US citizens do not need a visa for Spain, France, or Italy for stays under 90 days. However, starting 2026, the EU's ETIAS travel authorization may be required — check travel-europe.europa.eu/etias closer to your departure. Ensure passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond May 19.

Between April 3 – July 26, 2026, Venice charges an entrance fee for day visitors. Overnight hotel guests are exempt — carry your hotel confirmation as proof of your stay. Failure to show proof may result in a fine from the Municipality of Venice.

All three countries use the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small vendors, taxis, and tips. Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card blocks. Contactless payments are standard across Europe.

You arrive in Madrid at 10:10 PM on May 6. Hotel check-in is 3:00 PM, so your room at Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor will be ready and waiting. A private transfer from the airport is recommended at that hour.

Spain, France, and Italy all use Type C/F plugs (round two-pin European standard). Bring a universal adapter or purchase one at any airport. Most hotels have USB ports but don't rely on it.

Check if your mobile plan includes European roaming. If not, consider an eSIM (Airalo or Holafly are popular options) for data across all three countries. WiFi is available at all hotels and most restaurants.

All three countries are in Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2 during May. That's 6 hours ahead of Miami (EDT). Your body clock will adjust within 1–2 days.

Your Renfe AVE ticket (Madrid→Seville) can be shown on your phone or printed. Your Italo ticket (Venice→Rome) should be downloaded from the confirmation email — show the QR code on your phone. Both trains have assigned seats. Arrive at the station 15–20 minutes before departure.

Hotel Fernando III check-in is 4:00 PM (not the standard 3:00 PM). You arrive at 12:40 PM via AVE — the hotel can store your luggage while you explore.

May 19 flight departs FCO at 6:50 AM. Hotel San Anselmo checkout is 11:00 AM, but you'll need to leave by ~4:00 AM. Arrange a pre-booked car to Fiumicino the night before. Consider requesting late checkout on May 18 so you can rest.

Hotel San Anselmo will charge €387 (first night) to your card on May 14 — two days before arrival. The remaining €765 + €45 city tax is due at checkout.

April 29 — Madrid (Pestana Collection Plaza Mayor)
May 7 — Seville (Hotel Fernando III)
May 9 — Málaga (Palacio Solecio)
May 10 — Venice (Hyatt Centric Murano)
May 14 — Rome (Hotel San Anselmo)
TBD — Paris (client-booked via Marriott)

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and lost luggage. European healthcare is excellent but can be costly for visitors without insurance.