Planning a Spain and Italy itinerary is like creating a highlight reel of Europe’s most romantic, historic, and sensory-rich destinations. Together, these two countries are a perfect blend of Mediterranean sunshine, world-class art, culinary heaven, and iconic architecture. If you’ve ever dreamed of walking the cobbled alleys of Rome one day and sipping sangria on a Barcelona rooftop the next, this Spain and Italy trip will turn those dreams into reality.
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Spain and Italy itinerary – Spain and Italy Trip – Spain and Italy Tour
In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through a 14-day tour of Spain and Italy, covering must-visit cities, what makes them worth your time, how to travel between them by train, where to stay, things to do, tours to book, and some valuable tips that will make your journey seamless and spectacular.
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Days 1–4: Explore the Soul of Spain in Barcelona and Madrid
Start your Spain and Italy itinerary in Barcelona.
Barcelona and Madrid represent the heart and soul of Spain. With its surreal Gaudí architecture and beach-city vibes, Barcelona contrasts beautifully with Madrid’s imperial elegance, art-filled avenues, and tapas culture. Together, they offer a rich introduction to any Spain and Italy tour.
Things to Do in Barcelona:
- Explore the city’s Gothic Quarter, La Rambla, and Gaudí’s mind-bending Sagrada Família, which are unique worldwide.
- Park Güell’s whimsical mosaics offer panoramic views, while the Barceloneta Beach is ideal for unwinding.
- Don’t miss a sunset at Bunkers del Carmel—a hidden gem for stunning views.
- Dive into the city’s culinary scene with fresh paella and local vermouth at a seaside tapas bar.
How to Reach & Distance
Fly into Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN), which is well-connected to global hubs. The city center is 25 minutes from the airport by Aerobus or train.
To travel to Madrid, take the Renfe AVE high-speed train, which gets you there in 2.5 hours.
Overnight Stays
Barcelona – Check into Hotel Jazz – a mid-range, stylish hotel with a rooftop pool and city views near Plaça Catalunya in Barcelona.
Madrid – Stay at Only YOU Hotel Atocha in Madrid, across from Retiro Park and a short walk from the Prado Museum.
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- Art lovers will be in heaven at the Golden Triangle of Art—the Prado, Reina Sofia, and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums.
- Stroll through Retiro Park, watch the sunset at Templo de Debod, and get lost in the bustling Mercado de San Miguel for the best jamón and churros.
Tours to Book:
- Skip-the-line Sagrada Família and Park Güell tour
- Madrid Tapas and Flamenco Night Tour
- Barcelona Gothic Quarter Walking Tour with Local Historian
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Days 5–7: Rome – The Eternal City Beckons
From ancient ruins to lively piazzas and pasta-filled trattorias, Rome is where history and the present dance together. It’s an essential stop on any Spain and Italy trip and the perfect way to kick off your Italian adventure.
How to Reach & Distance – From Madrid, fly directly to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) – flight time is about 2 hours. From the airport, take the Leonardo Express train (32 mins) to Roma Termini station.
Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel Artemide, a charming mid-budget hotel on Via Nazionale, offering a rooftop bar, excellent breakfast, and walking distance to the Colosseum.
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Things to Do in Rome:
- Explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill on a guided tour to relive the glory of ancient Rome.
- Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, admire the Pantheon,
- And wander through the romantic lanes of Trastevere.
- Don’t forget to visit Vatican City—home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Indulge in creamy gelato at Giolitti and dine on carbonara in a cozy trattoria. A Roman evening is best spent sipping wine under fairy-lit balconies of a hidden piazza.
Tours to Book:
- Colosseum and Ancient Rome Guided Tour
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tour
- Trastevere Evening Food & Wine Tasting Tour
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Days 8–10: Florence – The Cradle of the Renaissance
Florence is a masterpiece in itself. It’s the birthplace of the Renaissance and houses some of the world’s greatest works of art, including Michelangelo’s David. This city offers art, romance, and countryside for those planning a tour of Spain and Italy.
How to Reach & Distance – Take a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Rome to Florence—just 1.5 hours.
Overnight Stay – Book a stay at Hotel Spadai, a stone’s throw from the Duomo, with great comfort and a cozy rooftop bar.
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Things to Do in Florence:
- Climb the Duomo dome for sweeping views,
- Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio and admire Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery.
- Visit the Accademia Gallery to meet David in person, then relax in the Boboli Gardens.
- Wander the Oltrarno district for artisan shops and authentic Tuscan fare—think wild boar pasta and Chianti.
Tours to Book:
- Florence Renaissance Walking Tour
- Uffizi and Accademia Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- Tuscany Day Trip to Pisa, San Gimignano & Chianti Wineries
Days 11–14: Venice – The Floating City’s Romantic Farewell
Venice is the perfect place to conclude your Spain and Italy tour. This city of canals, gondolas, and timeless beauty is unlike anywhere else.
How to Reach & Distance – From Florence, Venice is just a 2-hour train ride on Trenitalia or Italo high-speed trains.
Overnight Stay – Stay at Hotel Antiche Figure, located along the Grand Canal and close to the train station—ideal for convenience and views without the heavy price tag.
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Things to Do in Venice:
- Wander through the winding alleys to St. Mark’s Square, admire the Basilica and Doge’s Palace, and cross the Rialto Bridge.
- A gondola ride at sunset is touristy but magical.
- Take a vaporetto to Murano and Burano to see glass-blowing artisans and colorful houses.
Burano Rainbow row - Explore the hidden charm of Cannaregio, where there are fewer crowds and the cicchetti bars are more authentic.
Tours to Book:
- Venice Gondola Ride with Serenade
- Skip-the-Line Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Basilica Tour
- Murano and Burano Island Boat Tour
How to Plan a Trip to Spain and Italy
Planning a Spain and Italy trip starts with identifying the number of days you have. Ideally, 14–16 days allow you to explore the major cities without rushing. Depending on flight deals, fly into Barcelona or Madrid and out of Venice or Rome.
The train system in both countries is efficient, with high-speed trains making inter-city travel smooth and scenic. Book your Renfe and Trenitalia or Italo tickets in advance for the best prices.
If planning a Spain and Italy itinerary for the first time, focus on 2–3 cities per country to avoid burnout. Also, city passes like the Roma Pass, Vatican Pass, or Barcelona Card can be used for cost savings and skip-the-line access.
Valuable Tips for Your Spain and Italy Tour
- Currency: Euro (€) is used in both countries. Card payments are widely accepted, but always keep some cash for small vendors or tips.
- Language: Spanish and Italian are the official languages, but English is understood in most tourist areas.
- Trains: Download the Omio or Trainline app for easy bookings and train schedules.
- Timing: Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) are the best times for this trip—good weather, fewer crowds.
- Packing: Bring comfortable walking shoes, lightweight clothes, and a daypack for walking tours.
- Dining: Dinner in Spain starts late (after 9 PM), while Italians eat earlier. Reserve popular restaurants in advance.
FAQs – Spain and Italy Trip Planning
Q: How many days do you need for a Spain and Italy itinerary?
A: 14 to 16 days allows for a comfortable visit to key cities in both countries.
Q: Is traveling by train or flight between Spain and Italy better?
A: For most routes, especially within Italy and between Spanish cities, high-speed trains are faster, more scenic, and more comfortable.
Q: Can I do Spain and Italy together on one visa?
A: Yes. Both are Schengen countries. One Schengen visa covers both.
Q: What’s the best way to travel from Spain to Italy?
A: Flying is the most efficient way—Madrid to Rome or Barcelona to Milan/Rome flights are frequent and budget-friendly.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning lover of Mediterranean charm, this Spain and Italy itinerary is a perfect balance and immersive tour through two of Europe’s most treasured countries. From Barcelona’s whimsical skyline to Venice’s dreamy canals, your tour of Spain and Italy will be one of art, history, food, and unforgettable memories.
Ready to book your Spain and Italy tour? Now you know exactly how to plan a trip to Spain and Italy correctly.
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