Indulge in a gastronomic adventure like no other with our two-week food and wine-centric itinerary through Venice, Bologna, Madrid, and San Sebastian. Your culinary journey starts in Venice, a gorgeous city to savor with all your senses. In La Serenissima, sample fresh seafood to your heart's content, washing it down with local prosecco. From there, head to Bologna, Italy's celebrated food capital. From rich handmade pasta dishes to top-quality cold cuts and delicious cheese, Bologna is a true feast for your tastebuds and the perfect farewell to Italy before you move on to Spain. In Madrid, don't miss the chance to mingle with locals in authentic tapas bars and century-old restaurants that serve traditional dishes that have stood the test of time. There's no better place to end this foodie odyssey of sorts than the beautiful coastal city of San Sebastian in Northern Spain, home to the world-renowned and delectable pintxos. Each destination offers a unique blend of flavors and experiences, making this journey a feast for the senses. It all adds up to an unforgettable epicurean escapade.
One of our team members in Spain or Italy (depending on where you start your tour – this itinerary can be done in reverse) will be available to you leading up to and during your trip to answer any questions and arrange local services. You will receive access to your Guest Page, with its information on the best these destinations have to offer, including things to see and do, and other inside tips from restaurant recommendations to tipping advice. Upon request, we will provide you with an eSIM with data that you can use to reach your local JayWay contact (whom you will meet in person) throughout your trip. In all of our destinations, we offer a variety of memorable 3- to 5-star accommodation options, including boutique hotels and charming B&Bs. With our firsthand experience, we can ensure they are all clean, comfortable, and centrally located, with local ambiance.
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What's Included
Here are all the services provided as part of your complete vacation package. See what every JayWay trip includes.
Please let us know if you'd like to upgrade any transfers or add any additional tours or excursions to your itinerary.
Venice
Bologna
Madrid
San Sebastian
package excludes:
- Flights from and to your home country.
- Tips for Tour Guides, Drivers and Local Reps.
- Meals (other than breakfast if included in room rate and meals listed as included in food tours and excursions, unless explicitly stated otherwise).
- Parking fees for your Rental Car (if you are booking one with us) unless otherwise indicated. Some hotels provide free parking facilities.
- Travel Insurance. See the insurance link on our website
A JayWay vacation is more than the sum of its parts. Our team work tirelessly to ensure your experience is memorable for all the right reasons. Your trip is personalized to maximize your enjoyment. You're taken care of every step of the way.
A Travel Advisor who speaks your language
We will make sure that all your requirements and interests are taken into account in preparing your itinerary.A totally tailored itinerary for your vacation
Your trip is customized for you by an experienced trip planner and an expert on the region.A choice of hand-picked hotels and excursions
We've personally inspected and tested all the hotels and local tour providers we work with to ensure quality.Detailed pre-trip preparation to make the most of every day
Your destination-based Tour Manager will be in touch by email and phone a month before you arrive to finalize timings.On-trip Concierge Service to smooth out any bumps in the road
Your tour manager is at your service throughout your journey. We'll provide a local SIM so you can stay connected.Personalized Guest Page to make sure you're not missing out
Packed with detailed information and recommendations curated by locals on the best things to do, see and eat.3 Nights in Venice
3 Nights in Venice



3 Nights in Venice
Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.
Venice is a legendary city with a charm and atmosphere all its own. The city was constructed on more than 100 islands connected by a series of canals, most of which are lined with gorgeous palaces, beautiful churches, and all sorts of impressive architecture. While the city isn’t huge, it is packed with pedestrian-only streets and quaint, winding alleys that will keep you exploring for days. The city is very popular with tourists year-round, so you certainly won’t be the only travelers walking through the streets with camera in hand. This being Italy, the cuisine in Venice is delicious, and we can especially recommend the Cicchetti of Venice tour. Cicchetti are Venetian tapas, and this tour will introduce you to some of the city’s most iconic eateries and its most delicious recipes. If it’s your first time in Venice, we can organize a tour to show you all the most important sites. And since no trip to the city of canals is complete without a boat ride, we offer a number of ways for you to get a new point of view of the city and its magnificent architecture. It’s easy to while away your time in Venice, discovering new secrets around every corner.
Day 1
Day 1 - Arrival in Venice
Start your Venetian experience off in style by arriving in a private water taxi. We'll arrange a transfer by boat from Venice Marco Polo airport to the closest possible point to your hotel in Venice. Please note that porter assistance from the water taxi to the hotel is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.
Welcome to Venice!
Enjoy Venice from the very start! Depending on your preference, this can be a relaxing or active time. After that, enjoy an aperitif with a view of the Grand Canal at Erbaria (Rialto), where there are many bars with outdoor seating. Finally, dinner in one of the many restaurants in the Rialto area will definitely make your first evening in Venice a perfect one. If you arrive full of energy and ready to explore, head to the Zattere area and enjoy a stroll along the canal up to Punta della Dogana, where you can admire the view of San Marco and the Grand Canal. The walk to Santa Maria della Salute church is pleasant, and you can take the traghetto (a big gondola) to cross the canal.

Day 2
Day 2 - Your First Full Day in Venice

Introducing Venice: A Private Tour
Venice is a magical city, and today you’ll discover the best it has to offer, with a private three-hour tour with your own personal guide. You’ll get a feel for the layout of the city and appreciate some of its legendary landmarks. After being picked up at your accommodation, you’ll head toward the elegant Piazza San Marco, which is enclosed by buildings from the ancient republic. Before reaching the famous Rialto bridge you’ll stop by the square of San Giovanni e Paolo and pass the Marco Polo House. From the top of the bridge you’ll be able to take in the wonders of the Grand Canal. At this point you’ll be right in the market, where you'll conclude your tour in true Italian style, with the opportunity to delve into Italian wines and local recipes on your own.
Day 3
Day 3 - Your Second Full Day in Venice

Venetian Tapas and Wine Tours
Today, you have a 3-hour walking tour of local food and markets. Throughout the tour, you will delve into food, history, arts, daily habits (such as how locals shop, joke, and converse), as well as social and controversial issues (like the Mafia, waste management, and politics). This tour is crafted for travelers seeking to explore beyond the tourist path and uncover hidden gems cherished by locals. As a curious food enthusiast, you will have the opportunity to sample unique delicacies such as milza alla veneziana or nervetti—bite-and-go cuisine that goes beyond typical street food. You'll join locals at bacari (traditional bars), where owners prepare a wide array of cicchetti (tapas) paired with local wines and aperitifs, all accompanied by fascinating local stories.
Day 4
Day 4 - Traveling to Bologna by Train
It's time to bid arrivederci to Venice. We'll book you standard class tickets from Venice to Bologna. We've included standard class tickets in your package but an upgrade to a higher class is possible for an extra fee. We'll arrange a water taxi to pick you up from your accommodation or closest dock and take you to Santa Lucia Train Station. Please note that porter assistance from the hotel to the water taxi is not included but can be arranged at extra charge.

You can upgrade your transfer

Bologna by Private Transfer
Upgrade for an additional cost
3 Nights in Bologna
3 Nights in Bologna


3 Nights in Bologna
Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.
Bologna is the capital of Emilia Romagna and makes a fantastic base for exploring the legendary 'food valley'. The city's history stretches back a few hundred years before Christ and it is home to the oldest university in Europe. These facts are responsible for two of the nicknames Bologna owns with pride. La Dotta – 'the learned one' and La Grassa – 'the fat one'. Truly you're never far from a spectacular meal in Bologna, as long as you're not vegan. Emilia Romagna might not be a name that's as well known as neighboring Tuscany but its food specialties are renowned the world over. The king of Italian cheeses: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma and traditional Aceto Balsamico are all from around here and a visit to see how they're produced is a must. Petrolheads will also find much to love in Emilia Romagna. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati and Maserati are all produced close by and have museums or factory tours available. If 'slow food' and fast cars aren't your thing then Bologna still doesn't disappoint. A thriving arts scene means you'll easily find a more cultured diversion, from art galleries to operas. And if you want to work up an appetite, the gently leaning Asinelli Tower's almost 500 steps will help you burn some calories. From the top you'll see why Bologna has another nickname 'La Rossa' – the red one, as you gaze out over the red tiled roofs of the old city, which escaped WWII largely undamaged by Allied bombing raids.
Day 4
Day 4 - Arrival in Bologna
Bologna's train station is on the edge of the historic center of the city where your hotel is located. We'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the platform and take you to your centrally located accommodation.
Aperitif Under the Porticoes
Explore Bologna city center at night and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. Stroll under the city’s endless porticoes, which are UNESCO World Heritage-listed, and visit Piazza Maggiore and Via Marsala. Have an aperitivo as the locals do in one of the many bars in the city center's cozy alleyways, followed by a traditional dinner in one of the many typical restaurants, such as Osteria dell'Orsa.

Day 5
Day 5 - Your First Full Day in Bologna

Bountiful Bologna
Today, you will discover Bologna on a classic walking tour in the historical city center, where you can visit the main attractions and buildings of the city. This private walking tour with a certified guide will uncover the charms of Bologna. Known as "La Dotta" for its prestigious university—one of Italy's oldest—the city remains a vibrant cultural hub, drawing students from around the world. Explore the historical significance of Bologna as you stroll through its medieval streets and learn about its rich intellectual heritage. Discover why Bologna is also called "La Rossa" for its terracotta rooftops and "La Grassa" for its exquisite culinary traditions, making it the gastronomic capital of Emilia Romagna.

Bologna Group Walking Food Tour
Delve into the gastronomy of Bologna with a walk through the Quadrilatero market, the real beating heart of the local specialties. Enjoy three tastings in the company of a local guide while learning fun facts about typical Bolognese food. At the end of the tour, spoil yourselves with a sweet treat.
Day 6
Day 6 - Your Second Full Day in Bologna

Food Valley Private Gourmet Experience
Your day begins with an early visit to a Parmigiano Reggiano dairy farm, where you'll see the entire cheese-making process and enjoy a tasting. Next, you'll tour a Traditional Balsamic Vinegar producer in Modena, followed by a vinegar-tasting and light lunch. In the afternoon, visit Parma for a tasting of Prosciutto di Parma and learn about its production. Finally, you'll be returned to your accommodations after a full day of Emilia's finest culinary experiences.
Day 7
Day 7 - Traveling to Madrid by Airplane
Say arrivederci to Italia, your next stop is Madrid, the Spanish capital. We'll arrange for a driver to pick you up at your hotel in Bologna and transfer you to the airport, around a 20-minute journey. The best option is a direct flight to Madrid with a low-cost airline. The flight takes around two and a half hours. We've included tickets with a standard luggage allowance in your package. Suggested Flight: Departure: Arrival:
Please note that the flight included in your package is in Economy Class (or similar). This includes one cabin bag (17-22lb) and one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) as well as assigned seats. If you’re interested in upgrading to a higher class (which is possible only on certain airlines), just let us know—we’ll be happy to check availability and cost.
3 Nights in Madrid
3 Nights in Madrid



3 Nights in Madrid
The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.
The capital, as well as the geographical and cultural center of Spain, Madrid has long enthralled visitors. Since Prince Phillip II made Madrid the capital in the mid 16th century the city has become home to the largest functioning royal palace in Europe, as well as many museums, cafes, parks, universities, and cultural attractions. Although tourism in the city is growing, Spain's many other attractions mean the city is able to maintain its authenticity and you'll find local character and charm in each of its different neighborhoods. Madrid is perfectly located as a base for day trips to UNESCO-listed towns in central Spain and well connected for traveling onward to any corner of the country for further exploration.
Day 7
Day 7 - Arrival in Madrid
We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Madrid's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.
Get Your Madrid Bearings. And Some Tapas.
Start out by getting your central Madrid bearings by strolling two of the city's most impressive squares, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor. Then make your way into the adjoining La Latina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars. Explore the narrow streets and hop from one tapas bar to another, savoring a variety of local flavors and specialties.

Day 8
Day 8 - Your First Full Day in Madrid

Toledo & La Mancha Wine Region Small Group Tour
On this wine-tasting tour through La Mancha, you will follow in the footsteps of Don Quixote. You will start by exploring Toledo. Its dramatic landscape is home to century-old olive groves, vineyards, expansive plains, and towering windmills. You will visit one traditional winery where high-quality wines and artisan and new-style wines are produced. Enjoy a delicious traditional lunch, including Manchego cheese, which the region is well-known for producing.
Day 9
Day 9 - Your Second Full Day in Madrid

Madrid Private City Tour
Uncover the city's highlights, secrets, and charm in a compact yet enriching experience. Are you ready?

Paella and Tapas - Madrid Group Cooking Class with Market Visit
Day 10
Day 10 - Traveling to San Sebastian by Train
You're leaving Madrid behind today and heading to San Sebastian. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a few train departures to San Sebastian daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the 5.5-hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

You can upgrade your transfer

San Sebastian by Private Transfer
Upgrade for an additional cost
4 Nights in San Sebastian
4 Nights in San Sebastian



4 Nights in San Sebastian
San Sebastián is rightfully known as one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain. It flourished in the early 20th century as a holiday resort for aristocrats and to this day attracts visitors to its famed beaches. San Sebastian is also a haven for foodies. A landmark for gastronomy, San Sebastian has more Michelin Star restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Europe! But it’s not all about white table cloths and silver service. The bars in the quaint Old Town have the most delicious pintxos – the local take on tapas – which you must try while in San Sebastian. San Sebastian’s best-kept secret might be its cider houses. The cavernous sidrerias are where the locals can be found of an evening.
San Sebastián is rightfully known as one of the most beautiful cities in northern Spain. It flourished in the early 20th century as a holiday resort for aristocrats and to this day attracts visitors to its famed beaches. San Sebastian is also a haven for foodies. A landmark for gastronomy, San Sebastian has more Michelin Star restaurants per capita than anywhere else in Europe! But it’s not all about white table cloths and silver service. The bars in the quaint Old Town have the most delicious pintxos – the local take on tapas – which you must try while in San Sebastian. San Sebastian’s best-kept secret might be its cider houses. The cavernous sidrerias are where the locals can be found of an evening.
Day 10
Day 10 - Arrival in San Sebastian
When you arrive at San Sebastian's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

Pintxos: it's Basque for Tapas
Immerse yourself in the charming and wonderful Parte Vieja (Old Town) of San Sebastian and follow your guide's advice on the best pintxos in town, paired with five Spanish wines from different Denominations of Origin and local cider. Feel like a donostiarra (native of the city) throughout the experience. Taste the best gastronomic art pieces combined with some of the best Spanish wines. In between pintxos, you will have the chance to discover the details of this amazing area full of history while you mix with the local people through the route that the guide will take you.
Day 11
Day 11 - Your First Full Day in San Sebastian

Farm and Cider Cellar Small Group Tour with Transport Included
This tour immerses you in the time-honored cider-making process with a lineage stretching back 500 years. The tour commences with a visit to Igartubeiti, a structure dating to the mid-16th century, epitomizing the golden era of Basque farmhouse architecture. Renowned for its impeccably preserved original wooden framework and internal cider pressing apparatus, Igartubeiti provides a window into the historical art of cider production. Here, guests savor freshly pressed, delectable apple juice, and then the tour proceeds to a contemporary cider house, where modern cider production techniques are unveiled. Finally, you will indulge in the natural flavors of Basque cider paired with a traditional cider house culinary offering.
Day 12
Day 12 - Your Second Full Day in San Sebastian

Rioja Wine Tasting Small Group Tour from San Sebastian
Day 13
Day 13 - Your Third Full Day in San Sebastian

Hondarribia and Gastronomic Society Private Experience
You will be picked up from your accommodation and taken on the Hondarribia and Gastronomic Society Private Group Experience, where you will go beyond the obvious tours and have a delicious two-in-one experience that combines a cultural journey to the medieval times of fortified Hondarribia and the quintessence of the Basques’ affection for food – the Gastronomic Society! After visiting various locations, an experienced chef will cook you a glorious meal. With the gastronomic society, there will be a unique opportunity to actively participate in local culture - cook, eat, sing, and laugh as if you were Basque for a day! Then, you will be driven back and dropped off at your accommodations.
Day 14
Day 14 - Departure Day
The driver will pick you up from your accommodation in San Sebastian and take you to the Bilbao airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Glowing Reviews from Our Guests
Average of our Guest's Ratings of tour packages including these destinations

We used Jayway to plan both our trip to Croatia and then to Spain and Portugal. Both trips were customized to our desires. They attended to every detail making the trip a wonderful experience. Accommodations were excellent, recommended tours were special, and the logistics of the trip were perfectly executed. Jayway makes your trip one of life's memorable experiences. In a word, they are the BEST.
– James & Ellen, Texas
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid, Porto, Lisbon
Rating :

JayWay Travel is phenomenal....they created an original, personalized tour for our small family of 3 with our college aged daughter that allowed us to create memories to last a lifetime!!!
– Christy, Jeffrey & Hailey, Illinois
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Barcelona, San Sebastian, Madrid, Algarve Resorts, Lisbon, Barcelona
Rating :

This is our 4th JayWay trip and we enjoyed the consistency of how you do things along with the staff who guided us along the way. It’s a great way to travel! Melita created an amazing trip and Andrea and Maria were absolutely fantastic guiding us through the process. The care they all put into their clients and their jobs is wonderful to be a part of.
– Holly, Mark, Evan & Ryan, California
Visited : Spain, Portugal
Itinerary : Madrid, San Sebastian, Barcelona, Granada, Seville, Lagos, Lisbon, Porto
Rating :