2 Weeks in Italy, France, and Spain

By Mike Ho | Updated Apr. 16, 2024

From the fiery passion of flamenco in Spain to the elegant artistry of French cuisine and the timeless beauty of Italian architecture, a tour of these three countries promises to ignite your senses and leave you enthralled with their diverse cultures. Join us as we traverse the cobblestone streets, vineyard-dotted landscapes, and iconic landmarks that define this trio of iconic destinations.

In this article, we present three tour itineraries catering to various interests — including first-time travelers, families, and food enthusiasts. Each themed tour offers destinations tailored to suit specific interests.

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1. 2-Week Classic Italy, France, and Spain Tour for First-Timers

  • Days 1–7: Rome, Venice, and Florence
  • Days 8–10: Paris and Versailles
  • Days 11–14: Madrid and Barcelona

This tour is designed for first-time travelers looking to explore the most captivating cities in Spain, France, and Italy in 2 weeks.

In Italy, the top three cities (Venice, Florence, and Rome) can't be missed on a first visit. Discover the wonders of Rome at landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. In Florence, immerse yourself in art and culture through museum visits and enjoy a pizza and gelato-making class. Experience Italy's rustic allure with a visit to a local winery for a taste of authentic Chianti. Then take a train to Venice, which offers a fantastic experience for everyone. Enjoy a charming gondola ride along the picturesque canals. Discover the lively Rialto Market to sample authentic Venetian cuisine and find unique souvenirs. Consider taking a boat excursion to Murano, renowned for its exquisite glassmaking.

In France, to make the most of your time and allow you to stay at a slow pace, we recommend you visit Paris for 3 days. Start your trip with a scenic Seine cruise to enjoy stunning views from glass-sided boats near the Eiffel Tower. Afterward, dive into Paris' art scene. Visit must-sees like the Louvre, the Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou for iconic collections.

Then, you would spend a day on a delightful day trip to Versailles for a chateau and gardens tour. Skip the lines with your expert local guide and explore Château de Versailles and the Royal Garden. Witness a sunset and breathtaking Parisien vistas from the 330-meter (1,080-foot) tall Eiffel Tower by climbing up its 674 stairs.

In Spain, Madrid and Barcelona are the top-visited cities that you can't miss if you are visiting Spain for the first time. Embark on your journey from Madrid to explore the Museo Nacional del Prado and its exquisite masterpieces before visiting the opulent Palacio Real. Take a guided walking tour of the old town, indulging in churros (local fried dough snacks) and chocolate. Don't miss a day trip to Segovia to see the breathtaking Alcázar de Segovia, reminiscent of Snow White's castle.

Then, fly to Barcelona, where you would delve into Gaudí's architectural masterpieces, such as Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Família. Immerse yourself in the city's history at the Gothic Quarter and savor local treats at Mercat de la Boqueria.

2. 2-Week Italy, France, and Spain Family Tour

  • Days 1–6: Rome and Venice
  • Days 7–10: Paris and Lyon
  • Days 11–14: Madrid and Valencia

This tour is tailored for families with kids, delivering a vibrant mix of culture, history, cuisine, and engaging activities. Catering to all age groups, from youngsters to teens and grown-ups, it ensures that everyone stays entertained throughout the journey.

In Italy, to offer your child a more relaxed travel experience with ample rest time, we recommend visiting only two cities. It might be beneficial to cut down on Florence since Florence and Rome have some similarities, such as historical relics. While in Venice, your little ones could wander through Piazza San Marco, cruise along the Grand Canal, and float away on an enchanting gondola ride. Also, venture out of town on a 4-hour island-hopping expedition across the Venetian Lagoon, exploring Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

In France, consider adding Lyon, a gastronomic gem, to your family journey. Lyon is renowned for its diverse traditional dishes and top-notch restaurants, inviting your kids on a flavorful adventure. Immerse yourself in the history of Lyon and France by exploring Roman remnants, medieval cathedrals, and ancient ruins. Explore landmarks, such as the basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière and hidden traboules, offering an educational experience for your little ones. For other kid-friendly fun, Lyon offers attractions that are perfect for families, such as Mini World Lyon, a captivating miniature park, and Tête d'Or Park, a bustling urban oasis with a zoo and botanical garden, promising delightful experiences for all ages.

In Spain, in order to unleash the family fun, we replace Barcelona with Valencia. There, you could wander through the historical center, enjoy a paella cooking show, and explore the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Dive into marine wonders at Europe's largest aquarium, visit the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe, and end with interactive fun at Gulliver Park.

3. 2-Week Italy, France, and Spain Food Tour

  • Days 1–6: Rome and Florence
  • Days 7–10: Paris and Lyon
  • Days 11–14: Barcelona and San Sebastián

This tour is perfect for travelers keen on exploring the delightful cuisines of Italy, France, and Spain. Indulge in a culinary journey to savor their exquisite flavors and explore the historical relics throughout the three countries.

For your time in Italy, Florence offers a culinary experience that's deeply rooted in tradition and simplicity. Indulge in dishes like ribollita (vegetable and bread soup), bistecca alla fiorentina (Florentine steak), and gelato from some of the city's renowned gelaterias. Be sure to visit Mercato Centrale to sample fresh produce, local cheeses, and Tuscan specialties.

In France, Paris and Lyon are two culinary gems, offering a paradise for food lovers. In Paris, enjoy classic French dishes, such as croissants, escargot, coq au vin, and macarons. For a taste of local flavors, explore vibrant food markets, such as Rue Cler and Marché des Enfants Rouges. Lyon, hailed as the gastronomic capital of France, boasts traditional "bouchons" serving Lyonnaise specialties, such as quenelles, coq au vin, andouillette, and praline tarts. Make sure to visit les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a renowned indoor food market named after the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, to sample gourmet products and savor local delicacies.

In Spain, we recommend you visit San Sebastián as it is a paradise for foodies. The city is renowned for its exceptional culinary scene, particularly for its Basque cuisine and pintxos culture. Experience the immersive "Michelin Secrets Cooking Class" at Mimo Bite the Experience, mastering modern kitchen techniques and traditional Basque cuisine. Explore San Sebastián's sights and taste local pintxos. Journey to Biarritz, a nearby luxurious French seaside town, then visit Saint-Jean-de-Luz with its colorful houses. Explore the quaint town of Hondarribia, enjoy local food at Restaurante Alameda, and discover its charming streets and historic sites.

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