17 Day Explore Spain & Italy

Welcome to Spain! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel.

Madrid is full of energy. Make like a Madrileño and take a paseo por la noche, a cherished evening stroll. Puerta del Sol, the heart of the city, is a busy plaza where you can find street performers, loads of restaurants and shops and the iconic statue ‘The Bear and the Strawberry Tree’. Calle Cava Baja is the city’s famed tapas street. Patatas bravas, anyone?

Please note: Some flights may depart the day before.

Check in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.

After breakfast, we’ll take a panoramic city tour. We’ll see Madrid’s rich history reflected in architecture, from the Arabic fortress at the Barrio de la Morería – this ninth-century neighbourhood is the oldest part of the city – and the Renaissance and Baroque-style buildings of the Habsburg reign. We’ll see grand squares like Puerta del Sol, Plaza de la Villa and Plaza Mayor, once the centre of Old Madrid. Admire the city’s most iconic monuments, like the Cibeles and Neptune Fountains and the stately Royal Palace of Madrid, the largest functioning royal palace in Europe.

Of course, we’ll see the faces of modern Madrid like Gran Vía, also known as the street that never sleeps, the main shopping and tourist artery in the centre of the capital. Its buildings are exquisite. Enjoy the 19th-century boulevards of the Salamanca district, the famous avenue La Castellana, and keep an eye out for the famous Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabéu Football Stadium – the home of the city’s celebrated Real Madrid team.

You’ll have the afternoon free to continue exploring this vibrant city.

We’ll leave Madrid this morning and drive along La Mancha, land of Don Quixote. We’ll make a brief stop at a typical site in Puerto Lápice to admire these landscapes immortalised in the world’s first modern novel.

We’ll cross through the natural border of Despeñaperros and head into sunny, enchanting Andalusia. This is a region of enormous history and heritage, being occupied by the Romans, the Moors and finally Christians. It’s the home of passionate flamenco, not just a famous dance, but a genuine Spanish art form. It’s known for bullfighting, beautiful beaches, great food and dreamy landscapes, with charming whitewashed villages. Think Mediterranean coastline, bright sun and perfect blue skies.

We’ll stop in Córdoba for an impressive tour of its mosque, the Mezquita, a magnificent piece of Islamic architecture. Over 850 columns with decorated arches crisscross the ceiling of this ancient structure. We’ll see other sites and stroll through the narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter.

In the afternoon, it’s about a two-hour journey to reach dynamic, charming Seville. Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a panoramic city tour this morning. You’ll see the exterior of the majestic Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic building in Europe. See the Santa Cruz quarter – the perfect scene for the masterpiece Carmen, as well as precisely where the myth of libertine Don Juan developed. You’ll also see Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de España, on the edge of the park.

The afternoon is free for you to explore the sounds and flavours of this enigmatic city. The Giralda Tower stands 104 metres above the city – you can climb to the top for sweeping views over the red-tiled roofs of Seville. The Moorish influence here is undeniable, as you’ll see if you visit the Alcázar of Seville, an elaborate fortress and palace with beautiful formal gardens. It’s one of the oldest palaces still in use in the world.

The food of Seville won’t disappoint. All your favourites are here; paella, gazpacho, churros. Seville is home to traditional favourites like carrillada (pork cheek), cazón en adobo ( shark in a Moorish marinade) and espinacas con garbanzos (spinach and chickpeas) – the name might sound unimaginative but the dish is certainly not!

Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

This morning we’ll drive east through the Route of the Caliphate to the heart of Andalusia. Take in the endless olive groves on the way to Granada, the last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492. The scenery really is amazing – rolling hills and the peaks of the Sierra Nevada.

We’ll visit the world-famous, opulent Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens that have inspired several authors, such as the Tales of the Alhambra by W. Irving.

The Alhambra is contemporary history of Granada’s Arab past. Its buildings, towers, palaces, patios and gardens make this palace and fortress complex one of the most visited monuments in Spain. It towers over Granada’s historic Arabic quarter. Within the fortress you’ll find exquisite palaces, serene pathways weaving through amazing gardens and courtyards. The detail is next level – sumptuous interiors, beautiful Islamic geometric patterns, exquisitely carved wood, incredible ornamental features.

You’ll have dinner at the hotel.

We’ll head for the Mediterranean coast this morning. We’ll pass Murcia, capital of the fertile garden of the Segura river and continue north via Alicante, the second largest city in the València region.

We’ll reach València, a laid-back port city along the Mediterranean. The old capital of the kingdom of València is home to beautiful churches, beaches and it has the important distinction of being home to paella, surely the most famous Spanish dish!

It harmoniously blends remnants of its ancient past with modern design and innovation. The futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is an architectural and cultural complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. It stands out for the modern architecture of all these gargantuan buildings, especially the Hemisfèric which resembles a giant eye.

This cutting-edge complex contains six main areas: Hemisfèric IMAC cinema, the beautiful landscaped area L’Umbracle, an interactive science museum, the Oceanogràfic aquarium, Palau de les Arts, the opera house and performing arts centre and L'Àgora, a covered plaza for concerts and sporting events.

We’ll have a morning city tour, including a drive through the charming Old Town to see the most prominent buildings. We’ll then be driven past the old riverbed of the Turia – now a lush urban park – to the most avant-garde complex, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, to see the distinctive exteriors of the six buildings.

An early afternoon departure sees us head north along the Mediterranean coast to Catalonia, via Tarragona, the oldest Roman settlement on the Iberian Peninsula. We’ll stop at the Roman ruins of Tárraco to discover these ancient treasures. This huge open-air museum was a major city of the Roman Empire and its fascinating sites, statues, stones and buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We’ll reach Barcelona, the Catalan capital known for its art and architecture. It was the home of celebrated architect Antoni Gaudi, an icon of Catalan Modernism who revolutionised Spanish architecture. Modernist landmarks, like his grand Sagrada Familia church, are dotted around the city.

Enjoy a panoramic city tour of this cosmopolitan, Mediterranean city. We’ll drive along the main avenues with impressive buildings by Gaudi, such as Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera). Seven of Gaudi’s properties, including these, are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

We’ll see Montjuïc Park with spectacular views of the city and harbour, the Olympic Ring, the Columbus Monument and the Port Olimpic (Olympic Port).

The afternoon is free for you to keep discovering this attractive city and its exquisite and varied gastronomy. Enjoy a steamy cortado in a sidewalk cafe. Of course, tapas are a must – nibble on these bite-sized appetisers around the bar like a local.

Visit renowned museums, like the Barcelona City History Museum where you can see ancient excavated relics. Gaudi’s celebrated, grand La Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-visit, with its intricate mosaics inside and distinctive sky-piercing spires. You can climb to the top of these spires for panoramic views over the city.

Stroll the pedestrian-friendly boulevard of Las Ramblas, ideal for people watching. It’s home to souvenir shops, street artists, cafes and folk Sardana dancers. In the Gothic Quarter, you’ll find family-owned shops selling textiles, decorative ceramic tiles and earthenware kitchenware.

You’ll be picked up from your hotel to head to port and board the ferry towards Civitavecchia, gateway to Rome. You’ll spend the night onboard.

During the ferry crossing to Italy you will be un-escorted. Please contact Grimoldi Lines Ferry staff if you require any assistance.

Enjoy your day onboard: relax by the pool, head to the discotheque or gym and enjoy meals onboard before disembarking in Civitavecchia Port at 8pm. You’ll then arrive in Rome at approximately 10pm.

We’ll head for Assisi this morning and enjoy free time to explore this small medieval town and have lunch. Visit the historical city centre and the Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can admire frescoes by medieval painters like Giotto and Cimabue.

We’ll then make a stop in Siena, with a chance to stretch your legs and take in the medieval charm of this city. The huge, lively Piazza del Campo, where the Roman forum used to be, is one of Italy’s grandest squares.

Next, we’ll continue through the celebrated Tuscan countryside – rolling hills, olives and cypress trees and medieval villages – to arrive in Florence, birthplace of the Italian Renaissance movement.

Florence, capital of the beautiful Tuscan region, is home to many masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture.

After breakfast, we’ll venture around Florence and admire its countless stunning monuments, like the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore with its terracotta-tiled dome engineered by Brunelleschi, the bell tower by Giotto and the 12th-century baptistery, where Michelangelo called the gilded bronze doors the ‘Gates of Paradise’.

In the heart of the city, see the town hall Palazzo Vecchio, overlooking Piazza della Signoria, a favourite meeting place for locals and tourists alike. The Basilica of Santa Croce, resting place of Michelangelo, Machiavelli and Rossini, is the largest Franciscan church in the world.

After lunch in a typical Tuscan restaurant in Piazza Santa Croce, the rest of the day is free for you to wander Florence’s cobblestone streets at your own pace.

See Florence icon Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, home to high-end jewelry shops. You may choose to visit the Uffizi Gallery and admire artworks by Raffaello, Botticelli, Giotto and others. You’ll be amazed at the range and depth of works on display.

You’ll see copies all over Florence, but to see Michelangelo’s David sculpture, head to the Galleria dell’Accademia, which also houses many other sculptures by this great Renaissance artist. If you have time, try to see the vast, varied art collection housed in Pitti Palace. You can tour the large 15th-century palace, or stroll through the Boboli Gardens behind the palace. These royal gardens are stunning, home to a large number of statues and fountains.

Piazzale Michelangelo is a terrace above the city that offers gorgeous sweeping city views. You’ll be able to appreciate how the dome of the cathedral dominates the landscape. You can walk here or take the bus. If you continue up to the church of San Miniato al Monte, the oldest church in Florence, you’ll discover a breathtaking view of Florence’s terracotta rooftops.

The Mercato Centrale (covered market) is where locals shop for food, so it’s a great place to people-watch or pick up some great items to take home, like Tuscan olive oils, nougat and olives.

We’ll head for Bologna today, heralded as Italy’s gastronomic capital.

Bologna’s elegant streets are known for their portici, long arcades sheltered by pretty arches. From Piazza Malpighi, we’ll walk to Piazza del Nettuno and Piazza Maggiore, two adjoining squares in the heart of the city. Admire the 13th-century palaces, Palazzo Podestà and Palazzo Re Enzo.

Nearby, the Basilica of San Petronio is one of the biggest churches in the world. It was designed to be even bigger than St. Peter’s in Rome, but it was never finished. Don’t let the incomplete facade fool you – the interior is beautiful.

A foodie’s heaven, the city is renowned for its cuisine. There is even a gelato university! The region is also home to Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Traditional Balsamic di Modena and Prosciutto di Modena, all regulated under DOP (protected designation of origin).

Enjoy free time for lunch – yes, a bolognese is obviously a must, but when ordering, it’s tagliatelle al ragù around here.

In the afternoon, we’ll continue towards Padua, home to the 13th-century Basilica of St. Anthony, a significant Catholic pilgrimage site.

Later in the day, we’ll arrive in Venice. Built on more than 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea, romantic Venice has no roads – just canals, including its famed Grand Canal thoroughfare. Given its unique architectural and cultural heritage, the city and its lagoon are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, take a private water taxi transfer to famous gathering place St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) with the basilica, easily one of the most recognisable churches in the world. With ‘skip the line’ tickets, admire its Italian Byzantine architecture, golden mosaics and magnificent golden altarpiece. You’ll also visit Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, a Venice icon and tourist favourite for photos.

You have the rest of the day free. Venice can seem like a maze but is a lovely city to just wander. Make your way through its charming little streets and passageways, along the canals, through its bustling squares.

Of course, a boat cruise is a must-do. You can relax in a gondola as you’re rowed along the Grand Canal and under the stone-arch Rialto Bridge, admiring the grand palaces lining the canal.

Be sure to visit Harry’s Bar, the birthplace of the much-loved Italian cocktail, the bellini. You’re in good company – Ernest Hemingway was a regular.

We’ll say arrivederci to magical Venice today and head for gorgeous Tuscany. Time for la dolce vita!

In this region renowned for its landscapes, churches, castles and delicious wine, we’ll stop in Montepulciano. This medieval town, rich in history and art, is known for its vino nobile wine. We’ll have a traditional Tuscan lunch and the afternoon is yours to explore Montepulciano at your own pace. You can partake in a spot of shopping or one of the many wine tastings on offer in local wine shops.

We’ll arrive in Rome, Italy’s capital, in the evening.

This morning, we’ll set off to discover the enormous wealth of culture and history in this city, a cultural mecca. Only a few cities in the world can boast such a well-preserved level of architecture, art and religious iconography.

In Vatican City, you’ll visit the Vatican Museums and be able to gaze upon the ceilings of the Sistine Chapel. Of course, the sights will include ‘skip the line’ access to St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest church. The tour ends at St. Peter’s Square and the rest of the day is free for you to wander the cobblestone piazzas and streets.

See iconic symbols of Imperial Rome; the ancient 50,000-seat Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Visit the large sunny square Piazza Venezia, the central hub of Rome, and Capitoline Hill, the smallest of the seven hills of ancient Rome.

There are so many grand sights, like Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo. The Pantheon, easily the best-preserved building from ancient Rome, is an architectural wonder. Don’t forget to toss your coin in the Trevi Fountain!

Culinary delights abound here. Authentic pizza, hearty bowls of fresh pasta, excellent cheeses, wines, seafood and delightful desserts like tiramisu and gelato.

Enjoy one last delicious breakfast this morning, before your adventure comes to an end. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this extraordinary journey.

Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.

Arrive home today after your amazing adventure, we hope you have been Inspired!