Highlights of Italy & Spain - 10 Days

Highlights

• Tour Rome's top attractions, like the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain
• Sample local cuisine during tasty tours in both Italy and Spain
• Visit scenic hill towns and enjoy Chianti tastings in Tuscany
• Browse local markets and visit famous art museums in Madrid

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Rome (Italy), Afternoon Food Tour

Welcome to Italy! This is the place to come for great food, rich culture, and a long and storied history represented in awe-inspiring landmarks. Nowhere can you enjoy more of these benefits in one place than Rome. Italy's capital abounds with some of the most famous and ancient sights anywhere in Europe, and you never have to travel more than a couple of blocks to enjoy them. Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in the city.

After checking in, you'll meet a local guide and head out to discover Rome's culture in the most appetizing way possible—on a food tour. This half-day excursion is a lesson in Rome's rich history and culture through its cuisine. You'll browse the stalls at the Mercato dei Fiori, where locals shop for fresh produce and flowers; stop at a café at historic Piazza Navona; and visit the Roman Ghetto (the former Jewish quarter) to enjoy traditional dishes at local tavernas. 

Day 2: Rome Highlights Tour, Optional Vatican City Visit

Let the Rome highlights tour begin! On this three-hour guided tour, you'll hike up the Spanish Steps and explore the many fountains, buildings, and hidden piazzas tucked away in the corners of this magnificent city. Star landmarks include the Pantheon, the only intact pagan temple left in Rome, and the ornate Trevi Fountain. Make sure to toss a coin in to ensure this isn't your last visit to Rome! Next, stop at an authentic Roman gelateria before finishing the tour at Piazza Navona, home to Bernini's Four Rivers Fountain.

Later, meet up with a historian guide for a private tour of the world's largest amphitheater: the Colosseum. At its prime, it held 50,000 spectators and was the central venue for gladiator fights. Learn about some of ancient Rome's most famous and illustrious citizens, such as Julius Caesar, Emperors Augustus and Nero, and the Flavian emperors who built the Colosseum. From here, continue to two other testaments to the grandeur of ancient Rome: the Forum and Palatine Hill, which were built between 46 BCE and 113 CE.

Afterward, you'll have the option to tour the world's smallest sovereign state: Vatican City. Here, you'll meet a local guide for a three-hour tour of its museums and other top sights. You'll quickly discover that the Vatican is rich in history and art, housing some of the most important Renaissance masterpieces in the world. During the tour, you'll visit the Pio Clementio Museum, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Gallery of the Geographical Maps. In this area, you'll also get to marvel at the most famous fresco in history: the Sistine Chapel.

Day 3: Day Trip to Castelli Romani & Lake Albano

Escape the bustle of Rome on a full-day trip to Castelli Romani. Located in the Alban Hills southeast of Rome, this region is famous for many things, including its charming hilltop towns, beautiful landscapes, and rich history dating back to Roman times. With it's fertile volcanic soil, the area is also a hub for wine production and offers many wineries and vineyards. This is also the setting for Lake Albano, an otherworldly crater lake that offers great hiking around its shores.

Leave Rome in the morning to hop around some of these ancient Roman villages. First up is Monte Porzio Catone, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting of its famous Frascati wine, known for its fruity and floral notes. Then visit the charming town of Ariccia. Stroll its cobbled streets, marvel at its architectural gems, and be sure to try the mouthwatering porchetta (roast pork). You'll also check out major landmarks like the 15th-century Palazzo Chigi of Ariccia, a ducal palace home to aristocratic families. In Ariccia, you'll take a break for lunch in a traditional Roman tavern.

Later, visit Castel Gandolfo. Located on the shores of Lake Albano, this town is known for its ancient Roman villas. Another highlight is the 17th-century Papal Palace, which was the Pope's summer residence for centuries. At the end of the afternoon, you'll transfer back to Rome and your hotel.

Day 4: Train to Florence, Highlights Tour & Gelato Workshop

In the morning, transfer to the station and board a train for the scenic 1.5-hour train ride north to Florence. The capital of Italy's romantic Tuscany region is a hub of Renaissance art, architecture, and culture. Once here, you'll check into your hotel and then meet a local guide for a walking tour. It begins in the city center at the Piazza della Signoria, where you'll walk the same medieval streets that Dante Alighieri, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci once called home. Make your way to Palazzo Vecchio and see a replica of Michelangelo's "David"—a taste of what's to come.

After passing the renowned Ponte Vecchio that crosses the River Arno, you'll arrive at Piazza della Repubblica. Today, it's a popular meet-up spot but once stood as an ancient Roman Forum. Continue the stroll until you reach the 15th-century Florence Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore). Also known as Il Duomo, it's the most iconic landmark in the city. The final stop is at the Accademia Gallery, where you'll be escorted in to witness the breathtaking masterpiece that is Michelangelo's "David." While here, your guide will reveal the history behind the statue and how it came to be.

Later in the afternoon, you'll enjoy a tastier outing when you visit a family-run gelato academy. Here, you'll participate in an hourlong workshop to learn the ins and outs of Italy's most famous frozen dessert. Learn how it's made, the various ingredients, the subtle differences between gelato and ice cream, and finish by making your very own gelato from scratch.

Day 5: Tuscan Wine Tour, Explore San Gimignano

You're in for a treat, as this morning, you'll meet your driver for a road trip out of the city into the Chianti Hills, birthplace of the eponymous wine. This day trip is a celebration of viticulture and history, as you'll not only visit a winery but also tour the countryside and picturesque villages near Siena.

The first stop is at a historic vineyard, where you'll walk the grounds and taste some of the best Chiantis in the region. But that's not all; the second stop takes you to a smaller, traditional vineyard, where you'll enjoy a light lunch paired with beautiful wines produced on-site, enjoying them amid gorgeous views of the nearby town of San Gimignano, your next destination.

San Gimignano is a quintessential Tuscan village of medieval buildings perched atop a rolling green hill. It's most famous for the 13th-century walls that encircle it, as well as its medieval plazas, churches, and stone towers dominating the skyline. Located in the Elsa Valley, the UNESCO-listed village is also known for producing Vernaccia di San Gimignano, a white wine with floral and fruity notes. Your driver will leave you here for some time to explore the town at your leisure. Later, you'll return to Florence.

Day 6: Fly to Barcelona (Spain), Evening Tapas Tour

It's time to bid a fond arrivederci to Italy. In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight to Barcelona. Welcome to Spain! The capital of the gorgeous Catalonia region offers sun-kissed beaches, mind-blowing cuisine, great wine, world-class nightlife, a rich history, and some of the most distinct architecture in the country.

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel. Don't get too comfortable because later, you'll head out on a guided food tour to discover Spain's famous tapas culture. The word "tapas" literally translates to "tops" (or "caps"), and you can find these small plates (designed to be shared) at bars, bodegas, and tabernas (taverns) throughout the country.

During this three-hour culinary experience, your guide will lead you around Barcelona's favorite neighborhoods, like the Gothic Quarter, ducking into alleys leading to beloved tapas spots to taste various dishes. As you go, your expert local guide will share tips and insider knowledge regarding which dishes to try. At each stop, you'll pair your bites with sips of local wine, beer, or non-alcoholic drinks.

Day 7: Gaudí Architecture Tour

In the morning, head out on a guided walking tour of some famous landmarks designed by renowned Catalan architect Antoni Guadí. First, you'll visit La Sagrada Família, a spectacular Roman Catholic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site. During a building tour, you'll learn all about Gaudí and this jaw-dropping masterpiece. Despite first being built in 1882, the church is still technically under construction and was only consecrated in 2010.

Afterward, you'll continue to Park Güell, Barcelona's most famous green space. Located atop Carmel Hill and offering incredible city views, Park Güell is defined by its pretty gardens and Gaudí's unique artistic elements. Some of the most iconic include the dragon fountain near the entrance and the mosaic-covered "serpent bench." Don't miss the local buskers performing in the park's nooks and crannies.

Day 8: Train to Madrid, Local Market Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the station in Barcelona for a 2.5-hour train ride to Madrid. Spain's capital offers a rich history dating back long before the Middle Ages. From around the eighth to the 11th centuries, this territory was under Muslim rule, and before that, it was the site of a Roman conquest that started in 218 BCE. On arrival at Atocha Station, a driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel in the city.

Later, embark on a gastronomic adventure to a few of Madrid's many local markets. It's a great excuse to do some people-watching and feel the city's pulse while browsing fresh produce and delicious tidbits. The markets you'll visit (some of which have served the city since medieval times) include Mercado de San Miguel, Madrid's most popular market turned gourmet food hall; Mercado Ildefonso, which features both market goods and tapas, plus a beautiful roof terrace; and Mercado San Antón, a creative food market spread over three levels. 

Day 9: Madrid History & Art Tour

Get to know Madrid on a private tour of its history, culture, and architecture. Accompanied by a local guide, head to the historic Habsburg district. This is the oldest part of the city, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. During the walk, you'll visit the 18th-century Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and the expansive Plaza Mayor, which dates to the 15th century. Your guide will also take you to hidden gems and tell stories about Madrid's fascinating history.

The tour continues as you soak up some culture and art history in Madrid's "Golden Triangle of Art." Located in the city center near El Retiro Park, this area comprises some of the best museums in the city. During this guided tour, you'll visit three such museums, starting at the Museo Nacional del Prado (Prado Museum). The museum showcases one of the finest collections of European art spanning the 12th through to the 20th centuries, featuring the works of masters like Goya, Bosch, El Greco, Titian, and Diego Velázquez, among others.

Then visit the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Here, you'll witness one of the world's finest private art collections, which contains nearly 1,000 paintings spanning the 13th-20th century. Several of the world's most celebrated artists are on display here, from Dalí to Degas, Rembrandt to Renoir, and van Eyck to Van Gogh. You'll tour the Reina Sofia Museum, which features a collection dedicated to 20th-century and contemporary art, including the world-famous "Guernica," painted by Pablo Picasso.

Day 10: Depart Madrid

Today, you must say a bittersweet adiós to Spain. In the morning, meet your driver for the ride to the airport, where you'll catch your flight home. Safe travels!

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