10-Day Highlights of Italy and Spain Tour

This 10-day tour is a time-saving choice for first-time travelers to experience four charming cities: Rome, Florence, Barcelona, and Madrid. These cities are excellent representatives of Southern European history and culture. You'll begin your journey in the cradle of European history and culture, Rome, and conclude in Madrid, where you'll discover a magnificent chapter of the continent's past.

Consider the suggested itinerary below as inspiration. Your personal travel advisor will be happy to work with you to design the perfect trip based on your preferences.

The best time to visit is Apr.-Jul./ Sep.- Oct..

• Days:10±
• Best For:Time-limited Travellers
• Departure date:up to you
• Highest altitude:—
• Sample price:US$on request each (2 per room)
• Flights:—

Brief Itinerary for Highlights of Italy and Spain Tour

This tour includes 3 of the top 5 must-see churches in Europe and the third-largest palace in Europe. If you are looking for a compressed classic Italy and Spain vacation, I would be happy to help you out.

• Monica Mo
• 8 years of travel advisor experience
• Has helped 5,000+ clients

Tour Highlights

Here are the awesome attractions, the most must-do activities selected by Highlights Travel (HT Hand-Picked), and exclusive cultural experiences offered by Highlights Travel (Only With HT) included in this tour:

Embark on a tour of the Colosseum, a witness to countless glories and bloodshed, with your personal guide and a priority access.

Lost in the captivating beauty of Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes.

Within the Vatican City's grand cathedral, St. Peter's Basilica, hear the resonance between the divine and the human.

Explore Florence's vibrant squares. Feel the spirit of Renaissance in the iconic Duomo.

Wander through an ocean of Renaissance art at the Uffizi Gallery.

Tantalize your taste buds with the delectable flavors of authentic Tuscan cuisine in Florence's San Lorenzo district.

Immerse yourself in Gaudí's magical and colorful world in Park Güell.

Admire the opulent halls and priceless artworks in the Royal Palace of Madrid

Walk into the splendid history of Spain in the old town of Madird.

Journey Map (Suggested Route)

Suggested Itinerary for Inspiration

Your preferences design the real journey. We're ready to create a wonderful tour for you.

Day 1

Rome Arrival

• Welcome to the Eternal City—Rome! Upon your arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, your friendly driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall.
• Relax and travel in comfort as you enjoy a private transfer to your comfortable hotel in Rome.

the driver meet clients in the airport

Day 2

Rome | Explore Ancient Rome's Iconic Sites

• Step into the Eternal City's heart as your private driver whisks you to the Colosseum. An expert guide awaits, ready to begin unlocking the secrets of this ancient marvel on a stress-free 3-hour journey.
• Skip the queues and immerse yourself in the Colosseum 's captivating history. Witness the arena where epic battles unfolded and feel the echoes of the gladiators still resonating in the air.
• Journey onwards to the Arch of Constantine , a triumphal testament to Roman power. Wander across the verdant slopes of Palatine Hill and delve into the vibrant history of the Roman Forum .
• Conclude the tour with a comfortable transfer back to your hotel.

Colosseum in Rome

Day 3

Rome | Unveil the Vatican's Secrets

• Embark on a journey into the heart of Catholicism with a private transfer to Vatican City. There, your expert guide awaits, eager to unlock its treasures in 3Â hours.
• Glide through the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line access and marvel at Laocoon's writhing agony and Apollo's celestial glow. Let the Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra dazzle your senses with intricate frescoes and sparkling gems.
• Prepare to be awestruck by the Sistine Chapel . Feel the weight of Michelangelo's genius as "The Creation of Adam" sweeps across the ceiling.
• Step inside St. Peter's Basilica and be mesmerized by its architectural blend and stunning artworks. Admire Michelangelo's famous dome and the poignant beauty of his Pietà sculpture.
• Upon completion of the tour, we provide seamless transportation back to your hotel.

St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square

Day 4

Rome - Florence | Journey Through the Heart of Italy

• Make the most of your free time to explore Rome one last time before your driver transfers you to Roma Termini train station for a fast train to Florence.
• Upon arriving at Firenze S.M. Novella train station, your driver will welcome you and transfer you to the hotel.
• Embrace the rest of the day for independent exploration and have a first taste of Florence at your own pace.

Ponte Vecchio bridge over Arno river at sunset, Florence, Italy

Day 5

Florence | Stroll Through the Art Galleries with a Culinary Experience

• Meet your private guide and enjoy a 4-hour walking tour .
• Stroll towards Piazza della Signoria , home to the imposing Palazzo Vecchio and the Loggia dei Lanzi, showcasing its impressive collection of statues.
• Arrive at Piazza del Duomo and marvel at the architectural wonders of the cathedral, the Baptistery, Giotto's bell tower, and Brunelleschi's Dome, each with fascinating stories.
• Discover the Uffizi Gallery with the skip-line tickets and uncover the awe-inspiring works of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael.
• Be captivated by Michelangelo's iconic masterpiece, "David", as you explore the Accademia Gallery with skip-the-line access. This powerful sculpture stands tall as a symbol of unparalleled artistry.
• In the afternoon, embark on a delightful 3-hour Florence food tour (Join in). Delve into the city's rich culinary history with a visit to the renowned San Lorenzo food market, savoring traditional Tuscan delights and unveiling the secrets of local cuisine.

Accademia Gallery

Day 6

Florence to Barcelona

• Fly from Florence to Barcelona. Meet your private driver at the airport, and relax into the trip with a private transfer to your hotel in Barcelona. Enjoy some free time to explore the city at your leisure.

Barcelona City View

Day 7

Barcelona | Barcelona Gaudí Pilgrimage

• Appreciate Gaudí's unfinished symphony, the "Sagrada Familia" . The spires pierce the sky and the mosaics blaze with mythical creatures.
• Dive into a magic "blue ocean" in Casa Batlló, a fantastic house designed by Gaudi.
• Wander the wonderland, as Park Güell's fairytale plazas unfold. Mosaiced benches, gingerbread pavilions, and serpentine paths form a whimsical kingdom to explore.
• Your guide will show you Mercat de la Boqueria where you will have the chance to taste proximity product

Sagrada Família

Day 8

Barcelona to Madrid

• Have a leisure morning and take a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid.
• After arriving, meet your personal driver and transfer to the hotel with a great location. Enjoy your free time to explore around the hotel by yourself.

Palaza Mayor

Day 9

Madrid | Unveiling Madrid's Majesty

• Make the way to the Palacio Real de Madrid , the official residence of the Spanish royal family. Prepare to be dazzled by the sheer opulence of this architectural marvel.
• Enjoy a walking tour in the old town. You will pass the Parque de las Vistillas, San Francisco el Grande and Puerta de Toledo. And taste a famous Spanish snack, Churros with chocolate jam in a popular local restaurant.

Palacio Real de Madrid

Ideas for Making This Trip Uniquely Yours

Special experiences can be added to brighten a honeymoon trip, a family vacation, a birthday, or satisfy personal interests.

Hand-Picked Hotels

We select hotels with style and local features. Let us know your preferences and we'll find your ideal hotel.

Hotel Artemide Rome

Grand Minerva Florence

Catalonia Plaza Catalunya

Vincci via 66 Madrid