13-Day Itinerary: Exploring Spain and Italy

  • Day 1: Madrid, Spain - Puerta del Sol
    20 minutes (9.2 km) from the Madrid-Barajas Airport

    Start your trip in the heart of Madrid, the Puerta del Sol. A vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists alike, it's home to the famous clock that rings in the new year, the statue of King Carlos III, and numerous shopping and dining options.

  • Day 2: Gran Via and Prado Museum
    10 minutes (1.2 km) from the Puerta del Sol

    Begin your day with a stroll down Gran Via, one of Madrid's most iconic streets. Along the way, you'll pass by celebrated architecture, luxury boutiques, and world-class restaurants. Afterward, head to the Prado Museum, which houses some of the world's most significant art with works from Goya, Velázquez, El Greco and more.

  • Day 3: Park Güell and La Sagrada Familia
    2 hours 45 minutes (628 km) from Madrid to Barcelona

    Travel by train to Barcelona, and begin your day exploring Park Güell, an artistic landscape designed by Antoni Gaudí. Stroll past the multi-colored mosaics, the famous lizard statue and take-in the breathtaking views of city-scape. Afterward, head to La Sagrada Familia, the world-renowned unfinished basilica designed by the famous architect, Gaudi.

  • Day 4: Montserrat Monastery and Flamenco Show
    1 hour (57 km) from Barcelona to Montserrat Monastery
    30 minutes (8 km) from Montserrat Monastery to Tablao Flamenco Cordobes

    Take a day trip to Montserrat Monastery, a peaceful monastery set atop a scenic mountainous backdrop. Here, you can explore the Basilica and the stunning rock formations surrounding it. Afterward, head back to Barcelona for a Flamenco Show at the famous Tablao Flamenco Cordobes.

  • Day 5: Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica
    2 hours 10 minutes (1,200 km) from Barcelona to Rome

    Start your day in Vatican City with a visit to the Vatican Museum, which houses some of the most significant historical arts and artifacts globally, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Afterward, make your way to St. Peter's Basilica, an iconic symbol of the Catholic world with tons of artistic features and sculptures.

  • Day 6: The Colosseum and Roman Forum
    15 minutes (4 km) from St. Peter's Basilica to The Colosseum and Roman Forum

    Take a walk through ancient Rome with a visit to the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum. The Colosseum was used for entertainment shows while the Roman Forum was the bustling center of the Roman Empire. Explore the ancient ruins, marvel at the ingenuity of ancient architects and soak up the history of Rome.

  • Day 7: Florence, Italy - Accademia Gallery
    1 hour 25 minutes (283 km) from Rome to Florence

    Take an early train to Florence and head first to the Accademia Gallery, home to Michelangelo's famous "David" statue. If the queue is long, reservations ahead of time are recommended.

  • Day 8: Uffizi Galleries and Ponte Vecchio
    10 minutes (750 m) from Piazza della Signoria to Ponte Vecchio

    Begin your day with a view of Florence at Piazzale Michelangelo. Afterward, meander through the streets of Florence until you reach the Uffizi Galleries, which house numerous artworks including Botticelli's Birth of Venus. Continue the day by walking across the Ponte Vecchio, a bridge lined with jewelry shops and hotels.

  • Day 9: Leaning Tower of Pisa and Tuscany
    1 hour (86.6 km) from Florence to Pisa
    2 hours (111 km) from Pisa to Tuscany

    Take a side trip out of Florence by taking a train to Pisa to see the famous leaning tower. Afterward, make your way through the Tuscan countryside, soaking in the rolling hills and visiting different wine regions.

  • Day 10: Venice, Italy - Grand Canal and St. Mark's Square
    2 hours 10 minutes (263 km) from Tuscany to Venice

    Explore the enchanting city of Venice by taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, where you can witness an overwhelming number of palaces and bridges. Afterward, walk to St. Mark's Square and enjoy the magnificent architecture and outdoor cafes.

  • Day 11: Rialto Bridge and Jewish Ghetto
    5 minutes (450 m) from St. Mark's Square to Rialto Bridge

    Start your day with a visit to Rialto Bridge, the oldest and most important bridge in Venice. You can enjoy the spectacular views of the Grand Canal, historical marketplaces and numerous fashion boutiques. Continue your cultural adventure with a visit to the Jewish Ghetto, which dates back to the 1500s.

  • Day 12: Amalfi Coast and Pompeii
    5 hours (754 km) from Venice to Amalfi Coast

    Take an early train to the Amalfi Coast, where a Mediterranean paradise awaits you. Walk the scenic coastline and soak up the historic atmosphere. Afterward, make your way to Pompeii, which is known for its significant archaeological sites such as the Roman Amphitheatre, and the Temple of Jupiter.

  • Day 13: Naples and Capodimonte Museum
    40 minutes (38 km) from Pompeii to Naples

    End your trip in Naples, a city full of energy, colorful streets, and fantastic sights. Start your day with a visit to the Capodimonte Museum, home to a vast collection of artwork and sculptures from different time periods. Afterward, get a taste of authentic Italian food street food and visit various historical monuments like the Maschio Angioino castle before heading back to the airport.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Puerta del Sol (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Prado Museum (2-3 hours, €15)
  • Park Güell (1-2 hours, €10)
  • La Sagrada Familia (1-2 hours, €20)
  • Montserrat Monastery (2-3 hours, €12)
  • Tablao Flamenco Cordobes (1-2 hours, €45)
  • Vatican Museum (3-4 hours, €17)
  • St. Peter's Basilica (1-2 hours, Free)
  • Colosseum and Roman Forum (2-3 hours, €16)
  • Accademia Gallery (1-2 hours, €16)
  • Uffizi Galleries (2-3 hours, €20)
  • Ponte Vecchio (30 minutes, Free)
  • Leaning Tower of Pisa (1-2 hour, €18)
  • Tuscany (4-5 hour, Free)
  • Grand Canal (1-2 hours, €80 for gondola ride)
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