Itinerary

That sounds like an amazing trip filled with culture, food, and beautiful sights. Let’s create a relaxed 25-day itinerary that allows you to soak in the local atmosphere, take some classes, and enjoy the stunning landscapes of Catania, Puglia, Rome, Venice, Bassano, and Barcelona.

## Day 1-5: Catania, Sicily

## Day 1: Arrival in Catania

• Arrive in Catania and check into your accommodation.
• Take a leisurely stroll around the city center, visiting Piazza del Duomo and the iconic Elephant Fountain.
• Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local trattoria.

## Day 2: Explore Catania

• Morning: Visit the bustling fish market (La Pescheria) and grab a light breakfast.
• Afternoon: Take a guided walking tour of Catania’s Baroque architecture.
• Evening: Attend a Sicilian cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional dishes.

## Day 3: Mount Etna

• Full day: Take a day trip to Mount Etna. You can hike or take a guided tour to explore the craters and enjoy the stunning views.
• Evening: Return to Catania and relax at a local café.

## Day 4: Taormina

• Day trip to Taormina (about 1 hour away). Visit the ancient Greek Theatre and enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast.

• Evening: Dinner in Taormina before heading back to Catania.

## Day 5: Relax and Reflect

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and visit the Monastery of San Nicolò l’Arena.
• Afternoon: Free time for shopping or visiting local artisan shops.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Catania.

## Day 6-10: Puglia

## Day 6: Travel to Puglia

• Morning: Travel to Puglia (consider a train or rental car).
• Afternoon: Arrive in Bari, check into your accommodation, and explore the old town.
• Evening: Dinner at a local osteria.

## Day 7: Alberobello and Locorotondo

• Full day: Visit the trulli houses in Alberobello and the charming town of Locorotondo.
• Evening: Return to Bari for dinner.

## Day 8: Cooking Class in Puglia

• Morning: Join a cooking class focusing on Puglian cuisine, including orecchiette pasta.
• Afternoon: Enjoy the meal you prepared and relax.
• Evening: Explore the local nightlife or enjoy a quiet evening.

## Day 9: Matera Day Trip

• Full day: Take a trip to Matera, famous for its cave dwellings (Sassi). Explore the ancient city and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
• Evening: Return to Bari.

## Day 10: Relaxation Day

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and visit a local market.
• Afternoon: Spend the day at the beach in Polignano a Mare.
• Evening: Dinner with a view of the sea.

## Day 11-15: Rome

## Day 11: Travel to Rome

• Morning: Travel to Rome (train or car).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and take a stroll through Trastevere.
• Evening: Dinner in Trastevere.

## Day 12: Ancient Rome

• Morning: Visit the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
• Afternoon: Explore Palatine Hill.
• Evening: Attend a pasta-making class.

## Day 13: Vatican City

• Full day: Visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in the Vatican area.

## Day 14: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Borghese Gallery (book in advance).
• Afternoon: Take a painting class in a local studio.
• Evening: Explore the Spanish Steps and enjoy gelato.

## Day 15: Relaxation Day

• Morning: Leisurely breakfast and visit Campo de' Fiori market.
• Afternoon: Free time for shopping or visiting local sights.
• Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city.

## Day 16-20: Venice

## Day 16: Travel to Venice

• Morning: Travel to Venice (train).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the canals.
• Evening: Dinner at a traditional Venetian restaurant.

## Day 17: Explore Venice

• Morning: Visit St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace.
• Afternoon: Take a gondola ride through the canals.
• Evening: Attend a mask-making workshop.

## Day 18: Murano and Burano

• Full day: Take a boat trip to Murano (famous for glass) and Burano (known for colorful houses).
• Evening: Return to Venice for dinner.

## Day 19: Art and History

• Morning: Visit the Peggy Guggenheim Collection.
• Afternoon: Take a photography class focusing on capturing Venice.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner.

## Day 20: Relaxation Day

• Morning: Leisurely breakfast and visit the Rialto Market.
• Afternoon: Free time to explore hidden gems in Venice.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Venice.

## Day 21-25: Bassano del Grappa and Barcelona

## Day 21: Travel to Bassano del Grappa

• Morning: Travel to Bassano del Grappa (train).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the town.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 22: Grappa Distillery Tour

• Morning: Visit a local grappa distillery for a tour and tasting.
• Afternoon: Explore the beautiful wooden bridge (Ponte degli Alpini).
• Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the Brenta River.

## Day 23: Travel to Barcelona

• Morning: Travel to Barcelona (consider a flight).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and explore the Gothic Quarter.
• Evening: Dinner at a tapas bar.

## Day 24: Gaudí and Art

• Morning: Visit the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
• Afternoon: Take a Spanish cooking class.
• Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show.

## Day 25: Relaxation and Departure

• Morning: Leisurely breakfast and visit La Boqueria market.
• Afternoon: Free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
• Evening: Depart from Barcelona.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Make sure to book classes and tours in advance, especially in popular cities.
• Consider using trains for intercity travel; they’re often comfortable and scenic.
• Take your time to enjoy meals and local experiences; the journey is just as important as the destination!

I hope this itinerary helps you have a fantastic and relaxed adventure through these beautiful regions! Enjoy every moment! 🌍✈️🍝