Italy and Spain: History, Art, and Cuisine

Meet up with your group at a pre-selected location at your home airport. Once everyone has arrived, check your bags and go through security as a group. From here you will board your flight and depart for your international flight to Italy. This first day is counted as a full day of travel because the standard travel time to this destination exceeds 12 hours. This may change depending on your departure location.

Flight Details: Rustic Pathways will be happy to book your flight as an add-on service.

Arrive at Venice’s Marco Polo airport (VCE), collect your bags, and meet your program leaders for the week. Venice is a captivating city with its intricate canals, historic architecture, and artistic treasures.

Depending on your flight arrival time, we’ll begin by exploring the Heart of Venice with St. Mark’s Square, the iconic heart of Venice. Admire the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica and the Campanile (bell tower). We’ll visit the Doge’s Palace (Palazzo Ducale) to explore its opulent chambers and learn about Venetian history. After that, we’ll get back outside and take a leisurely gondola ride along the picturesque canals. Marvel at the elegant palaces and bridges. Explore the charming Rialto Bridge and Market area. Head to the Riva degli Schiavoni promenade for enchanting sunset views over the lagoon.

In the evening we’ll grab dinner as a group at a restaurant and then get some quiet time for orientation and relaxing. 

Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, housed in the former home of the art patron. Admire works by Picasso, Pollock, and more. Stroll through the Dorsoduro district, known for its art galleries and charming streets. Take a vaporetto (water bus) to Murano, renowned for its glassblowing craftsmanship. Visit a glass factory and witness the artistry.

Train from Venice to Florence

Begin your day at the iconic Florence Cathedral (Duomo), where you’ll explore its magnificent interior, including the Baptistery and Campanile. Next, visit the Accademia Gallery to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterpiece, David.

Afterward, stroll to the Loggia dei Lanzi in Piazza della Signoria to admire the impressive sculptures. Continue your journey to Palazzo Vecchio, the historic town hall, where you can explore its grand rooms and learn about its rich history.

From there, delve into the world-renowned architecture of Florence at the Basilica of Santa Croce. Explore the church and pay homage to the famous tombs housed within its walls, soaking in the rich history and artistic beauty of this revered site.

Begin your morning with a captivating visit to the Uffizi Gallery, where you’ll immerse yourself in an array of exquisite artworks. Afterwards, enjoy a refreshing stroll along the Ponte Vecchio, marveling at the craftsmanship of the jewelers and taking in the picturesque views of the river.

Learn about the intriguing “secret” passageways running through the bridge, originally built for the Medici family, and discover why the Ponte Vecchio didn’t always have the freshest air.

Cross the river to explore the magnificent Pitti Palace, renowned for its impressive art collections and enchanting gardens. Conclude your afternoon with breathtaking views of Florence from the iconic Piazzale Michelangelo, soaking in the beauty of the cityscape below

After arriving at our accommodations and settling in, take a moment to relax and absorb the beauty of your surroundings. Once everyone is ready, we’ll venture out to savor your first Roman meal. For lunch, we’ll indulge in Italian delicacies such as prosciutto, cheese, focaccia, veggies, and fruit, gathering supplies for a delightful picnic as we explore the famous neighborhoods around the Trevi District.

Embark on a journey to some of Rome’s iconic sites, starting with the renowned Trevi Fountain. Test your luck with the famous “3 Coin Myth” and marvel at the fountain’s majestic beauty. Then, ascend the “Spanish Steps,” which lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the French monastery church Trinita dei Monti, and discover the fascinating history behind these historic landmarks. Lastly, delve into the significance of the Pantheon and learn why it remains one of Rome’s most celebrated architectural wonders.

Today is a big day, so after a strong breakfast of espresso and cornettos, we will head to the Vatican for a morning tour. We’ll see the impressive St Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel and explore this marvel of both historic and modern significance.

Then we will visit the crowning jewel of Rome: The Colosseum for a tour to get a full understanding of its immense size, significance in ancient Rome, and impressive architecture. Right next door we will also tour the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum to understand the rise of Rome through the centuries to an estimated population of likely over 1 million people to its decline in the Middle Ages to around 30,000 people.

In the evening we will take a cooking class to learn the traditions of Roman cooking and prepare our own Italian dinner as a group.

Buon Appetito!

In the morning we’ll pack up and head south towards Naples to visit the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. This amazing historical site is located in Campania, Italy, about 14 miles southeast of Naples. With a guided tour we will learn about its history and how it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, which showered volcanic debris over the city, followed by clouds of blisteringly hot gasses.

After a fun and educational day in Pompeii, we will either spend the evening in Naples or back in Rome depending on flight availability for our journey to Barcelona.

Based on flight availability we will arrive in Barcelona in the morning for a fun day of adventure. After our flight, we’ll stretch our legs by taking a stroll through Park Güell and marvel at the stunning architecture and colorful mosaics. The park was built from 1900 to 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. It was designed by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudí and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After the park, we will visit the world renowned Sagrada Familia, one of Gaudí’s most iconic masterpieces. The Sagrada Familia is a Roman Catholic minor basilica located in the Eixample district of Barcelona. It is the largest unfinished Catholic church in the world and was designed by the renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí. The church’s construction began in 1882 and is still unfinished in the first quarter of the 21st century.

The next stop on our tour of history, architecture and design is the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau. The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was originally built as a complex of hospital buildings. The complex is a unique example of Catalan Gothic architecture and Art Nouveau design, featuring decorative mosaics, colorful tiles, detailed facades, stained glass, and high reliefs

Today we will continue to explore the unique history and architecture of Barcelona with a visit to Casa Batlló, one of Antoni Gaudí’s most famous designs. Casa Batlló is an architectural landmark and a quintessential stop when you visit Barcelona. This otherworldly building located on Passeig de Gracia was designed by Barcelona’s famous architect, Antoni Gaudí, 120 years ago. The house has become a symbol of Barcelona and is one of the most popular places to visit in Barcelona. The architecture of Casa Batlló is unlike anything else on earth. The building tells a story with its details.

To recharge, we will enjoy a delicious tapas lunch and relax during midday. Then we are off to the Picasso Museum to learn about one of the most influential artists of the 20th Century.

Did you also know he was a sculptor, printmaker, ceramicist and stage designer? 

In the evening we will enjoy a traditional Spanish dinner and watch a Flamenco Dance Show. Flamenco is a unique art form that originated in southern Spain and is commonly associated with the Andalusian Roma (Gypsies) of the region. The roots of flamenco are somewhat mysterious, but they seem to lie in the Roma migration from Rajasthan (in northwest India) to Spain between the 9th and 14th centuries.

On our final day in Barcelona, we’ll immerse ourselves in some of the city’s most captivating and renowned areas. We’ll stroll down the bustling thoroughfare of Las Ramblas, taking in the lively atmosphere and vibrant street performances. At La Boqueria Market, we’ll indulge our senses as we shop for fresh produce and sample local delicacies, experiencing the flavors of Barcelona.

Next, we’ll delve into the historic charm of the Gothic Quarter, wandering through its narrow streets and ancient alleyways, discovering hidden gems around every corner. Finally, we’ll unwind and soak up the sun at Barceloneta Beach, relishing in the beauty of the harbor and the Mediterranean Sea, savoring our final moments in this enchanting city.

As you reflect on the enriching experiences of exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, indulging in the culinary delights of Rome, immersing yourself in the rich history of Florence, and all of the other amazing locations you visited on your journey, we trust you’ve had an incredible time during this program. From marveling at iconic landmarks to savoring the flavors of local cuisines, each moment has been filled with discovery and wonder.

As we bid farewell to these captivating cities, we look forward to the possibility of welcoming you back again soon for more unforgettable adventures. Until then, may the memories you’ve made continue to inspire and enrich your journey wherever it may take you. Safe travels, and see you again soon!