From Gaudi to Gelato: Spain and Italy
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 16-day journey through the heart of Spain and Italy, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes await. This multi-day tour takes you from the vibrant streets of Madrid to the artistic wonders of Florence, the romantic canals of Venice, and the ancient marvels of Rome. Along the way, explore iconic landmarks, savor exquisite cuisine, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage of each destination. With comfortable accommodations and expertly guided tours, this adventure promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Join us as we traverse the enchanting landscapes of the Mediterranean, uncovering the secrets of its most captivating cities.
Included
Accommodation in standard-level hotels
Overnight ferry from Barcelona to Civitavecchia (Rome) in a standard cabin
Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, Madrid, or similar
Catalonia Santa Justa, Seville, or similar
Hotel Porcel Sabica, Granada, or similar
NH Las Artes Hotel, Valencia, or similar
Hotel Catalonia Barcelona 505, Barcelona, or similar
Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar
Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar
Hotel Delfino Mestre, Mestre (Venice), or similar
Bilingual tour director throughout the journey (English and Spanish)
Guided city tours with local guides in Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia and Barcelona
Visits to Assisi, Siena, Florence, Bologna, Padua, Venice, Tuscany Wine Region, and Rome
This tour includes the professional services of an experienced Bilingual tour director. Not only will the tour director offer their local knowledge and share hidden gems and stories with you, but they will act as the logistical organizer, ensuring that everything is running smoothly and that you’re having a good time during your holiday. As an expert and a local, the tour director will be a valuable resource for questions about local customs, language, food, and other practical travel information.
Daily breakfast
Traditional Tuscan lunch in Montepulciano
Additional meals as per the itinerary
Entrance fees to the Cordoba Mosque, Seville Cathedral, and the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens
Tour of Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with skip-the-line entrance
Spritz & Cicchetti experience in Venice
Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury coach
Round-trip private transfers between the airport and the hotel
Destinations
Map
Attractions
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Madrid
- Madrid - Arrival day
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Upon your arrival in Madrid, you'll be warmly welcomed by your dedicated driver, ready to whisk you away to your hotel. After settling in, the day is yours to explore at your leisure. Madrid, with its rich tapestry of culture and history, offers a myriad of experiences. Whether it's visiting world-renowned museums, indulging in delectable tapas, or wandering through its charming streets, the city promises to enchant you. Relish your first day in this vibrant metropolis. Accommodation at the Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, Madrid, or similar.
Day 2 – Day 2: Madrid
- Madrid
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- Vado de Las Carretas
- Andalucía Park
- Moratalaz Park
- Fuente de la Salud Park
- plaza de España
- Spain Gate
- Puerta de Alcalá
- La Gavia Park
- Plaza de la Armería, Madrid
- Torre De Santa Maria
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- Naval Museum
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Chapel of the Hearers
- Main Square
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Begin your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a captivating morning tour of Madrid. Discover the medieval charm of Morería, the courtly Austrias, and the grandeur of Bourbon Madrid. Marvel at the iconic Royal Palace, the stunning fountains of Cibeles and Neptune, and the majestic Puerta de Alcalá. Experience the modern vibrancy of Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana, and explore the upscale Barrio de Salamanca. Visit the serene Parque del Oeste and the academic hub of Ciudad Universitaria. Conclude your tour with a visit to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. The afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure. Accommodation at the Meliá Castilla, Princesa Plaza, Madrid, or similar.
Day 3 – Day 3: Madrid to Seville via Córdoba
- Seville
- Madrid
- Córdoba
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- Plaza de España
- Jardines del Duque de Rivas
- Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba
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After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey through La Mancha, famously known as Don Quixote's land, with a brief stop in the charming town of Puerto Lapice. Continue into Andalusia, a region rich in heritage, and arrive in Córdoba for a tour of its majestic Mosque and the enchanting Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, enjoy a comfortable ride to the vibrant city of Seville, where your next adventure awaits. Accommodation at the Catalonia Santa Justa, Seville, or similar.
Day 4 – Day 4: Seville
- Seville
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- Sevilla Aquarium
- Puerta de la Macarena (Seville)
- Plaza de España
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Start your day with a delightful breakfast before embarking on a monumental tour of Seville. Visit the awe-inspiring Cathedral, the second largest in the Catholic world, and explore the picturesque Santa Cruz neighborhood. Stroll through the enchanting María Luisa Park and admire the grandeur of Plaza de España. The afternoon is yours to explore the vibrant city at your own pace. Accommodation at the Catalonia Santa Justa, Seville, or similar.
Day 5 – Day 5: Seville to Granada
- Granada
- Seville
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- Generalife
- Alhambra
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After breakfast, journey eastward along the historic Caliphate route, taking in the breathtaking scenery of olive groves. Arrive in Granada, the last stronghold of the Nasrid Kingdom, and explore the world-renowned Alhambra and Generalife Gardens. These enchanting spaces, adorned with fountains and manicured gardens, have inspired many authors. Settle into your hotel for a restful night. Optionally, immerse yourself in a mesmerizing Flamenco show. Accommodation at the Hotel Porcel Sabica, Granada, or similar.
Day 6 – Day 6: Granada to Valencia via Alicante
- Alicante
- Valencia
- Granada
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After breakfast, embark on a journey to Alicante, the second largest city in the Valencian Community, before reaching Valencia. Known for its modern Architectural Complex of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is also the birthplace of the internationally beloved dish, Paella. Accommodation at the NH Las Artes Hotel, Valencia, or similar.
Day 7 – Day 7: Valencia to Barcelona via Tarragona
- Tarragona
- Barcelona
- Valencia
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- Tarragona Amphitheatre
- City of Arts and Sciences
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Start your day with a hearty breakfast before exploring Valencia's charming old town and the ancient bed of the Turia River. Visit the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences, then journey northward along the picturesque Mediterranean coast, passing through Tarragona, the ancient Roman city of Tarraco. Arrive in Barcelona, the vibrant heart of the Mediterranean and the birthplace of renowned architect Antonio Gaudí. Accommodation at the Hotel Catalonia Barcelona 505, Barcelona, or similar.
Day 8 – Day 8: Barcelona
- Barcelona
- Civitavecchia
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- Cross Montigalà
- La Seu d'Ègara
- Montjuïc Castle
- Casa Batlló
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In the morning, explore Barcelona, a city renowned for hosting the iconic 1992 Olympic Games. Stroll along its main avenues, admiring the breathtaking modernist masterpieces designed by Gaudí, including Casa Milá, La Pedrera, and Casa Batlló. Enjoy the beauty of Montjuic Park, offering spectacular views of the city and the port, and visit the Columbus Monument. Spend the afternoon exploring the city's attractions or indulging in its exquisite gastronomy. Later, meet your driver for a transfer to the Barcelona pier to embark on the Ferry to Civitavecchia. Accommodation on the ferry towards Civitavecchia, Italy.
Day 9 – Day 9: Ferry to Civitavecchia
- Civitavecchia
- Rome
- Barcelona
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Enjoy breakfast and lunch on board the ferry as you journey towards Civitavecchia. Take advantage of the ferry's state-of-the-art amenities, including spacious outdoor areas with a swimming pool, sun loungers, a bar, a party room, a discotheque, a video game room, a 24-hour cafeteria, a self-service restaurant, an à la carte restaurant, a boutique, an internet room, a health center, and a gym. Arrive in Civitavecchia by the end of the day, followed by disembarkation and transfer to Rome. Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar.
Day 10 – Day 10: Rome to Florence via Assisi and Siena
- Assisi
- Siena
- Florence
- Rome
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- Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi
- piazza del Campo
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Departing early from your hotel, travel to Assisi, a charming walled town from the Middle Ages. Visit the Basilica of St. Francis, home to masterpieces by Giotto and Cimabue. After some free time for lunch, continue to Siena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Palio horse race around Piazza del Campo. Finally, arrive in Florence, where you'll check in at your hotel and enjoy dinner. Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar.
Day 11 – Day 11: Florence
- Florence
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- Palazzo Vecchio
- Piazza del Duomo, San Gimignano
- Medici Chapels
- Florence Baptistery
- Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence
- piazza della Signoria
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After breakfast, explore Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance. Marvel at the Duomo's exterior, the Campanile Tower, and the Baptistery with its renowned bronze doors. Visit Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. Enjoy an included lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant. In the afternoon, explore Florence's cobblestone streets at your own pace or take an optional trip to Pisa. Accommodation at the Hotel Raffaello, Florence, or similar.
Day 12 – Day 12: Florence to Venice via Bologna
- Florence
- Bologna
- Padua
- Venice
- Mestre
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- Palazzo Tozzoni
- Basilica of St. George
- Piazza Municipio
- Piazza Maggiore
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After breakfast, depart for elegant Bologna. Explore the charming city center with its iconic porticos, starting at Piazza Malpighi and leading to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore. Marvel at the historic Palazzo Podestà and the Basilica of San Petronio. Discover Bologna's culinary identity with a street food experience, sampling authentic flavors. Enjoy a light lunch before continuing to Venice (Mestre). Accommodation at the Hotel Delfino Mestre, Venice, or similar.
Day 13 – Day 13: Venice
- Venice
- Mestre
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- Doge's Palace
- Piazza San Marco
- Bridge of Sighs
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After breakfast, board a water taxi to the famous St. Mark's Square. Visit the exterior of the Doge's Palace and see the legendary Bridge of Sighs. Enjoy a Venetian spritz or prosecco with your tour leader, accompanied by 'cicchetti,' a Venetian take on tapas. Spend the afternoon exploring Venice's enchanting canals at your own pace. Return to the hotel with guidance from your Tour Leader. Accommodation at the Hotel Delfino Mestre, Venice, or similar.
Day 14 – Day 14: Venice to Rome via Montepulciano
- Rome
- Venice
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- Fortezza Medicea
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After breakfast, depart for Tuscany, renowned for its landscapes, churches, and exquisite wines. Stop in Montepulciano, a medieval town rich in history and art, known for its Nobile wine. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant and some free time before continuing to Rome, where you'll arrive in the evening. Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar.
Day 15 – Day 15: Rome
- Rome
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- Sistine Chapel
- Vatican Museums
- St Peter's Basilica
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After breakfast, embark on a tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with skip-the-line access. Explore one of the world's most important art collections and marvel at Raphael's Rooms and the stunning Sistine Chapel. The tour concludes in St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city at your leisure or opt for the Ancient Rome Tour with the Colosseum. Accommodation at the Hotel St. Martin, Rome, or similar.
Day 16 – Day 16: Departure from Rome
- Rome - Departure day
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After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure. Arrivederci! Meals: B.
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