spain and portugal itinerary 21 days spain and portugal itinerary 21 days

Top Tip: Dont forget about travel insurance. A huge art hub, the Prado houses over 8,600 paintings, so whatever you do, dont plan on seeing them all. It was here that Columbus applied for funding for his voyage to India and here, too, where the Game of Thrones filmed their palace in the Kingdom of Dorne. Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. We recommend using public transportation, as the streets are quite busy for a rental car. Hi, all. This riverfront city is rich in history, owing to its previous status as capital of Portugal. Only by St Pauls Cathedral in London and St Peters Basilica in Rome surpasses this monumental building in size. The S do Porto is the oldest cathedral in the city, built in the 12th century and expanded over the centuries. Cross the border and stop in Porto, a magically romantic city famous for its harbour and wines. I have heard many people love Portugal more than Spain. Today, its a museum. This shows through in the classic architecture, quaint eateries and quiet, winding alleyways. Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the Alhambra one of the most celebrated attractions in Europe. If you are not a big football fan, you can skip Camp Nou and head to Tibidado, a 520-meter mountain. The next stop on your 2-day Porto itinerary, Igreja do Carmo, consists of two buildings connected through a very small home. {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}}, {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}}. Flight leaves from Madrid (thats why I go there last). Batalha Monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Start your second day in Barcelona at Casa Batll, another famous Gaudi masterpiece built between 1904 and 1906. I realize it's at (modest) altitude and will be chillier than your other Andalucian stops in December/January. . 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. Yes I have been to Granada and enjoyed it. All rights reserved. Leave the grand buildings behind and wander through Sevilles most tight-streeted neighbourhood, the former Jewish Quarter in the city. The structure has more than 3,000 rooms, some with special themes. Theres so much to see in Spain and Portugal that youll probably need months or even years to explore everything. Sintra is a picturesque town that boasts extravagant palaces, ancient castles and stunning scenery and lies only 25km from Lisbon. 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. Drive to the Galician region. On one of your three days in Barcelona, visit Costa Brava or Sitges for a more small-town vibe. Our ideal itinerary is Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Maderia Island and Lisbon. Next to So Jorge Castle, you will find the Alfama district with its massive cathedral, the St. Vincent Monastery, and the National Pantheon. I spent Christmas solo in Madrid a couple of years ago. And a beautiful one it is too. I don't know the backstory on this change. 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. Many noble families settled here beginning in the 11th century and the town became known as Avila de los Caballeros (Avila of the Nobles). I'm glad it worked out for you. It has a huge historic area, some lovely mudejar buildings and a great cathedral. On the 23rd (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at, Copyright 2005-2023 Klarna Bank AB (publ). Arrive to Lugo. Enjoy a coastal hike on Spain's northern Costa Brava. You have already subscribed to this newsletter! Accommodation at the hotel. I certainly wouldn't peel off time from any of your other destinations in order to add Valencia. 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. 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. Food writers say that the best octopus in town is served at Frade dos Mares, and Floresta Das Escadinhas is genius when it comes to ribs. At 07:30 hrs we leave for Caceres considered as World Heritage place because of the citys blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. 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. 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 I loved Seville last visit - and only skipping Granada due to having been, and solo it wasn't the best. There are several daily InterCity trains between Lisbon and Faro that take about 3.5 hours. Don't miss the Prado Museum in Madrid. Day 2 + 3: Explore San Sebastin. The journey takes 2 hours 22 minutes. 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. In the 16th century Charles V added a Renaissance nave on top of the Moorish structure. The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. The rest train or bus (whichever is cheapest). I would recommend focussing on 3-4 cities/regions and really exploring them more at leisure. So, dont rush your first day in the city. Depending on the train, the journey takes between 1 hour 30 mins and 2 hours. See this Alhambra quote Do not weep like a woman, Beach lovers should head to Malaga for a relaxing day in the sun. A post shared by Vigo (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. This is the place from where many Portuguese explorers set sail to other parts of the world, returning with incredible riches. Coimbra, Portugal 4. Rest of day at leisure. Today, take a walking tour to visit the Castle, many churches and cathedrals, and neighborhoods. At only 39 km from Barcelona, this town is fully surrounded by nature and has a charming historic quarter. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187493-i384-k10462756-BennyMalaga_s_Tips_for_Salamanca-Salamanca_Province_of_Salamanca_Castile_and_Leon.html. 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. Learn More. 2. And elsewhere, enjoy the bodegas and boutique shops which have sprung up around this lively part of the city. This is the oldest part of the city, thronging with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and street artists and musicians. It has a rich history and the city packed with innumerable monuments. Afternoon is for you to keep on discovering this city full attractive offers as well as exquisite and varied gastronomy. Aurora. 21 days Portugal/Spain Jump to bottom Posted by hexodeci on 05/24/21 01:10 PM Dec 16 - Jan 5th .21 days Lisbon 3 > Obidos 1 > Coimbra 2 > Porto 4 > WebCall us 24 hours, 7 days 1300 88 99 00 Spain, Portugal & Morocco 2023: 21-Day Tour with Douro River Cruise, Flamenco Show & Guided City Tours From A$3,999/person Twin room Check Availability Overview Overview Itinerary Itinerary Highlights & inclusions Highlights & inclusions Dates & pricing Dates & pricing Things to know Things to know Heres a taste: El Greco, Velsquez, Zurbarn, and Murillo. Web10 Night Spain Intensive from Lisbon, Portugal The September 11, 2024 cruise on the Azamara Quest departs from Lisbon, Portugal. Spend one day walking the neighborhoods of the historic Lisbon Center, one day in the Belam area, and one day in Sintra. Valencia's a worthwhile destination, but so are Malaga, Cadiz and other places in Andalucia. Do I need a International Driving Permit to drive a hire car? It used to be a convent, with one building housing the nuns and the other the monks of the Carmelite Order in Porto. A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto) on Aug 25, 2017 at 1:21pm PDT. Proceed to the old fishing village Castro Urdiales. Aranjuez became one of four seasonal seats of government. Portugal will consume at least 6-10 days. A masterpiece of azulejo art, the palace-like Sao Bento Train Station unravels its imposing faade just a few steps from the Cathedral of Porto. You will immediately recognise its impressive exterior covered in the popular blue and white azulejos depicting different religious episodes like the death of Saint Francis of Assisi or the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. 10 Day Portugal Tour. If you have more time, consider extending your trip to visit other top destinations in Portugal. The Royal Palace in Madrid was inspired by Berninis sketches for the Louvre, rejected in France but put to good work in Spain, where this architectural jewel was built. It will take several hours to see it all, along with the small museum inside, so try to be there early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Contemporary Madrid with areas such as Gran Va, Castellana, the district of Salamanca, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste, as well as commercial and financial areas of Modern Madrid, the emblematic Las Ventas Bullring and the Santiago Bernabu Football Stadium. Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. 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. But I know that it can seem overwhelming when youre sitting down to plan out an itinerary for the first time. More Ideas for Your Spain and Portugal Itinerary. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Choose Invicta if you crave fish or langoustines plucked fresh from the ocean. Great ill add Segovia (hadn't heard of it), and probably spend a couple nights in Toledo. Do you have any better recommendations of how to spread the days? The center of Spain is 1 hour ahead of Portugal. PLEASE NOTE: Spain may span multiple time zones. We are using the Europe/Madrid time zone. For more accuracy, choose specific cities for each location. For example, compare Portugal to Madrid, Spain with Portugal to Las Palmas, Spain. The best way to visit the basilica is to take a walking tour with a local guide who will give you more information on Gaudis vision and the history of the place. 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 ? Ronda is one of Rick Steves back doors of Europe. With comprehensive rail networks and easy international rail links in the north, theres no reason why you shouldnt follow this Spain and Portugal itinerary for the ultimate Iberian adventure. Accommodation. 21 Day Spain & Portugal. In addition visiting Alhambra, in Granada, we will step back in time, winding through the ascending cobblestone streets of Albayzin. Visit the world famous Alhambra complex and Generalife Gardens that have inspired several authors with its sound and sights, such as the Tales of the Alhambra by W. Irving. Free time. For a picturesque view and more affordable prices, you can book a room in Barrio Santa Cruz we recommend H10 Casa de la Plata. My wife & I are looking to travel around Spain & Portugal for 30 days this Christmas. Accommodation. Panoramic city tour of this marvel style bourgeois city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha beach. It is the first destination on your 14-day itinerary, and you have 3 days to explore its attractions and surroundings. This Portuguese city is an unmissable part of any Spain and Portugal itinerary. We certainly didn't see all there was to see in each place, but we saw and experienced enough to be very happy. Choose from 27 trips Trip customizable. The balance of the day at your leisure. My work is closed from Christmas through New years day. It includes a large number of gardens and monuments spread across 125 hectares. Marvel at the gothic-modernist architecture in Barcelona. 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 Today we start with a morning city tour of this bright city including a drive through the old city showing the most prominent buildings, we will then be driven past the old riverbed of the Turia to the most avant-garde complex Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias to watch the emblematic exteriors of the six buildings. The Royal Palace was the spring residence for the monarchs from the 16th to the mid-19th century. 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 On this grand tour of Spain, well visit northern sites among them world famous Santiago de Compostela. Don't need a full day at Obidos, it is a must see town with ancient Roman wall, but 3-4 hours are enough. Personally, rather than sandwich Toledo between two visits in Madrid, I'd save one unpacking by putting Toledo straight after Cordoba. It is the work of the famous Antonio Gaudi, and like no religious building youve ever seen. Her joy lies in the tumbling ruins and steep streets, her shareable food and her people far more than her checklist of sights. 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. Since youve been to Seville before, could some or all of those 3 days go for other places? You only have one day to explore the city, if you choose to do a day trip on the next one, so you will need to concentrate on the big attractions only. Probably the second most important museum in Spain after the Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville sits in an old monastery building. Very near Madrid is Segovia - fantastic ancient Roman aqueduct, and a lively social town. Toledo is one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage sitesin Spain. It is better to visit in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October) when the weather is still warm, the crowds are smaller, and the hotel prices are that bit lower. 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 A day trip from Madrid even better. Continuation to La Corua. It is once again a beach destination that attracts sun worshippers every year. Lisbon 3 > Obidos 1 > Coimbra 2 > Porto 4 > Seville 3 > Cordoba 3 > Madrid 4 > Toledo 1 > Madrid 1. What are typical Spanish sweets and desserts? Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step. The ultimate journey through two of Europes most fascinating & diverse countries has to offer! 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. A post shared by Hakan M (@hakan.mhmd) on May 8, 2020 at 11:12am PDT. It is definitely beautiful. Vigo, Spain 2. 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. What is the driving guide for foreigners? Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. After several months of research, we developed this Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days that is round trip from Madrid. Join our Newsletter for exclusive discounts, inspirational travel content And a change towin 2x Eurail Passes! The star is the Baroque loggia, lovely decorated with azulejos. AARP SAVE $100 on select vacations. There are medieval walls, gleaming Baroque churches, the compact streets of the Ribeira district, the Romanesque Cathedral and much, much, more to see in Porto. An early afternoon departure northward all along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. The narrow house between them was built to help preserve the chastity of the nuns and the monks vow of celibacy. 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. Some of the top attractions to visit in the 2 evenings and full day include: The town is said to have an almost magical ambiance, as the edifices made of Villamayor stone seem to glow a golden hue in the sunlight, and by night, the buildings are beautifully illuminated. A university city located 214 km from Madrid, Salamanca has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list due to its splendid cathedral, the Monterrey Palace, and huge Plaza Mayor. how best to spend 21 days in Spain & Portugal, Re: how best to spend 21 days in Spain & Portugal, Get answers to your questions about Spain. But it also misses a lot out. Inside the Travel Lab is described by National Geographic Traveler as Essential Reading and Lonely Planet as one of the best travel blogs in the world.. Even with 21 days, you'll find that gets eaten up very quickly. WebDay 2: Lisbon. After breakfast at the hotel start driving looking for the Mediterranean coast. I'll be at hostels over Xmas/NYE so I'm hoping it should be fine socially (usually is). 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. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 The bulk of the tourists don't venture far beyond the path between Zocodover Square and the cathedral. 21 day cultural, religious and historic sites tour through Madrid, Porto, Ftima and 17 other destinations in 4 different countries. After the Moors captured Crdoba in 711, what had previously been a Visigoth Christian church was split in two. Have not been in Leon and can't comment, for Salamanca 2 nights would be sufficient. Skipping Douro, due to going solo. 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. You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. How Many Days Do You Need for a Spain & Portugal Trip? We will approach Mount Igueldo, to contemplate the marvelous views of the city and then proceed towards Bilbao. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and get the feel of the student atmosphere. We spend the final 7 days in Madrid with several day trips via train. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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.). 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. Accommodation at the hotel. This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity. 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. Accommodation at the hotel. Could be worth your time. The Roman Temple of Evora, standing in the middle of the historic town, is one of its most significant landmarks, along with the Cathedral of Evora and Church of the Lios. Lisbon 3 days is a minimum, also consider an portion of a day in Sintra. It has a wonderful observation deck that reveals the views over Baixa. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. However, if you dont have time for that, you can arrange for some absolutely spectacular day trips to three of the souths big hitters: Cordoba, Granada, or Malaga. Then certainly a big city like Madrid and its surounding towns could fill 4-5 Planning on spending Xmas in Seville. I would consider skipping Lisbon and adding those days to the places I mentioned. Each affordable tour will provide you with great experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. We love art and scenery, experiencing the local culture, some history, churches and gardens. Coimbra has one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. The geometric patterns give away its youth: it was first part of a mosque which once stood upon this land. Past two years I've been in Mexico over NYE and it was great. Instead, Id recommend looking at some of the sleek, fast trains and hiring a car in a few places for a great Iberian road trip. 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. Fly to Arrecife, Bus to Puerto Del Carmen, Reserva Natural Especial de Las Dunas de Maspalomas, Alcdia is a municipality and township of the Spanish autonomous community of the Balearic Islands. Take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered World Heritage city. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. Ispal Restaurante is one of the most popular places in town, and you will have a lovely time here, but if you want a royal experience, try the Michelin-starred Restaurante Az-Zait. Free time to stroll through this elegant city. What personal identification should I carry in Spain? Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too. The style of wines produced in the Douro range from light, Bordeaux style claret to rich Burgundian style wines aged in new oak. [emailprotected]. Transfer to bus terminal, located in the underground parking of the Plaza de Oriente. Drive through the courtesan district of the Hapsburgs characterized by Phillip II and its Renaissance and Baroque style buildings, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Due to seasonality, and taxes Then we transfer you to the hotel. Shop the sale now . Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazar. Porto is famous for its tapas, fish, meats, pastel de nata, and wine. When Is the Best Time to Visit Spain & Portugal? 10 Day Portugal Tour. Don't forget that many, if not most, places will be closed for much, if not all, of the 24th and 25th. Still in the City but to the West of the historic center is the Belam neighborhood. As you can see, this Portugal and Spain itinerary takes in a lot in two weeks. 5 years ago. From Granada to Barcelona you would need to fly. It combines the Romanesque style with Baroque and Gothic influences and is designed more like a fortress with massive walls. There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately one hour. 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. Step out of the Royal Palace and enter the grand Catedral del la Almudena, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. 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. But the Rossio, Chiado and Cais do Sodre are close to the biggest attractions as well. Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the Is Coimbra enjoyable? 3 days: Madrid and Toledo6 days, add: Barcelona10 days, add: Sevilla, Granada13 days, add: Nerja, Ronda, Tangier (Morocco)15 days, add: Salamanca, Segovia17 days, add: Santiago de Compostela21 days, add: Basque Region (San Sebastin and Bilbao)25 days, add: Camino de Santiago (by car) Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. And it has been since 1882. Discover historic Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto. You can wander off on your own and imagine it's the Middle Ages. 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. You are missing Barcelona and Granada, but perhaps you don't have time. 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. If youve got a good pair of lungs, climb the stairs to the dome for a splendid view of the city. It combines the Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Mudjar styles in an architectural masterpiece decorated with marble columns, azulejos, and flowers. I feel that we spent just the right amount of time in each place, including side-trips. Its the perfect place to sip on a lemonade or tinto de verano and watch a flamenco performance on one of the lively terraces. Andalusia, the region around Seville, deserves a road trip of its own. Best Spanish beach resorts for families?Open to suggestions. Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Portugal and Spain tour with TourRadar. Afterwards, continue on towards Crdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. See also our fun guide on unusual things to do in Porto. I have done Lisbon/Sintra prior (that's why im skipping Sintra). Find out more fun facts about Madrid here. Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. Crossing the scenic Rias Bajas region well view two of Europes oldest universities in Salamanca and Coimbra. This was then used by both Christians and Muslims as a place of worship. It also has a burgeoning gastronomic scene. 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. The Douro Valley has been devoted on the vineyards for centuries. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. It covers some Spain's big sights of course, but for Portugal it's only the capital you are aiming to visit. Today its old quarter and famous Mezquita (mosque) are one of Spains most beautiful remnants from the Moorish era. Alternatively, Prados website suggests three itineraries that can help you find your way. 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).