Culinary Journey Through Italy & Spain - 14 Days

Highlights

• Devour street food and Neapolitan pizza in Naples
• Soak up art and culture in Florence, Rome, and Madrid
• Discover the gastronomic delights of Bologna and Bilbao with food tours
• Sip local wine in the Italian hilltop towns of Frascati and San Gimignano

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Naples (Italy), Neapolitan Street Food Experience

Benvenuti in Napoli! While Naples is justifiably famous for its pizza and its rich history of Neapolitan cuisine, it's also one of Italy's most magnetic and unique cities, with its maze of narrow streets, exuberant atmosphere, and culture and chaos at every turn. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and transfer to your central accommodation. Settle in, and when you're ready, meet your local guide, who'll introduce you to the city's mouthwatering flavors and key landmarks with a street food tour.

Start with a stroll through the lively Mercato dell Pignasecca, where you'll enjoy tasty morsels such as taralli (tiny, crunchy, and flavorsome bagels), mozzarella di bufala, frittatina (a mini pasta omelet), and cuoppo di pesce fritti (cones of fried fish), from the enthusiastic vendors. Your next stop is San Gregorio Armeno, a road famous for its small shops and artisanal produce. Continue to snack and weave your way through the back streets, stopping to visit a local limoncello factory while your guide shares anecdotes about Naples' history, architecture, and culture.

Day 2: Free Morning, Neapolitan Pizza Masterclass

Spend today exploring Naples at your own pace and embrace the city's choreography of scooters and street life with a self-guided tour. Start with a visit to the splendid Duomo di Napoli, a 10-minute walk from Piazza Cavour. The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and incorporates a range of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles. Follow the main street, Via Toledo, toward the waterfront, and you'll find the Royal Palace, San Carlo Theater, and Castle Nuovo, all worth a visit, with the latter full of medieval and 19th-century paintings, sculptures, and objects.

Later on, immerse yourself in the flavors of Naples and spend the afternoon discovering the secrets to making the perfect Neapolitan pizza. You'll be led by your guide to the restaurant of one of the city's oldest families of pizza makers. Your pizzaiolo and his staff will greet you and introduce you to the art of pizza making, guiding you through every step of the process, from which ingredients to use to the history of this world-famous dish. With your creations freshly out of the wood-fired oven, you'll dine with your fellow chefs and add "Neapolitan pizza maker" to your cooking repertoire. 

Day 3: Half-Day Trip to Pompeii

Day 4: Train to Rome, Private Highlights Tour of the Eternal City

Today marks the next leg in your European adventure with a high-speed train to Rome—Italy's capital, which continues to captivate visitors worldwide with its exuberant mix of ancient history, laid-back piazza lifestyle, and cosmopolitan cobbled streets. Start your discovery of the "Eternal City" with a private tour. Led by an experienced guide, you'll start at the Spanish Steps, Europe's longest and widest staircase (135 in total), which leads to a beautiful panorama over the city and Piazza di Spagna at the bottom.

Admire the Baroque Bernini fountain in the square and the nearby Casina Rossa, where the poet John Keats lived and died, then wander the maze of alleyways and cobblestone streets toward the Pantheon. The dramatic focus of the Piazza della Rotonda, the 2,000-year-old ancient temple, is an architectural marvel still used today for services and worship. Pause for gelato in the square while your guide shares tales of the city's incredible history, and continue to Bernini's Trevi Fountain, another Baroque masterpiece where a coin tossed inside is said to seal your return to Rome.

Your tour concludes in Piazza Navona, a grand square famous for its Fountain of the Four Rivers and abuzz with sidewalk artists and musicians. Soak up the atmosphere with aperitivo at one of the bars that line the piazza, and as dusk falls, head to dinner in the nearby Jewish Quarter. Try Roman delicacies, including carciofi alla giudia (Jewish fried artichokes) and filetti di baccalà (fried salt cod fillets).

Day 5: Pasta & Tiramisu Cooking Class, Visit Frascati, Guided Wine Experience

Continue your immersion into Italian life this morning with an authentic cooking class led by a local chef, who'll guide you through the different types of pasta used in Roman cuisine and the four classic sauces: carbonara, cacio e pepe, alla gricia, and amatriciana. You'll also learn the art of making Italy's famous tiramisu, and while it sets, you'll master your pasta skills. Learn how to mix and knead flour and eggs, then cut or shape your preferred type of pasta. At the end of the workshop, sit down with your fellow chefs and enjoy your creations with a glass of the local Lazio wine.

Just 30 minutes by train from Rome lies the idyllic town of Frascati, nestled within the ancient hills of the Castelli Romani. Known as la città del vino (the city of wine), Frascati is surrounded by countryside laden with vineyards and famous for its eponymous dry white wine. You'll meet your guide at the train station and drive through scenery adorned with umbrella pines and olive groves to a nearby 16th-century family-run winery. Take a tour of the vineyard and cellars with your host and winemaker, and see the centuries-old techniques still used in modern-day winemaking.

You'll finish the tour with a delicious tasting of wines paired with fresh pane, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) made on the estate, and local prosciutto crudo and formaggi. Return to Frascati's centro storico with your guide and continue exploring on your own. Soak up the laid-back atmosphere with an Aperol spritz in the charming Piazza San Petro, dominated by the square's beautiful Baroque Basilica di San Pietro. Then, after a wander of the cobbled alleyways and boutiques, savor the views of the sun setting over Rome in the distance before catching the train back. 

Day 6: Train to Bologna, Foodie Tour of Emilia-Romagna's Capital

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Wave goodbye to Rome this morning and take a 2.5-hour train journey north from Termini Station to Bologna, Emilia-Romagna's foodie capital. Settle in at your hotel, then spend the day getting acquainted with the city's foodie scene on a full-day guided walking and food tour. Start with caffè in Piazza Maggiore, the town's grand 13th-century plaza, overlooked by some of Bologna's most prominent and historic buildings. Visit the City Hall, the 14th-century Basilica di San Petronio, and the medieval Asinelli and Garisenda Towers, which flank the piazza.

Pause for lunch and dine on typical Bolognan cuisine, such as tortelloni in brodo (tiny meat-filled pasta served in a delicate broth), accompanied by a glass of the region's excellent local wine. Afterward, head to the 11th-century University of Bologna to view the Anatomical Theater, formerly used by students dissecting cadavers, and stroll the medieval university grounds. On the way, stop to see the former Jewish Ghetto, then continue to the Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna, the National Art Gallery. 

Toward the end of the afternoon, you'll explore the city's foodie hotspots and shop for regional delicacies, such as artisanal tortellini, mortadella, and formaggi. You'll visit traditional pasticcerie (bakeries) and sample a delicious variety of sweet and savory delicacies before a trip to a local pasta maker to see the handicrafting process in action. As the sun dips, part ways with your guide and wander over to the popular Mercato delle Erbe, a beautifully restored indoor market teeming with locals at aperitivo hour and an excellent spot for dining if you're feeling hungry later. 

Day 7: Day Trip to Parma, Prosciutto & Parmigiano Reggiano Tasting

Known for its ornate medieval architecture, castles, and its famous prosciutto namesake, Parma, along with Bologna, is considered one of the top foodie destinations for travelers to northern Italy. This morning, you'll catch an hour's train to the city and meet your guide in the center. You'll discover highlights, including the 10th-century University of Parma, the Museo Glauco Lombardi, the 12th-century Piazza Duomo, and the world-renowned opera venue Teatro Regio.

Next up, it's time to explore the local production sites of the city's two main food exports, Prosciutto Crudo di Parma and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, staples not just in Italian cooking but around the world. You'll learn about and see the production process in action and the hard work that goes into ensuring they meet high regional standards and the coveted DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) status or PDO. 

Whet your appetite with a tasting of Parma's coveted produce, and then it's off to a local family-run trattoria for lunch. Northern Italian cooking favors ingredients such as butter, cheese, truffles, risotto rice, and polenta, so expect dishes such as risotto Milanese and ravioli al burro e salvia (ravioli with butter and sage). After you've feasted on regional specialties, spend the afternoon strolling the town before returning to Bologna in the evening.

Day 8: Transfer to Florence, Explore the Tuscan Capital

After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable transfer from your hotel to Florence, Tuscany's regional capital and renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture. The 65-mile (105 km) drive takes roughly 1.5 hours, and your driver will share details of the region as you drive along motorways and forested hills. Check in at your hotel and spend the day at leisure touring the top sights, starting in the Piazza del Duomo, where the magnificent Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore (Il Duomo) and it's mighty terracotta dome attracts visitors from all over the world.

Don't miss the nearby Uffizi Gallery, which houses works by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, and the Galleria dell'Academia, which displays Michelangelo's famous "David." After an hour or two exploring Florence's galleries, head over to the Mercado di San Lorenzo, where you can grab a midmorning pastry and espresso and spend an hour or two soaking up the atmosphere and browsing the stalls. You'll find plenty to catch your eye with the various artisanal leather goods the city is famed for, alongside pottery, beautiful notebooks, jewelry, and much more.

In the afternoon, wander over to Piazza della Republica and pause for refreshments at one of the historic cafés that line the square. Continue on to Il Ponte Vecchio, a medieval stone bridge with an array of jewelry shops and beautiful views along the River Arno. As the sun starts to dip, end your day with a visit to Piazzale Michelangelo. It's an uphill walk (or you can catch a cab or bus), but you'll be rewarded with splendid sunset views across the whole of Florence and the rolling Tuscan countryside.

Day 9: Excursion to Tuscany: Chianti Winery Visit & San Gimignano

This morning, you'll meet your driver and guide for a tour of the rolling Chianti Hills, where you'll visit the vineyards and cellars behind the region's eponymous wine. Made from a minimum of 80% sangiovese grapes, Chianti Classico is made from vines within a distinct area that stretches between the cities of Florence and Siena. Learn about the centuries-old production process and then sit down to a tasting of various vintages accompanied by a typical Tuscan lunch of cured meats, cheeses, a primo (usually a pasta course), and a choice of dolce (dessert). 

Tuscany is awash with medieval hilltop towns, and one of the most remarkable is San Gimignano. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is known for its 14th-century torre (towers), which can be seen for miles across the olive grove-strewn farmland. After lunch, your driver will drop you at the town's walled gates, where the afternoon is yours to explore the beautiful squares and medieval stone streets. The gelato at the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli in Piazza della Cisterna is a must. For a refreshing treat, try the pink grapefruit sorbet made with the local sparkling Vernaccia di San Gimignano white wine.

Day 10: Fly to Bilbao (Spain), Pintxos Gastronomy Experience

This morning, you'll say ciao to Florence and board a two-hour flight to Barcelona, in Spain's north. Your onward destination is Bilbao, a buzzy port town in the culturally independent Basque Country. An intriguing mix of modern and historic architecture, the city has developed a legendary food culture and is renowned for both its density of Michelin-starred restaurants and its pintxos (Basque tapas) gastronomy. 

Settle into your hotel and spend the evening snacking your way around the city's most beloved and authentic pintxos bars. Accompanied by an expert local foodie, you'll tour Bilbao's classic elegant bars and the highly creative newcomers and hear plenty of entertaining culinary tales from your guide. Enjoy combinations such as hake and piquillo peppers, oxtail croquettes, txangurro gratinado (spider crab gratin), and foie gras with apples and Pedro Ximénez, washed down with local wine or craft beers.

Day 11: Private Tour of Bilbao, Transfer to San Sebastián

No visit to Bilbao is complete without a visit to the Guggenheim Museum, and this morning, you'll discover Frank Gehry's contemporary architectural masterpiece and the city's notable sights with a private tour of both the gallery and Bilbao's Casco Viejo (Old Town). After admiring the museum's gleaming exterior, venture inside and see some of the most important works from the mid-20th century to the present, from artists such as Jeff Koons, Andy Warhol, Yves Klein, Anish Kapoor, Fujiko Nakaya, and Eduardo Chillida.

Afterward, stroll along Las Siete Calles (The Seven Streets), home to the city's classic landmarks, restaurants, and boutiques, while your guide shares anecdotes of the city's fascinating past. Located right on the waterfront, the area houses significant sites, including the 18th-century Baroque Church of San Nicolás with its two imposing cupolas and the 16th-century Church of San Antón. The vast Mercado de la Ribera, Europe's largest covered market, is your final stop and brimming with mouthwatering Basque specialties, ideal for a foodie lunch on the go.

Fueled up and ready to continue your Basque Country adventure, take a private transfer to San Sebastián. Lying on the Bay of Biscay and surrounded by lush hillsides, the sophisticated coastal town is known for its exquisite dining scene, sweeping gold sandy beaches, and elegant architecture. Check in and meander the charming plazas and parks, crisis-crossing cobbled streets and strolling across ornate bridges. Once you've worked up an appetite, you'll be spoiled for choice with an array of pintxos bars and fine dining restaurants, all dedicated to highlighting the area's excellent fresh produce.

Day 12: Full-Day Wine Tasting & Tour of La Rioja

Today's tour of three wineries in the beautiful La Rioja region is perfect for oenophiles, foodies, and history buffs. You'll start with a visit to one of the area's oldest hidden wine cellars, where a fascinating network of hand-built caves runs under the neighborhood streets. There'll be plenty of opportunities to try different varietals of the locally produced Rioja as you tour the countryside, discover the vineyards, and finish at the renowned Marques de Riscal cellar, another testament to Frank Gehry's architectural skills.

Your final stop on the tour is nearby Laguardia, a medieval hilltop town dating back to the 10th century, surrounded by the lush vineyards that fill the Ebro Valley. Your guide will introduce you to the owner of a neighborhood restaurant, off the beaten path and popular with locals for its mouthwatering Basque flavors and great wine list. Enjoy a leisurely lunch, and afterward, you'll have time for a stroll through the town's romantic cobbled streets, where you can purchase any vintages you particularly enjoyed before returning to San Sebastián. 

Day 13: Train to Madrid, Explore Spain's Capital 

Your foodie tour of Spain concludes in the country's historic capital. After a private transfer to Barcelona, you'll board a two-hour train to Madrid, famous for its plethora of museums and galleries and streets steeped in art, history, and culture. Check into your hotel and catch your bearings with a cold drink at the bustling Puerto del Sol, Madrid's central square. Discover the fresh produce at the gourmet San Miguel Food Market and pick up supplies for a picnic lunch at El Retiro, a relaxing oasis created as a retreat for the royal family and opened as a park to the public in the late 1700s. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure. Grab some downtime back at your hotel or ride the Teleferico cable car from Moncloa to Casa de Campo for fabulous city views. The 18th-century Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace) is an excellent choice for art lovers, with works by some of Spain's most notable artists in the stunning Painting Gallery. In the evening, you'll be spoiled for choice with dining options, from local restaurants serving authentic paella to the famous Botín, described by Ernest Hemingway in "The Sun Also Rises" as the best restaurant on earth. 

Day 14: Wine Tour in Madrid's Countryside, Depart

It's your last morning in Madrid, and depending on your departure timings, you have a couple of options. Take advantage of a later flight with a tour of the vineyard-soaked countryside just a few miles outside the city. Dense with vines and historic towns, the Las Vegas region is where the rivers of Tajuña, Jarama, Henares, Manzanares, and Tajo converge and hold over 900 years of winemaking within its fertile grounds. You'll visit three wineries, taste some of the region's best wines alongside local snacks, and learn more about the history of winemaking in the region.

When the time comes, make your way to the airport or train station to catch your flight home or continue your European adventure. Safe travels!

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