Looking back on the actual itinerary it looks about as good as you could get. 21 days in Spain & Portugal Itinerary With Hidden gems Afternoon is for you to keep on discovering this city full attractive offers as well as exquisite and varied gastronomy. I certainly wouldn't peel off time from any of your other destinations in order to add Valencia. Accommodation at the hotel. 21 I'll be at hostels over Xmas/NYE so I'm hoping it should be fine socially (usually is). Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step. Climb to the top of the fortress for a magnificent view of the city. 21 Day Spain & Portugal. When you are visiting so many cities in a row, the chances of losing your luggage or experiencing a delay increase. Just before we say goodbye to Portugual, we will stop in Evora for the another visit to an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also known as Casa Mil, La Pedrera got its name from its rocky exterior. There are two direct InterCity trains between Vigo and Porto daily one at 08:58 AM and another at 07:56 PM. Spain and Portugal Itinerary The town Tomar is dominated to its west by a monumental complex sitting on the top of a hill known as the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a beautiful city, combining the charm of the old streets and churches with a more modern architectural vision. It's also home to the famed University of Coimbra. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . The ancient ramparts guard Romanesque churches, medieval convents, and Renaissance palaces making the UNESCO-listed Avila one of the most interesting cities in Spain. Accommodation at the hotel. Consider cutting a day or two off Cordoba. If youve got a good pair of lungs, climb the stairs to the dome for a splendid view of the city. This is the place from where many Portuguese explorers set sail to other parts of the world, returning with incredible riches. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header. It requires a car for the first 18 days It's a major fishing port, so you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood. Lisbon is an acquired taste. Stop by A Bolina for a nice glass of wine over a plate of tapas, and visit O Caseirinho if you want to try an authentic Portuguese fish-based dish. Then certainly a big city like Madrid and its surounding towns could fill 4-5 Read More. The narrow house between them was built to help preserve the chastity of the nuns and the monks vow of celibacy. Best price guaranteed. Lots of shops and restaurants and sunny beaches make this place worth visiting. Barcelona has a wonderful beach, but Costs Brava is an entire coast of beaches, with inland mountains, volcanic craters and more. Spain and Portugal Tours The rest train or bus (whichever is cheapest). But at such a distance, with limited opportunities to repeat, it sounds like you got the absolute best out of it, side trips included, and saw one hell of a lot. Admire the XIX C. works such as Prado Museum. Free time. Spain and Portugal itinerary Transfer to bus terminal, located in the underground parking of the Plaza de Oriente. If you don't do the Douro valley, you won't need four nights in Porto. 10 Day Portugal Tour. After arriving in Madrid, we will pick up our rental car and head west to Salamanca. Spend a few hours in this park, considered one of the most iconic Modernist works in the world, and visit the Gaudi House and Museum to learn more about the most loved architect of Barcelona. Have not been in Leon and can't comment, for Salamanca 2 nights would be sufficient. The star is the Baroque loggia, lovely decorated with azulejos. Does this seem achievable in terms of rail connections? Day 1: Lisbon Solar Do Castelo Hotel/Oyster 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. And elsewhere, enjoy the bodegas and boutique shops which have sprung up around this lively part of the city. Best things to do in Salamanca, Albufeira, Funchal, Maspalomas, Puerto Del Carmen, Ibiza Town, Formentera, and Alcudia are: Zoomarine Algarve, Plaza We will explore its architecture including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and its famous Roman aqueduct. 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). The Douro Valley has been devoted on the vineyards for centuries. Our ideal itinerary is Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Maderia Island and Lisbon. 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. Several years ago, as were discussing trips to queue up, we added Spain and Portugal to our list. 21 Days Or once in Barcelona Girona and Montserrat might interest you as well. Unlike Seville I think it's a one and done type location. Best Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 10 - 14 Days with Map Spending around 10 days in Spain and Portugal is a decent amount of time but you will still be moving pretty quickly. And a beautiful one it is too. On your second day in Lisbon, leave the city centre and visit the Belem district at the mouth of the river Tagus. Batalha Monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. There are several daily trains between Seville and Cadiz. I hope that our experiences can help others with their planning. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. declared World Heritage buildings. How Long to Spend in Portugal: Great Itineraries | Bookmundi In the afternoon, departure to Oviedo, where you will see on a series of hills the beauty of Saint Maria de Naranco Church, Jewel of the pre Roman Asturian architecture. Please let me know if I am missing, or should miss anything. Cross the border again, this time to discover Southern Spain, where sun-kissed beaches and century-old buildings are only two of the best things to explore. Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the Tower of Hercules dating back from the roman period. 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. These rusharound trips always worry me and train travel is not for us - we tend to explore the local area to our (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We recommend using public transportation, as the streets are quite busy for a rental car. Other iconic buildings to visit here are the Oriente Station, the turtle-like Altice Arena, and the Portugal Pavilion. Also, book in advance, as tickets to the Sagrada Familia quickly become sold out. Good luck! WebDay 2: Lisbon. Be sure to set your watch back one hour as Portugal is 1 hour behind Spain. Its lively, its pretty, its fun. Spain and Portugal itinerary The ultimate journey through two of Europes most fascinating & diverse countries has to offer! The Royal Palace was the spring residence for the monarchs from the 16th to the mid-19th century. Only by St Pauls Cathedral in London and St Peters Basilica in Rome surpasses this monumental building in size. This riverfront city is rich in history, owing to its previous status as capital of Portugal. In addition visiting Alhambra, in Granada, we will step back in time, winding through the ascending cobblestone streets of Albayzin. Departure towards one of the most marvelous areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas (Spanish Fjords). [emailprotected]. Top things to see in Madrid (among many others) include: Toledo also presents a conundrum of Roman, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim architecture. Santillana is one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. I wondered whether it might be more relaxing to put all of your Madrid time together at the end, and perhaps spend two nights in Toledo. It requires a car for the first 18 days as we travel through the country exploring the many cities and towns. Webone month in spain itinerary. If you want a 5-star hotel, book a room at the Avenida Palace, or go for Hotel Santa Justa for something more mid-range. Update: This hotel is now called the Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel. The tour used Su Casa en Ronda which treats its guests as well as any hotel I've ever been. Alternatively, Prados website suggests three itineraries that can help you find your way. 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. It is the first destination on your 14-day itinerary, and you have 3 days to explore its attractions and surroundings. Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days - Ken and Karen's Travels 21 There are no train routes between Portugal and Spain in the south. It was established around the time Philip II of Spain moved the capital from Toledo to Madrid. Cadiz, Spain 8. VIGO VIANA DO CASTELO PORTO, Vineyards & Cathedrals of Central Spain ES201. It offers easy accessibility to beaches, waves and the laid-back coastal vibes and hedonistic jaunts that define this popular part of the country. A huge art hub, the Prado houses over 8,600 paintings, so whatever you do, dont plan on seeing them all. And, yes, it is another fine piece of work from Gaudi. Find out more fun facts about Madrid here. By this time, Crdoba had become the most important city in the Islamic Kingdom. Barcelona left its mark on Gaudi, and Gaudi left his mark on the city. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. If you're looking for a vacation with some flair, you'll be sure to find one in our collection of 7-18 day Spain and Portugal tours. If you still have time, spend the rest of the day at this modern park, which manages to include an oceanarium with over 25,000 sea creatures, the Vasco da Gama bridge and tower, the Lisbon Casino, and the Vasco da Gama Centre, a huge mall with stores and spaces for entertainment. 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 Next on, the Royal Alczar of Seville is a spectacular palace with a lush garden and sumptuous decorations. It used to be a convent, with one building housing the nuns and the other the monks of the Carmelite Order in Porto. I didn't pick Spain/Portugal due to Xmas, but because my work lets me off for a few weeks around that time. On your second day in Porto, cruise along the Douro River and visit the Douro Valley, the region famous for producing grapes for the Porto wine. You can add some about text, or any other kind of widget content. Toll Free : 1-800-770-7148 If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Camino de Santiago The Camino Primitivo A Million Steps, by Kurt Koontz Extra Mile Thursdays Related Episodes 376 Holly Worton ~ Long Distance Walks: Time and Space to Think and Reflect (now with downloadable transcript!) It is once again a beach destination that attracts sun worshippers every year. You can also stay in Lavapis or Huertas for a more colourful and bohemian atmosphere. It is definitely beautiful. Take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered World Heritage city. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83942978', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Barcelona. Visit Vila Palace, the former summer resort of the Portuguese kings, and then stop at the glorious Pena Palace which overlooks the town from its hill. Afterwards, enjoy a different perspective of the city along the river Douro aboard the BlueBoats Cruise and discover the historic heritage visiting one well known Port Wine Cellars with a wine tasting included. 3. Luxury Escapes - Handpicked Escapes at the Best Prices on Earth Great ill add Segovia (hadn't heard of it), and probably spend a couple nights in Toledo. Its not all about the beach (although it can be if you want it to be.). If you can spare one more day, take a short trip to the nearby spots of Sintra or Cascais. This afternoon at your leisure to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting Ruas full of color housing the genuine tabernas where Fado sounds as a missing past. We had a wonderful time in Spain, spending our 21-odd days in a number of places to really experience the variety of character, history, culture an In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 How did you pick December January? Valencia is also the home of the internationally well renowned and delicious Paella, Accommodation at the hotel. I'm glad it worked out for you. Looking back on the actual itinerary it looks about as good as you could get. These rusharound trips always worry m Re: how best to spend 21 days in Spain & Portugal. It combines the Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Mudjar styles in an architectural masterpiece decorated with marble columns, azulejos, and flowers. Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to La Toja Island, universally known for its spa. After breakfast at the hotel start driving looking for the Mediterranean coast. 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! Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. Day 3: Drive from Paris to Saran (114 kilometers/71 miles, about 2 hours and 20 minutes) An alternative is a Northern Spain and Portugal road trip, skipping France. In the afternoon we will continue to San Sebastian, where they hold the International Film Festival. Tomar was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. Skipping Douro, due to going solo. You can spend a full day driving around the coast, stopping to visit the medieval city of Girona, zipping off to Michelin starred museums and taking in the surreal nature of the Dali Museum. In the 16th century Charles V added a Renaissance nave on top of the Moorish structure. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the wonderful city of Granada. In addition to the monuments, Segovia offers an old Jewish quarter, stately homes, outstanding views and a green belt. We did a super Douro River cruise that I highly recommend. And youll see plenty of people hanging out here, trying to get that instagram shot. You left off Sintra, vora and Barcelona. On the 23rd (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at, Copyright 2005-2023 Klarna Bank AB (publ). It has a rich history and the city packed with innumerable monuments. Accommodation. It is an exceptional architectural ensemble built in the Art-Nouveau style and declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. Probably the only plane is from Porto > Seville. There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately one hour. Spend some time in the garden before ending the day on the Guadalquivir River waterfront. Morning city tour of Barcelona well known worldwide for the Olympic Games during 1992, drive along the main avenues with impressive modernist buildings by Gaudi such as La Pedrera, Casa Mila, etc. Faro lies in the far south, in Portugals Algarve region. Discover more of Europe: we've got plenty of content to keep you curious and inspired! The 135 mile drive should take less than 2.5 hours After a nap from the long flight, we will start exploring. These are tiny white villages some with impossibly long names . Today is going to be a long day in the car as we leave Lisbon and head to Sevilla. Or, you could be unusual and see what its like to visit Spain in winter. Cross the border and stop in Porto, a magically romantic city famous for its harbour and wines. 2 or 3 is good, but you can take the train up the Douro and stay at Regua or another of the river towns. Morning panoramic city tour visiting: the exterior of the Cathedral (the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome), Santa Cruz quarter (a natural scenario of Carmen as well as a precisely where the myth of Don Juan developed), Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de Espaa. It is the best place to buy yourself a nice FC Barcelona souvenir. In the afternoon, after a short two hours ride reach Seville. Lisbon 4 > Obidos .5 > Coimbra 2.5 > Porto 3 > Seville 3> Cordoba 1.5 > Madrid - Toledo/Segovia (day trips) 8.5. In our 2 days and 3 nights in Seville, we will be able to visit. 21 Day Portugal & Spain 2018 Itinerary - Travelstride Accommodation. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187493-i384-k10462756-BennyMalaga_s_Tips_for_Salamanca-Salamanca_Province_of_Salamanca_Castile_and_Leon.html Spain & Portugal Itinerary: Two Weeks in Iberia ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-87151574', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');villa minutely! Cordoba itself is a fragrant, picturesque Andalusian town. San Sebastian and northwestern Spain could be another region. Web30 Days in Spain & Portugal - Potential itinerary. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. When you book with an account, you will be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour. The easiest way to get there is by car or bus, although you can manage a train and bus combination to Sintra, if you don t mind a steep climb at the end. Azamara Quest September 11, 2024 Cruise & Port Map Visit the highlights of Madrid, like the El Prado Museum. Discover historic Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto. After departing Porto on our drive to Lisbon, we stop near the mid-way point to visit the town of Tomar, one of Portugals historical jewels. 7 Day Portugal and Spain Tours & Trips. Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. We had to fly into and out of Barcelona, so our itinerary was Barcelona (3 nights), San Sebastian (3 nights), Madrid (5 nights), Seville (4 nights), Granada (2 nights) and back to Barcelona (3 nights). Top Tip: Dont forget about travel insurance. Don't need a full day at Obidos, it is a must see town with ancient Roman wall, but 3-4 hours are enough. Throughout the early medieval period, Avila alternated between Moorish and Christian rule until the Reconquest by Alfonso VI in 1085. A post shared by Refill de Ideias (@refill.de.ideias) on May 9, 2020 at 8:22am PDT. :) :) :), Traveling by Train from Barcelona to Valencia May 17th, Best places to visit/stay between Barcelona and Granada, Re : Where is Ben Ashley Performing In Benidorm Spain, Missing bit Walkway from Calahonda to Cabopino. It also benefits from laidback coastal atmosphere and stunning ocean views. But even those who havent read a book in a while shouldnt miss this place for its exquisite neo-gothic faade and stunning interior. Webone month in spain itinerary. Today in another driving day as we motor along from Seville to Granada traveling 206 miles in 5 hours through los pueblos blancos. Today, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although for the former rather than latter fact, I believe. Take a wine tour of the Douro River Valley in northern Portugal. 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. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. I feel that we spent just the right amount of time in each place, including side-trips. 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. Do check what flights run that day, but assuming you're not interested in 'celebrating' the day with family or others, that's a good travel day. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage City that has been a celebrated university town famous since the Middle Ages when it drew students from all over Europe. Day Portugal Tour I would recommend focussing on 3-4 cities/regions and really exploring them more at leisure. Klarna Trips These countries, part of the Iberian peninsula, are packed full of beautiful cities, fascinating history and plenty of attractions - both day and night. Spain and Portugal are ideal rail partners. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 You are missing Barcelona and Granada, but perhaps you don't have time. 21 days Portugal/Spain - Rick Steves Travel Forum It combines the Romanesque style with Baroque and Gothic influences and is designed more like a fortress with massive walls. There are several other historic places to visit if time permits including: With 3 full days and 4 nights in Lisbon, we will spend 2 days in Lisbon and 1 day visiting nearby Sintra. Marvel at the gothic-modernist architecture in Barcelona. Destination/Cruise ID. Besides the dramatic views, it is a place of fun, housing an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. As soon as you arrive, head to the city centre to discover one of its most famous sites. Web21 days in Spain & Portugal Itinerary Created using Klarna Trips Europe journey maker Route Day by day Where to stay Checklist + Add Make it your trip Start: Miami, United The Portuguese capital is understandably the most visited city in the country - and its never fails to disappoint. Its possible to reach Vigo by train from throughout northern Spain. 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. Flight leaves from Madrid (thats why I go there last). Arrive to Lugo. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Construction lasted for over two centuries and the building was eventually completed in 987. But it also misses a lot out. We certainly didn't see all there was to see in each place, but we saw and experienced enough to be very happy. Once inhabited by Romans, the Spanish city of Vigo is a coastal destination with a rich maritime history. We had a wonderful time in Spain, spending our 21-odd days in a number of places to really spain itinerary Andalusia, the region around Seville, deserves a road trip of its own. You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. And thats why we wrote one here. Please note that this bus isn't included in your Eurail Pass, and a one-way journey costs around15 - 20. The Spain and Portugal Tour - Spain Tours - 21 Days Guided From Granada to Barcelona you would need to fly. 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). Is Coimbra enjoyable? A temple for football worshipers, Camp Nou is the mythical stadium of the beloved FC Barcelona. I think Toledo is really great. It also has a burgeoning gastronomic scene. Take the Royal Chemists room filled with natural medicine cabinets, for example (you can check out the prescriptions the medics wrote to the members of the royal family.) Aranjuez became one of four seasonal seats of government. The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. I have been to Seville/Lisbon prior, thus the weighting towards Porto/Madrid. What is the driving guide for foreigners? The next stop on your 2-day Porto itinerary, Igreja do Carmo, consists of two buildings connected through a very small home. (*) This tour might be a combination of different programs. There are four daily trains between Cadiz and Granada that connect in Dos Hermanas. Toledo is one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage sitesin Spain. You can do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. Afternoon free to explore the wonders that the city has to offer. A road trip through Asturias reveals magical mountains and delicious food, and the coast of Galicia can keep you entertained as well. Copyright Ken and Karen's Travels 2023 | Design by, Chapel of S. Gregrio and Nossa Senhora da Piedade. Accommodation. WebTop Spain and Portugal Tours & Vacations 2022-2023 Trending Machu Picchu Angkor Wat Danube River Mt. Even with 21 days, you'll find that gets eaten up very quickly. one or two weeks driving around Andalusia in southern Spain, Spain in one week: an itinerary for your first time in Spain, How to plan a road trip through Andalucia, Galicia: how to travel through the salty north of Spain. Malaga is also the birthplace of Picasso, with a museum dedicated to the artist, and an extremely lively town offering tapas and nightlife galore. The Madrid part of my trip is quite large now. After creating an account, you'll be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour. The Madrid of the Bourbons and the complex town planning schemes of Charles III, the Royal Palace, Cibeles and Neptuno Fountains and the Puerta de Alcal. 1. Spain spain itinerary The Convent of Christ is not just one monument, but instead it comprises the Castle, the Convent, the national wood known as Mata dos Sete Montes, the hermitage Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceio, and the aqueduct of Peges. Chiado is elegant and bohemian, with gorgeous cafes and theatres, whilst Bairro Alto is famous for its great fado restaurants and graffiti art. Somebody else may have caught this already, but how are you planning on traveling from place to place?