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18-Day Italy & Spain Highlights Itinerary

Viewed by 81 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Rome

Morning: Land at Fiumicino Airport and transfer to your hotel in the historic centre. Settle in and enjoy a leisurely espresso at a nearby café.

Afternoon: Begin exploring with a walk to the Spanish Steps and the Pantheon, soaking up the vibrant street life.

Evening: Dine in Trastevere, sampling classic Roman dishes, then stroll to the illuminated Trevi Fountain for a night‑time photo op.

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Day 2: Ancient Rome

Morning: Tour the iconic Colosseum, then wander through the ruins of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Roman lunch, then visit the nearby Capitoline Museums for art and history.

Evening: Relax on a rooftop bar with a view of the city’s skyline, followed by a gelato near the Pantheon.

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Day 3: Vatican City

Morning: Explore the awe‑inspiring Vatican Museums, culminating with the Sistine Chapel.

Afternoon: Visit St. Peter’s Basilica and climb to the dome for panoramic vistas.

Evening: Cross the Tiber River to the lively Campo de' Fiori for dinner and people‑watching.

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Day 4: Rome to Puglia (Alberobello)

Morning: Take an early high‑speed train to Bari, then a short transfer to Alberobello.

Afternoon: Wander the UNESCO‑listed trulli houses, especially the Trullo Sovrano.

Evening: Savor Apulian cuisine in a traditional “masseria” and enjoy a quiet night in the countryside.

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Day 5: Ostuni & Polignano a Mare

Morning: Visit the “White City” of Ostuni, strolling its narrow alleys and hilltop views.

Afternoon: Head to the coastal town of Polignano a Mare for a cliffside lunch and a dip in the sea.

Evening: Return to Alberobello, enjoying a relaxed dinner and local wine tasting.

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Day 6: Castel del Monte & Matera

Morning: Explore the octagonal fortress of Castel del Monte, a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

Afternoon: Drive to nearby Matera to wander the ancient Sassi caves.

Evening: Stay overnight in a cave hotel, experiencing the unique ambience of this historic town.

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Day 7: Travel to Florence

Morning: Depart early for Florence by train, arriving by mid‑day.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel, then visit the magnificent Duomo and climb the dome for city views.

Evening: Enjoy dinner beside the Arno River, followed by a stroll across the Ponte Vecchio.

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Day 8: Art & History in Florence

Morning: Explore the world‑renowned Uffizi Gallery, admiring works by Botticelli and Michelangelo.

Afternoon: Visit the Accademia to see Michelangelo’s David, then relax in the Boboli Gardens.

Evening: Sample Tuscan steaks at a trattoria in the Oltrarno district.

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Day 9: Tuscany – Siena & San Gimignano

Morning: Take a day‑trip bus to Siena, exploring the Piazza del Campo and the stunning cathedral.

Afternoon: Continue to San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and local Vernaccia wine.

Evening: Return to Florence, enjoying a nightcap in a historic piazza.

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Day 10: Chianti Wine Tour

Morning: Depart for a guided tour of the Chianti region, visiting vineyards and tasting Chianti Classico.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Tuscan lunch in a farmhouse, followed by a leisurely stroll through rolling hills.

Evening: Arrive back in Florence for a relaxed evening, perhaps a gelato near the Duomo.

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Day 11: Travel to Madrid

Morning: Fly from Florence to Madrid, transfer to your hotel in the city centre.

Afternoon: Begin with a walk to the Puerta del Sol and the historic Plaza Mayor.

Evening: Dine on tapas in La Latina neighbourhood and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

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Day 12: Art & Royalty

Morning: Visit the Prado Museum, home to masterpieces by Velázquez and Goya.

Afternoon: Tour the opulent Royal Palace and stroll through the Sabatini Gardens.

Evening: Experience a flamenco show in a historic tablao.

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Day 13: Retiro Park & Shopping

Morning: Relax in the expansive Retiro Park, rowing a boat on the lake.

Afternoon: Explore the upscale shops on Gran Vía and the market at El Rastro.

Evening: Savor a dinner of paella and local wine in the Salamanca district.

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Day 14: Travel to Seville

Morning: Take a high‑speed AVE train to Seville, check into a boutique hotel in the Santa Cruz quarter.

Afternoon: Wander the charming alleys of the Santa Cruz district, visiting the Seville Cathedral and the Giralda tower.

Evening: Dine on Andalusian specialties and enjoy a sunset walk along the Guadalquivir River.

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Day 15: Alcázar & Plaza de España

Morning: Explore the stunning Moorish palace of the Alcázar of Seville, admiring its intricate tilework.

Afternoon: Visit the expansive Plaza de España and rent a rowboat on the canal.

Evening: Experience a lively tablao flamenco performance in the Triana neighbourhood.

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Day 16: Day Trip to Córdoba

Morning: Take a quick train to Córdoba and marvel at the spectacular Mezquita, a former mosque‑cathedral.

Afternoon: Stroll through the Jewish Quarter, visiting the historic synagogue and the Roman bridge.

Evening: Return to Seville for a relaxed dinner and a night walk under the illuminated Giralda.

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Day 17: Ronda & White Villages

Morning: Depart on a guided tour to the breathtaking town of Ronda, famous for its dramatic gorge and bridge.

Afternoon: Continue to the picturesque “white villages” of Grazalema and Setenil de las Bodegas.

Evening: Return to Seville, enjoy a farewell dinner featuring jamón ibérico.

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Day 18: Departure

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and a final stroll through the city’s historic centre.

Afternoon: Transfer to Seville Airport for your flight home, carrying memories of Italy and Spain.

Evening: Arrive home safe and sound.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Colosseum – 2 hours – €12 entry
  • Roman Forum & Palatine Hill – 2 hours – €12 combined ticket
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – 3 hours – €30
  • St. Peter’s Basilica – 1.5 hours – Free (dome €10)
  • Spanish Steps & Pantheon – 1 hour – Free
  • Trevi Fountain – 30 min – Free
  • Trullo Sovrano (Alberobello) – 1 hour – €8
  • Ostuni – 2 hours – Free
  • Polignano a Mare – 2 hours – Free
  • Castel del Monte – 1 hour – €9
  • Matera Sassi – 3 hours – €8
  • Duomo (Florence) – 1.5 hours – €18 (incl. dome)
  • Uffizi Gallery – 2 hours – €20
  • Accademia – 1 hour – €16
  • Siena Cathedral – 1 hour – €10
  • San Gimignano – 2 hours – Free (wine tasting €15)
  • Chianti Wine Tour – 5 hours – €80 (transport, tastings, lunch)
  • Prado Museum – 2 hours – €15
  • Royal Palace (Madrid) – 2 hours – €13
  • Retiro Park – 1.5 hours – Free
  • Seville Cathedral & Giralda – 2 hours – €10
  • Alcázar of Seville – 2 hours – €13.50
  • Plaza de España – 1 hour – Free
  • Mezquita (Córdoba) – 2 hours – €11
  • Ronda (Bridge & Views) – 2 hours – Free
  • Transport (Trains, Flights, Buses) – 18 days – €650
  • Accommodation (mid‑range, 18 nights) – 18 nights – €900
  • Meals & Miscellaneous – 18 days – €400
  • Total Estimated Cost€2,054

Tips

If you need more time to savor each region, consider adding an extra day in Tuscany for a cooking class or extending your stay in Seville to explore nearby Cádiz. To shorten the trip, you could combine Rome and Florence into a single 6‑day Italy segment by skipping one day in Puglia and using night trains to save travel time, while still capturing the major highlights.

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