Planning My Ultimate Mediterranean Grad Trip: European Travel Guide

As many of you know, I’m currently working towards dual MBA degrees in Project Management and Finance at the Florida Institute of Technology, with graduation on the horizon in December 2025. I’m over halfway through my program and have maintained a 3.8 GPA while juggling my passion for blogging and content creation alongside a full-time finance job. I’m incredibly proud of this achievement. This journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and to mark this significant milestone, I've planned an unforgettable trip with my boyfriend, John. During our undergrad, we missed the chance to study abroad, which has always been a regret. This trip symbolizes not only the celebration of my academic accomplishments but also the opportunity for us to explore new cultures and create lasting memories together.

With that in mind, after extensive research, careful budgeting, and meticulous organization, I’m thrilled to share my detailed grad trip itinerary! I’ve spent countless hours planning each aspect of this journey to ensure that we make the most of our time together. From choosing destinations that resonate with both of us to finding the best accommodations and activities, every detail has been thoughtfully considered. I can’t wait to dive into the adventures we have lined up, from exploring historic sites to savoring local cuisines and soaking in the stunning landscapes. Yes, I know this is for 2026! But if you know me, you know I’m a total Type A planner who thrives on getting ahead of the game. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about having everything mapped out in advance—it’s a money-saver, too! Why wait until the last minute when you can snag the best deals and create the ultimate adventure? Let the countdown begin! ✈️✨ Here’s what we have in store for this unforgettable trip!

Official Itinerary for Spring/Summer 2026

We want to take the least amount of PTO possible so we planned it over the Memorial holiday. I try really hard to utilize holidays and weekends when booking trips to make the most of our time off.

Total days: 17 (1 holiday) and (6 days are the weekend) PTO (10 days).

Departure:

  • Date: May 15, 2026
  • Flight: Overnight from Tampa to Lisbon, Portugal.

These flights average $400-450 if you book them in advance. A tool I use to keep track of flights and get the best bang for my buck is Sky Scanner and Hopper. Both of these tools have been incredibly helpful and have saved me thousands on flights over the years. I've also found that booking one-way flights instead of round-trip tends to be cheaper in my travel planning experience.

Lisbon, Portugal

  • Stay: 2 nights
    • Affordable Option: Hotel Lisboa Plaza - A charming boutique hotel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable rooms and a great location. This hotel is averaging $150 a night. I use Booking.com which offers me great perks and discounts through rewards.
    • Luxury Option: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade - A stunning hotel with beautiful views and upscale amenities.This is a great option if you wanted to stay in a more luxurious hotel. This is averaging $325 a night with fantastic views of the city.
  • Activities:
    • Explore Alfama: Wander through the narrow streets of this historic neighborhood, visiting the Lisbon Cathedral and São Jorge Castle.
    • Belém: Visit the iconic Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Don't miss trying the famous Pastéis de Belém at the nearby pastry shop.
    • Fado Dinner: Experience traditional Portuguese music at a local Fado restaurant, such as Clube de Fado.
  • Shopping: Check out the boutiques in Chiado for unique local finds and souvenirs.

Spain

  • Travel: Train or rental car to your chosen destination (Ronda or Seville).
  • Stay: 2 nights
  • Activities in Seville:
    • Alcázar of Seville: Explore this stunning palace, known for its intricate architecture and lush gardens.
    • Metropol Parasol: Visit this modern architectural marvel in La Encarnación square, offering great views of the city.
    • Tapas Tour: Indulge in a culinary adventure by sampling local tapas at El Rinconcillo and La Azotea.
  • Activities in Ronda:
    • Puente Nuevo: Marvel at this iconic bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the gorge.
    • Bullring of Ronda: Visit one of the oldest bullrings in Spain, and learn about its history.
    • Wine Tasting: Explore local wineries and enjoy tastings of Ronda’s exceptional wines.

French Riviera

  • Travel: Train or car rental to Nice.
  • Stay: 3 nights
    • Affordable Option: Hotel La Fontaine - A budget-friendly option close to the beach and local attractions.
    • Luxury Option: Hotel Negresco - A landmark hotel with a stunning art collection and views of the Promenade des Anglais.
  • Activities:
    • Half-Day Trip to Monaco: Visit the famous Monte Carlo Casino, the Prince’s Palace, and the beautiful gardens. Don’t forget to snap a photo by the harbor.
    • Scooter Rental: Rent scooters to explore the coastline, stopping at picturesque beaches and charming coastal towns.
    • Day Trip to Eze: Drive up the coast to visit the stunning village of Eze. Visit the exotic gardens and enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
    • St. Tropez and Cannes: Explore the glamorous beaches and high-end shops. Relax at beach clubs like Club 55 in St. Tropez for a luxurious beach day.
  • Dining: Enjoy fresh seafood at Le Galet in Nice and experience fine dining at Château Eza in Eze.

Cruise from Athens, Greece

  • Travel: take a train or fly to Athens to embark on the cruise.
  • Cruise Details:
    • Duration: 7 days
    • Itinerary:
      • Day 1: Athens, Greece (embark at 5 PM)
        • Explore the Acropolis and enjoy a welcome dinner aboard.
      • Day 2: Santorini, Greece
        • Visit Oia for sunset views and explore local wineries.
      • Day 3: Olympia (Katakolon), Greece
        • Discover the ancient ruins and the archaeological museum.
      • Day 4: Corfu, Greece
        • Enjoy the beaches and explore the charming Old Town.
      • Day 5: Kotor, Montenegro
        • Wander through the medieval town and hike up to the fortress.
      • Day 6: Split, Croatia
        • Explore Diocletian’s Palace and relax by the waterfront.
      • Day 7: Koper, Slovenia
        • Discover the old town and sample local cuisine.

Final Stop: Venice, Italy

  • Stay: 1 night
    • Affordable Option: Hotel Antiche Figure - A budget-friendly hotel with great views of the Grand Canal.
    • Luxury Option: Gritti Palace - A luxurious hotel overlooking the Grand Canal with exquisite interiors.
  • Activities:
    • Explore the Canals: Take a gondola ride through the iconic canals.
    • St. Mark's Basilica: Visit this stunning cathedral and admire its intricate mosaics.
    • Shopping: Browse local shops for unique Venetian masks and glassware.

Departure: Fly home from Venice, filled with incredible memories and experiences from this dream trip!

This trip is not just a celebration of my academic achievements but also a chance to explore and embrace new cultures. I can’t wait to share our adventures and insights from each destination! Are you planning a similar trip? I would LOVE to hear about your itinerary or your previous experiences in any of these destinations.

xx,

Happy Blogging.

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