This six-week Europe itinerary blends mountain air, seaside light, and city culture across northern Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, southern France, and Barcelona. You’ll move mostly by train and bus, with one flight across the Adriatic, keeping the pace adventurous yet reasonable for a 43-day trip.

Expect variety. One week you’re riding a cable car to alpine meadows in the Dolomites; the next you’re tasting truffles in Istria, walking Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, or following Matisse in Nice. Along the way, museums, hiking, wine tasting, and “live like a local” neighborhoods anchor each stop.

Practical notes: All destinations on this route use the euro, simplifying budget planning. Reserve big-ticket sites in advance (e.g., Sagrada Família, Venice’s Doge’s Palace), carry a reusable water bottle, and pack layers—the mountains can be brisk even in summer. Trains and buses are your friends; use Omio (trains), Omio (buses), Omio (ferries), and Omio (flights) for reliable schedules and prices.

Milan

Days 1–3: Fashion, frescoes, and aperitivo

Milan is Italy’s engine: Roman roots, Renaissance art, and modern design. Climb the Duomo’s spires, browse the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, and catch the golden hour in the Navigli canals with a classic aperitivo.

• Top highlights: Duomo rooftop; Santa Maria delle Grazie (Da Vinci’s Last Supper—book weeks ahead); Sforza Castle; Brera district (Pinacoteca di Brera and cobbled lanes); contemporary Fondazione Prada.
• Adventurous/local: Jog Parco Sempione at sunrise; navigate the Navigli by bike; join a design-focused stroll in Tortona.
• Coffee & breakfast: Pavé (buttery croissants; serious espresso), Marchesi 1824 (historic pastry counter), Upcycle (bike-café vibe).
• Lunch: Luini (iconic panzerotti takeaway), Ravioleria Sarpi (fresh-filled dumplings in Chinatown), Panificio Pattini (focaccia slices).
• Dinner: Trippa (nose-to-tail trattoria, reserve), Osteria dell’Acquabella (Milanese classics), Ratanà (risotto in a sleek former railway building).
• Beer & wine: Birrificio Lambrate (legendary craft beer), Nottingham Forest (creative cocktails), N’Ombra de Vin (wine cellar under vaulted ceilings).

Stay: Compare mid-range apartments and hotels near Brera or Navigli: VRBO Milan | Hotels.com Milan

Getting there: Fly into Milan (MXP/LIN). Check fares on Omio (flights). From the airport, trains/buses reach the center in 30–50 minutes.

Next stop (Day 4, morning): Train to Bolzano for the Dolomites, ~2h50–3h15 via Verona, ~€20–40. Search times/prices on Omio (trains).

Bolzano (Dolomites)

Days 4–8: Alpine meadows, via ferrata, and Ötzi

Base in Bolzano, gateway to South Tyrol’s Dolomites, where Italian and Austrian cultures meet. Ride cable cars to high meadows, hike limestone spires, and meet the 5,300-year-old “Ötzi the Iceman.”

• Top hikes: Seceda ridgeline (Ortisei cable car; panoramic trail), Alpe di Siusi/Seiser Alm (gentle walking with hut lunches), Adolf Munkel Trail beneath the Odle peaks.
• Museums: South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology (Ötzi), Messner Mountain Museum Firmian (castle + mountain culture).
• Unique: Try an easy via ferrata with a certified guide in Val Gardena; in autumn, join a Törggelen feast (new wine + roasted chestnuts).
• Cafés & meals: Loacker Café (views + tortina), Hopfen & Co. (brewpub in a tower; hearty plates), Restaurant Laurin (Art Nouveau dining room), Franziskanerstuben (Tyrolean comfort), Gasthof Oberholz (modern alpine hut cuisine).
• Wine & beer: Taste Lagrein and Gewürztraminer; Forst beer is local staple.

Stay: Bolzano center or Ortisei for lift access: VRBO Bolzano | Hotels.com Bolzano

Next stop (Day 9, morning): Train to Venice via Verona, ~3.5–4h, ~€25–45. See Omio (trains).

Venice

Days 9–11: Palaces, quiet canals, and cicchetti bars

Venice rewards early risers and curious wanderers. Cross empty bridges at dawn, tour the Doge’s Palace, and get lost in Cannaregio’s backstreets before a sunset vaporetto ride past palazzi.

• Essentials: St. Mark’s Basilica (go early), Doge’s Palace (Bridge of Sighs), Rialto Market, Accademia Gallery, Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
• Local moments: Learn voga alla veneta (Venetian rowing), day trip to colorful Burano, sunset on Fondamenta delle Zattere.
• Coffee & breakfast: Torrefazione Cannaregio (house roasts), Pasticceria Tonolo (morning bomboloni).
• Lunch & cicchetti: All’Arco (stand-up bites), Cantine del Vino già Schiavi (wine + crostini), Osteria La Bottega ai Promessi Sposi (hearty Venetian plates).
• Dinner: Osteria alla Staffa (small, soulful), Trattoria da Jonny (seasonal seafood), Al Covo (reservations).
• Beer & wine: Il Santo Bevitore (craft beer), ombra of house wine at a bacaro.

Stay: Dorsoduro or Cannaregio for quieter nights: VRBO Venice | Hotels.com Venice

Next stop (Day 12, morning): Venice to Ljubljana, best by bus ~3.5–4h, ~€18–35. Check Omio (buses). Trains exist but are longer with changes.

Ljubljana

Days 12–14: Riverfront culture and Plečnik’s city

Slovenia’s pint-sized capital is all river curves and leafy parks, with architect Jože Plečnik’s touch everywhere. It’s ideal for strolling, museum-hopping, and long café breaks.

• Highlights: Ljubljana Castle (funicular + viewpoints), Central Market and Plečnik’s colonnades, Triple Bridge, Tivoli Park.
• Museums & alt-culture: National Gallery (Slovene art), MSUM Contemporary; explore Metelkova Mesto for street art and music at night.
• Coffee & breakfast: Stow Coffee Roasters (in the castle quarter), Kavarna Čokl (ethically sourced beans).
• Lunch: Klobasarna (Carniolan sausage), Odprta Kuhna open-air food market on select days (spring–fall).
• Dinner: Druga Violina (social enterprise with traditional dishes), TaBar (Slovene tapas and natural wines), Gostilna Sokol (classics in a wood-beamed room).
• Beer & wine: Lajbah (top craft bar), try Vipava Valley whites (Pinela, Zelen) and Goriška Brda rebula.

Stay: Old Town and Trnovo are great bases: VRBO Ljubljana | Hotels.com Ljubljana

Next stop (Day 15, morning): Bus to Lake Bled, ~1h15, ~€7–10. See Omio (buses).

Lake Bled & Triglav National Park

Days 15–17: Island church, gorges, and alpine trails

Lake Bled looks painted—emerald water, a tiny island chapel, a cliff-top castle. Use it as a springboard into Triglav National Park for Gorge walks and high pastures.

• Must-dos: Row to the island church (ring the bell), hike Mala Osojnica for the postcard view, visit Bled Castle at sunset.
• Adventurous: Walk Vintgar Gorge (boardwalks over turquoise rapids), day trip to Bohinj and the Savica waterfall, or hike the Pokljuka plateau. Pack layers; alpine weather shifts quickly.
• Sweet stop: Bled cream cake at Park Café (kremšnita).
• Meals: Oštarija Peglez’n (casual lakeside), Restaurant 1906 Bled (modern Slovenian), Gostilna Murka (homey classics).
• Beer & wine: Union or Laško on tap; sample local rebula or pinot gris by the glass.

Stay: Look for lake-view apartments or Bohinj cabins: VRBO Bled | Hotels.com Bled

Next stop (Day 18, morning): Bus to Piran via Ljubljana, ~3.5–4.5h, ~€15–25. Check Omio (buses).

Piran

Days 18–19: Venetian seaside and salt pans

Piran is a triangular patch of red roofs and sea. Its Venetian heritage shows in Tartini Square and the bell tower; sunsets from the city walls are sublime.

• Explore: Tartini Square, St. George’s bell tower, city walls at dusk, swim off the stony promenade if it’s warm.
• Nearby: Sečovlje Salt Pans for birdlife and the story of salt—an age-old local economy.
• Eat & drink: Fritolin pri Cantini (casual seafood), Pavel 2 (white tablecloth fish), Pri Mari (family-run), Caffe Teater (coffee by the square), local malvazija white wine everywhere.

Stay: Compact Old Town stays put you minutes from the water: VRBO Piran | Hotels.com Piran

Next stop (Day 20, morning): Bus to Rovinj (Croatia) via Koper/Trieste, ~3.5–4.5h, ~€18–30. Use Omio (buses). Note: Slovenia and Croatia are both in Schengen; no routine passport checks.

Rovinj (Istria)

Days 20–22: Cobblestones, truffles, and coastal cycling

Rovinj is Istria’s star—steep alleys, art studios, and the hilltop Church of St. Euphemia. The forested Punta Corrente park invites swims and bike rides; inland, truffle oak woods produce culinary gold.

• Do: Climb St. Euphemia’s bell tower, bike the coastal trails in Zlatni Rt, half-day trip to hill towns Motovun or Grožnjan (truffles, views).
• Local culture: Learn about wooden batana boats at the Batana Ecomuseum; catch a folk music evening if running.
• Eat & drink: Kantinon (classic konoba by the water), La Puntulina (clifftop tables—reserve), Maestral (grill and fish), Gelateria Italia (old-school scoops), Hop In (craft beer; look for San Servolo), glasses of Istrian malvazija and teran.

Stay: Old Town stone houses or harbor-view apartments: VRBO Rovinj | Hotels.com Rovinj

Next stop (Day 23, morning): Bus to Plitvice Lakes, ~4.5–6h, ~€22–35. See Omio (buses).

Plitvice Lakes

Days 23–24: Waterfall boardwalks and emerald pools

Sixteen terraced lakes pour into one another at Plitvice, a UNESCO site of wooden walkways and mist-sprayed viewpoints. Arrive late afternoon, then start early to beat the day-trippers.

• Walking plans: Lower Lakes at first light (routes A/B), Upper Lakes loop by mid-morning (routes H/K). Boat and shuttle rides are included with park tickets.
• Eat: Licka Kuća (traditional Lika dishes near Entrance 1), simple park bistros for quick bites.

Stay: Guesthouses near Entrance 1 or 2 minimize transfers: VRBO Plitvice Lakes | Hotels.com Plitvice Lakes

Next stop (Day 25, morning): Bus to Split, ~3–4h, ~€15–25. Check Omio (buses).

Split

Days 25–27: Roman palace living and island day trips

Split is a living museum—shops and apartments tucked into Emperor Diocletian’s 1,700-year-old palace. Climb Marjan Hill, swim at Kasjuni Beach, and ferry-hop to nearby islands if seas are calm.

• See: Peristyle and Cathedral of St. Domnius (bell tower views), Riva promenade, Mestrovic Gallery (sculpture + sea views).
• Active: Hike/rent a bike on Marjan, kayak the coast at sunset, or day trip by fast ferry to Hvar or Brač (seasonal schedules).
• Eat & drink: Villa Spiza (tiny, soulful kitchen), Konoba Fetivi (Dalmatian grills), Bokeria (Mediterranean plates), Kantun Paulina (ćevapi stand), Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar (Dalmatian varietals), Leopold’s (craft beer).

Stay: Within or just outside the palace walls for atmosphere: VRBO Split | Hotels.com Split

Next stop (Day 28, morning): Bus to Dubrovnik, ~4–4.5h, ~€18–28. Look up Omio (buses). Summer ferries are another scenic option via Omio (ferries).

Dubrovnik

Days 28–30: City walls, sea kayaks, and island escapes

“The Pearl of the Adriatic” dazzles. Walk the full circuit of the city walls, kayak around Lokrum Island, and ride or hike up Mount Srđ for late-afternoon light over terracotta roofs.

• Essentials: City walls (go early/late), Old Port, Dominican Monastery Museum.
• Active: Sea kayak to hidden coves; hike the trail to Mount Srđ (or take the cable car up and hike down).
• Eat & drink: Lady Pi-Pi (grill with views), Azur (Asian–Dalmatian), Barba (octopus burgers), Dubrovnik Beer Company taproom (craft pints), D’Vino (wine bar).

Stay: Old Town for atmosphere or Lapad for quieter nights and beaches: VRBO Dubrovnik | Hotels.com Dubrovnik

Next stop (Day 31, morning): Flight to Nice, usually 1-stop via Zagreb/Rome, ~4–6h total, ~€90–180 depending on season. Compare on Omio (flights).

Nice (French Riviera)

Days 31–34: Riviera light, coastal walks, and art

Nice blends Belle Époque façades, pebbly beaches, and market bustle at Cours Saleya. It’s a perfect base for Eze, Villefranche, and Cap-Ferrat coastal walks.

• See: Promenade des Anglais, Old Town lanes (socca snack stops), Castle Hill viewpoints, Matisse and Chagall museums (bus-accessible).
• Active: Sentier du Littoral coastal path (Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat), swim if weather allows; train-hop to Antibes or Menton for day trips.
• Eat & drink: Chez Pipo (socca mastery), La Merenda (Niçois classics, no phone), Bistrot d’Antoine (bistro star), Peixes (sea-forward), Emilie’s Cookies (breakfast), Malongo Institut (espresso). Try a chilled glass of Bellet AOP white if you spot it.
• Beer & wine: Blue Coast Brewing (local craft), wine bars in Old Town often pour Provence rosé on tap.

Stay: Near Old Town or the Carré d’Or for easy walks: VRBO Nice | Hotels.com Nice

Next stop (Day 35, morning): Train to Avignon TGV, ~2–3h, ~€25–55. Check Omio (trains).

Avignon (Provence)

Days 35–37: Popes’ palace, Luberon villages, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Avignon’s skyline—fortified walls and the vast Palais des Papes—sets a medieval scene. Use it as a hub for wine country and ochre cliffs in the Luberon.

• In town: Palais des Papes tour, stroll the Pont d’Avignon, Les Halles market tasting walk.
• Wine & day trips: Bus or tour to Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Grenache-led reds), Luberon villages (Gordes, Roussillon’s ochre trail), or the Dentelles de Montmirail for a half-day hike among vines.
• Eat & drink: L’Agape (seasonal menu), Le 46 (wine bistro), La Mirande’s café for a refined lunch, AOC Bar à Vin (regional pours), Violette (breakfast pastries), artisanal ice cream at Scaramouche kiosk if open.

Stay: Inside the ramparts or near Avignon Centre station: VRBO Avignon | Hotels.com Avignon

Next stop (Day 38, morning): Train to Barcelona Sants, ~4.5–6h (often 1 change via Nîmes/Perpignan or Marseille), ~€45–95. See Omio (trains).

Barcelona

Days 38–43: Gaudí icons, tapas, beaches, and Montserrat

Barcelona pairs Modernist whimsy with Mediterranean ease. Tour Gaudí’s masterpieces, graze through tapas bars in El Born, pedal the seafront, and spend a day in Montserrat’s serrated mountains with wine tasting.

• Musts: Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Gothic Quarter stroll, Barceloneta boardwalk, Montjuïc viewpoints and museums.
• Adventurous/local: Bike lanes along the beaches, early-morning swim at Sant Sebastià, hike the Collserola ridge paths above the city.

Curated experiences (Viator):

Sagrada Familia: Priority Access & Guided Tour

Park Guell Guided Tour with Skip the Line Ticket

Montserrat & Cogwheel Train, Gourmet Wine Tasting & Tapas/Lunch

Barcelona Tapas and Wine Experience Small-Group Walking Tour

• Coffee & breakfast: Nomad Coffee Lab (third-wave benchmark), Satan’s Coffee Corner (creative roasts), Granja Viader (historic dairy café; try suís—a hot chocolate with whipped cream).
• Lunch: La Cova Fumada (home of the bomba), El Xampanyet (anchovies and cava), Can Paixano/La Xampanyeria (standing cava bar; sandwiches; go early).
• Dinner: Bar del Pla (seasonal tapas + great wines), Cal Pep (counter drama; seafood), El Nacional (multi-restaurant food hall under a grand roof), Can Culleretes (oldest restaurant in Catalonia).
• Beer & wine: Garage Beer Co. and Edge Brewing (craft pints), natural-wine bars abound in El Born and Eixample—ask for local Priorat or Montsant reds.

Stay: Eixample (central, graceful boulevards) or El Born (walkable to Gothic/Montjuïc): VRBO Barcelona | Hotels.com Barcelona

Depart: Barcelona El Prat (BCN) has abundant options. Check Omio (flights) for onward travel.

Travel cadence and budget notes

Assume morning departures between cities to maximize afternoons on arrival. Train/bus segments on this route generally run €15–55; the single intra-trip flight runs ~€90–180. A mid-range daily budget (lodging, meals, local transit, admissions) averages €140–190 per person; hiking days and apartment stays can lower costs.

For popular sites (Sagrada Família, Park Güell, Doge’s Palace, Last Supper), book time slots several weeks out. Mountain days are weather-dependent—have a rainy-day museum or spa backup.

Summary: Over 43 days you’ll weave from Milan’s marble spires to the Dolomites’ peaks, dip into storybook Slovenia, traipse along Croatia’s coast, sip your way across Provence and the Riviera, and close with Gaudí and tapas in Barcelona. It’s a balanced, adventurous itinerary built for hikers, culture lovers, and food-and-wine seekers alike.