Cultural Family Rail Trip: Madrid, Spain and Italy

Day 1: Madrid Exploration

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Visit Prado Museum

Start your cultural immersion by exploring the renowned Prado Museum, home to a vast collection of European art including works by Goya and Velazquez.
Take a taxi or public transport to the Prado Museum. It takes approximately 20 minutes.
€15, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Retiro Park

Spend a relaxing morning at Retiro Park, where you can enjoy a boat ride on the lake or visit the Crystal Palace.
Walk from Prado Museum to Retiro Park, around 15 minutes.
Free entry, boat ride €6, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Indulge in a variety of Spanish tapas at the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel, a food market showcasing local cuisine.
Walk from Retiro Park to Mercado de San Miguel, approximately 10 minutes.
€20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Royal Palace of Madrid

Discover the opulent interiors of the Royal Palace of Madrid, the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
Take a short walk from Mercado de San Miguel to the Royal Palace, about 5 minutes.
€13, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Botin Restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner at Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Records.
Take a taxi or walk from the Royal Palace to Botin Restaurant, around 10 minutes.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 2: Florence Fun

Florence, Italy

8:00AM

Visit Florence Cathedral

Start your day by admiring the stunning architecture of Florence Cathedral, known for its iconic dome designed by Brunelleschi.
Take a high-speed train from Madrid to Florence. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
€10, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Uffizi Gallery

Immerse yourself in Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery, showcasing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.
Walk from Florence Cathedral to Uffizi Gallery, around 10 minutes.
€20, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Mercato Centrale

Savor authentic Italian cuisine at Mercato Centrale, a bustling food market offering a wide range of Tuscan specialties.
Walk from Uffizi Gallery to Mercato Centrale, approximately 15 minutes.
€15, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Ponte Vecchio

Stroll across the historic Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with jewelry shops and offering panoramic views of the Arno River.
Walk from Mercato Centrale to Ponte Vecchio, around 5 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria ZaZa

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Trattoria ZaZa, known for its delicious pasta dishes and welcoming atmosphere.
Walk from Ponte Vecchio to Trattoria ZaZa, approximately 10 minutes.
€25, 2 hours
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Day 3: Rome Adventure

Rome, Italy

8:00AM

Visit Colosseum

Begin your day with a visit to the iconic Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater where gladiatorial games once took place.
Take a high-speed train from Florence to Rome. Travel time is approximately 1.5 hours.
€12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Roman Forum

Walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the center of ancient Roman public life and government.
Walk from the Colosseum to Roman Forum, around 10 minutes.
€16, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Campo de' Fiori

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Campo de' Fiori, a lively square surrounded by cafes and restaurants offering authentic Roman dishes.
Walk from Roman Forum to Campo de' Fiori, approximately 15 minutes.
€20, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Vatican City

Explore the Vatican City, home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Take a taxi or public transport from Campo de' Fiori to Vatican City. Travel time is around 20 minutes.
€17, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Da Enzo al 29

Indulge in traditional Roman cuisine at Da Enzo al 29, a cozy trattoria known for its classic dishes and welcoming service.
Take a taxi or walk from Vatican City to Da Enzo al 29, approximately 15 minutes.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 4: Venice Discovery

Venice, Italy

8:00AM

Visit St. Mark's Square

Begin your day at St. Mark's Square, the heart of Venice, surrounded by iconic landmarks such as St. Mark's Basilica and the Doge's Palace.
Take a high-speed train from Rome to Venice. Travel time is approximately 3.5 hours.
€25, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Doge's Palace

Discover the history of Venice at Doge's Palace, a magnificent Gothic palace that once served as the residence of the Doge of Venice.
Walk from St. Mark's Square to Doge's Palace, around 5 minutes.
€20, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Ristorante Quadri

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Ristorante Quadri, a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking St. Mark's Square.
Walk from Doge's Palace to Ristorante Quadri, approximately 2 minutes.
€50, 1 hour

4:00PM

Gondola Ride

Experience the charm of Venice with a gondola ride along the picturesque canals, admiring the historic architecture and bridges.
Walk to the nearest gondola station from Ristorante Quadri, around 5 minutes.
€80, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Antiche Carampane

Savor Venetian seafood specialties at Trattoria Antiche Carampane, a cozy restaurant known for its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes.
Walk from the gondola station to Trattoria Antiche Carampane, approximately 10 minutes.
€35, 2 hours
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Day 5: Milan Marvels

Milan, Italy

8:00AM

Visit Milan Cathedral

Start your day at Milan Cathedral, a magnificent gothic church known for its intricate facade and stunning views from the rooftop.
Take a high-speed train from Venice to Milan. Travel time is approximately 2.5 hours.
€8, 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Shop and dine at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, one of the world's oldest shopping malls known for its elegant architecture and luxury boutiques.
Walk from Milan Cathedral to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, around 5 minutes.
Free, 2 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Luini Panzerotti

Try the famous panzerotti at Luini, a historic bakery near the Duomo serving delicious fried pastries with various fillings.
Walk from Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II to Luini Panzerotti, approximately 5 minutes.
€5, 1 hour

4:00PM

Visit Sforza Castle

Explore the historic Sforza Castle, a Renaissance fortress housing art collections, museums, and beautiful courtyards.
Walk from Luini Panzerotti to Sforza Castle, around 10 minutes.
€10, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Trattoria Toscana

Enjoy a cozy dinner at Trattoria Toscana, a family-run restaurant serving authentic Italian dishes in a welcoming atmosphere.
Take a taxi or public transport from Sforza Castle to Trattoria Toscana. Travel time is around 15 minutes.
€30, 2 hours
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Day 6: Return to Madrid

Madrid, Spain

8:00AM

Visit Reina Sofia Museum

Explore modern and contemporary art at Reina Sofia Museum, home to works by Picasso, Dali, and other Spanish artists.
Take a high-speed train from Milan to Madrid. Travel time is approximately 7 hours.
€12, 2 hours

11:00AM

Stroll in Plaza Mayor

Take a leisurely stroll in Plaza Mayor, a historic square in the heart of Madrid surrounded by cafes, shops, and street performers.
Walk from Reina Sofia Museum to Plaza Mayor, around 15 minutes.
Free, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at San Miguel Market

Indulge in a variety of Spanish delicacies at San Miguel Market, a bustling food market offering a wide selection of tapas and gourmet treats.
Walk from Plaza Mayor to San Miguel Market, approximately 5 minutes.
€25, 1 hour

3:00PM

Shopping in Gran Via

Explore the vibrant shopping street of Gran Via, lined with fashion boutiques, theaters, and architectural gems.
Walk from San Miguel Market to Gran Via, around 10 minutes.
Varies, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mercado de San Ildefonso

Enjoy a trendy dinner at Mercado de San Ildefonso, a modern food market offering a fusion of international cuisines.
Take a taxi or public transport from Gran Via to Mercado de San Ildefonso. Travel time is around 15 minutes.
€35, 2 hours
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Day 7: Madrid Farewell

Madrid, Spain

9:00AM

Visit Royal Botanical Garden

Spend a peaceful morning at the Royal Botanical Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of Madrid with a diverse collection of plants and flowers.
Walk from your accommodation to the Royal Botanical Garden, approximately 10 minutes.
€6, 2 hours

12:00PM

Final Lunch at San Anton Market

Enjoy your last meal in Madrid at San Anton Market, a lively food market with a rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the city.
Walk from Royal Botanical Garden to San Anton Market, around 15 minutes.
€20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shopping in Salamanca District

Explore the upscale boutiques and designer stores in the elegant Salamanca District, perfect for some last-minute shopping.
Take a taxi or public transport from San Anton Market to Salamanca District. Travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Varies, 2 hours

5:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Botin Restaurant

End your trip with a memorable farewell dinner at Botin Restaurant, savoring traditional Spanish dishes in a historic setting.
Walk or take a taxi from Salamanca District to Botin Restaurant, around 15 minutes.
€40, 2 hours
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