Stop by the Lisbon Cathedral to see where St Anthony was baptised. Welcome to the complete Spain and Portugal itinerary planner. Barcelona left its mark on Gaudi, and Gaudi left his mark on the city. When the city was reclaimed by Christians in 1236, the mosque was converted into a church. The ancient ramparts guard Romanesque churches, medieval convents, and Renaissance palaces making the UNESCO-listed Avila one of the most interesting cities in Spain. We love both countries and actually like Portugal a bit more than Spain. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. After arriving in Madrid, we will pick up our rental car and head west to Salamanca. Choose Invicta if you crave fish or langoustines plucked fresh from the ocean. The balance of the day at your leisure. Portugal will consume at least 6-10 days. Should you need additional day-trips from Madrid I can recommend Alcala de Henares (old university town a commuter-rail trip away), Cuenca (atmospheric hill town but at 3000' so could be cold and windy) and Salamanca (large university town). If youve got a good pair of lungs, climb the stairs to the dome for a splendid view of the city. VIGO VIANA DO CASTELO PORTO, Vineyards & Cathedrals of Central Spain ES201. Many describe Spain and Portugal as some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The style of wines produced in the Douro range from light, Bordeaux style claret to rich Burgundian style wines aged in new oak. Panoramic driver in Bilbao and free time on the esplanade where The Guggenheim Museum is located in order to admire this modern architectural building. However, renting a car in one country and dropping in the other will be a huge charge. Do not miss the highlights: the galleries dedicated to El Greco and the extended Goya collection. It will involve a change, but an easy one since there are lots of fast options from Cordoba to Madrid and then from Madrid to Toledo. Our ideal itinerary is Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Maderia Island and Lisbon. Spain Portugal A 3-day Lisbon itinerary is the right amount of time to explore the city itself and take a road trip to one of the nearby cities. Evora makes a good day trip option from Lisbon since theres a direct train taking 1h 45m. The last stop on your Spain-Portugal trip, Barcelona is the heart of the autonomous region of Catalunya, and a popular spot, receiving over 8 million visitors each year. All the big towns in Spain and Portugal are connected through direct flights that are shorter than 1 hour and 30 minutes, so if you want to travel fast, it might be worth adding in some flights. There are several daily trains between Seville and Cadiz. Good luck! Maybe I should add Valencia to the end? https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187493-i384-k10462756-BennyMalaga_s_Tips_for_Salamanca-Salamanca_Province_of_Salamanca_Castile_and_Leon.html Its said to have inspired Harry Potter. Am I missing anything in Portugal? Tasty and well-heeled, this much loved madrileo market sells fresh produce and tasty snacks, everything from pastry to charcuterie, Venezuelan corn, and vermouth. Probably the most photogenic building in Porto, the Chapel of Souls sits in the middle of the main shopping street. Brief panoramic driver through the main avenues of this fabulous town driving by the Marine Avenue to admire the elegance of this city with the typical Galician architecture of glass house galleries. We've seen everywhere you've been and hope to go (except Lisbon), but in about 8 different holidays! So many potential places in Spain, and youve got some fantastic places listed. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. The best neighbourhoods to book a room in Barcelona are Barri Gtic, La Rambla, and El Raval since they are close to the centre. Portugal Itinerary I feel that we spent just the right amount of time in each place, including side-trips. My wife & I are looking to travel around Spain & Portugal for 30 days this Christmas. Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. You are missing Barcelona and Granada, but perhaps you don't have time. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 Afterwards, continue on towards Crdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. This is what actually tells the stories of the confluence of these cultures which resulted from repeated conquests. The quickest and easiest way to get from Faro to Seville is via bus, of which there are at least four daily. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Portugal And Spain I made a nice, and totally seasonally inappropriate, meal of some of my favorite foods in the kitchen of my AirBnb, and it was great. You'll be treated with several stately bridges, a medieval district packed with winding streets and quaint houses, beautiful parks, an abundance of Port wine and a vibrant artistic scene and nightlife. What is the driving guide for foreigners? Luxury Escapes - Handpicked Escapes at the Best Prices on Earth Don't miss the Prado Museum in Madrid. The bulk of the tourists don't venture far beyond the path between Zocodover Square and the cathedral. This is just some text were adding to the footer area. As of now I have 3 nights in Madrid, 1 night in Toledo, 2 in Crdoba, 3 nights/2 days in Granada, 4 in Seville. Dating back to the 5th century, this huge castle sits on the summit of So Jorge hill, the highest point in Lisbon. Best Place For Family/Kids Holiday on July, August? Have not been in Leon and can't comment, for Salamanca 2 nights would be sufficient. 21 days Portugal/Spain - Rick Steves Travel Forum Lisbon (Evora day trip) 4 > Obidos .5 > Coimbra 2.5 > Porto 3 > Seville 3 > Cordoba 1.5 > Madrid - (Toledo/Segovia/Alcala de Henares day trips) 7.5. This is the place from where many Portuguese explorers set sail to other parts of the world, returning with incredible riches. WebOur ten-day Portugal itinerary was designed to provide ideas and inspiration for your Portugal vacation. Its the perfect place to sip on a lemonade or tinto de verano and watch a flamenco performance on one of the lively terraces. 369 Holly Worton ~ Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone With Outdoor Adventures (now with downloadable who has patrick mahomes lost to in the playoffs Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the Spain & Portugal Tours Hi, all. Accommodation at the hotel. Then to Fatima. Don't need a full day at Obidos, it is a must see town with ancient Roman wall, but 3-4 hours are enough. The summer months are extremely hot in Spain and Portugal, so it can be uncomfortable to hop from one city to another at 40 degrees Celsius (or higher in Seville.). Today, take a walking tour to visit the Castle, many churches and cathedrals, and neighborhoods. Or once in Barcelona Girona and Montserrat might interest you as well. Discover historic Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto. spain itinerary Morning sightseeing tour of the ancient Olissippo, drive through its main squares and avenues, Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, Coach Museum, Monument to the Discoverers, Marquis of Pombal Square, Liberty Avenue. Don't forget that many, if not most, places will be closed for much, if not all, of the 24th and 25th. Web10 Night Spain Intensive from Lisbon, Portugal The September 11, 2024 cruise on the Azamara Quest departs from Lisbon, Portugal. At the time, the neighbours found this quite unusual, if not downright ugly. Chiado is elegant and bohemian, with gorgeous cafes and theatres, whilst Bairro Alto is famous for its great fado restaurants and graffiti art. Could be worth your time. On this 10 Night Spain Intensive sailing, the ship will visit a total of 10 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. Transfer to bus terminal, located in the underground parking of the Plaza de Oriente. Toll Free : 1-800-770-7148 Leave the grand buildings behind and wander through Sevilles most tight-streeted neighbourhood, the former Jewish Quarter in the city. We certainly didn't see all there was to see in each place, but we saw and experienced enough to be very happy. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 It also benefits from laidback coastal atmosphere and stunning ocean views. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83942978', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Barcelona. Next on, the Royal Alczar of Seville is a spectacular palace with a lush garden and sumptuous decorations. 10 Day Portugal Tour. Do I need a International Driving Permit to drive a hire car? There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately one hour. We will approach Mount Igueldo, to contemplate the marvelous views of the city and then proceed towards Bilbao. 21 days in Spain & Portugal Itinerary in May Klarna Trips Porto is famous for its tapas, fish, meats, pastel de nata, and wine. Read More Tour Type Small Group Tour New year next holiday here we come!!! Today its old quarter and famous Mezquita (mosque) are one of Spains most beautiful remnants from the Moorish era. (*) This tour might be a combination of different programs. spain itinerary By this time, Crdoba had become the most important city in the Islamic Kingdom. However, flights bring problems, from having to turn up early to possibly losing your luggage to missing out on all the landscapes and smaller places between the big cities. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Valencia is also the home of the internationally well renowned and delicious Paella, Accommodation at the hotel. Morning Madrid panoramic city tour; find the medieval origins of the city, like the Arabic fortress, at the Barrio de la Morera, famous for its historical buildings. We recommend using public transportation, as the streets are quite busy for a rental car. WebFamily-Friendly Tour of Spain & Portugal 9 Day Custom Tour Dynamic pricing from $2,569 Luxury 2- Week City Highlights Tour of Spain and Portugal 14 Day Custom Tour Dynamic pricing from $5,637 Coastal Villages to Iconic Metropolises: Spain and Portugal Tour 15 Day Custom Tour Dynamic pricing from $4,675 How did you pick December January? Several years ago, as were discussing trips to queue up, we added Spain and Portugal to our list. From my investigations, it seems like we could do a circuit of Barcelona (3 nights), Madrid (3 nights), Salamanca or Leon (3 nights), Lisbon (3 nights), Sevilla (3 nights), Cordoba en route to Granada (2 nights), Valencia (2 nights) and then back to Barcelona (2 nights). Free time and continue to Alcobaa (World Heritage) with its Gothic church and Cistercian monastery, whose origins date back to the XII C. Then to Lisbon. Panoramic city tour of this marvel style bourgeois city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha beach. Departure to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best known beaches in Spain. I also really enjoyed Segovia and think it deserves at least a day trip from Madrid. Also known as Casa Mil, La Pedrera got its name from its rocky exterior. The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days - Ken and Karen's Travels Seville is said to be one of the most charming cities of Spain. In our 2 days and 3 nights in Seville, we will be able to visit. I spent Christmas solo in Madrid a couple of years ago. Organization number: 556737-0431, Museum of Art Nouveau and Art Deco Casa Lis, Capela Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte - Capela do Cabo, Home to Gran Canary's Most Beautiful Beach. Mixture of plane/train/bus. A post shared by Vigo (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT. Top Tip: Dont forget about travel insurance. The rolling hills, accessible history in Alfama, delectable food and all-night parties make this one of Europes greats. In the afternoon, stroll around this huge park, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And, if you are a literature lover, dont miss Casa dos Bicos, where you will find an exhibition space dedicated to Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramago. Free time. how best to spend 21 days in Spain & Portugal - Spain Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. Enjoy a coastal hike on Spain's northern Costa Brava. You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too. Toledo is one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage sitesin Spain. It has a rich history and the city packed with innumerable monuments. Spain and Portugal Cordoba itself is a fragrant, picturesque Andalusian town. Three days is pretty minimal for Seville, quite a large city and one where the weather is likely to be considerably milder than it will be around Madrid (average daytime high 63.7F vs. 50F). b) you can get from Cordoba to Toledo on the same day easily. So many more city breaks to enjoy. You can take a tour of the stadium and then visit the museum inside. However, I'll note that the aforementioned Cuenca is on the AVE line between Madrid and Valencia. Spain Kilimanjaro Rivers & Seas Galapagos Mediterranean Sea Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) Mideast & N. Africa Mekong River Europe Croatia Portugal Amazon Rainforest Tours Europe Spain and Portugal Spain and Portugal Tours & Travel We have 21 nights to spend on the Iberian peninsula, flying in and out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? This Portuguese city is an unmissable part of any Spain and Portugal itinerary. Enjoy the best of the Iberian peninsula and get ready for your next trip. Portugal itinerary: Porto (5 nights) Coimbra (4 nights) Lisbon (7 nights) Faro (4 nights) Lagos (4 nights) Spain itinerary Seville (4 nights) Malaga (2 nights) Granada (2 nights) Mallorca (3 nights) Valencia (4 nights) Barcelona (5 nights) Zaragoza (2 nights) San Sebastian (3 nights) Bilbao (3 nights) Tenerife (7 nights) Fly home from Madrid! It usually plays classical music, and is a great place to relax. Looking back on the actual itinerary it looks about as good as you could get. You can add some about text, or any other kind of widget content. Since youve been to Seville before, could some or all of those 3 days go for other places? You can visit the Cristo de la Luz Mosque, El Transito Synagogue, and the Toledo Cathedral to see how cultures crossed in this city that attracted Goya and Picasso. Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. Thinking about this itinerary. SLEEPN Atocha and Petit Palace Triball come highly recommended. It is the work of the famous Antonio Gaudi, and like no religious building youve ever seen. One night is enough. Our final stop is Madrid where we will spend 7 nights and 6 days. There are several daily InterCity trains between Lisbon and Faro that take about 3.5 hours. The structure has more than 3,000 rooms, some with special themes. 2. Other iconic buildings to visit here are the Oriente Station, the turtle-like Altice Arena, and the Portugal Pavilion. Azamara Quest September 11, 2024 Cruise & Port Map You could do it as a long day trip from Seville or Cordoba, but sleeping there one night is better. We love art and scenery, experiencing the local culture, some history, churches and gardens. Visit the highlights of Madrid, like the El Prado Museum. Spain and Portugal Itinerary Today, its a museum. Vigo, Spain 2. I also agree with others posting here that Granada, with its Alhambra Palace, in the Andalusia region is worth a visit if you have the time and the train/bus schedules work out for you. For more about what to eat in Lisbon, check out our Lisbon food guide here. AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations. week itinerary for Spain/Portugal When it was built, it completely broke with the conventions of the time. Enjoy some free time. The Moorish palace and castle sits on a hill above the town, and though its the primary reason for most visits, the surrounding city is full of life as well. Free time to explore Oviedo, many of their streets are pedestrian, where you will be able to see World Heritage sites like The Cathedral, a splendid example of gothic Asturian architecture. Spain and Portugal are ideal rail partners. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. On the orders of the Emir Abd al-Rahman in 784, the church was destroyed and work began on a great mosque. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Next to the park, you will find the Plaza de Espaa, a grand affair built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition. It would then be: Day 1: Arrive in Paris. After breakfast at the hotel start driving looking for the Mediterranean coast. Porto, Portugal 3. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. Today in another driving day as we motor along from Seville to Granada traveling 206 miles in 5 hours through los pueblos blancos. a) work out when you are travelling and when Christmas falls. The Mezquita in Cordoba is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. Visit the Spain Tourism AuthorityHere, Visit: Madrid, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, Santander, Santillana, Covadonga, Oviedo, Lugo, A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela, Rias Bajas, La Toja, Vigo,Viana Do Castelo, Porto, Coimbra, Fatima, Obidos, Lisbon, Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, April: 13, 20 & 27May: 04, 11 & 18June: 01, 08, 15 & 22July: 13 & 27August: 03 & 24September: 07, 14 & 28October: 05, 12 & 19, USD pricing will be at the days exchange rate, To begin the Spain and Portugal tour we meet and assist you at the airport. Visit the Jeronimo Monastery (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Belem Tower and stop at the Pastis de Belm, the place where the delicious Portuguese egg tarts were invented. But its the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mezquita, a mosque turned into cathedral, which will linger in your memory for decades to come. Then we transfer you to the hotel. It is an exceptional architectural ensemble built in the Art-Nouveau style and declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. And thats why we wrote one here. It is the most important cathedral in Madrid and houses a museum with objects related to the life of the local patron saints. 7 Day Portugal and Spain Tours & Trips. Just before we say goodbye to Portugual, we will stop in Evora for the another visit to an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Accommodation at the hotel. And, yes, it is another fine piece of work from Gaudi. House of Habsburg They have gorgeous beaches, centuries-old buildings, delicious food, and a mild climate that attracts tourists even in the winter. Due to seasonality, and taxes Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header. Tomar was especially important in the 15th century when it was a center of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of theOrder of Christ, successor organization to the Templars in Portugal. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. Andalusia, the region around Seville, deserves a road trip of its own. Does this seem achievable in terms of rail connections? The non-fortified wines are typically referred to as Douro wines. Pick a hotel close to the centre to access the main attractions on foot. Experience the Catalan culture of Barcelona and see some of the highlights of the city: Explore the Gothic neighborhood of Barcelona Visit the Sagrada Familia Go to Park Gell to see more of Gaudis work Faro lies in the far south, in Portugals Algarve region. But if you're in the mood for something more festive, you'll have to plan ahead. It covers some Spain's big sights of course, but for Portugal it's only the capital you are aiming to visit. 3 nights for Lisbon is very tight, you Day 1: Arrive in San Sebastin. Step out of the Royal Palace and enter the grand Catedral del la Almudena, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Yes I have been to Granada and enjoyed it. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83947399', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Lisbon is very tight, you would have 2 full days only, and no time for nearby Sintra, so I would not talk about covering Portugal with your plan. 9 ni Accommodation at the hotel. Accommodation at the hotel. It includes a large number of gardens and monuments spread across 125 hectares. You can wander off on your own and imagine it's the Middle Ages. Seville, Spain 7. After several months of research, we developed this Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days that is round trip from Madrid. Probably the second most important museum in Spain after the Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville sits in an old monastery building. Planning on spending Xmas in Seville. Probably the only plane is from Porto > Seville. Somebody else may have caught this already, but how are you planning on traveling from place to place? Inspired by the Beaux-Arts style, it has a large vestibule covered in almost 20,000 tiles that depict scenes of daily life in Northern Portugal. Accommodation. Spend one day walking the neighborhoods of the historic Lisbon Center, one day in the Belam area, and one day in Sintra. In the afternoon we will continue to San Sebastian, where they hold the International Film Festival.