of the French capital cannot be separated from an excursion to Versailles, only 17 km from the centre of Paris, easily reachable in about 30/40 minutes by RER or car or bus from the centre of Paris.

The site is so vast that a single day of visit would be less than exhaustive, however, considering the average duration of a tourist stay in Paris, if you have little time available, it is possible to organize an excursion to Versailles, guided or not, in half or full day.

In summer especially, when it is possible to watch the spectacle of musical fountains and the weather is more favourable, it is really worth spending a whole day in Versailles to visit the palace and its beautiful gardens!

The palace

The palace of Versailles represents one of the most beautiful masterpieces of French art of the seventeenth century.

A simple hunting lodge at the time of Louis XIII, it was transformed into a splendid royal palace by the Sun king who transferred the court there in 1682 and remained the official seat of power until the French Revolution.

Later, the beautiful royal residence was transformed into a Museum dedicated to the History of France by the will of Louis Philippe and a series of works flowed into its halls that still bear witness to the great events of French history.

The gardens

The large park that extends behind the palace represents one of the greatest treasures of Versailles. From the central window of the gallery of mirrors, an enchanting panorama unfolds, extending from the foot of the building as far as the eye can see through a long perspective embellished by the work of the architect André Le Nôtre: fountains with elegant sculptures, water games, flower beds and canals.

The big and the small Trianon

The Grand Trianon is a luxurious and refined “dépendance” of the Palace of Versailles that the Sun King had built inside in the park by the architect Hardouin Mansart in 1687, as a refuge from the oppressive court life and sweet meeting with the lady of Montespan.

One cannot help but succumb to the charm of this building with elegant and intimate proportions, a small palace of pink marble and porphyry surrounded by enchanting gardens.

A part of the building is currently used as the residence of the President of the French Republic.

The “Petite Trianon” was the favorite place of Marie Antoinette who found an oasis of tranquillity in which she could live a simple life, far from the pomp and tyranny of the label.

There you have it, 2 days in Paris with a day trip to Versailles. If you have more time I have also shared my 5 days in Paris itinerary which is more extensive with additional places to check out like Foundation Louis Vuitton and La Defense and more.

Also Read: If you are visiting Paris in winter make sure to pack accordingly as the weather can be both wet and cold.

Arc de Triomphe In Paris

How Many Days In London And Paris Is Enough?

In other words how many days to spend in London and Paris? I get asked this a lot. This really depends on your budget. Both cities can be done on the budget with enough research.

Both are pretty big in terms of places to visit and things to do. At a minimum, I would suggest doing 2-3 days in each one. Hence the 6 day London and Paris itinerary.

Three days in London also allows you to add a day trip if you so wish to the many beautiful cities in the UK. The same for Paris there are so many day trips beyond Versailles that are worth checking out for example explore Monet’s Garden in Giverny.

I would say 3 days in each city but if you hating planning and want to really maximise your visit I would highly recommend incorporating tours in your visit to London and Paris.

You can also do London and Paris in 5 days by cutting out one day from London or cutting out the day trip to Versailles.

London street art in Shoreditch

Paris And London Tour Packages

I alluded to this in the above question of how many days is enough for your London and Paris itinerary. There are plenty of tour operators offering London & Paris travel packages.

You can have day trip tours from London to Paris, these include a guided tour of the city too and include hustle-free travel from London to Paris by train.

For additional inspiration on Paris and London tour packages see below:

Combine one or two Contiki London and Paris tour packages: Take this 3 day, or this 3 day or 4 day London tour and combine it with this Paris package tour.
You can also get great deals on packages for London and Paris on Lastminute.
For Paris tour packages from London also have a look at Get Your Guide.

Notre Dame In Paris

Planning A Trip To London And Paris

If you are planning a trip to London, Paris and Amsterdam I have linked to another itinerary I have done that captures the two cities from a different angle so you can mix and match places that interest you more between these two posts.

If you have time for 2 weeks in London and Paris itinerary you can even include Scotland, Amsterdam or even Brussels too.

I have shared a lot on the blog on Paris and London to help you plan your trip and itinerary with ease. Each of the different itineraries on the blog share something different so you can switch it up and add or remove things according to your interests.

Other things to considering when planning your itinerary for London and Paris is what to pack. I have covered both London Spring/Summer packing lists as well as what to wear in winter in London and Paris.

Also Read: If you are planning a trip to London, Paris and Rome you can combine this itinerary with my Rome itinerary.

Beautiful sunny day in Paris on the River Seine

Best Time To Visit London And Paris

You cannot plan best itinerary for London and Paris without considering the best time to visit. Each period brings its own elements. Spring in London or summer means cherry blossoms and better weather of course.

But remember than Spring and Summer when the kids are off school means endless queues at museums and just overall busy cities.

I would say the best time to visit would be just before the kids leave school. You have better weather and also less crowds.

Visiting Paris and London in the Autumn and Winter means cool holidays like Halloween and Christmas. You get to experience the popular festivities around the holidays and see just how the city embraces the events.

This also means packing for the cold weather. Towards the end of the year, it can also get even busier as people travel for the New Year celebration too.

So bear that in mind whether doing a 6 day or even 8 day trip to London Paris

If you planning a trip to Paris and London and want to visit during the quiet period and possibly cheaper too, I have found that prices can be a lot cheaper in November and just after the New Years celebrations but definitely before Valentines Day!

Where To Stay In Paris And London

When planning all the cool things to do on your London and Paris in a week itinerary, you cannot forget about accommodation.

I have covered this area extensively for London with recommendations for hostels in London to cheap hotels in central London.

I have also included for those that love a bit of luxury, hotels with views of the Thames, which also includes a staycation at the Luxurious Shangri La Hotel within the Shard. In addition, I also linked above the best areas to stay in London for tourists.

For where to stay in Paris I have covered places to stay in Paris with balcony views which also provides tips on cheap places to stay in Paris.

I have also used Airbnb in Paris which I have also shared on the blog. There are plenty of places to choose from whatever your budget.

I normally book my accommodation via Booking.com so you can find extensive deals on Paris hotels and London hotels on that site.

So, that was a rundown of my travel itinerary for London and Paris in just 6 days! So have you been to Paris or London before? What was your experience like, or do you have questions about your upcoming visit to London or Paris?

Need more travel tips for London and Paris? Also See:

Why You Need To Visit To The Colonnes de Buren (black and white columns in Paris)
Romantic Things To Do In London
Why You Need To Visit London’s Greenwich Village
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Sydney Itinerary For 2 Days – Things To Do In New South Wales In 48 Hours

November 15, 2019 by admin 4 Comments

While two days in Sydney is not a lot, there are plenty of things to do in Sydney in 2 days. This is the most beautiful, established and loveliest Australian city.

Captain Arthur Phillip, commander of the First Fleet, set up the first British colony in Australia in 1788 at Sydney Cove. Today, internationally, the capital of New South Wales has become one of the most travel spots in the world.

This most-populous metropolitan lies in the midst of an enticing intermixing of land and ocean with hot summer sun.

Below I take you on a journey exploring the legendary history with a memorable trip to Sydney seeing the Shiny white sails of the Opera House in the daylight, the elegant arch of the Harbor Bridge, the city’s great museum and through memorable structures of the Rocks and much more.

2 days in sydney things to do | what to see in sydney in 2 days

Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens With Sydney Tower Eye In The Background

Things To Do In Sydney In 2 Days

While I stayed in Sydney a lot longer than 2 days, exploring NSW as part of a solo trip in Australia, if you only have 2 nights in Sydney these are some of the most unmissable spots to check out in Sydney.

Further below I have also shared a sample day by day with what to do in Sydney for 2 days.

Beyond your 48 hours in Sydney, for an idea of what to do in Sydney for a week have a look at my combined itinerary of Sydney and Melbourne.

1. The Sydney Opera House (Bennelong Point, Sydney):

Whether you have one day or 2 days in Sydney this is not to be missed. It’s the star attraction. The main Sydney landmark and architectural marvel to visit. The Sydney Opera House is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are plenty of places for the best views of Syndey Opera House some of which you will find on the blog.

2. Sydney Harbor Bridge (5 Cumberland Street, Sydney):

The Sydney Harbour Bridge is the world’s largest steel arch bridge was built in 1932. The local name is “Coathanger”. It connects Sydney central business district and the North Shore.

3. The Rocks (66 Harrington Street, Level 6, The Rocks, Sydney):

Even if you visit Sydney in 2 days there is no way this place can be missed on any itinerary in this amazing city. The Rocks is the oldest part of Sydney on the west side of Sydney Cove. This is the place where the first European settlement took place when the British first landed. Cadman’s cottage (the oldest building in The Rocks) and the Rocks Discovery Museum are the main attractions here.

what to do in sydney for 2 days | 2 days in sydney what to do

Sat on the steps leading to Sydney Opera House

4. Queen Victoria Building (455 George Street, Sydney):

The Queen Victoria Building is also a heritage-listed place to visit. Romanesque-style QVB was built in late-nineteenth-century (between 1893 and 1898) crowned by a high central dome and surrounded by 20 smaller domes. Don’t forget to have some refreshments and coffee at the Tea Room of QVB (Queen’s Café inside the QVB).

5. The Sydney Tower Eye (100 Market Street, Sydney):

Other than the Opera House, Sydney Tower Eye is one of the great landmarks of Sydney. You 2 days trip around Sydney is not complete without taking in the views here.

The 309-meter-high Sydney’s tallest structure is a member of the World Federation of Great Towers. You can enjoy the breathtaking 360-degree views of the beautiful harbour city from the golden beaches of the Sydney Tower Eye.

6. Taronga Zoo (Bradleys Head Road, Mosman)

If you want to close encounters with amazing natural wildlife of Australia, Taronga Zoo is the best choice to cover up.

You can also enjoy the superb views of the Sydney skyline. The zoo sometimes hosts special events, parties and functions to maintain the tourist attractions.

7. Sydney Beaches

Last but not the least beaches in Sydney. With calm water and sugary sands are the best Sydney tourist attractions.

The world-famous Bondi beach with parked sand, the rocks, the calm water is located east of the Sydney central business district (CBD).

Don’t forget to check out the Bondi farmers market whilst here for seasonal goods and fresh harvest. You can also chill out in Palm Beach located north of the Sydney central business district (CBD).

You can enjoy watersports, exotic fine dining, buzzing nightlife here.

Among the Northern Beaches of Sydney Manly Beach is also famous places to offer swimming and surfing.

It was named by Captain Arthur Phillip stating that “their confidence and manly behavior made me give the name of Manly Cove to this place”.

Coogee, New South Wales – relaxed coastal suburb and a favorite choice for both swimmers and surfers. Fantastic ocean views from Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk always amaze the travelers.

EXPERIENCE SYDNEY LIFESTYLE

Shopping and NightLife:

The Rocks, Darling Harbor and Chinatown are the best places to have your shopping. If you need high-end branded shopping, you may visit the Queen Victoria Building.

For the people aged between 18-40 will definitely have a top-notch nightlife. The Rocks and the Inner City are the best places to spend the nightlife.

Food and Restaurants:

Cattle and sheep meats are most preferred food here and among them the beef counts as traditional foods in Sydney. In The Rocks, or the central business district you may locate the famous restaurants and diners here.

NIGHTLIFE IN SYDNEY

The beach road hotel Bondi

Are you looking to party in style and prepared to spend a little more money, then this timeless Bondi bar is a great choice.

You will encounter a steady stream of backpackers, locals and music lovers, tuned up to see the touring bands and DJs.

This live music venue, located not too far away from Bondi Beach, offers a “genre – free” party night every Wednesday, expect a crowded venue full of tanned surfers and lots of live music!

Ivy

This cool venue consists of several floors filled with different bars and clubs, and has a pool in the rooftop bar. LA glamour meets Italian riviera placed in the center of Sydney. This is one of the most luxurious rooftop bars in Sydney, the decor is inspired by the 60s with private cabanas and sunbeds. On the weekends you can experience local as well as international DJs at the Ivy complex, head to the dance floor or terrace for a different experience than the cozy cabana feel up top. There is an entry fee of 20A$ per person so be prepared to bring cash.

Marquee

Inside the Star casino, you find this gem of a nightclub and bar. This offers the ultimate Vegas feel, but in Sydney featuring popular acts and DJs such as Calvin Harris, Drake, Tiesto and Avicii even used to play here.

Expect loads of confetti, glamour dancers and popular DJs. The entry fee for Marque is around 10 A$ for a Friday night and as high as 35 A$ on a Saturday, there is also a dress code that applies, lads dress up in shirt, fancy shoes and trousers, no shorts and ladies you might need your heels.

Chinese Laundry

No, Chinese Laundry is not about cleaning or doing laundry, it’s about getting down and dirty! This club hosts superstars like Hudson Mohawke, Baauer, DJ Slink and many other international legends.

This is the longest-running and most respected night club, placed underneath the slip in. The club is made up of 3 rooms for partying and dancing and a large outdoor garden.

Experience bass music on Friday while Saturday offer more house and electro music. Food is also served until midnight, but you might need to reserve your table, this place gets crowded.

Circular Quay In Sydney Australia

RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT IN SYDNEY DURING 2 DAY VISIT

Sokyo

Do you like sushi? Then head down to the most impressive sushi counter in Sydney.

If not only the design of the restaurant and the immaculate, innovative plating of the food was enough to sweep you off your feet then the flavour will hit the last punch!

Seasonal cocktails are served made of fresh fruits and top-class ingredients, and the Japanese creations on the menu offers a lot of flavour, not enough to be overpowering, just right.

Bella Brutta

This is like your favourite pizzeria times 10! This Italian restaurant offers among the best pizzas in Sydney, placed in the funky area of Newtown, this gem should not be missed.

The pizzas are made with fresh ingredients, and this you can taste. The average price is around 17 $ for one pizza.

Quay

This fancy restaurant set in the lovely area of Circular Quay is owned by Leon Fink and run by the famous MasterChef Australia judge Peter Gilmore.

It has appeared in the world’s 50 best restaurants several times and definitely lives up to the awards.

The food does not only look fantastic with the creative touch the flavours blend into an unexpected deliciousness. This is Sydney’s fine dining supreme and some people go here for the shimmering harbour view alone.

GETTING AROUND SYDNEY

The public transport in sydney is very well developed, you can use busses, trains, light rails and ferries, even walk around the city!

The best option for getting around is to purchase an opal card, these are usually 10$ and you can use the value of the purchase to travel with and recharge at any time.

Recharge at kiosks and on the train station. The Opal network includes services in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Illawarra and the Southern Highlands.

The ferry

Thanks to the sparkling harbour, ferry travel in Sydney is fairly easy and one of the only ways to reach places such as Taronga zoo and Manly beach.

The ferry operates from Sydney Harbour and circular quay to eight main destinations.

Bus

Thanks to Sydney’s comprehensive bus network it is easier than ever to travel by bus to the Sydney suburbs, beaches and regional areas. Simply tap your opal card as you mount the bus.

Train

Wherever you want to go there is probably a train there. The city circle train network runs in a loop around the city stopping at: Central, Museum, St James, Town Hall, Wynyard, Circular Quay and Martin Place. Are you staying north of the Harbour Bridge, catch the northern line that stops at Central, Wynyard and Town Hall before travelling north across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Are you wanting to get to kings cross or Bondi junction catch the Eastern Suburbs and Illawarra Line that goes from Central, Town Hall and Martin Place stations.

If you are planning on travelling to the Blue Mountains, catch the Blue Mountains line from Central.

It passes through the vibrant Western Sydney city of Parramatta, and then on to the main Blue Mountains stations including Wentworth Falls, Leura and Katoomba.

Light Rail

The Sydney light rail network goes from Central Station to Dulwich hill. This is the best way to reach Chinatown, the powerhouse museum located in Ultimo, the International Convention Centre in Darling Harbour and the star casino amongst other attractions along the line.

SAMPLE 2 DAY SYDNEY ITINERARY

Below is a sample itinerary for what to see in Sydney in 2 days. Having checked into your hotel the night before. In the morning you should be fresh and ready to explore Sydney’s attractions. Visit two days in Sydney with ease with the itinerary below.

Day 1 In Sydney

Morning

Sydney Opera House – You can also book a tour around the Opera House.
Sydney Royal Botanical Gardens
Views of Harbour Bridge From Mrs Marquaries Chair
Harbour Bridge – If you are up to it you can also do a bridge climb tour.

Afternoon

Head to the Rocks on Harrington Street
Grab some lunch at many of the cafes and restaurants nearby.
If you fancy more exploring you can combing exploring Sydney Harbour with a lunch cruise.
Head back into CBD Via Hyde Park
Take in views From Sydney Tower Eye. You can purchase a ticket for Tower Eye here.
If you are into Aquariums near the tower your also have SEA Life Sydne Aquarium.
At the bottom of the Tower Eye, you also have Westfield Sydney Shopping Mall. If you are in the mood for a little retail therapy then explore and then grab a coffee and snack in one of the cafes.

Evening In Sydney On Day 1

Head back to your hotel to freshen up and check out the nightlife in Sydney at one of the spots mentioned.
If not up to night clubs then check out the many restaurants around Circular Quay or Darling Harbour. A couple of suggestions provided above.

Day 2 In Sydney Australia

Morning

Head to Queen Victoria Building which houses a mall in a beautiful setting.
Grab some coffee and a little retail therapy if you need anything to wear for the beach.
Head to Bondi Beach
Explore Icebergs swimming pool. Unless taking to the waters you can also take the scenic walk on Coogee Walk.

Afternoon

Take the ferry and explore Manly.
There are beaches, restaurants and cool hangouts to just chill.
If you have capacity then you can also check out the markets in Sydney.

Evening

Do the iconic On The Rocks Bar Crawl

Pro tip: You can purchase a Hop On/Hop Off tour for your first of 2 days in Sydney. This will help you get your bearings in the city.

Queen Victoria Building in Sydney

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN SYDNEY IF TIME PERMITS

You can also include these amazing places on your travelling list.

Cockatoo Island
Barangaroo Reserve
Sea Life Sydney Aquarium
Featherdale Wildlife Park
Art Gallery of New South Wales
Port Jackson
St. Mary’s Cathedral
Macquarie Street
Kings Cross
Hunter Valley
George Street
Museum of Contemporary Art
The Blue Mountains
Nicholson Museum
Fort Denison
St George Open Air Cinema
Luna Amusement Park
Hyde Park
Chinatown
Chinese Garden of Friendship
Attend Local Cultural events

View from Sydney CBD apartment.

HOW TO PLAN TRIP TO SYDNEY AUSTRALIA

Get tips on the best time to visit Australia. Each region or state has its own sub climate. For tips on the best time to visit Sydney check out my linked post.

If you have more time or want to combine Sydney and Melbourne, I have an itinerary for Sydney and Melbourne in 10 days with many additional day trips included to maximise your visit to Australia.

The post on the best times to visit Australia includes tips on the cheapest times to visit so for deals on flights to Sydney check out Expedia.

I rented an apartment in Sydney CBD which I shared details about on the blog. I will share additional posts on the best areas to stay in Sydney shortly. You can also check Booking.com’s list of hotels, hostels and apartments in Sydney for the best places to stay within your budget.

Plan the tours in Sydney and book in advance once you have narrowed down the dates of your trip. Especially if limited on time tours can help you make the most of your time. Particularly if you are looking to maximise what to see in Sydney Australia in 2 days, this might be the way to go.

If you are visiting Sydney for the new year check out my tips on where to stay for New Year’s Eve in Sydney.

My apartment in Sydney CBD

Going beyond Sydney? Also See:

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An Epic 10 Day Sydney and Melbourne Itinerary – Adventure Packed Aussie Guide

October 26, 2019 by admin 2 Comments

Who hasn’t dreamt of exploring Australia?! My dream trip to Australia was originally meant to a Gold Coast, Sydney, an itinerary with the possible inclusion of Uluru.

Having not followed my own advice on preparing for the time zone change, I suffered so much with jet lag that I ended up changing it to a Sydney-Melbourne itinerary with day trips to Great Ocean Road.

I am sharing a condensing version of my Australian itinerary. So if you only have 10 days in Sydney and Melbourne, this should help with planning your trip down under.

My trip was part solo and part of it I met a friend in Melbourne for parts of my trip and the GOR was solo on a tour too. I have also recently shared tips on travelling to Australia alone. I will also link to other post I throughout the itinerary below.

The perfect Sydney and Melbourne itinerary. An epic adventure packed itinerary with trips to Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Bondi Beach, Manly, Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes Beach, St Kilda. With options for sydney to melbourne roadtrip or flying. #traveltips #flights #solotrip #female #traveller #blogger #noire #downunder #aussie #roadtrip #oceania #itinerary

View of Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge from Mrs Maquaries Chair

Exploring Sydney For 5 Days | Part One Of The Sydney & Melbourne Itinerary

I have split the itinerary into two. The first part covers things to do in Sydney for 5 days and the second part covers how I what to do in Melbourne in 5 days.

You are getting balanced itinerary of what to do between Melbourne and Sydney as well as day trips.

Where to stay in Sydney: I rented an apartment in Sydney which was located in the CBD so I had malls, parks and harbour all within walking distance.

This was an aparthotel run by Meriton and they have plenty all around Sydney and the rest of Australia. There are plenty of hostels and budget hotels too.

Sydney is pretty big so you can find plenty of accommodation in Sydney in all budgets.

sydney vs melbourne - Which one to choose? Both with this epic Melbourne and Sydney itinerary. Explore the Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Bondi Beach, Manly, Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes Beach, St Kilda. With options for melbourne to sydney road trip or flying. The perfect Sydney itinerary for 5 days before heading to Melbourne to continue the adventure. Everthing you need to know to plan your trip to Australia. #traveltips #flights #solotrip #female #traveller #blogger #noire #downunder #aussie #roadtrip #oceania #itinerary

Stairs going up to Sydney Opera House

Day 1 In Sydney Main Tourist Attractions

Note that many of the attractions in Sydney are free with the Sydney Attraction Pass which also offers 40% discount on other paid attractions. Its available in 3,5 and 7-day variations.

Sydney Opera House

A performing arts venue at Sydney Harbor and not to be missed. Opened back in 1973, the whole building occupies the Bennelong Point (named after Woollarawarre Bennelong).

The venue constitutes performance venues, concert halls, Playhouse, theatre hall, and a recording studio. Around 1500 performances arranged annually, 1.2 million spectators are attracted from worldwide.

Apart from this, cafes, restaurants, and bar outlets line the harbour offering not just views but watering holes for the evening when this area’s vibe turns busy with city sleekers.

There are plenty of angles to view the Opera House, make sure you don’t miss the views from the Botanical Gardens and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.

The Royal Botanical Garden

The botanical garden is the oldest scientific institute of Australia and a remarkable historical botanical garden in the world. Located right in the heart of Sydney, it was inaugurated back in 1816.

It is neighbored by Sydney Opera house and many parks of the city. Some plants are featured each month to be presented to the visiting tourists.

If you want to add a lighter touch to your visit, then Choo Choo Express is perfect as it also provides a guided tour of the Botanical Garden.

It will take you around the ground and its glamorous beauties and will inform you about its history of the plants and Australia. They run every few minutes. When you get to the end you can walk towards Mrs Macquaries Chair. More pictures here.

Sydney Botanical Gardens ChooChoo Express

City Bus Tour

You jump Hop-on Hop-off bus tour like I did to experience the scenes and views around Sydney in one run. The track is rolled up between 34 stations.

All of the stops offer up attractive sight-seeing venues including Sydney Harbor Bridge, Sydney Opera House, Darling Harbor, Bondi Beach and much more on the list.

Tip: This also saves you transportation money as you can use your Hop-on Hop-off to get around and explore Sydney, this also offered audio tour.

The tickets are available in 24-48 hours options, which will let you whiff and inhale the air of the city with all its enchanting attractions.

Sydney Bridge Climb

You have witnessed the sights by the road but want a bird’s eye view? Yes, sure you do! Sydney Harbor Bridge is designed to have a panoramic view of Sydney’s mesmerizing sights nearby and around.

The Sydney Bridge climb is an exhilarating and a lifetime experience. Located right along Cumberland Street in historic Rocks, it attracts both locals and tourists to free their souls along the undulating waves and let them float freely.

From the top The Opera House, Sydney Harbor all just look stunning.

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 2 In Sydney

If you are not totally jet-lagged you can check out the bars along darling harbour. There restaurants nearby too. If you book well in advance you may also be able to score tickets for a show at Sydney Opera House.

DAY 2 Sydney Shopping And Beaches

Shopping Hubs

You cannot come to Sydney and not check out the shopping hubs. I was within a stone’s through from Westfield and Queen Victoria Building which was actually my favourite as it has a touch of vintage edge to it.

Below are some of the best places for shopping in Sydney. If you forgot to bring any swimming gear now is your chance to buy some. More pictures of shopping hubs in my post on things to do in Sydney.

Queen Victoria Building
Centre point Tower Westfield – Book tickets in advance for Sydney Tower Eye which stands above Westfield.
Pitt Street Mall
Darling Harbor
Sydney Paddy’s Markets and Market City
The Rocks Market
Strand Arcade

Queen Victoria Building mall in Sydney

Bondi Beach

The place calls for a stroll in the morning breeze while enjoying the captivating sunrise, mind you sunset is also just as good. The coast is flanked by sandstone headlands. Go out for a morning swim dive or enjoy your brunch on cafes of Campbell Parade.

Public showers are there to wipe off the salt your body carries after a thrilling dive. The shore is open to experience strolling, playing golf, and whale watching gold.

Beach’s southern end is open for surfing lovers. Right along the coastline, you have miles and miles of the Coogee Beach walking path. I have shared a post from some of my explorations of Bondi Beach.

Coogee Coastal Walk

Ice Bergers Pool

This place is an Australian winter swimmers club located on the southern coast of Bondi beach. It is an international landmark and your trip is not completed till you have touched the stones of this place.

“Water Polo by the Sea” is the flagship event of place. There are pools open to both adults and children. The only criteria is that you must be able to swim 40 meters at least. There is also a café in its vicinity which offers you the local food at a convenient price.

Bondi Beach Icebergs Pool

Stroll across the coast

Bondi to Coogee walk is spread upon 6km track offering beaches, parks, cliffs, bays, rock pools, and captivating views along the coastline. One can walk, swim, rest or eat at a number of cafes, restaurants, and electric barbecues by Maroubra.

The path is fairly easy but also involves some steep spots and staircases along the trail. The path is interrupted by some of the most stunning views around Sydney’s coastline.

Bondi Beach in Sydney

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 2 In Sydney

For the evening on day two in Sydney, head to Regent Place which has a great selection of Asian cuisine.

Here you can find delicious Malaysian street food at Sedap, head to Senyai for Thai food or Chinese food at Chef’s Gallery. If you are a lover of desserts make sure you check out Uncle’s Testu’s cheesecakes.

DAY 3 Sydney Markets

Sydney Markets

On day 3 in Sydney, it’s time to check out the best markets in Sydney. Each shopping corner has its style, aura, and character. You can find local designers, artisan wares, cultural goods, and delicious food.

The oldest part of Sydney, “The Rocks” is home to 2 historic markets. ‘The Friday Foodie’ and ‘The Rocks Market’. One offers you the variety of food options accompanied by live music while other is a hub of textiles, art, and jewelry.

The other markets which are worth given a shot are;

Paddy’s Market
Sydney Fish Market
Glebe Market
Balmain Market
Cambridge Market
Paddington Market

Manly Ferry

The ferry is all set to take the travelers and tourists to sail on sapphire blue water. The trip takes about of 30 minutes offering amazing and scenic views of the harbour. The rest of the day can be spent in Manly.

Manly has a great vibe. There are over 150 bars, cafe, and restaurants to check out with plenty of outdoor dining to watch people go by. For options, you can check out Hugos Manly and the Boiler House.

If you love a bit of retail therapy, there are boutiques, sand surf stores with many local designers displaying their collections. For this head to Manly Market Place as well as Aboriginal Dreamtime Fine Art Gallery.

If you are visiting Sydney during July, August, or September this is a great time do head out for a whale watching tour in Sydney. Many run from Manly.

Ferries to Manly across the harbor

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 3 In Sydney

For the evening take in the sights and meeting other travellers by way of Sydney’s The Rocks historical pub crawl tour.

Day 4 A Day Trip From Sydney

Day Trip to the Blue Mountains

The city is neighbored and surrounded by the rugged and rough ranges of Blue Mountains. Known for its captivating scenery, steep slopes, eucalyptus spreads, waterfalls, a number of lush green gardens, and Katoomba. This is a must on any Sydney to Melbourne itinerary. There are several tour options for Blue Mountains. There are both day trips and multiday tours depending on how much time you are planning on spending in Australia. As this itinerary is for 10 days Sydney-Melbourne the best option is for a day trip from Sydney. You can also do overnight. You can visit the mountains by organized tours, public transport, and individual tours. You can also hire a guide to have an informative journey.

DAY 5 Back To The Beaches

Sydney Beaches

Sydney is the most beautiful city in Australia with its spectacular views. The one gem in the crown of beauty is the beaches.

Spread along the harbor, are many sheltered bays with soothing calmness and sandy beaches. Apart from the Bondi beach, there are a number of beaches including

Cronulla (easily accessible by train from the main city)
Bronte
Tamarama
Maroubra

Further North in the city, tourists may find Collary, Dee Why and Narrabeen. They are a hotshot for swimmers and divers. The red and yellow flags are displayed upon there as a safe area for water-sports.

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 5 In Sydney

No evening entertainment for day 5 as this is when you catch a flight to Melbourne. There are plenty of budget airlines similar to RyanAir. I flew from Sydney to Melbourne via TigerAir. Make sure you book your flight way in advance of your date of travel to get the best prices.

Exploring Melbourne For 5 Days | Part Two Of The Sydney & Melbourne Itinerary

Melbourne has been voted as the most livable city for 7 times in a row till now. When you visit Melbourne you will understand why. The city has a laid back feel to it. A visit to Melbourne showcase the awesome fusion of modern and vintage architecture, cuisines, vineyards, street art, sports venues, and much more. Below are some of what I got up to while exploring Melbourne having travelled from Sydney.

While I have not included a couple of place below if you feel you have room or opt to have a rental car, you can explore beyond the itinerary below. For additional inspiration, I also have another 5 day itinerary for Melbourne as well as a 7 day Melbourne itinerary for those staying longer in Melbourne. In the 7 day itinerary, I also included a day trip to the Grampians for those that have more time.

Note: there is also the option of purchasing a multi-city Attraction Pass which allows you free access to tourist attractions in Sydney and Melbourne during your 10-day itinerary. In addition to discount on other paid attractions.

DAY 1 Melbourne CBD

Note: that there is a tourist office in CBD just by Federation Square if you need maps, transportation tips or information on where to stay in Melbourne, places to visit or any other tourist needs.

Federation Square in Melbourne

Central Business District

Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria holds the Central Business District (CBD) like a jewel in the crown. It is the heart of Melbourne. It holds a number of attractions and visiting spots in its boundaries including

City circle tram is the vintage tram that takes you around the city, to the most beautiful places and completely free of charge.
Street Performances are the hallmark of Melbourne and can be appreciated in front of Post Office and along with the steps of Bourke Street Mall.
Melbourne Historical Trail holds General Post Office, Parliament House, Old Treasury Building, Immigration Museum, and shine of remembrance.
Graffiti lanes adorn the walls of Croft Alley, Caledonian Lane and Hosier Lane(my favourite.)
Food Hunting is there for you to enjoy Middle Eastern, Mexican and Vietnamese. Brunch cafes are a hotshot of the place.
Shopping here you will also find plenty of malls, boutiques and high street shops.

Street art in Hosier Lane in Melbourne

Remembrance Park

You have the option to explore Federation Square before heading here. The place holds the honor of citizens of Australia. The shrine of Remembrance is located near the Botanical Gardens. This is a Victorian state memorial to people who represented Australia in global conflicts.

It is built on classical architecture by the veterans of World War-I. It holds a rich soul and memorable events within it while offering a panoramic view of Melbourne City. As you stand at Remembrance Park you have great views into the city.

Botanical Garden

The Botanical Gardens in Melbourne is a piece of lush greenery and rich plants is located on the southern coast of Yarra River. Divided into two sites of Melbourne and Cranbourne, it was founded in 1846. Covering 36 hectares, it holds 50,000 plants of 8500 species summed up in 30 living plants collections. National Herbarium of Victoria is located in its vicinity which hosts 1.5 million preserved plants, algae, and fungal species.

Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden is found to encourage young future gardeners. Aboriginal Heritage Walk is a popular walk track that let you enjoy the beauties of the garden. There is a cafe, and you can also take boat rides on the ponds. It’s a great place to hang out when the sun is shining.

South Bank and Federation Square

From Botanical Gardens, take the riverside walk route to get to Southbank. The suburb is a cultural destination of Melbourne located just a km away from CBD. National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Recital Centre, Arts Centre, and the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art can be found along its cobbled streets. There are bars, pubs and restaurants here with plenty of evening entertainment. Other places to check out while here include

Crown Melbourne
Eureka Skydeck 88 for the views.
Melbourne River Cruises
South Gate
Ponyfish Island
The Atlantic Restaurant

View of Federation Square from the rooftop bar.

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 1 In Melbourne

For light evening entertainment considering the packed itinerary so far, head to Fitzroy, one of my favourite neighbourhoods. There are plenty of bars and restaurants to check out. These include Bar Liberty, The Everleigh and Black Pearl. Black Pearl has been named the best bar in Australasia for 2 years running, The Everleigh offers up old charm and Bar Liberty has a wide selection of alcohol to try, from wines, beers, to Sake! They also serve a mean lunch if you are peckish and looking for somewhere to chill and grab a bite.

Shark fish and chips! Delicious! – Melbourne

DAY 2 View Points And A Wine Tour

View Points of Melbourne

The skyscrapers of Melbourne offer up stunning views. From the windows of these high edged buildings, one can enjoy an enchanting view of the coasts of the city. Below are some of the best viewpoints in Melbourne.

As day 2 in Melbourne is fairly chill, you have the option to do the day trip to Yarra Valley and then in the evening you can check out the views. However if your tour to Yarra Valley isnt too early I would head to the viewpoints in the morning as you might be too tired to do it in the evening.

Rialto Tower
Sky High
Naked in the Sky
Brighton Beach
Eureka Skydeck
Melbourne Star Wheel
Rooftop Bar

Yarra Valley

Located on just an hour drive from main Melbourne city, the Yarra Valley is there for you holding a number of vineyards, fine dining venues and accommodation spots. It is weekend hotshot for both tourists and locals.

Vineyards: Being a host place to Chardonnay and Pinot noir, it is Victoria’s oldest wine region. The valley is known for its local brewers and cider harbors. De-Bortoli is beautiful vineyard let its visitors enjoy a winery tour and enjoy behind the scenes view.

Food Cravings: Yarra Valley is the symbol of fresh servings and you can have your wind accompanied with salmon, trout, and caviar servings. Perhaps a side of handmade cheese and preserves? More than 250 chocolate products are served at Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery nearby for those with a sweet tooth.

Open Spa: After satisfying your taste buds, move to the Piaf Day Spa. Structured along four-hectare rain forest, there are treatment rooms for body exfoliation, heated stone massages, and facials.

Wildlife: Alongside, witness the wildlife of Australia mentioning Tasmanian devils, koalas, kangaroos, and dingoes. Drive through the mesmerizing beauties of Marysville to witness breathtaking waterfalls and water trails. You can DIY this trip and rent a car but make sure the drive is not drinking! Otherwise, the easier and most enjoyable option is to do a Yarra Valley wine tour. There are plenty of options to choose from.

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 2 In Melbourne

Free evening to explore as you wish or head back to your hotel and chill.

DAY 3 Brunch Spots In Melbourne And Museums

Brunch Spots

There are plenty of amazing brunch spots in Melbourne. Melbournians are crazy about their coffee and quality over content. I have shared some of my favourite brunch spots in Melbourne in my previous post as well as added more below.

Two Birds One Stone: Servings are decorated with edible flowers to present a perfect brunch.
Industry Beans: Killer coffee program is its hot spot with freshly roasted beans.
The Craft & Co: Rustic spot in Collingwood holding rather simple and laid back menu.
Rudimentary: Covers all, from the vegetarian, Gluten-free to omnivores.
Archie’s All Day: A complete package of dinner site and tasty Sunday sessions
Monk Bodhi Dharma: Coffee roaster and café in Balaclava.

Delicious brunch in Melbourne.

Museums

Museums are always an important part of any itinerary as they holds the history and what a way to get to know the countrys and local history. Some mesmerizing collections of past and history have been seen here, below are some of the best museums in Melbourne to check out.

Immigration Museum
Old Treasury Building
The National Opal Collection
Hellenic Museum
Royal Historical Society of Victoria
Mary Mackillop Heritage Centre
Incinerator Gallery

Brighton Beach Boxes & St Kilda Beach

For the afternoon its time to check out the beaches in Melbourne, having experienced Bondi Beach in Sydney. You can head out to the famous Brighton Beach Box Beach. I have shared a post with details of how to get to Brighton Beach from Melbourne CBD.

Bridgton Beach with Bathing Boxes in view – Melbourne.

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 3 In Melbourne

For the evening and something light-hearted. Head to St Kilda Beach. There are restaurants and bar here so you can grab dinner here and wait until the sun goes down then head to the pier. When darkness covers the city the St Kilda’s Penguins. come out. For tips on how to get there, what to expect then check out my post on St Kilda Penguins for free! You also have the option to take the Philip Island tour to see the penguins.

The penguins on St Kila Beach in Melbourne

DAY 4 A Day Trip To Great Ocean Road

One Day Trip to the Great Ocean Road

Located on an hour drive from the heart of Melbourne, there is Torquay where the Great Ocean Road encompasses 250 km of the area to the coasts of Warrnambool. It is a luring attraction for tourists to enjoy the koala sightings, rain forest walks in Great Otway National Park, and captivating 15 minutes helicopter ride over the location. While here, I couldn’t resist, I bought tickets for the Great Ocean Road helicopter ride which I shared on the blog.

Some fascinating stops and places to visit on the Great Ocean Road tour include:

12 Apostles
Gibson Steps
Loch and Gorge
London Arch (London Bridge)
The Grotto
Port Campbell National Park

Things To Do In The Evening On Day 4 In Melbourne

This is a long day with many tops. I have shared a post of my experience Great Ocean Road, so the evening here you will most likely want a quiet evening to chill after a long day of travel on the coastal road.

Day 5 Melbourne Cricket Ground And Museum

Melbourne Cricket Ground and Sports Museum

I have purposefully kept day 10 of the Sydney to Melbourne itinerary. You can explore as you wish during the day, do some other last-minute running around of shopping or relaxing before leaving.

Another suggestion for sports lovers is to head to Melbourne’s Cricket Grounds which you may have spotted walking along Yarra River from the Botanical Gardens.

Melbourne is the sporting capital of Australia and holds the city’s top attraction. The stadium has the capacity of 100,000 and MCG is considered one of the world’s greatest stadiums. It was the hosting ground of Olympic-1956 and Common Wealth- 2006 games. Australian Gallery of Sports and Olympic Museum are its visiting spots. Melbourne Park is located right opposite to MCG. It is home of the Australian Open tennis tournament hosted every year in January.

Yarra River boat cruise with Melbourne CBD backdrop

Sculpture along the riverside walk in Melbourne

Planning Your Trip To Australia

Considering the long flights the last thing you want to do is waste money on a trip because of poor planning. Below are some of the essential things to think about when planning a trip to Australia.

Getting A Visa For Australia

Almost everyone visiting Australia needs to get a visa. I mentioned in my other Melbourne itineraries that the consulate in London no longer processes visa applications. These are all done online now.

How To Get From Sydney To Melbourne

If you are a fan of road trips like me, then you will have no doubt considered renting a car in Sydney to drive to Melbourne. Thie journey is about 11 hours on a good day but longer if you consider the stops so more like an overnighter type of road trip. With limited time I decided not to go for this option. If you have more than 10 days in Australian then you can make this part of an adventurous Sydney-Melbourne coastal drive itinerary by taking the A1 coastal road route from Sydney to Melbourne. Also better with at least 2 people so you can swap driving. I was travelling alone for this part of the trip.

Instead of not a lot of time to explore I highly recommend booking a budget flight to Melbourne via Jetstar, Tigerair or any one of the many airlines flying between Sydney and Melbourne. The flights can be as cheap as about £70, so it’s much better and quicker to get to Melbourne from Sydney. The flight is only about one hour and 30 minutes.

Getting Around In Sydney and Melbourne(PLUS FREE TRAM!)

When it comes to things to do between Melbourne and Sydney, another important part of your trip is transportation. When it comes to transportation in Sydney and Melbourne, there are endless options, you don’t really need a car in either city as there are buses, trams, taxis and Uber! You may need a car if you want to do a road trip but there are also plenty of tours too offering great options.

Note: Melbourne offers a free tram! The City Circle Tram service provides a free and convenient way to get around central Melbourne. Tourists, shoppers, office workers, and families can use the City Circle Tram to travel to major attractions, shops and city events.

Melbourne city trams

Essentials For Planning Your Trip To Australia

Flights – Check out flight deals on Expedia and Ebookers and don’t forget to pack some sheet masks for the long flight.
Accommodation – Get the best deals on accommodation, ranging from hostels, hotels and apartments on Booking and Hotels.
Universal Adapter – Essential part to make sure all your gadgets are charged up.
Tours – There plenty of tours to compliment your Sydney-Melbourne itinerary. Check out Viator or Get Your Guide.
Travel Insurance
Travel Guide Books
Packing Essentials
- Swimwear
- Multi length dresses suitable for the weather and comfort.
- Comfortable walking shoes – especially if you are going to be taking on beautiful coastal walks around Sydney.
- Sunscreen – a must in Australia considering all the almost year-round sunshine.

Best Times To Visit Australia

My visit to Australia was in April so pretty much after the summer season so I experienced a lot of rain in Sydney for the first couple of days hence why I canceled Uluru and Gold Coast as I just stayed in and explore locally due to really bad jetlag. With regards to the weather in Australia, its a tropical influence climate.

With the size of Australia, the weather will vary between regions. Because of the crazy heat in Australia, might be worth it to consider visiting during their winter between June-August. I would also include April and May in addition, these are by far the best time to visit Australia as you can avoid the heat but still have warm weather to enjoy your trip.

Particularly for the southern cities covered in this Australian itinerary, late spring and summer, especially in November-December in Sydney, and from November to February in Melbourne, can also be ideal if looking for the warm weather and dont mind the heat.

Although I had rain in Sydney for a couple of days, which is apparently rare, there were plenty of sunny spells as you cans see from the images. Whatever time you visit make sure you have packed the right clothes for the weather and comfortable shoes.

epic Melbourne and Sydney itinerary. Explore the Blue Mountains, Great Ocean Road, Grampians, Bondi Beach, Manly, Brighton Beach Bathing Boxes Beach, St Kilda. With options for melbourne to sydney road trip or flying. The perfect Sydney itinerary for 5 days before heading to Melbourne to continue the adventure. Everthing you need to know to plan your trip to Australia. #traveltips #flights #solotrip #female #traveller #blogger #noire #downunder #aussie #roadtrip #oceania #itinerary

The famous Flinders Street Station building

Safety In Australia

In terms of safety in Australia as with any destination always be aware of your surroundings. In saying that there was not a point during my visit did I feel unsafe or worried about my safety during my visit in Australia.

Cities like Melbourne have been voted the most liveable city in the world several times and safety of its residents places a role in that too. Both Sydney and Melbourne are pretty safe cities to visit and very multi-cultural.

Like any place in the world, I am sure when you dig deal there are issues like the lack of equality of Aboriginals but that’s a whole long post on its own for another day. If you are worried I would at the very least invest in an anti-theft backpack to keep your documents and gadgets safe. Also, make sure you travel with travel insurance not just if there are accidents but if you lose anything or miss your flights.

How many days to spend in Melbourne?

So, how many days to spend in Melbourne? Melbourne is so beautiful and with great access to many sights both within the city and just outside of it. When it comes to deciding what to do in Melbourne or how many days to visit in Melbourne consider the activities you are interested in.

You will most likely need a day or 2 in Melbourne, to explore Melbourne CBD, the museums, the cool brunch spots, botanical gardens, markets. We are already needing at least 2 days and then if you are the beaches like Brighton Beach, St Kilda and the penguins as well as possible trips to Philip Island. We are already talking 3 days in Melbourne if you add the unmissable day trip or overnight stay along the Great Ocean Road.

If you add a trip to Grampian and some recovery at a minimum I would say you need 5 days in Melbourne to fully make the most of your visit. Hence I have done this combined Sydney and Melbourne itinerary as 10 days. I would, however, recommend 7 days in Melbourne and for that, you can check out my post on how to spend 1 week in Melbourne.

How many days to spend in Sydney?

I am sure you have been asking yourself ‘how long should I stay in Sydney?’ or how many days in Sydney is enough? As I have mentioned with Melbourne, Sydney is beautiful and with access to stunning beaches and sights.

Shopping in Sydney, you will most likely want to check out the cool markets in Sydney, Sydney Harbour and bridge, Opera House, Oceanfront sea pools, Bondi beach, as well as day trips from Sydney like the Blue Mountains. You will most likely need 3 days in Sydney a minimum before going off to explore other cities in Australia.

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The Perfect Dubai Itinerary For 10 Days | Inc Day Trips To Abu Dhabi

October 19, 2019 by admin 5 Comments

The perfect UAE itinerary, particularly for those wanting to do a Dubai itinerary in 10 days!

The United Arab Emirates is known for its unabated sunshine, glittering dunes and contemporary architecture comprising plenty of erected buildings and modern-day projects.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Dubai in winter, which by the way is the best time to visit Dubai and also in the summer! A big no-no unless your intent is to toast yourself to charcoal. Too hot!

Below is the perfect Dubai itinerary to help you plan your holiday to the place of sky-scrappers and multi-linguistic people.

Explore the rich and diverse visiting opportunities with a carefully day-to-day tailored schedule of 10 days visit to Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to leave you awe-struck with the mesmerizing beauties.

Pull up your zipper and step into Dubai to have the most lavish vacations. Let’s get into the 10-day itinerary for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

ALSO SEE: Dubai Outfit Ideas For What To Wear In UAE During Your Trip

Travel Smart in the UAE: Essential Tips for Your 10-Day Itinerary

The UAE is built for big experiences — think rooftop brunches, desert adventures, luxury shopping, and architectural wonders from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. But behind every epic itinerary is a well-prepared traveler. From SIM cards to travel insurance, here’s how to plan smarter for your 10 days in the UAE.

🛡️ 1. Secure Your Trip with the Right Insurance

From luxury hotel stays to desert excursions, travel in the UAE deserves proper coverage. Opt for travel insurance for Middle East trips that includes medical care, flight delays, and personal liability — especially if you plan to drive or book high-value tours.

💳 2. Use the Right Credit Card for Upgrades & Points

Whether you’re booking 5-star hotels, shopping in Dubai Mall, or renting a car, use one of the best travel credit cards for UAE city travel. Many credit cards for luxury travel to the UAE offer lounge access, hotel upgrades, car rental insurance, and bonus points on travel spending.

🏨 3. Choose Hotels That Match Your Style

From beachfront resorts on Saadiyat Island to high-rise suites in Dubai Marina, the best hotels in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cater to every type of traveler. For couples, go romantic with skyline views; for families, look for hotels with kid-friendly pools and direct beach access.

🚗 4. Renting a Car? Protect Your Ride

Planning to drive from Dubai to Abu Dhabi or explore the desert? Make sure your coverage includes car rental insurance in the UAE. Many premium travel credit cards offer this as a benefit — but always double-check the terms before you decline the rental company’s coverage.

📱 5. Stay Connected with Local SIMs

Don’t rely on hotel Wi-Fi. Get SIM cards for UAE travel from providers like Etisalat or Du to stay connected across both cities. Look for packages that include data and local calling — essential for using maps, booking tours, or uploading envy-worthy skyline snaps in real time.

Where To Stay In Dubai

First lets talk luxury hotel recommendations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. One of the most important things, when planning a trip to Dubai or sorting out your itinerary for Dubai, is where you stay.

Dubai has apartments and hotels all at incredible budgets to eye-watering night rates that may require you to re-mortgage your homes. The point is there is something for every budget.

I have stayed on Dubai Marina as well as near Sheik Zayed Road with views of Burj Khalifa from my room.

I have shared tips on the best areas to stay in Dubai to help make that decision a little easier. For more hotels in Dubai click here.

The Perfect 10 Days Itinerary For Dubai

I have previously shared tips on the top 10 things to do in Dubai, especially if your visit is short. This extends that and then some, covering all the must-see attractions in the UAE in 10 days.

Dubai is the land the dreams really come true. Man-made islands, out-of-this-world luxury, the coolest and craziest adventure tours in Dubai, mega malls with everything you can possibly imagine all under one roof.

I have also shared why Dubai it the perfect winter holiday destination so if you are tired of the UK or European winter weather then definitely put Dubai high up on your winter getaway destination list.

DAY 1 Downtown Dubai & Dubai Mall

Downtown Dubai Business Bay

Located right between Old Dubai and Business Bay along the Sheikh Zayed Road is the Dubai Business Bay. Whether you are visiting the venue as a business delegate or as a tourist, the place is all set to stun.

Its not just a place a hub of international conferences, industrial meetups and business corners mentioning Dubai International Financial Centre and Dubai World Trade Centre.

Alongside, its corridors glitter there is modern architecture, malls, waterways accompanied by tasty food. There is something for architecture lovers, retail therapy fans and if you just want to stuff your face, there is that too.

Emirates Tower

This is close to the business district in Dubai I mentioned above. The pair of Emirates Towers is a perfect reflection of contemporary architecture and both exactly reflect each other.

One serves as a hotel (Jumeirah Emirates Tower Hotel) while other is a professional hub (Emirates Office Tower).

Move through the towers by admiring the gardens, lakes, and waterfall present along the stroll and admire the glamorous beauty of towers which are linked by a gigantic retail complex at their feet. The destination is open for accommodation and shopping with delicious food.

World Trade Centre

The trade center is the economic hub of Dubai, adding notable revenue by each year. It connects people from all over the world through a number of conferences, business meetings, and investment options.

The spot is studded by the hotels and restaurants and is a perfect igniting source of entrepreneurship.

Dubai Opera

The venue was opened back in 2016 and is a place open to the theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, jazz, and comedy along with also offering a place to weddings, gala dinner, fashion walks, and exhibitions.

It is situated in Downtown Dubai. The center constitutes 2000 seat and the hall can be turned into a multi-format performing stage.

Dubai Mall

Hold your breath because you are going to enter the most glittering mall in Dubai. It holds a number of things that will simply have you in awe. An aquarium and underwater zoo with thousands of creatures in its enormous tank.

Tie up your boots to get a ride-along with the skating rinks. An A380 flight simulator is there to spark up your adrenaline level.

A 22-Screen Reel cinema is all set to let you flow in the entertainment arena. Dubai Mall offers you a five-star experience. Armani, Gucci, Chanel are adding up the worth to it.

Outside Dubai Mall is also where you will find the “I Love Dubai” sign. Dubai has some of the biggest malls in the world and places to add to your places to visit in Dubai just you would any other tourist attraction. I will share more on the best malls to visit in Dubai.

Dubai Itinerary 7 Days - 10 Days - The perfect Dubai itinerary with Abu Dhabi day trips as well as Sharjah. A detailed UAE itinerary filled with adventures. Taking in views from Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, trip to Sheikh Zayed Mosque. Cool tours and the best beaches in Dubai to check out. Tips on where to stay in Dubai, what to wear in Dubai and more. Plan your trip to Dubai with ease. #middleeast #traveltips #adventure #arab #emirates

View below Burj Khalifa at night

Burj Khalifa

Step inside the largest tower of the world and you would be greeted with Arabic coffee served with dates. Make sure you reserve your ticket for the sight-seeing from the tower.

On the 148th floor, the tower offers the viewer a spectacular 360° shot of the Dubai skyline, Arabian Gulf, and the desert.

While at Burj Khalifa, check out the tallest restaurant that is At. Mosphere. There is also Armani Lounge, The Cafe, or Rooftop also offering tasty delights.

At the bottom of the tower you have Dubai Mall and captivating fountains. Submerged within the lake, the Dubai fountain is the largest performing fountain in the world with a perfect fusion of music, water, and some action. Don’t miss out on the evening fountain show.

Things to do in the evening on day one of the 10 days Dubai itinerary

There are plenty of activities you can do in the evening. Many of the malls are filled with restaurants, cinemas, balling alleys and other cools things.

If you are travelling with kids they even have activities catered to the little ones. For something different, you can also opt for an evening dinner cruise.

If you are into clubbing, there are also bars and clubs in Dubai to check out. For something on the elegant side, consider a show at Dubai Opera, which also has music concerts, from rock, jazz, pop for English and Arabic artists.

Dubai Opera

Dubai Opera is situated in Downtown Dubai. The center constitutes 2000 seat and the hall can be turned into multi-format performing stage.

DAY 2 Dubai Marina and Dubai Beaches

Day two on this 10 day Dubai itinerary is all about the marina area of Dubai. There are beaches, malls, restaurants, bars cruises and everything you could possibly need for a great holiday. There are plenty of things to do in Dubai Marina.

Dubai Marina & JBR

This is a district of Dubai that has an artificial canal city situated along a 2mile (3.22km) stretch of the Persian Gulf. Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is 1.7 km long glass area waterfront located against the Persian Gulf in Dubai Marina.

There are plenty of cruises here day time and night time. The cruise tours on Dubai Marina depart every hour from the marina pier.

Visit the Place on Yacht

One can’t find a better way to explore Dubai Marina than doing on one the Xclusive Yachts cruises which offers a captivating sight-seeing tour.

There are 90-minute rides as well as multi-hour tours that will complete a trip around the Burj Al-Arab to the Palm Jumeirah accompanied by Atlantis-The Palm ending at Royal Palace.

The tours are packed with an itinerary allowing you to enjoy with stunning views of tower and the skylines of Marina.

Fly Over Marina

Longest urban zipline on the marina was inaugurated in 2017 and is a welcoming spot to thrill-seekers. It offers a flight from 170 m from JBR Amwaj Towers to the other corner of Marina Mall round the year.

Beaches of Area

Dubai has plenty of amazing beaches to check out, from private to public. If you book a hotel with a private beach then you get to have all the amenities to may your beach bumming activities as fun and relaxed as you want.

Just remember to behave yourself on beaches where local families hang out. Below are a couple of places to check out.

- JBR Beach
- Marina Beach
- Private Beach
- The Walk

Marina Walk

After giving sailing on Yacht, move along cobbled streets of JBR. Right opposite to JBR, “The Walk”. Here you can find shops, restaurants, international brands, and outlets along the way.

There is another beach waiting for you on foot of Arabian Gulf with even more entertainment, food, and shopping. Here you will also find cafes and places to chill out. Below are a couple of places to check out.

- Bateel Café (gourmet dates)
- Cavalli Café
- The Cheese Cake Factory (Mega Burgers)
- Eat Greek (Mediterranean Grilled seafood)
- Pier 7

Wild Wadi

If you are a lover of theme parks or are looking for something fan to do with kids or if you are a kid at heart then Wild Wadi is not to be missed on any Dubai itinerary.

Located right in front of Burj Al-Arab Jumeirah, Wild Wadi has 30 rides and water slides for people of all age. The venue is themed around the Arab folklore tale of Juha.

The thrilling rides of the Wadi include:

- Jumeirah Sceirah
- Tantrum Alley
- Burj Surj
- Wipeout and Riptide Flow riders.

Some Relaxing places

- Juha’s Journey
- Breaker’s Bay

For Kids

- Dhow and Lagoon
- Marina Mall

Marina Mall

Right along the Dubai Marina, stands the Marina Mall. It is small compared to the other malls but is a real gem. This was walking distance to our hotel during my last visit to Dubai.

There are high street brand stores, they also usually have an outdoor cinema outside, usually screening kids movies. There is a large Sephora store here too.

There are bars along the marina and cafes too. If you are looking to stay nearby there is Pearl Marina apartment hotel, and many other hotels including the recent The Address Dubai Marina, a 5-star hotel embeds to the mall. 200 luxurious rooms, a spa, swimming pool, and fitness center are the hits if the place. A detailed view of the mall can be found at Brands & Food Court.

Souk Madinat

Also known as Jumeirah Madinet, this popular Arabic Market is a traditional stamp on Modern Dubai.

Perfumed scents, fragrant spices, artisanal souvenirs, and glowing lanterns are ready to be in your shopping bucket out of 75 shops and galleries.

By night, the place glitters with music and views. Madinat Theatre is there to add spice. I shared a post on our visit to Souk Madinat. For additional tips on cheap shopping places in Dubai, check out my recent post.

Abra Bour Tour

While you are at Souk Madinat do not miss out on taking this tour. To unleash the Madinat Jumeirah winding waterways, you need to board on a 20-minute ride via a cruise.

The boat is a traditional styled 10 person abra (a motorized boat) with cushioned sitting. Tour starts from the Souk Madinet waterfront offering stunning views of Burj Al-Arab. If you are staying at Jumeirah Beach Hotel the tour is free.

DAY 3 Atlantic Palm

Palm Jumeirah is a member of the island group in the Persian Gulf which is characterized by its glittering hotels, mighty towers, and chain of international restaurants.

Mobile food vans with their mouth-watering servings can be found here and thereupon the island.

Dubai coastline and sail-shaped Burj Al-Arab hotel add phenomenal value to the place. Beach clubs studded by open spas and pools, turn into party spots with DJs by night.

Atlantis The Palm-Dubai

A 5-star hotel situated on the sands of Palm, which a man-made island. This place as cemented itself into the books of one of a kind luxurious hotels with out of this world aquarium hotel rooms.

Whether it is unmatched architecture or award-winning restaurants, nothings remain behind to amuse the visitors.

If the hotel room rates at Atlantis The Palm Dubai are too eye-watering then you also have the option for a day pass to explore this stunning and awe-inspiring gem in Dubai.

Another must-experience place on the 10 day Dubai itinerary. Prices for the day passes are below.

- 1 Day Super Pass for Adults AED 320*
- 1 Day Super Pass for Kids AED 260*
- 2 Day Mega Pass for Adults AED 350*
- 2 Day Mega Pass for Kids AED 290*
- 0 – 2 years of age Free
  - The Thrilling Activities
  - Water sports
  - Swim with Dolphins at bay
  - Play with sea lions
  - Lost chambers aquarium
  - Diving
  - ShuiQi Spa
  - Beach & pools
  - Helicopter tours
  - Yacht and boats
  - Tennis court
  - Restaurants
  - Kids Club
  - Aquaventure Water Park

Palm Jumeirah is home to the most exciting water park hosting a number of water sports, slides, and dives. Leap of Faith is a dive straight into water inhabited by sharks and rays which give you an instant adrenaline rush.

Private beaches, children’s area, and marine activities are also part of the menu. Add fun to your day by riding along with waterslides. 19 restaurants are there with international cuisines to let you have an awe-struck feeling.

DAY 4 Deira Gold Souks and Dubai Creek

Day 4 in Dubai is all about visiting the Gold Souks and riding on the abra boats on Dubai Creek.

Deira

The next destination to stop is Deira. The spot is a traditional commercial center in Dubai. It is now divided into two factions, one being the old souks and the other is Dubai International Airport.

The place encircles markets of all kind ranging from Gold Souq (Gold), Aseelah (Restaurant), Irish Village (Irish pub), QDs (Bar), Indoor food market, Qwaider Al-Nabulsi (Middle-Eastern cuisine) and much more to go.

Dubai Creek

Head towards the place which is a linking point between sea trading port and the desert. The one side is neighboured by Gulf while the other by Ras al Khor bird sanctuary. Here you can find traditional Dubai legacy.

The venue is surrounded by cable cars, Cruise-de-Creek (boat/water taxi), dolphins, markets holding spices, gold, giant malls, and street shows. It is quite a happening place even in winter.

Gold Souk

It is quite impossible to miss a gold market when you are in a place known for world gold trade. Located right along the Deira, it is the traditional gold market of Dubai.

About four-decade-old shops can also be located. The place is strictly regulated by the government to have a check on security and quality of gold.

A few of the places hold the Guinness world record for the most gold in one jewellery piece. Be sure you make sure you buy some gold jewellery

Dubai Museum

Visit the Dubai Museum bordered by the Al-Fahidi Fort which is a symbol of history and vintage exhibitions.

The place depicts the everyday life of inhabitants before the discovery of oil. It houses local houses, mosques, souks, date farms along with desert and marine creatures.

The place is a perfect old taste of Dubai with signs of pearl diving in the region accompanied by old parameters and scales as long as 3000 BC.

DAY 5 Dubai Le Mer and Restaurants

Day 5 on the 10 day Dubai itinerary is all about exploring the modern side of Dubai. Yes, modern as in more recent than the sky scrapers that have been enveloping the city fo the last decade or two.

La Mer

The next place to visit on the list of things to do in Dubai during your 10 day visit to Dubai, is the best fusion of light, water and thrilling activities planned outdoor located right between Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah bay.

The destination welcomes the visitors to the palm-lined Boulevards, graffiti work and unmatched charm of the place.

Divided into four distinct zones, Beach, Leisure area, North Island, and South Island, the venue is an exciting addition to the urban city.

Beach Front

The welcome path of beach occupies some restaurants, artificial ponds, and strolling paths. It will not take long to notice beautiful Dubai beaches here as well.

There are outdoor showers, sun lounges & umbrellas, paddling, flyboarding, and boat cruising activities too. The whole area has fast become the latest and coolest hang out in Dubai.

Restaurants

From Greek to Arabic, from Italian to Turkish food, it is a really hard choice to settle on one cuisine because everyone of them is offering a taste. One of the most favorite dining areas is HQ’459 which is an all-day breakfast venue.

The place offers a wide range of menu ranged from Belgian waffles to Spanish Octopus. Some desi-food as Indian cuisine is all set at “Masti”.

Some other highlights include Treej Café(Emirati specialist), The Backyard to have some barbeque fun, and Aprons & Hammers for most delicious seafood.

DAY 6 Overnight Trip To Abu Dhabi Day

Having explored many corners of Dubai, we didn’t want to pass up a chance to visit Abu Dhabi. You can either do day trip as I did when I visited with my sister on my last trip to Dubai or you can do an overnight trip to Abu Dhabi.

The city is has becoming a magnet for the tourist but nothing compared to Dubai.

There are plenty of things to do in Abu Dhabi to occupy an overnight visit. If you are going to visit Dubai for 5 days or even 7 days in Dubai, do not skip Abu Dhabi.

There are plenty of options for tours to Abu Dhabi from Dubai.

Pack your overnight bag and head to check out the capital of UAE, the traditional city Abu-Dhabi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Louvre is an art cum civilization museum located on Saadiyat Island Cultural District. The place is designed as a “seemingly floating dome structure”.

Various souvenirs have been collected from the French Museum including the Louvre, Centre Georges Pompidou, and the Palace of Versailles. There are multiple exhibitions here like the “Talking Art- Louvre Abu Dhabi” and “Birth of a Museum”.

Louvre Abu Dhabi’s exterior Louvre Abu Dhabi, Photography: Mohamed Somji

Markets of Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi being the capital of UAE is home of calmness, relaxed environment and hosts much of cultural highlights. Here are some traditional markets which have a lot to offer to visitors.

- Mina Zayed Fish Sauk
- Abu Dhabi Carpet Souk
- Madinat Zayed Gold Souk
- Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk
- Souk Al Zafarana

Emirates Palace

The Palace is glittered by the beach, bars, and restaurants. Pools, marina, and Kids club are also there. The multi-dome lavish hotel is home to arches, staircases, fountains making it a glamorous location.

Le Café at Emirates Palace for high tea is next destination to stop by to have a cup of Cappuccino whose surface is glittered with 24-carat gold flakes making it a must-try. Skiing, kayaking, Windsurfing, and paddleboarding are there to have a fancy ride.

Evening Tea at Emirates

The five towers collectively known as Emirates Tower are located in Abu Dhabi corniche. It allows the visitors to live, work, stay, shop, and dine under one roof while offering panoramic views of the city and Arabian Gulf.

The complex includes 3 residential towers and 5-star Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel. Relishing city views can be experienced from the 74th floor of the second tower via Observation decks at 300.

The Avenue at the towers is home to the most exclusive collection of boutiques and brands.

Sunset at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

The largest Mosque in UAE holds the capacity of 40,000 people. There are multiple water fountains around the place.

The best time to visit the place is dusk when the lighting is glittering everywhere. It is the best scene to view two white minarets against the cover of blue sky, glistened by the pink shadow of sunset.

There is a Coffee Club nearby North gate. I shared plenty of pictures of our visit to Sheikh Zayed Mosque here.

For the evening entertainment in Abu Dhabi: While visiting Abu Dhabi, this is your chance to experience a desert safari in Abu Dhabi. Instead of a hotel you can even opt to have an overnight stay int he desert.

Where to stay in Abu Dhabi: There are a number of hotels in Dubai but not as many as the thousands of hotels in Dubai. For hotels in Abu Dhabi click here. Be sure to book in advance especially if looking for mid-range to budget options for accommodation in Abu Dhabi.

DAY 7 Abu Dhabi Day 2

The second day in Abu Dhabi before heading back to Dubai is all about checking out the heritage.

Heritage Village

The building is all set to take you back to pre-modernized life. Experience desert traditions, souks, mosques and other setups from traditional Abu Dhabi.

In a reconstruction of traditional oasis village, step out and explore artifacts, artisans making pottery, weaving fabric on the loom, and performing metalwork. Handmade soaps, dried herbs, and other souvenirs are open to shop.

Ferrari World

It is not the place to miss when you are in Abu Dhabi especially if you are into cars. The theme park is loaded with a thrilling roller-coaster, kids driving arena, racing cars, 4-D fantasy journey, and racing challenges. Sip in an energy drink and set in.

Marina Mall

This place is highlighted by Mercedes-Benz car showroom, specialty shops, mega-market, and chain of cafes. Spend your day visiting a state-of-the-art bowling alley or give a shot to 9-screen VOX cinema.

The is also a 40-meter slide, band new slacklines, a thrilling zip line, and 18-m free fall is all open to visitors.

Yas Island

The island is a theme park glittered by all sorts of motorbikes and cars. Get strapped and wear goggles while settling in the arena.

Sidelong, Yas Beach is the perfect destination for the entire family. Restaurant and lounges are neighbored by the sights of surfers surfing along the undulating waves. There are plenty of tours to Yas Island from Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

There is also a golf course on Yas Island as well as Yas Mall which is all set with international brands, 20 screens VOX cinema, and food court.

A series of Yachts and cruises can be found at Yas Marina. Last but not least; the Yas Marina circuit is packed with formula racing cars.

Kite Beach In Dubai

Return to Dubai by afternoon head towards Kite Beach for a little chill-out session. It is a hotshot for all sports lovers. Volleyball, football, kayaks accompanied by running cum cycling tracks are the highlights of the place. The place attracts kite surfers with plenty of shops offering related gadgets.

DAY 8 Back To Dubai For Desert Safari

Day 8 is more of a relaxed and slow passing affair.

One Day to Safari

Set off for safari by the morning or afternoon trip and move along sand dunes of Dubai. The desert safari tours offer mesmerizing views of dawn and dusk (depending on chosen trip) while reaching the campsite. There are camel rides, sandboarding in Dubai dunes, and trying out henna stamps on hands are favorite activities of tourists.

The falconry experience is worth a shot. Enjoy barbecue meal and try out shisha (Arabic water pipe) by the time you get across the belly dancing performances around the bonfire. Bike safari is there to toast up your visit.

DAY 9 Day Trip To Sharjah From Dubai

You cannot miss out on check out Sharjah which is only 25 min (27.7 km) away from Dubai. You can book book a taxi, Uber or even do a day trip tour to Sharjah from Dubai. Places to visit in Sharjah include:

Museum Hopping

Sharjah has the densest collection of art museums and galleries (22 and counting).

Buhaira Corniche

The place is a perfect spot to stop by and have a soothing stroll across the bay. The Al-Majaz Fountain can also be found here and the main attraction of Corniche. The fountain dances with a blend of music and light similar to that outside Dubai Mall.

Other attractions of the place include:

- Al Montazah Parks
- Al Noor Island
- Al Noor Mosque
- O2 Spa
- Al Qasba
- Blue Souk

King Faisal Mosque

The mosque has the honor of being the largest Mosque of Sharjah. Located by Central Souq bus station, it covers 12,000 sqm of area. It has a capacity of 17,000 people. It also has a library with 7000 books. There are separate floors dedicated to both men and women. On the ground floor, a place is dedicated to collecting old clothes for needy people.

Al-Arsa Souk

The oldest market place of UAE is adorned with old doors and hanging lanterns. Local handicrafts, handmade articles, Arabic attire, scents, various herbs, and other souvenirs are available. Halwa shop by the corner of the street invites its visitors so don’t forget to try Arabic coffee and Sulaimani tea.

Heritage Museum

The fine place to spend your evening is here to dip your soul into a vintage effect. The place is adorned with Sharjah’s heritage along with rich Emirati culture. The place truly depicts the hospitality, festivals, marriage ceremonies, science and living style of the people.

DAY 10 Afternoon Tea At Burj Al Arab

Your last day in Dubai on this 10 day journey around Dubai and nearby cities has been reserved for leaving Dubai with a bang!

Burj Al-Arab

Having explored Sharjah and returned to Dubai, the last day will be spent in luxury! You have the morning to do as you please or head to a spa before the afternoon tea.

There are two options for afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab. There is the Afternoon Tea in the Sky Bar with views across the Palm as well as the afternoon tea at Burj Al-Arab on the ground floor.

Be sure to book well in advance. It is one of the tallest luxury hotel situated on artificial Jumeirah Beach. The tower is bridged to the mainland via a private curving bridge.

I have shared a post of our afternoon tea at Burj Al Arab in my Dubai Visual Diary.

The place is a 7-star hotel. The private suites and restaurants are available at the site. Others to check out include the aquarium restaurant Al-Mahara, are a hot shot for customers.

What To Pack For Dubai

There are a lot of misconceptions about Dubai in terms of dress code and how strict it is. I have discussed this at length on my post on what to wear in Dubai with advice on what you can and cannot wear in Dubai.

I have also shared tips on the type of dresses to pack for Dubai. You really need not worry. The majority of what you can wear in other places around the world, you can wear in Dubai.

There dress code rules are a lot stricter at religious places and places worship

Best Time To Visit Dubai

The whole country is a subtropical desert but in terms of when to visit, by far the best time to visit Dubai is between November and March when the temperature although warm are much more bearable. Below are the average temperatures to help you decide on the best times to visit.

Dubai – Average temperatures
Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Min (°C)	15	17	19	22	26	29	31	31	29	25	21	17
Max (°C)	24	26	29	34	39	40	41	42	39	36	31	26
Min (°F)	59	63	66	72	79	84	88	88	84	77	70	63
Max (°F)	75	79	84	93	102	104	106	108	102	97	88	79

Planning Your Trip To Dubai

There are plenty of ways to get to Dubai. You can DIY or check out package deals on Lastminute, hotel and flight deals on Expedia.

Explore the many tours in Dubai and surrounding regions via Viator and GetYourGuide.
Make sure you don’t leave without travel insurance.
Visa for Dubai: If you have a Zambia passport as I do, you will need a visa, but I have found that flying with Emirates makes the process of visa application easier as you can apply via the manage my booking on the Emirates site. If you are visiting with a British passport or US passport.
- 30 Day Visa Stamp for the following countries: Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, Hong Kong, China, Ireland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, People’s Republic of China, Russian Federation, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vatican City.
- 90 Day Multi-Entry Visa Stamp for the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein
Get tips on what to pack for Dubai and head and enjoy yourself.
Tips on the best currency to take to Dubai.

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Our Self-Drive 15 days Namibia Botswana and Vic Falls Itinerary – An African Adventure

October 9, 2019 by admin 8 Comments

Victoria Falls on the Zambian Side

I am sharing our self-drive 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary a thrilling African adventure that you need to add to your bucket list.

I have previously shared posts from my trips to Namibia, Botswana and Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe. This is a slightly condensed version of our trip around southern Africa.

We spent a little over a month traveling around this part of Africa. This is very much a self-drive road trip itinerary through southern Africa exploring safari parks and African towns Botswana, Namibia and Zambia.

So if you have been wanting to explore Africa, this should definitely help with planning your trip to Africa.

The itinerary is packed with adventures, from cruising the Chobe River in time for sunset, enjoying a scenic flight into Okavango Delta to witness the whirlwind adventure.

Taking a traditional makoro ride through the watery wilderness of Okavango to dune bashing in Namibian dunes and more.

Africa is what bucket list dreams are made of. Below is a Nambia and Botswana itinerary with the addition of a quick stop to see Victoria Falls.

Livingstone 2 Days (Zambia) And Victoria Falls

Getting to Livingstone: We arrived in Lusaka and booked a flight with Proflight via Expedia from Lusaka to Livingstone.

Depending on where you are coming from you can book flights to Livingstone. There are no direct flights so you will either have to use South African, Namibia, or Zambia as a hub and then take a local flight.

Or you can actually start this itinerary from the bottom up. Start with Namibia and work up to Livingstone.

The other option which I have done with no issues and I will share a post soon is drive from Lusaka to Victoria Falls. This is a 6 hour drive.

Where to stay in Livingstone: Also for tourists who are eager to witness the beauty of Victoria Falls, you can stay either in Zambia or Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls.

You can still experience both sides of the Victoria Falls; Zambia for a Livingstone Island and Zimbabwe for the incredible views of the Victoria Falls in all their glory.

We have stayed at Olga’s Italian, Tongabezi, Maramba River Lodge, Royal Livingstone Hotel but will share more on hotels in Livingstone soon.

Our lodgings at Tongabezi on the banks of Zambezi River.

Day 1 – Livingstone Town And Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls might not be the tallest waterfall but it is the most beautiful waterfall in the world. It is classified as the largest waterfall for the combination of the tallest and widest waterfall.

At times there is so much spray from the waterfall, that you can’t see the water but the “smoke” only.

Because of the sound of the water dropping from such a height, you can hear the sound of the water in the surrounding, earning a name Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders”.

Wonder the craft markets nearby to explore the Zambian souvenirs and pick up some unique items or choose from one of the many optional activities available in Livingstone.

Whether it be a visit to the Mukuni Cultural Village, a tour of Livingstone Island, a Safari in Mosi-oa-Tunga National Park which I shared on Instagram, sunset cruises down the Zambezi, diving into the Devil’s Pool, river-boarding, horse riding or helicopter or micro flights over the falls.

When you’re in Livingstone, don’t forget to visit the Livingstone Museum, the oldest and largest of all the national museums in Zambia.

This museum is unique as it houses the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr. Livingstone, including his original maps and personal effects and diaries in the Livingstone section.

This museum will provide you an extensive insight into the cultural heritage and the history of Zambia. Next to the Museum just a few meters you have the Livingstone curios market. For more on things to do in Livingstone check out my post.

Knife Bridge on Victoria Falls

In the evening, after having an adventurous day out, now is the time to get relax and the best place to do so is to have evening drinks and a lavish dinner at the Waterfront Restaurant.

As for the day, we suggest you have a delicious lunch at Olga’s Italian to promptly celebrate the beginning of your adventurous journey.

Pro Tip: Book your Livingstone Island and Devils Pool tour and other tours in advance as they need to arrange hotel pick up the day before also to avoid disappointment.

Also note the Devil’s pool is only available for a short period. Check out my post for more details.

A hippo in the foreground, with a river cruise boat in the background

Day 2 Livingstone Adventures

Have an amazing start of your day by having breakfast with elephants. Yes, you read it right, at The Elephant Café, you can have a delicious breakfast while enjoying the beauty of majestic elephants to kick start your adventurous day.

Do not miss this wonderful experience while in Livingstone as this café is now one of Zambia’s top-rated cafes and it encompasses three wonderful experiences and guaranteed to be a significant highlight of your Livingstone adventure.

After having an energetic breakfast with the wild, you can head back and visit the Victoria Falls, or head to check out the majestic crocodiles at Crocodile Park.

This attraction is just to the south of Livingstone and provides the opportunity to see some huge crocs at close quarters – behind the safety of a strong chain-link fence of course. It provides a great photographic point to made memories.

If you booked your Devil’s pool tour, this would be a great day to do it. If the answer is yes, in the dry seasons, the Zambezi River level drops quite significantly and with the help of an experienced guide.

You can actually walk on the falls and swim across the Zambezi the river to the Devil’s Pool, where you can behold the beauty of Falls by looking over the Falls to an almost one-kilometer drop below.

Feel the real adrenaline rush by experiencing the beauty of Victoria Falls in its earnest. For more details on this read about our experience of the Devil’s Pool and the Livingstone Island Tour.

For the evening entertainment, you can book dinner at the Royal Livingstone Hotel which has a few restaurants and amazing views. I will post more about this soon. There is also Avani as well as a lot more places to eat in the town center of Livingstone.

Sitting on the edge of Victoria Falls – AKA Devil’s Pool

Victoria Falls From The Zimbabwean Side

Day 3 Victoria Falls On The Zimbabwean side

As 90% of Victoria Falls is in Zambia’s side, the Vic Falls can be a witness its earnest from the Zimbabwean side. So it is a must to see the beauty of mighty Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwean side.

After crossing the Zimbabwe border, it is a short drive to the mighty Victoria Falls. The spray from the waterfall creates a natural rainforest so feel this breathtaking natural phenomenon in its fullest.

Feel the wonder in its other form by having an afternoon tea at Victoria Falls hotel, situated at a prime location overlooking Victoria Falls. An Edwardian-style hotel, it provides a unique view of the Falls.

Before having your afternoon tea, if you’re planning to have the adventure of your life, then we suggest you opt for the original and ultimate thrill.

The Victoria Falls Bungee jump that takes place in front of the largest curtain of falling water in the world. Having a Bungee jump in “no man’s land” is often voted as one of the top five adrenaline rush experiences.

To avoid moving to a new hotel for day 3 you can still base yourself in Livingstone and just day trip to Zimbabwe for Vic Falls views and afternoon tea.

Pro Tip: Make sure you enter Zambia or Zimbabwe with a multi-entry visa KAZA UNIVISA which costs $50. Bring dollars to make life easier. This saves you having to pay multiple times to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Be sure to also check out my post on the best times to visit Botswana.

Botswana 3 Days Kasane And Maun

From Livingstone, you have the option of doing a day trip to Chobe National Park for safari, but I would recommend heading to Kasane at the end of day 3 so that you start day 4 from Botswana. You can book the safari to start from Kasane as well.

Getting to Kasane: This is a short drive from Livingstone to Kasane via Kazungula Ferry crossing.

Where to stay in Kasane: I have also shared tips on where to stay in Kasane included details of where we stayed.

15 Days Namibia Botswana and Vic Falls Itinerary - Sharing our adventure please tips on how to plan your own African adventure. Everything from driving in Africa, safari tours, where to stay, Victoria Falls adventures, Botswana safari, Namibian dunes and More! #sossusvlei #dun45 #dune7 #chobe #vicfalls #livingstone #zambia #mosioatunya #nationalpark #safari #africa #traveltips #adventureawaits #etosha

Tourist watching an elephant crossing a river in the Chobe National Park in Botswana, Africa.

Day 4 Exploring Chobe National park

After starting your adventure with a bang at Victoria Falls, now is the time to pack your bags and move to another destination, Botswana.

If you’re traveling from Zambia to Botswana, you can stay close to Chobe National park which is home to the most diverse and majestic wildlife in Botswana by basing yourself in Kasane. In addition to Chobe, ther are many other tours from Kasane.

Situated on a vast 11,000 square kilometer of diverse wilderness, forests, swamps, and floodplains, Chobe National Park provides you spectacle view of all manners of animals and birdlife. Embark on a Chobe River cruise to get a different perspective of animals, cruise the river on sunset to witness elephants, buffalos, kudu, giraffe, bushback, and hippo along the water’s edge.

The Chobe National Park is divided into four distinctly different eco-systems: Scerondela with its lush plains and dense forests along with the areas of Chobe River, the Savuti Marsh, the Linyanti Swamps and the dry hinterland.

Our lodgings in Kasane Botswana

Day 5 Visit Kasane Town And Travel To Maun

Explore Kasane in the morning as it is situated right alongside the National Parks. You’ll get to witness hive of elephant, zebra, and giraffe.

Elephants splashing water and drinking from watering holes, zebras and giraffes blinking back at you from the roadside and elephant crossing the road, scenes like these will make your morning unforgettable.

When you’re in Kasane, grab your supplies for your long journey to Maun, Botswana’s primary tourism hub. Also note that you are likely to see elephants, baboons, monkeys, and other animals as there is no fencing around Chobe National Park. Please DO NOT feed any of the animals!

Maun – the main gateway to the Okavango Delta – serves as the main tourist attraction. With good accommodation options and a reliable mad mix of bush pilots, campers, volunteers and luxury safari files, it serves as a thrilling base for a day or two.

When you enter Maun, you embark on the journey to explore Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s great wildlife habitat and provides refuge to huge concentrations of game. You can read about our experience of the Okavango Delta on the blog.

Pro tip – Take local transport from Kasane to Maun and then rent a car from Maun. This is because there aren’t many rental companies that allow you to pick up from Botswana and drop off in Namibia. Currently, only Avis does this.

When we did Nambia, Botswana and Zambia, we used taxis in Livingstone mostly as they are cheap. Also as most tours will also include pick and drop off to hotels, we didn’t feel the need to have a rental car here.

Day 6 The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a unique pulsing wetland. Covering somewhere between 6,000 to 15,000 square kilometers, the delta has the Kalahari Desert in northern Botswana and owes its existence to the Okavango River which flows through the Angolan highlands, across Namibia’s Caprivi Strip, and into the harsh Kalahari Desert.

Very much at the center of Botswana’s safari industry, the Okavango Delta offers some of Africa’s premier camps and lodges, providing a variety of options to enjoy the superb wildlife, large populations of mammals and excellent birding particularly in the breeding season.

Make sure you book your Okavanage tours in advance so that your hotel pick-up can be arranged in advance of your early morning pick-up for the safari.

Evening drinks at The Old Bridge Backpackers in Maun on the riverbank.

There are plenty of things to do in Maun, if you have the flexibility to extend your time in Botswana. Another option for chilling out in the evening is to head to The Old Bridge Backpackers for evening drinks by the river. You can see pictures in my post on things to do in Maun.

Where to stay in Maun: There are plenty of options for where to stay in Maun, from hostels like the Old Bridge Backpackers and Motsebe Backpackers to mid-range hotels like Sedia Riverside Hotel and The Waterfront to luxury safari lodges like Thamalakane River Lodge.

Day 7 – Explore Maun And Grab Some Snack For Drive To Namibia

After experiencing the wilderness of Okavango Delta, you can explore Maun and work through the list of things to do in Maun or just chill by the pool as tomorrow you are embarking on a 10-drive to Namibia.

In the evening or early in the morning I would recommend heading into the Maun city center to buy some supplies before starting your journey. The drive from Maun to Namibia is very long! This is 10-hour of drive. Yes, we did this.

There were 3 of us so we switched drivers and had several stops along the way. If you want to avoid driving as well as the car rent you can book a flight from Maun to Windhoek. One way is about £300 so works out a lot more expensive if there are a few of you on the trip or travelling as a family. The drive wasn’t bad at all.

Many old timers speak fondly of the old days when all roads leading to Maun, and in the town itself were rutted and sandy.

That was a time of a “wild frontier” charm to the city but in recent years, the town has seen almost humongous development.

The town has shopping centers abound and luxury goods are easily accessible. The town is now a lot friendlier for self-drive safari-goers, making it a perfect stop to refill your supplies for a long journey ahead. There is a Shoprite, Nandos and many other stores to buy food and supplies for the trip.

Pro Tip: Pick up your rental car from Maun on day 7 to get ready for your drive to Namibia. I have shared tips on driving in Botswana. Will share more tips on driving in Namibia but roads are mostly good in Namibia.

Maun town centre where we rented our car

Namibia 8 Days Capital – Etosha & Skeleton Coast

Namibia is such a beautiful country and there so many amazing places to visit in Namibia. At a minimum you should be looking at a 7 day Namibia itinerary or 14 days in Namibia to fully see all that this country has to offer.

From safaris to the most stunning coastline you will ever see. You have seen nothing like the Skeleton coastline where deserts meet the ocean. Something to behold.

I am still longing to get my arse back to Namibia soon as I write this.

Day 8 – Drive From Maun To Etosha National Park

On the next day, start your journey and set off for Namibia after getting your supplies from Maun. It is advisable to bring all necessities for a self-drive safari because then you’ll be traveling for more or less 10 hours non-stop, with fewer stops for fuel.

But if needed, most requirements for a Namibia self-drive safari can be acquired in one of the shops on the way from Maun. Start your drive from Maun as early as possible. I recommend leaving by 5 am!

When driving from Maun to Etosha, I would suggest you book your accommodation in advance as you will most likely be arriving in the evening and will just want to head to bed as soon as you arrive.

As to enter Etosha National Park, move right onto the road up towards Shakawe and the Namibian border at Mahengo where after transiting Mahangu NP, you’ll reach Divundu.

From there along the Caprivi to reach Etosha. This route is a nice choice to move to Etosha as Mahangu NP provides you with a good half way stop with nice lodges and the chance of wildlife.

The road is pretty good as compared to other routes going to Etosha from Maun.

Where to stay in Etosha National Park: There are plenty of lodges to stay within Etosha National Park, many of which offer free breakfast and dinner.

Pro Tip: Stop for fuel as and when you see them because they are few and far between.

Pictures from our Okavango Delta safari tour

Day 9 – Etosha National Park

After entering into Etosha – as from the name “Etosha” meaning “great white area” – you’ll get an impressive sight of the dried pan in the middle of Etosha.

It is the biggest salt pan in Africa. Etosha National Park is the gateway to Northern Namibia and Ovamboland, making it a dream stop on any Namibian tour.

It is Namibia’s prime wildlife location. Its unique location and landscape provide you with the opportunity to see lion, elephant, leopard, hyena, springbok, giraffe, cheetah, zebra and much more. You can do a self-drive safari in Etosha but if you dont feel comfortable doing that on your own you can book a game drive safari in Etosha.

Explore the Etosha National Park in its earnest on this day. What makes this park unique is floodlit waterholes at all the main camps, making it any photographer or nature lover’s dream.

Most of the lodges have private patios o observe the landscape around you. The wildlife can be easily spotted because the park is so vast and the plant life is so sparse.

To sum it up, Etosha is a unique landscape that gives you an incredible and unforgettable experience.

In the evening I would suggest making your way from Etosha to Windhoek. The drive from Etosha National Park to Windhoek is just under 4 hours. A pleasant drive.

Day 10 – Explore Windhoek

After having an unforgettable experience in Etosha National Park, explore Windhoek, an urban city in Namibia that is well developed and provides affordable and comfortable accommodation options.

Situated in a valley surrounded by the Eros and Auas Mountains, with the Khomas Highland in the west, Windhoek provides some of the spectacle views. Windhoek’s architecture is a blend of both the modern and German colonial era.

Give this ancient city a tour to make some unforgettable memories. There are many interesting sights in the city, amongst them are Palace, Christuskirch, the monumental Supreme Court Building, and the Reiterdenkmal.

You can also visit the Old Fort Alte Fest – which is now the National Museum and the National College of the Arts – are some of the oldest buildings.

You have the option to do a Windhoek City and Township Cultural Tour, a cooking class and many other tours leaving from Windhoek.

Driving in Botswana

Day 11 – Drive From Windhoek To Swakopmund

On the day 11 of your 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary, its time to head to another one of Namibia’s central city; Swakopmund.

This a very popular Namibian seaside resort with pleasant summer temperatures. Swakopmund houses some of the many interesting historic buildings and an ancient lighthouse standing 21 meters high.

Note the drive from Windhoek to Swakopmund is about 4 hours. We set off from the city just after breakfast around 9am and arrived in Swapmund early enough to explore the town in daylight.

There are plenty of activities here to keep you busy for a while. You can visit the aquarium, situated along the Namibian coast.

You can see sharks and stingrays there. You can enjoy the scenic views by driving along the dune lined coastlines. Welwitschia drive which goes to the Moon Landscape at the Swakop River and further north into the Namib Naukluft Park is a must for self-driving safari-goers. We had dinner on at the pier restaurant

Swakopmund in Namibia

Day 12 Explore The Desert Around Swakopmund

This is the town where the desert meets the ocean. Dunes and crystal clear water invite the visitors to take part in various outdoor activities, like sand-boarding, quad biking or dolphin cruises.

The Bavarian-style town is surrounded by sand and a great way to explore the dunes is on a fat bike. Fat bike’s wide tires handle the sand brilliantly and you can have a thrilling adrenaline rush experience by tackling some monster dunes.

Namibia offers incredibly adapted wildlife that only a skilled guide can show you. There is a wide range of tours in Swakopmund to choose from, choose one and discover sand-diving lizards, web-footed geckos, scorpions, spiders, snakes and a variety of strange plants that you’ve never seen before.

Where to stay in Swakopmund: We stayed at the Gecko Ridge Lodge in the desert. There are more options in Swakopmund, including hostels and other hotels in Swakopmund.

Day 13 – Explore Walvis Bay

Only a 30 min drive from Swakopmund, another Namibian central town full of life exist which will enhance your experience of Namibia.

Walvis Bay is a harbor town with thriving fishing industry and sea salt production plant. Being a Bay area, it has some of the best restaurants, cafes, and bars and a variety of affordable accommodation options if you wish to stay here.

We stayed in Swakopmund and did a day trip to Walvis Bay. Your planned itinerary in Namibia is incomplete without Walvis or Swakopmund.

Spending a day in Walvis is fairly easy as the journey to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund isn’t bad. There a few adventurous activities in Walvis Bay, from watching dolphins and pink flamingo on the bay to a catamaran cruise to see seals and dolphins, to kayaking and many other tours from Walvis Bay.

Another attraction worth checking out is the large natural Lagoon where thousands of seabirds, flourish. You can view Flamingos and Pelicans that are joined by at least 200,000 migratory species on the beach.

Another place you can add to your itinerary is Langstrand along the Namibian coast toward Swakopmund. This drive is scenic drives as is the Swakopmund to Walvis Bay drive.

Also On the outskirts of the town, the famous Dune 7 is the highest sand dune in the area where you can climb to the top to enjoy a great view.

On the evening of day 13 start your drive to Sossusvlei or you have the option of leaving in the morning of 14 of your Nambia itinerary.

Dolphins and flamingo on Walvis Bay in Namibia

Day 14 – Explore Sossusvlei and Deadvlei

On day 14 Start your day by traveling to the sand dunes of Sossusvlei in the Namib Desert. Head for Dune 45 as early in the day as possible to bit the heat.

From Dune 45 drive to Deadvlei. This is a 20-minute drive from Dune 45 to Deadvlei. You cannot travel to Sossusvlei without visiting Deadvlei.

There is something eerie and unsettling about how everything looks there, as though it’s from another world or time. Enjoy the unrealistic scenery that you will never find anywhere else, in Deadvlei.

Getting to Sossusvlei: The drive from Swakopmund to Sossusvlei is about 5 hours but you can break up this journey by driving from Swakopmund to Solitaire and staying overnight and then driving to Sossusvlei to explore the Dunes.

Where to stay in Sossusvlei: There arent many places to stay within Namib-Naukluft National Park. The closest are around towns on the edge of the national park, like Solitaire hotels, Sesriem hotels or even Naukluft Mountains.

Deadvlei Namibia surreal landscape of dead trees

Day 15 – Back To Windhoek For Flight Back Home

This is the last day of the 15 days Namibia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary. We had such an amazing time on this trip. I certainly hope this African itinerary inspires you to visit the continent if you haven’t already done so.

On day 15 you can head back to Windhoek for the flight back to home. The drive from Solitaire to Windhoek is 3 hours and 15 minutes or a little over that depending on how many stops you have.

If you leave in the morning that may give you some time to explore the city or even take a tour to see any of the cultural groups in Namibia.

Planning Your Trip

Namibia was one of our best adventures yet! I am sure you will love your visit. As always, if you have any questions. Comment below and I will be glad to help, otherwise, see more details on how to plan a trip to Africa.

As far as basics go:

Start saving money!
Check for flight deals on Expedia or Ebookers. You can start this itinerary from Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or even from South Africa.

Book your safari lodges in advance on Booking.com, Agoda or Hotels.com. Places like Tongabezi can only be booked via Expedia.
Check whether there are package tours available the make your first trip to Africa easier. Look at Contiki, GAdventures, and for similar itineraries.

Book your tours for safaris, river cruises as soon as you nail down your itinerary. You can find tour deals on Viator or Get Your Guide.
While all three countries are pretty safe to travel to. We didn’t have any issues at all. Make sure you have travel insurance to cover missed flights, accidents and everything in between should the worst happen.

Estimate your car rental from lots of pickups and drop off points. Depending on your starting point. You can also reserve your car rental via Expedia or directly via Avis.
Get planning and start your count down to doing your very own self-drive 15 days Nambia, Botswana and Vic Falls itinerary or perhaps even do a longer trip.

Sunrise on the Spitzkoppe stone arch of Damaraland Namibia

Additional Tips For Planning A Zambia Namibia and Botswana Itinerary

Don’t feel obligated to do safaris in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Research the animals that can be found in each of the parks and then pick two destinations. For example the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park does not have cats but I still had a safari in there.

Choose a variety of safaris, we have done a river cruise, safari drives, flight safari. Get a different experience from each country.
Look at different Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe tours on offer first and do a list of the ones that appeal to you. That way you are not essentially doing the same or too similar a tour in a different country.

Vary your accommodation options. We have stated in lodges, chalets, luxury tents, and hotels while doing the Namibia and Botswana self-drive itinerary.
There are multiple ways to save money on these trips. Some times that might mean doing a tour, sometimes it means doing a self-drive. Calculate how much budget you have for the African safari trip and look at where you can cut costs and still have a fantastic experience.

There you have it, our African adventure! So have you been to Africa, have you been inspired but the 15-day African itinerary? Where else in Africa would you like to visit. Comment below.

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