Coastal Capitals And Island Escapes: A Global Beach Tour

This trip is for the traveler who refuses to stay in one place and wants a fast paced tour of the world's most famous coastlines. Over 14 days, you will fly across four continents, moving from the historic plazas of Europe to the vibrant streets of Brazil and the harbor views of Australia. It is a whirlwind journey that balances short, high energy stops with a few slower days to breathe in the salt air.

Barcelona

Day 1

You start your journey in Barcelona, a city where art and sea life blend together. You will want to spend your first day wandering through the narrow lanes of El Born, where you can find modern boutiques alongside medieval walls. For a quick break, head over to the sandy stretch of Barceloneta for a dip in the water before the sun sets.

If you are looking for a snack, head to Poble Sec for a plate of bombas. You can also find a glass of vermut at a tiny bar in Gràcia for under 5 Euro. If you need a caffeine fix, a coffee at a sidewalk café in the Gothic Quarter will cost you about 2 Euro.

Where to eat: Central Rambla Where to sleep: Hotel Millenni

Split

Day 2 Leg from Barcelona: Roughly 1193 km (flight required)

Next, you fly to Split. This city feels like it is still holding onto its Roman roots. You can spend your afternoon sipping a cold kompot on the Riva while watching yachts and fishing boats bob in the water.

The Old Town, known as Stari Grad, is a maze of limestone streets. You should walk through the massive walls of Diocletian’s Palace and step inside the underground cellars to experience the history of the emperor’s servants. To finish the day, take a short walk up to Marjan hill for a panoramic view of the Adriatic.

Where to eat: Chilli bar Where to sleep: CroParadise Blue Hostel

Dubrovnik

Day 3 Leg from Split: Roughly 165 km (flight required)

A short flight brings you to Dubrovnik. The Old Town is perched on a limestone promontory and is surrounded by 16th century walls. You can walk from Pile Gate to Fort Lovrijenac in about 45 minutes, which gives you an incredible view of the blue sea and terracotta roofs.

Take a stroll down Stradun, the main pedestrian street. You can stop for a cappuccino at Café 2 for around 20 HRK. Before you leave the city, pop into the Rector’s Palace to see the mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Where to eat: Sesame or Buža bar Where to sleep: Youth Hostel Dubrovnik

Zanzibar

Day 4 Leg from Dubrovnik: Roughly 5833 km (flight required)

You now head south to Zanzibar, where the air smells of cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves from the local spice farms. Spend your time in the old quarter of Stone Town. This area is a maze of coral block houses and carved wooden doors.

Wander past the Sultan’s Palace and the House of Wonders. You can find yourself in a quiet courtyard where you can try a fresh Zanzibar pizza topped with tomato. The waterfront cafés are the best place to watch the local life unfold.

Where to eat: Seaview Indian Restaurant Where to sleep: Hotel Marine

Rio de Janeiro

Day 5 Leg from Zanzibar: Roughly 8962 km (flight required)

Your next stop is Rio de Janeiro. This city is always moving, but you can slow down for a sunset on Ipanema. You will want to visit the Christ the Redeemer statue in Parque Nacional.

For a different perspective, take the cable car up Sugarloaf for a panoramic view of the city, though you should be ready for a short wait and a ticket cost of 70 BRL. If you enjoy street art, wander through the steep, colorful streets of Santa Teresa and grab a cheap pastel.

Where to eat: Rancho Where to sleep: Hotel Riazor

Cartagena

Days 6 to 8 Leg from Rio de Janeiro: Roughly 5107 km (flight required)

You have three days to explore Cartagena. The walled Old Town is a great place to get lost. You will find colorful murals and live cumbia bands in the cobblestone streets of Getsemaní and around Plaza Santo Domingo.

Since you have a few days here, make sure to hike up to the colonial forts, specifically the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. The city is designed for walking, so you can spend your mornings and afternoons drifting between street side cafés and historic plazas.

Where to eat: La Estacion Where to sleep: Casa CHAG SECTOR LOS LAGOS EL POZON

Charleston

Days 9 to 11 Leg from Cartagena: Roughly 2531 km (flight required)

Fly north to Charleston, South Carolina. This town feels like a preserved piece of the 19th century, with Spanish moss hanging from live oaks and pastel houses lining the streets.

You should stay in the historic peninsula so you can easily walk to the Battery and Rainbow Row. If you enjoy shopping or art galleries, spend some time in the French Quarter near King Street. For a quieter experience, wander through the South of Broad neighborhood.

Where to eat: East Bay Deli Where to sleep: Kings Courtyard Inn

Sydney

Days 12 to 14 Leg from Charleston: Roughly 15312 km (flight required)

The final leg of your trip takes you to Sydney. Start your mornings in Surry Hills with a buttery meat pie from a bakery on Oxford Street. From there, you can hop on a tram to see the Opera House.

By the afternoon, head to the sand at Bondi. You can jog along the promenade or wait in line for fish and chips on Campbell Parade. If you want to experience the city's multicultural side, spend your final evenings eating in Chinatown.

Where to eat: Singapore Famous BBQ Pork Where to sleep: Hotel Hacienda

Route Summary

How to adapt this trip

If you only have 10 days, you should cut the stops in Zanzibar and Rio de Janeiro to reduce the total flight time. This allows you to keep the longer stays in Cartagena, Charleston, and Sydney.

If you have 21 days, you can add more time to the beginning and end of the trip. Consider adding two extra days in Barcelona to explore the surrounding coast or adding a few more days in Sydney to visit more beaches beyond Bondi.