Journey to Spain & Italy

May 25 - June 5, 2026
Margie Brinson

Barcelona, Madrid, Umbria & Rome

Last Updated: January 11, 2026

Itinerary Outline

May 25 - 27 | Barcelona | Almanac Hotel (2 nights)

May 27 - 29 | Granada | Palacio de los Patos (2 nights)

May 29 - June 2 | Madrid | Only You Boutique Hotel (4 nights)

June 2 - 3 | Umbria | Palazzo Seneca (1 night)

June 3 - 5 | Rome | Casa Monti (2 nights)

June 5 | Departure

May 25 | Barcelona

Arrival & Private Transfer

Land at Barcelona Airport where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred in private to your hotel, The Almanac. The hotel sits along the elegant Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, just steps from Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça de Catalunya. Its central location offers effortless access to the city’s boutiques, architecture, and vibrant cultural landmarks.

Sagrada Familia & Park Guell

After settling into your hotel, meet your guide in the lobby and spend the afternoon exploring Barcelona’s most iconic landmarks, beginning with a guided visit to La Sagrada Familia, where the children can marvel at the colorful stained glass and imaginative shapes inspired by nature. Your private guide will share fun stories about Antoni Gaudí’s genius, making the experience engaging for all ages. Continue to Park Güell, a whimsical wonderland of mosaic-covered benches, twisting pathways, and playful sculptures that feel straight out of a fairy tale. With plenty of open space to roam, vibrant colors, and spectacular views over the city, it’s a perfect afternoon for both discovery and delight.

A private vehicle will be at disposal for this tour.

Dinner at El Nacional

A short walk from your hotel brings you to El Nacional, a stunning multi-space dining hall on Passeig de Gràcia. Step into its grand, art-deco interiors and choose between tapas, seafood, or wood-fired grills. Dinner here is lively and atmospheric, with vibrant bars and beautifully prepared Iberian dishes. A chic, quintessential Barcelona evening blending architecture, flavor, and energy.

Almanac Hotel | Family Suite

  • Luxurious hotel room with a double bed, tapestry art above, wooden furniture, and a glass side table with an ornate box. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, and a vase with flowers decorates the space.

  • Luxurious bathroom with marble walls and floor, wooden vanity, glass shower, and bathtub.

  • Rooftop restaurant with tables set for dining, overlooking a cityscape featuring historic buildings and domes at sunset.

May 26 | Barcelona

Private Food Tour

Embark on a kid-friendly food tour of Barcelona, where local flavors meet playful curiosity. Wander through the lively Boqueria Market, tasting sweet churros dipped in chocolate and sampling juicy jamón ibérico sliced before your eyes. Your guide will share fun stories about Catalan culture as you visit small family-run eateries to try patatas bravas, mini bocadillos, and creamy gelato from a beloved neighborhood shop. With hands-on moments and colorful stops, it’s a delicious and engaging way for the whole family to experience Barcelona’s culinary heart.

Explore Barcelona

After lunch, your host will provide you with some options to continue exploring Barcelona- Visit the Picasso Museum in El Born, followed by a stroll through the narrow medieval streets filled with local artisans and boutiques. Stop at Casa Amatller for a sweet treat and a glimpse into Catalan modernism, then unwind in the peaceful gardens of the Palau de la Música Catalana..

Dinner at El Born

In the early evening, stroll through El Born with your host, a small village inside the city of Barcelona where you will find violin makers, designers, retired people playing cards, and young people alike enjoying this unique part of town. Lovers of Barcelona night-life adore El Born at night. Nowadays the area is packed with new bars. In medieval times, El Born was the site of executions and witch burnings! Return to your hotel by taxi or walking after your dinner.

Almanac Hotel | Family Suite (B, L)

May 27 | Granada

E-tickets

Airport Transfer & Flight to Granada

9:45am: Private transfer to the Barcelona Airport for your flight to Granada.

11:50am: Flight Vueling VY2012 departs Barcelona for Granada.

Private Transfer & Lunch with Views

1:25pm: Upon arrival, greeting by your host at the terminal and private transfer to Las Tomasas Restaurant for lunch with views overlooking the Alhambra.

Royal Chapel of Catholic Monarchs

With your expert guide, visit the final resting place of Spain’s Catholic Monarchs, Isabel I de Castilla (1451–1504) and Fernando II de Aragón (1452–1516). Explore the chapel’s exquisite Renaissance mausoleums carved in Carrara marble, reflect on the symbolism behind their gilded altarpiece, and learn how their reign shaped the unification of Spain. Your guide will bring to life the history, artistry, and political legacy embedded in this sacred space.

Tapas Tour

In the evening, experience a walking tapas tour through Granada’s lively historic quarters with your personal guide, discovering the city’s unique tradition of complimentary tapas served with every drink. Wander from buzzing neighborhood taverns to family-run bodegas, sampling regional specialties such as berenjenas con miel, remojón granadino, and perfectly seasoned local jamón. Along the way, your guide will share stories of Granada’s culinary heritage, Moorish influences, and the social ritual that makes tapas here unlike anywhere else in Spain.

Palacio de los Patos | 1 Suite Privilege (B, D)

May 28 | Granada

Alhambra

11:00am: Meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel and private transfer to the Alhambra.

Important: Bring your passports for this tour!

11:30am: Begin your morning by exploring the Alhambra with a private guide who brings the palaces, courtyards, and gardens to life for all ages. Walk through the Nasrid Palaces and Generalife as the guide shares clear, engaging stories suited for both the grandmother and her two grandchildren. Enjoy time in the serene gardens where the children can wander safely while she takes in the views of Granada.

Realejo Jewish Neighborhood

After lunch, continue with your guide to walk through some of Granada’s main highlights, including the Jewish neighborhood of Realejo. This Realejo is known as the “Juderia” or the Jewish Quarter during Muslim rule. Stop by the Sephardic Museum of Granada and pop into the Palace of the Forgotten – a new privately-run Sephardic museum.

Shopping

Have some time at leisure to explore Albayzin with your guide, browse and shop at your own pace.

Flamenco Show in Sacromonte Caves

Delight in an intimate flamenco performance in the historic caves of Sacromonte, the heart of Granada’s Gitano culture. Paired with fine Andalusian wines and local tapas, this exclusive experience offers an authentic glimpse into the passion and artistry of traditional flamenco in its birthplace.

Palacio de los Patos | 1 Suite Privilege (B)

May 29 | Madrid

High-Speed Train to Madrid

Greeting by your driver and private transfer to the Granada Train Station to board your Renfe Train to Madrid. The 3-hour high-speed Renfe train glides smoothly through the Spanish countryside, passing golden fields, distant olive groves, and mountain silhouettes. Comfortable seats, quiet cabins, and attentive service make the journey between Granada and Madrid both effortless and scenic.

Private Transfer

Arrive at the Madrid Train Station where you will be greeted at the arrivals terminal and transferred in private to your hotel in Chueca. This is Madrid’s lively and colorful neighborhood, known for trendy boutiques, and buzzing cafés. Its streets are filled with contemporary art, and a welcoming, energetic atmosphere day and night.

Leisure

Spend your afternoon at leisure. Step out from Only You Chueca and wander to the vibrant Mercado de San Antón, exploring colorful stalls and tasting local treats. Stroll through the nearby Plaza de Chueca, lively with street performers and boutique shops. Pop into the Museo del Romanticismo for fascinating period rooms and interactive exhibits. Finish with a walk to the expansive Parque del Retiro, where sculptures, fountains, and rowboats offer playful exploration.

Only You Boutique Hotel | 2 Deluxe Rooms (B)

  • Luxurious bathroom with marble walls and floor, wooden vanity, glass shower, and bathtub.

  • A waiter standing on a terrace with pink flowers and tables, holding a tray with glasses. There's a building with classical architecture in the background.

  • Luxurious hotel room with a double bed, tapestry art above, wooden furniture, and a glass side table with an ornate box. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, and a vase with flowers decorates the space.

  • Rooftop restaurant with tables set for dining, overlooking a cityscape featuring historic buildings and domes at sunset.

May 30 | Madrid

Spanish Capital Introductory Tour

After breakfast, meet with your private guide and driver to visit the sites that best represent the old essence of the capital of Spain: Cibeles Square, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Gran Via. The historic old town, also known as “Madrid de los Austrias” (referring to the Hapsburg empire), is a living example of the city’s 16th and 17th century heyday, as is its impressive Plaza Mayor, which was opened in 1620 and remains one of Spain’s most popular spots.

Near Plaza Mayor is the so-called “aristocratic centre” of Madrid, home to the stunning Royal Palace, a 17th century monument that combines Baroque and Classical styles. Next to the palace you will find Plaza de Oriente, the Opera House and the modern Almudena Cathedral. This ensemble of monuments is completed by Puerta del Sol, a square flanked by select shops and the “Paseo del Arte”, known for its unique museums, palaces and gardens.

Chocolate & Churros

After your tour, enjoy some hot chocolate & churros, a local tradition. If time allows visit also the Retiro Park, one of the city’s most dazzling “green gems”.

Bernabéu Real Madrid Stadium (Shared Tour)

Join a shared tour of the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, one of the most celebrated football clubs in the world. Walk through the stadium’s most emblematic spaces, from the panoramic viewpoint over the pitch to the players’ tunnel, locker rooms, and the club’s impressive trophy exhibition. Learn about the club’s history, legendary players, and unforgettable moments as you explore this newly renovated, state-of-the-art arena.

Only You Boutique Hotel | 2 Deluxe Rooms (B)

May 31 | Madrid

Private Transfer to Toledo

Meet your driver outside the main entrance of the hotel, and private transfer to Toledo (approx. 1 hour) through scenic Castilian landscapes, from rolling plains to historic villages..

Historical Tour of Toledo

Upon arrival to Toledo, meet your local guide and enjoy an interactive walking tour of the old town. Toledo is known as the “city of the three cultures”, as Christians, Arabs and Jews lived here together for centuries in great harmony. The city preserves two famous Synagogues, a Mosque and a Cathedral, ranked among the greatest Gothic buildings in Europe. Visit the Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter, Santa Maria la Blanca Synagogue and Santo Tome Church.

Enjoy a traditional lunch in Toledo.

Private Transfer to Madrid

Meet your driver and transfer back to Madrid. Enjoy an evening at leisure.

Only You Boutique Hotel | 2 Deluxe Rooms (B)

June 1 | Madrid

Day-Trip to Segovia & Avila

Depart Madrid in a private vehicle, enjoying scenic views of the Castilian plains while your guide introduces the region’s history. Arrive in Segovia and start with a visit to the legendary Roman aqueduct, an engineering marvel dating back to the 1st century. Wander the old town’s cobblestone streets, stopping at artisan shops and cafés for a morning coffee or pastry.

Explore the Alcázar of Segovia, a fairytale fortress with towers, royal chambers, and panoramic city views. Enjoy a traditional Segovian lunch in a local restaurant, savoring specialties like cochinillo (roast suckling pig) or judiones de la Granja beans.

Depart for Ávila, a short drive away, and walk along its perfectly preserved medieval walls for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. Visit the Gothic Cathedral and learn about Ávila’s spiritual heritage, including the life of Santa Teresa. Stroll through the historic center, taking in charming squares and local artisan shops.

Return to Madrid in the comfort of your private vehicle.

Only You Boutique Hotel | 2 Deluxe Rooms (B)

  • Luxurious bathroom with marble walls and floor, wooden vanity, glass shower, and bathtub.

  • A waiter standing on a terrace with pink flowers and tables, holding a tray with glasses. There's a building with classical architecture in the background.

  • Luxurious hotel room with a double bed, tapestry art above, wooden furniture, and a glass side table with an ornate box. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, and a vase with flowers decorates the space.

  • Rooftop restaurant with tables set for dining, overlooking a cityscape featuring historic buildings and domes at sunset.

June 2 | Umbria

E-Ticket 1
E-Ticket 2
E-Ticket 3

Airport Transfer & Flight to Rome

6:00am: Meet your driver outside the entrance of the hotel, and private transfer to Madrid Airport for your flight to Rome.

8:45am: Flight IB0647 departs Madrid Terminal 4 to Rome.

Flight to Rome & Roadtrip to Palazzo Seneca

11:10am: Flight arrival at Rome. Your private driver will greet you at arrivals terminal for a scenic 2.5-hour journey to Palazzo Seneca in Norcia. The drive continues through the serene Umbrian countryside toward Norcia, arriving by late afternoon at your elegant retreat, where comfort and calm await the whole family.

Palazzo Seneca

Palazzo Seneca is a lovingly restored 16th-century palace blending Renaissance elegance with warm Umbrian hospitality, just steps from Norcia’s main square. The hotel offers refined comfort, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a tranquil spa infused with local charm. Surrounded by the Sibillini Mountains, Norcia is a serene medieval town known for its sacred heritage, artisanal foods, and the birthplace of St. Benedict, patron saint of Europe.

Palazzo Seneca | Unique Suite with Extra Bed (B)

  • Hotel facade covered in green ivy and flowering plants, with a lit entrance and a tall spire in the background, against a purple evening sky.

  • Rooftop terrace with white umbrellas and potted plants, view of domed building in the background at sunset.

  • Luxurious bathroom with marble walls and floor, wooden vanity, glass shower, and bathtub.

  • A waiter standing on a terrace with pink flowers and tables, holding a tray with glasses. There's a building with classical architecture in the background.

  • Luxurious hotel room with a double bed, tapestry art above, wooden furniture, and a glass side table with an ornate box. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, and a vase with flowers decorates the space.

  • Rooftop restaurant with tables set for dining, overlooking a cityscape featuring historic buildings and domes at sunset.

June 3 | Rome

Transfer to Rome

Greeting by your driver and private transfer to Rome (approx. 2.5 hours). Reach Casa Monti in the late morning. Casa Monti is located in the heart of Rome’s Monti district, a charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, artisan boutiques, and lively cafés. It sits within walking distance of iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Santa Maria Maggiore, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s historic center.

Kids: Gladiators for a Day at the Colosseum

This afternoon, private transfer from Casa Monti to the Colosseum for a unique experience tailored for the kids. Meet and greet with your guide at the Colosseum. Enjoy a private guided tour of the Colosseum. Later, private transfer from the Colosseum to the Gladiator School on the Ancient Appian Way. Experience the Gladiator School shared experience which includes a visit to the local Gladiator Museum, a fighting session and the final combat!

Dinner at Al42

A 5-minute walk from your hotel, this restaurant is an authentic, modest gem in the Monti neighborhood just a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum. It is one of the city’s best restaurants for pasta.

Casa Monti | 1 Suite with Extra Bed (B)

  • Hotel facade covered in green ivy and flowering plants, with a lit entrance and a tall spire in the background, against a purple evening sky.

  • Rooftop terrace with white umbrellas and potted plants, view of domed building in the background at sunset.

  • Luxurious hotel room with a double bed, tapestry art above, wooden furniture, and a glass side table with an ornate box. Large windows with blinds let in natural light, and a vase with flowers decorates the space.

  • Luxurious bathroom with marble walls and floor, wooden vanity, glass shower, and bathtub.

  • A waiter standing on a terrace with pink flowers and tables, holding a tray with glasses. There's a building with classical architecture in the background.

  • Rooftop restaurant with tables set for dining, overlooking a cityscape featuring historic buildings and domes at sunset.

Trevi Fountain in Rome, featuring classical statues and architectural details. Central figure is Neptune with surrounding mythical creatures and sculptures.

June 4 | Rome

Leisure Day with Optional Add-Ons

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour
Experience the artistic treasures of the Vatican on a guided visit through its most celebrated masterpieces. Admire the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, learn the secrets behind Michelangelo’s work, and finish inside St. Peter’s Basilica.

Pantheon & Piazza Navona Guided Walking Tour
Explore Rome’s Baroque and ancient wonders on a walking tour through the Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, and hidden piazzas. Your guide shares stories of the city’s art, architecture, and lively street life.

Vespa Tour
Experience the Eternal City like a local on a guided Vespa tour, weaving through historic streets, piazzas, and hidden corners. Glide past iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Piazza Venezia while your guide shares stories of Rome’s history, culture, and daily life. This fun and fast-paced adventure offers a unique perspective on the city, combining sightseeing with the thrill of riding a classic Italian scooter. Perfect for those seeking an unforgettable, stylish Roman experience.

Rome by Night: Illuminated Monuments Tour
See Rome under a magical glow on an evening tour of its illuminated landmarks. Pass the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and Colosseum while learning the legends and history behind these iconic sites.

Casa Monti | 1 Suite with Extra Bed (B)

  • Interior of a grand cathedral with ornate gold and white ceiling, arched windows, and decorative sculptures.

  • Close-up view of the Colosseum exterior in Rome, Italy

  • Cup of cappuccino and pastries with powdered sugar on a table

  • Aerial view of St. Peter's Square in Vatican City, showing the central obelisk and surrounding colonnades. The city of Rome is visible in the background with historic buildings.

  • European street scene with peach-colored building covered in greenery, a bicycle parked in front, and two people seated at a table outside a shop or café.

  • Outdoor restaurant seating in an Italian cobblestone square at night with diners under umbrellas, surrounded by historic buildings.

  • Reflection of architectural columns with ornate capitals in a puddle on cobblestone pavement.

St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City viewed from a street with people and buildings on either side.

June 5 | Departure

Airport Transfer

Greeting by your driver at your hotel and private transfer to the Rome International Airport for your flight home.

Inclusions

See our Booking Terms & Conditions here.

Accommodation

  • 2 nights at The Almanac Barcelona in a Two-Bedroom Family Suite with breakfast

  • 2 nights at Palacio de los Patos in Suite Privilege with breakfast

  • 4 nights at Only You Boutique Hotel Madrid in 2 Deluxe Rooms with breakfast

  • 1 night at Palazzo Seneca Umbria in a Unique Suite with breakfast

  • 2 nights at Casa Monti Rome in a Suite with Extra Bed with breakfast

Transport

  • Private transfers for all tours and transport as listed in the itinerary

  • Flight from Barcelona to Granada in Economy

  • Train tickets from Granada to Madrid

  • Flight from Madrid to Rome in Economy

  • Vehicle at disposal for tours as described in the itinerary

Touring & Activities

  • English-speaking guides for all tours as described in the itinerary

  • Entrance fees for all tours described in the itinerary

  • All activities, tours, excursions as described in the itinerary

Other

  • Porterage, VAT, and city taxes associated with your accommodations

  • Restaurant reservations and coordination

  • 24/7 emergency line

Exclusions

  • International flights

  • Travel insurance

  • Meals and activities not listed in the itinerary

  • Tips