14-Day Spain and Italy Cultural and Culinary Adventure

Day 1: Explore Madrid

Madrid, Spain on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés

Start your day with traditional churros and hot chocolate at this iconic Madrid spot open from 6:00am to midnight, perfect for an authentic Spanish breakfast experience.
EUR6, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit the Prado Museum

Explore one of the world’s premier art museums featuring masterpieces from Velázquez, Goya, and more. Open from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Enjoy a variety of gourmet Spanish tapas at this vibrant market open until midnight, a perfect spot for an informal yet delicious meal.
Around EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll Retiro Park

Relax by the lake or visit the Crystal Palace in this beautiful park open daily from 6:00am until dusk, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Tour the stunning Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family, open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Botín

Dine at the world’s oldest restaurant serving traditional Castilian dishes, open from 1:00pm to 11:00pm, renowned for roast suckling pig.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 2: Madrid Cultural Day

Madrid, Spain on July 10, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Comercial

Enjoy a typical Spanish breakfast with coffee and tostada in this historic café open from 8:00am to midnight.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Explore Reina Sofía Museum

Discover modern art including Picasso’s Guernica; the museum is open from 10:00am to 9:00pm on Tuesday.
EUR12, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Sur

Taste authentic Spanish homestyle dishes at El Sur, open from 1:00pm to 11:00pm, renowned for its friendly atmosphere and local flavors.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum

Explore a rich collection of art spanning from the Renaissance to modern works; museum open till 7:00pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

6:00pm

Evening walk at Gran Via

Enjoy shopping and vibrant city life on the famous Gran Via street, ideal for experiencing Madrid’s nightlife.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Sobrino de Botín

Savor classic Spanish cuisine in this historic restaurant renowned for its traditional wood oven dishes, open until midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Madrid to Barcelona

Madrid to Barcelona, Spain on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel or local café

Light Spanish breakfast to fuel your travel day.
Approx EUR8, 0h45m

8:30am

Train from Madrid to Barcelona

High-speed AVE train journey, taking around 3 hours to arrive in Barcelona. Book tickets in advance.
EUR90, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at La Boqueria Market

Explore the market and enjoy fresh seafood tapas open 8:00am to 8:30pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Check-in and rest

Check-in at hotel and refresh before afternoon sightseeing.
Varies, 1h0m

3:30pm

Visit Casa Batlló

Tour Gaudí’s masterpiece known for its unique architecture, open daily 9:00am-8:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

6:00pm

Stroll along Passeig de Gràcia

Enjoy Barcelona’s premier shopping and architecture corridor.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Popular tapas bar known for a variety of flavorful small plates, open until midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 4: Barcelona Highlights

Barcelona, Spain on July 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Contemporary café offering quality coffee and breakfast options, open from 8:00am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Sagrada Família

Gaudí’s iconic basilica, open 9:00am-7:00pm. Book tickets online to avoid lines.
EUR30, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Tast Café

Enjoy Catalan dishes in a cozy setting, open for lunch 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Park Güell visit

Explore Gaudí’s vibrant public park with panoramic views, open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk through Gothic Quarter

Discover narrow streets and medieval architecture in the heart of Barcelona.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Enjoy the sunset and beach vibes, open all day.
Free, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Barcelona’s oldest restaurant, serving Catalan classics, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 5: Barcelona to Rome

Barcelona, Spain to Rome, Italy on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Quick and convenient breakfast before flight.
Included in hotel, 0h30m

9:00am

Flight to Rome

Direct flight from Barcelona El Prat Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport, approximately 2 hours.
EUR120, 2h0m

11:30am

Arrival & hotel check-in

Settle into your accommodation in Rome.
Varies, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Da Baffetto

Enjoy renowned Roman-style pizza in the city center, open for lunch until 3:30pm.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit the Colosseum

Explore the iconic ancient Roman amphitheatre, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

4:30pm

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Tour the ruins adjacent to the Colosseum, included with ticket, open until 7:00pm.
Included, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Trattoria Luzzi

Casual dining spot near Colosseum with authentic Roman cuisine, open until 11:00pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 6: Rome Ancient & Vatican

Rome, Italy on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Roscioli Caffè

Classic Italian breakfast with coffee and pastries, open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Visit world-famous museums and Sistine Chapel. Open 9:00am to 6:00pm, closed Sundays (except last Sunday). Book tickets online.
EUR25, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ristorante Arlu

Traditional Roman and seafood dishes near Vatican, open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

St. Peter’s Basilica

Tour the magnificent basilica, open 7:00am to 7:00pm, free entry but dome climb costs extra.
Free (Dome climb EUR8), 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Tiber River

Leisurely walk to Castel Sant’Angelo and bridges for views, accessible all day.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Piazza Navona visit

Explore this lively square with fountains and street artists.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Popular Roman trattoria offering classic dishes, open until 11:00pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Rome City Walk

Rome, Italy on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Panella

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in a historic bakery open from 7:00am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Visit iconic sites of Rome, perfect for photos and people watching.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Pantheon

Explore the best-preserved ancient Roman building, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Osteria del Sostegno

Family-run tavern specializing in Roman cuisine, open 12:30pm to 3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Capitoline Museums

Art and archaeological museum with stunning views of the Forum, open 9:30am to 7:30pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Evening at Trastevere

Explore lively neighborhood with narrow cobblestone streets and great nightlife.
Free, 2h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Spirito di Vino

Well-regarded Roman restaurant in Trastevere, perfect to enjoy traditional dishes.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 8: Rome to Florence

Rome to Florence, Italy on July 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Light breakfast to prepare for train trip.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Train from Rome to Florence

High-speed train journey about 1h30m.
EUR40, 1h30m

10:30am

Visit Uffizi Gallery

See one of the best Renaissance art collections, open 8:15am to 6:50pm. Book tickets ahead.
EUR20, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Famous for traditional Tuscan cuisine, open 12:00pm to 3:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Florence Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the cathedral complex including the dome climb, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across the historic bridge lined with shops.
Free, 0h45m

6:00pm

Relax at Piazza della Signoria

Enjoy the atmosphere of Florence’s main square.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at La Giostra

Highly rated spot for Tuscan specialities, open until 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 9: Florence to Venice

Florence to Venice, Italy on July 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Caffè Gilli

Elegant café with traditional pastries, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:00am

Train from Florence to Venice

Approximate 2h journey on fast train.
EUR40, 2h0m

11:00am

Check-in and refresh

Prepare for Venice exploration.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria al Gatto Nero

Specializes in fresh seafood, located in Burano. Open 12:00pm-3:00pm.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit St. Mark’s Basilica

Explore stunning Byzantine architecture, open 9:30am-5:00pm.
Free (museum extra), 1h0m

3:30pm

Tour Doge’s Palace

Palace and museum with rich history, open 9:00am-7:00pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

5:30pm

Gondola Ride

Classic Venice gondola experience, approx 30 minutes, available typically until evening.
EUR80 per boat (up to 6 people), 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Small, cozy seafood restaurant, reservations recommended, open until 11:00pm.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 10: Venice Leisure

Venice, Italy on July 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pasticceria Tonolo

Famous for Venetian pastries and coffee, open from 7:00am.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Peggy Guggenheim Collection

Modern art museum housed in Peggy Guggenheim’s home, open 10:00am-6:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

11:00am

Walk along Rialto Bridge and Market

Explore historic market area and iconic bridge.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Antiche Carampane

Celebrated seafood restaurant away from tourist crowds, open 12:30pm-3:00pm.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax at Giardini della Biennale

Escape the crowds in these peaceful gardens with seasonal art exhibitions, open daily.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute

Baroque church with rich art, open 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Evening gondola or vaporetto ride

Enjoy Venetian waterways at sunset.
EUR7.50 vaporetto ticket, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Quadri

Elegant restaurant at St. Mark’s Square serving Venetian specialties.
EUR60, 1h30m

Day 11: Venice to Milan

Venice to Milan, Italy on July 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast to start travel day.
EUR8, 0h30m

8:30am

Train from Venice to Milan

Approximate 2h30m train journey.
EUR40, 2h30m

11:00am

Check-in hotel and freshen up

Prepare for Milan sightseeing.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Famous for delicious panzerotti snacks near Duomo, open 10:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

1:00pm

Visit Milan Cathedral (Duomo)

Explore the Gothic cathedral and rooftop terraces, open 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 1h30m

3:00pm

Tour Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Iconic shopping gallery and architectural landmark.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk through Brera District

Artsy neighborhood with shops and galleries.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Ristorante Nabucco

Traditional Milanese cuisine in Brera, open until 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 12: Milan Art and History

Milan, Italy on July 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pavé

Trendy bakery and café known for fresh pastries, open from 7:00am.
EUR10, 0h45m

9:30am

Visit Pinacoteca di Brera

Major art collection featuring Italian artists, open 8:30am to 7:15pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Eataly Milano Smeraldo

Italian food market with various dining options, open 10:00am–11:00pm.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

See The Last Supper (Santa Maria delle Grazie)

View Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic mural; advance reservations required, visit times typically morning and early afternoon.
EUR20, 0h45m

3:00pm

Walk and shop in Quadrilatero della Moda

Fashion district with designer boutiques and luxury shopping.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Relax at Sempione Park

Leisurely stroll and enjoy the greenery and views of Sforza Castle.
Free, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Ristorante Cracco

High-end Milanese cuisine by a top chef, open until 11:00pm.
EUR70, 1h30m

Day 13: Milan Leisure & Departure Prep

Milan, Italy on July 21, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Marchesi 1824

Historic pastry shop offering delicious sweets and coffee, open 7:30am–8:00pm.
EUR10, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore museums and historic castle grounds, open 7:00am–7:30pm.
Free entry to grounds, museums EUR10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Pizzeria Spontini

Known for Milan-style thick crust pizza, open 11:00am to midnight.
EUR15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Shopping and last-minute sightseeing

Explore local shops or revisit preferred spots in Milan.
Varies, 3h0m

6:00pm

Early dinner at Casa Tua Osteria

Enjoy relaxed Italian dishes before packing, open until 10:30pm.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 14: Departure Day

Milan, Italy on July 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final Italian breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h30m

8:30am

Head to Milan Malpensa or Linate Airport

Allow plenty of time for travel and check-in.
Varies, 2h0m