From Gaudi to Gelato: A Journey through Spain and Italy

Upon your arrival at the airport in Madrid, you'll be greeted by your dedicated driver who will be ready to transfer you from the airport to your hotel. Once you've checked in and freshened up, the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Madrid offers a wealth of cultural and culinary delights for you to discover. Whether you choose to visit world-class museums, savor delicious tapas, or simply wander through charming streets, the city is sure to captivate you with its vibrant energy and rich history. Enjoy your first day in Madrid to the fullest!

After breakfast, embark on a captivating morning tour of Madrid. Explore medieval Morería, known for its ancient architecture and lively taverns. Discover courtly Austrias with highlights like Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa.

Continue through Bourbon Madrid, admiring the Royal Palace, iconic fountains like Cibeles and Neptune, and Puerta de Alcalá. Marvel at 19th-century gems like Plaza de Oriente and the renowned Prado Museum (exterior). Experience modern Madrid on Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, and in the upscale Barrio de Salamanca.

Visit the green Parque del Oeste, the academic hub of Ciudad Universitaria, and bustling commercial and financial districts. Conclude with a visit to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is yours to explore.

After breakfast, you'll embark on a picturesque journey through La Mancha, famously known as Don Quixote’s land. There will be a brief stop in the charming town of Puerto Lapice. As you continue, you'll cross into Andalusia, a region steeped in its own rich heritage and a glorious past.

Upon arriving in Cordoba, you'll be treated to a tour of its majestic Mosque (entrance included) along with other notable sites. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the narrow, winding streets of the Jewish Quarter.

Later in the afternoon, after a comfortable two-hour ride, you'll arrive in the vibrant city of Seville, ready to embark on the next leg of your adventure.

Indulge in a delightful breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, set off on a monumental and panoramic tour of the city, highlighted by an exclusive visit to the Cathedral, which stands as the second largest in the Catholic world, surpassed only by Saint Peter's in Rome.

Explore the picturesque neighborhood of Santa Cruz, a setting that inspired the legendary tale of "Carmen" and played a significant role in the development of the "Don Juan" myth. Stroll through the enchanting María Luisa Park and marvel at the grandeur of Plaza de España.

The afternoon is yours to embrace the diverse perspectives and unique flavors of this lively, luminous city. Take this time to explore at your own pace and savor the distinct charm of Seville. Rest easy in the comfort of your hotel for the night.

After breakfast at the hotel, commence your journey eastward, following the historic Caliphate route. Along the way, take in the breathtaking scenery of countless olive trees that stretch to the horizon.

Upon arrival in Granada, you'll be captivated by the astonishing monumental surroundings, which served as the final bastion of the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada until 1492. Embark on a visit to the world-renowned Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. These enchanting spaces, adorned with fountains, meticulously manicured gardens, and serene patios, have inspired many notable authors.

Settle into your accommodation at the hotel for a restful night. Optionally, in the evening, you may choose to immerse yourself in the mesmerizing Flamenco show.

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on our journey to Alicante, the second largest city in the Valencian Community, before reaching Valencia. This city stands as one of the key capitals along the Mediterranean coast, renowned for its modern Architectural Complex of Arts and Sciences. Notably, the internationally beloved dish, "Paella," finds its roots in Valencia.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the hotel before immersing yourself in the luminous city. Explore its charming old town in the morning, then stroll along the ancient bed of the Turia River. Later, pay a visit to the avant-garde marvel that is the City of Arts and Sciences, where you can marvel at its iconic structures from the outside. In the afternoon, we'll journey northward along the picturesque Mediterranean coast, passing through Tarragona, the ancient Roman city of Tarraco. Finally, we'll arrive in Barcelona, the thriving heart of the Mediterranean and the birthplace of the renowned architect Antonio Gaudí, a symbol of Catalan Modernism. Settle into your accommodation at the hotel.

In the morning, explore the city renowned worldwide for hosting the iconic 1992 Olympic Games. Stroll along its main avenues, taking in the breathtaking modernist masterpieces designed by Gaudí, and be captivated by his most emblematic creations: Casa Milá, La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló, all of which have been designated World Heritage buildings. Take a moment to appreciate the beauty of Montjuic Park, where you'll be treated to spectacular views of both the city and the port, as well as the Olympic Ring and the Columbus Monument. Seize the afternoon to continue exploring the city's attractions or indulge in its diverse and exquisite gastronomy. Afterward, rendezvous with your driver for a transfer from the hotel to the Barcelona pier to embark on the Ferry to Civitavecchia.

Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board the ferry as you embark on a memorable journey. Take advantage of the top-notch services provided by these state-of-the-art ferries, featuring a spacious outdoor area with swimming pools for both adults and children, comfortable sun loungers, a vibrant bar, a party room, a disco dance floor, a video game room, and a 24-hour cafeteria. Additionally, indulge in the options of a self-service restaurant, and an à la carte dining experience, explore the boutique, stay connected in the Internet room, or relax at the health center and gym equipped with techno-gym machines. The ferry is scheduled to arrive at Civitavecchia at 8:00 pm. Upon arrival, disembark and proceed to your transfer to Rome. Please be aware that the estimated time of arrival in Rome is around 10:00 pm.

Departure around 7:30 am from your hotel for Assisi, a tiny town in Umbria surrounded by walls built in the Middle Ages, famous for the Basilica of St. Francis. After exploring Assisi at your own pace, board the bus for Siena, a Medieval town known for its Palio horse race around the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo. Continue on to Florence, where you will check in to your hotel before dinner.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing drive to Florence, the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance. Visit the Duomo, Giotto’s bell tower, and the Baptistery with its famous bronze doors. Admire Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and Santa Croce before spending an afternoon of leisure in Florence or opting for an excursion to Pisa for a tour of the Square of Miracles, home to the famed Leaning Tower.

After breakfast in Florence, depart to Bologna. In Bologna, wander through seemingly endless elegant porticos, visiting Piazza del Nettuno, Piazza Maggiore, King Renzo Palace, and the Basilica of San Petronio, one of the biggest in the world. In the afternoon, continue to Padua and then Venice, renowned for its canals and gondola boats.

After breakfast, jump aboard a water taxi to the famous St. Mark’s Square, where you will visit the Doge’s Palace (exterior only), a symbol of the glory and authority of Venice. Nearby, see the legendary Bridge of Sighs before tasting a Venetian spritz or a prosecco with the company of your tour leader.

As you relax in comfort and savor your drink, you'll also have the chance to indulge in the renowned "cicchetti," a Venetian take on tapas, offering a delightful light lunch option. Enjoy the afternoon at your own pace, strolling along Venice's enchanting canals, before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, known for its romantic churches, castles, and wine. Proceed to Val di Chiana with a stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town known for its wine and the annual jazz festival. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant. Spend the afternoon independently exploring Montepulciano before continuing to Rome.

After breakfast, depart for a morning tour of the Vatican Museums, Raphael’s Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel with exclusive skip-the-line access! Then pass through an exclusive entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, the biggest church in the world. After, enjoy free time in the afternoon to explore Rome on your own or opt for an Ancient Rome tour.

After breakfast, you will be provided with transportation to the airport. As an option, feel free to inquire about extending your itinerary to the sun-kissed Amalfi Coast.