Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Overnight Flight
Board your overnight flight bound for Madrid.

Day 2 - Madrid
Arrive in Madrid, meet your Travel Director and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Start exploring the city during walking tour of old Madrid including the Plaza Mayor, and try the “chocolate con churros” at the famous Chcolatería de San Ginés. 

Day 3 - Madrid
Enjoy a guided tour of the city including a visit to the Prado Museum to see works by artists such as Goya, El Greco and Velázquez. This afternoon, visit the Santiago Bernabeu stadium - home of Real Madrid! Tonight, take an interactive cooking class and learn how to make various tapas for your dinner!

Day 4 - Madrid
This morning drive to Toledo and take a guided tour of this former capital of Spain. Visit the stunning gothic cathedral, the Santa Maria la Blanca synagogue and the Santo Tomé Chapel to admire the Burial of the Count of Orgaz by El Greco. Return to Madrid for dinner!

Day 5 - Barcelona
This morning, take the high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. Today, a local guide introduces you to the highlights of Barcelona such as the main pedestrian boulevard the Ramblas, the Gothic Quarter and La Sagrada Familia Basilica. For lunch, visit the spectacular La Boquería market to buy provisions for a picnic on the beach.

Day 6 - Barcelona
Today you will focus on two of Barcelona's favorite sons. First, visit the Picasso Museum, housed in five gothic palaces to see some of his early masterpieces and his famous Las Meninas series. Later, continue to the stunning Güell Parc designed by Antoni Gaudí and enjoy panoramic views of the city. In the evening, enjoy a walk along the Passeig de Gracia to see the illuminated buildings by Gaudí and other modernist architects.

Day 7 - Florence
This morning, fly from Barcelona to Florence. Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Take a walking tour with an expert local guide through Florence, see the highlights of this beautiful city, such as Florence’s cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore, Ghiberti’s famous Baptistry Doors, Santa Croce and the Piazza della Signoria. Later, spend some time exploring the local markets, shops, gelaterias and cafes!

Day 8 - Florence
Today, take a day trip into the beautiful Tuscan countryside to visit San Gimignano, an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is encircled by 13th-century walls, and is famous for it’s skyline of medieval towers, including the stone Torre Grossa. Visit the Duomo di San Gimignano, a 12th-century church with frescoes by Ghirlandaio in its Santa Fina Chapel, and then enjoy some free time to explore Piazza della Cisterna.

Day 9 - Rome
This morning travel from Umbria to Rome. After lunch, a local guide will introduce you to the smallest state in the world, Vatican City. You’ll visit Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Basilica. Tonight, visit the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.

Day 10 - Rome
This morning a guided tour will introduce you to the sites of ancient Rome. Explore the Forum and Colosseum - one of the most impressive sights in Rome and one of the world’s most famous venues that would hold gladiatorial games and drama to battles of exotic animals and battleships. The building was completed in 80 A.D. and at its peak held 87,000 spectators. Later, see some of Rome’s most beautiful and iconic sites illuminated at night, such as the Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.

Day 11 - Rome
Spend your last day with your friends on the seaside town of Ostia, enjoy the beach, and the local shops and cafes. Return to Rome for your farewell dinner!

Day 12 - Return Home
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home.