Italy vs Spain

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Rome

   The capital of Italy is a vibrant, energetic and stylish city. While thoroughly modern in sensibility, Rome is also home to some of the world’s most important works of classic art and architecture. This city has been an epicenter for culture, politics and religion for more than 2,500 years. From the Spanish Steps to the Vatican, there are more than enough sights to keep even the most active tourists busy and even somewhere as popular as Rome you can find places just off the tourist trail and bustling with locals. But it’s also nice to slow down and enjoy Rome’s famous cafes and restaurants, which can be just as beguiling as the buildings. Lounge with an espresso on the Campo de Fiori and watch the changing light on the fountains and the facades. Visit the Vatican and explore some of the world’s most beautiful churches. Rome really comes alive at night, when restaurants and wine bars bring a renewed vitality to the city. You’ll also have opportunities for day trips to local vineyards, olive groves, and other places producing regional delicacies. No matter what your interests, or what kind of holiday you’re looking for, Rome will be an enjoyable destination.

   After you land at Rome's Fiumicino airport you will be met in the arrivals hall by a driver holding a sign with your name on. The journey to your accommodation in the center of Rome should take around an hour.

   

   Go out for an "Aperitivo"!

   If you want to experience a quintessential Italian past time, well, it's time for an "aperitivo"! This is the equivalent of "happy hour", and locals commonly meet with friends and family before dinner, anywhere from 6:30 - 8 PM, to enjoy a spritz, prosecco, bear or wine, along with some munchies, before dinner (some people opt for one before lunch, though!). The food offerings vary from buffets to "à la carte" menus to the establishment bringing something scarce, such as potato chips and olives, to a complete meal of small pizzas, sandwich bites, rice and pasta salads, and more! Some great places to go for an aperitivo are: Freni e Frizioni (Trastevere), Doppiozeroo (Ostiense), and Rec23 (Testaccio - a few steps from Circo Massimo), but all bars (cafes) offer them as well. From June to September, along the Tiber River (Lungo Il Tevere), there are many stands and places where you can go right next to the water on the sidewalk.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Rome

   

   Focus on Ancient Rome with a Group or Private Tour

   Rome's origin story unfolds when you visit the Colosseum and the adjacent Roman Forum. Hear about life in ancient Rome and soak in the grandeur of these testaments to a lost civilisation. We will arrange for a private guide to take you on a three hour tour to explain how the Colosseum was built and what happened to it in the years since. Afterwards the tour proceeds to the Roman Forum, the center of political life of the city and ultimately the Empire, finding out the different purposes of the buildings whose columns and porticos still stand today.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Gelato, Espresso and Tiramisu Group Walking Tour

   This 2.5-hour tour will be a sweet indulgence! Meet your small group at Piazza della Minerva at the statue of the elephant, and get ready to taste the best coffee, gelato, and tiramisu in Rome! Combining Italy’s famous coffee with desserts that have become world-famous, this personalized tour will take you through lovely neighborhoods.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Rome

   

   Vatican Early Morning Small Group Tour

   Your semi-private early morning Vatican tour begins near the entrance of the Vatican Museums, where you will meet your expert guide. Explore the Pinecone Courtyard, Octagonal Courtyard, and galleries filled with masterpieces, including the Laocoön, Apollo Belvedere, and the Belvedere Torso. Visit the Sistine Chapel, where you can admire Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling frescoes and “The Last Judgement” before the crowds arrive. The tour continues through the Raphael Rooms and St. Peter’s Basilica, where you will see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldacchino, and the grandeur of Piazza San Pietro.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

4. Day 4 Traveling to Florence by Train / Arrival in Florence

   Today it's time to bid arriverderci to the Eternal City. You're headed to Italy's art palace, Florence. The high speed train service gets you there in just over an hour and a half. We've included standard class tickets in your package but can upgrade these to business class for an extra fee. We will also arrange for a driver to take you to Roma Termini station in plenty of time for your departing train.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Florence by Private Transfer with a stop in Orvieto

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   Florence is the capital of Tuscany and home to the region’s greatest Renaissance art and architecture. The Renaissance actually started here, and today the city’s numerous cathedrals and art galleries show the evidence of this rich and inspiring period. You’ll want to see the Duomo Cathedral and the Galleria dell’Accademia, which houses Michelangelo’s “David.” Botticelli and Da Vinci's works are here too, at some of the city’s other amazing galleries. But there’s more to do in Florence than simply admire the art. It’s a beautiful, romantic place, and even a stroll through the streets is charming. Add world-class restaurants, delectable local wine and cuisine, and a warm Tuscan welcome, and you have a destination unlike any other. Florence is also an ideal base for exploring Tuscany, with its picturesque hills and vineyards in the heart of Italy.

   Upon arriving to Florence's main station, Santa Maria Novella, we'll arrange for our driver to pick you up from the train station and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Florence

   

   Explore Tuscany: San Gimignano, Siena, and Tuscany

   Enjoy some of Tuscany's most breathtaking sites and scenery on this small group tour. After nearly an hour and a half of driving through the beautiful countryside, you'll arrive at the heart of Siena, for a walk through the city's picturesque narrow streets with your guide. You'll hear the city's stories and anecdotes and visit its highlights with some free time in Siena. The next stop is a wine estate, where you'll enjoy a proper Tuscan lunch, with the vineyard's own wine. A further drive through the countryside, with its olive trees, vines, and ancient stone buildings, will take you to San Gimignano, with its splendid skyline of vertiginous Medieval tower homes, where you'll be able to end your day at a leisurely pace.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 10 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

6. Day 6 Your Second Full Day in Florence

   

   The Cradle of the Renaissance

   With this tour you'll make the most of your time in Florence: you'll be picked up at your accommodation by your guide, who will lead you through the city streets. You'll explore the most important bridges, alleys, medieval markets and Renaissance palaces, so you can appreciate the best of this unique city. Together, you will then reach the Academia Gallery. The statue of David is definitely the most famous work on display, but it's certainly not the only thing worth seeing. Have your questions at the ready!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Handmade Pasta & Gelato Tasting Group Class

   Experience Italy through two of its most beloved delicacies: fresh handmade pasta and authentic gelato. In this cooking class in Florence, you’ll learn to prepare both from scratch using time-honored traditions and innovative techniques. Guided by expert instructors, you’ll discover the secrets behind perfect pasta dough and creamy gelato.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Traveling to Seville by Airplane / Arrival in Seville

   It's arrivederci to Italy and ¡Hola! to Spain today. We'll have a driver pick you up and take you to Pisa airport, a journey of a little over an hour. We'll also included flights on a direct low-cost carrier to Seville.

   Although it may not be the most famous city in Spain, Seville is considered by many to be the most beautiful. You get a sense of its unique charms as you meander through winding streets surrounded by characteristic white and pipeclay yellow walls of the painted buildings. Due to the hustle and bustle of port activity, 16th century Seville was the richest city in Spain. Goods of all splendor brought from the New World arrived at the feet of awestruck locals. Venture further into the city to marvel at the largest Gothic Temple in the world, Seville Cathedral, or try to imagine the sense of pride and awe felt by locals for hundreds of years as they gazed up at The Giralda Tower. This minaret was built in the Almohad period and was, for centuries, the tallest building in Spain and constructed as part of a Grand Mosque.

   We'll arrange for a driver to meet you at Seville's airport and take you to your centrally located accommodation. Duration of the drive is about 20 minutes.

8. Day 8 Your First Full Day in Seville

   

   History in Paper and Stone

   2,200 years of turbulent history made Seville, the capital of Andalusia, a wonderful mix of historic churches and grandiose palaces and Moorish heritage. With our local guide, you will walk the Santa Cruz neighborhood, home to many popular locations, including two UNESCO sites: the Seville Cathedral – the world's largest Gothic cathedral – and the Real Alcázar palace with its stunning gardens, still in use by the Spanish royal family. At the end of the tour, your guide can bring you back to your accommodations, or give you tips for further exploration.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Learn About & Experience Flamenco

   This evening you will experience a performance deeply rooted in authentic flamenco traditions, featuring a compelling hour of art that will leave you in awe. Renowned artists from the city showcase their talents in various forms, including dance, singing, and flamenco guitar. Immerse yourself in the exhilarating world of pure flamenco while sipping on a glass of wine, savoring delicious tapas, or indulging in a delightful dinner. Our carefully curated menu features traditional Andalusian haute cuisine dishes, creating a perfect fusion of Seville, its gastronomy, and the art of flamenco.

   Included in your vacation package price

9. Day 9 Your Second Full Day in Seville

   

   World Heritage Hunt

   After exploring the magnificent UNESCO sites in Seville, consider a day trip to Córdoba, where time seems to stand still in a medieval setting. This city, like many in Spain, was once a harmonious coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews. A highlight is the 8th-century mosque, a pinnacle of Islamic architecture in the Western world. Don't miss the historical Jewish Quarter, Judeíra. Wander through Moorish castles like Alcazar, discover Andalusian gardens, and savor the experience at local restaurants and bars. Córdoba is truly another jewel in Spain's crown.

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

10. Day 10 Traveling to Madrid by Train / Arrival in Madrid

    

    You're leaving Seville behind today and heading to Madrid. We will arrange a transfer to the train station and economy class tickets. There are a few train departures to Madrid daily, so you can choose your preferred departure time. Then just sit back and relax on the 2.5-hour journey. An upgrade to the first class is available for an additional fee.

    

    You can upgrade your transfer

    Madrid by Private Transfer with a Stop in Cordoba

    Upgrade for an additional cost

    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.

    When you arrive at Madrid's train station, we will have a driver there to meet you and take you to your accommodation.

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Madrid

    

    The Madrid of the Austrians

    Today you'll be joining a group tour that will give you a thorough grounding in the rich history of the Austrian era and gain insights into the architectural, artistic, and spiritual evolution of Madrid. This tour is inspired by the 16th and 17th centuries when Madrid, under the rule of the Austrian Habsburg Dynasty, ascended to become the capital of Spain. Known locally as the 'Austrias', this central neighborhood encapsulates all the major and noteworthy landmarks of the Spanish capital. Your leisurely stroll will guide you past iconic sites such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, the Prado, and numerous other captivating structures, churches, verdant parks, lively squares, expansive avenues, and charming alleys. And to keep your energy up, in the most Madrid way possible, a hot chocolate and churros stop is included!

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 4 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Your Second Full Day in Madrid

    

    Avila and Segovia Full Day Private Tour

    Are you interested in exploring two of Spain's most enchanting cities, brimming with history and beauty? If so, this tour is tailored for you!

    Visit Avila and Segovia, two Spanish breathtaking cities! Explore the captivating medieval city of Avila, enclosed by impressive 12th-century walls that evoke the essence of a bygone era, and Segovia this well-preserved ancient marvel, where ancient architecture and Spanish culture meet to create an unforgettable experience.
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 9 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

13. Day 13 Departure Day

    The driver will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to the airport for your departing flight. Duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.