Rome, Barcelona and Madrid

This itinerary is the starting point for your tour, but it’s not set in stone. If there are days you would like to change, or specific places you’d like to go, we can work with you to create a personalized program that fits the needs of you and your students.

Day 1: Overnight Flight

Depart from the USA.

Day 2: Rome

Arrive in the vibrant Eternal City and meet your ACIS Tour Manager. As you stroll the streets, practice your Italian language skills by ordering a delicious gelato or a tasty biscotti, then enjoy people-watching in one of the city’s stunning piazzas.

Day 3: Rome

Today's panoramic drive of the city is a great introduction to the many phases of Roman history. Our local expert accompanies you through the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. The best part is that these are timed entrances, meaning you'll breeze right by the long lines facing other tourists. Then spend your afternoon discovering more of Rome's ancient and modern highlights at your own pace. Perhaps explore some of the city's lesser-known treasures, such as the amazing frescoes inside the Basilica of San Clemente or the quirky and hip markets and shops in the off-the-beaten-path Rione Monti neighborhood. In the evening, we'll dine on authentic, brick-oven Roman pizza. Mangia!

Day 4: Rome

This morning go inside the iconic and historic Colosseum with a local guide (another line-avoiding timed reservation) and learn the many stories of this nearly 2,000-year-old Roman landmark that's considered one of the architectural wonders of the ancient world. Later you will live la dolce vita as you visit one of Rome's most historic gelaterias to see how the famous Italian-style ice cream is produced during a gelateria tour and tasting. Your learning will be rewarded with a sweet sample of your favorite flavor as well as one of the gelateria's iconic Sanpietrino treats.

Day 5: Barcelona

Say “ciao!” to Italy as you board a morning flight to Barcelona. After leaving your luggage at the hotel, begin to explore the city's artistic treasures and fine architecture from Gothic to Modernist. Take time to wander the old town and acquaint yourself with this vibrant culture, including an evening stroll down the famous La Rambla.

Day 6: Barcelona

Begin your day with a panoramic sightseeing tour. Your local guide will point out the major highlights of Barcelona, from the Gothic Quarter to the unique Gaudí designs along the Passeig de Gràcia, and will make a stop outside his masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia. Antoni Gaudí, one of Catalonia's most famous sons, was a Modernist architect whose distinctive style is revered to this day. Later, stroll through his whimsical Parc Güell for a sweeping view over the city, and also enjoy a visit inside one of the city's unique Gaudí-designed houses, either Casa Batlló or La Pedrera. In the afternoon, explore more of Barcelona at your own pace, perhaps visiting the Picasso Museum or the Palau de la Musica, a concert hall that features a spectacular stained-glass skylight ceiling. Or you can choose to participate in an optional workshop on the Catalán (and Gaudí-influenced) art of trencadis, in which colorful tile shards are used to create intricate mosaics.

Day 7: Madrid

Bid a fond “adios!” to Barcelona as you head for Madrid via high-speed AVE train. Your visit begins with a walking tour through Plaza Mayor and around the Puerta del Sol, the bustling hub from which the city's radial streets emanate.

Day 8: Madrid

Madrid's rich heritage comes alive on a guided morning walking tour that showcases classic Spanish boulevards, grand plazas and the diverse architecture of modern-day Madrid. Highlights include the Teatro Real Opera House, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol and Neptune Fountain. You'll also go inside the magnificent Prado (skipping the lines with a timed reservation), one of the world's premier art museums. Here an expert will provide illuminating commentary about the artwork of Velázquez, Goya, Raphael, Rubens and Bosch. Even the 18th-century neo-classical building that houses the collection is stunning. In the evening, you may opt for a flamenco lesson, followed by a fiery performance of this dramatic and traditional Spanish dance.

Day 9: Departure

Depart for the USA.