Just before we say goodbye to Portugual, we will stop in Evora for the another visit to an UNESCO World Heritage Site. On this grand tour of Spain, well visit northern sites among them world famous Santiago de Compostela. There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately one hour. Once inhabited by Romans, the Spanish city of Vigo is a coastal destination with a rich maritime history. 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 In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 A post shared by Hakan M (@hakan.mhmd) on May 8, 2020 at 11:12am PDT. Optional Flamenco tour. 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. Do not miss the highlights: the galleries dedicated to El Greco and the extended Goya collection. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83942978', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Barcelona. . The second most beautiful palace in Sevilla, Casa del Pilatos, was inspired by Pontius Pilates house in Jerusalem. Planning on spending Xmas in Seville. I spent Christmas solo in Madrid a couple of years ago. Chiado is elegant and bohemian, with gorgeous cafes and theatres, whilst Bairro Alto is famous for its great fado restaurants and graffiti art. 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. And whats not to like about them? Enjoy some free time. (From San Sebastian we did a day-trip to Bilbao, from Madrid to Toledo, from Seville to Cordoba, and from Barcelona to Figueres.) 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. Many noble families settled here beginning in the 11th century and the town became known as Avila de los Caballeros (Avila of the Nobles). What personal identification should I carry in Spain? A post shared by Vigo (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT. For a picturesque view and more affordable prices, you can book a room in Barrio Santa Cruz we recommend H10 Casa de la Plata. Accommodation at the hotel. 2. Webone month in spain itinerary. Then certainly a big city like Madrid and its surounding towns could fill 4-5 We were able to visit Salamanca, Spain just across the border as well. Besides the dramatic views, it is a place of fun, housing an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. Mixture of plane/train/bus. San Sebastian and northwestern Spain could be another region. Spend one day walking the neighborhoods of the historic Lisbon Center, one day in the Belam area, and one day in Sintra. Book lovers will be delighted to discover the impressive number of novels, poetry books, scientific and historic treatises and so on, all gathered in what seems to be a readers paradise. 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. Am I missing anything in Portugal? Very near Madrid is Segovia - fantastic ancient Roman aqueduct, and a lively social town. This itinerary starts in Madrid, continues to two big cities in Portugal, and returns to Spain for more splendid destinations full of history and colour. The river cruises start at Portos Ribeira pier and can last from a few hours to a whole day. Many describe Spain and Portugal as some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. 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. Its possible to reach Vigo by train from throughout northern Spain. We'll be self-guided, relying on the train network. The food in Lisbon is simply divine, and there are plenty of restaurants cooking it to perfection. We recommend using public transportation, as the streets are quite busy for a rental car. Stroll around these picturesque neighbourhoods. Reach Valencia one of the main capitals of the Mediterranean coast with its modern Arts and Sciences Architectural Complex integrated by six elements: Hemispheric, Umbral, Science Museum, Oceanographic, Palau de les Arts and gora. It also has a burgeoning gastronomic scene. Our ideal itinerary is Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Maderia Island and Lisbon. Save. Coimbra, Portugal 4. Update: This hotel is now called the Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel. We admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. (*) The Madrid tour might not be operating, it will be replaced by the Madrid Hop-on Hop-off Bus 1 day(*) During stay in Madrid tour escort service is not available. Toledo is one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage sitesin Spain. Its the perfect place to sip on a lemonade or tinto de verano and watch a flamenco performance on one of the lively terraces. 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 And elsewhere, enjoy the bodegas and boutique shops which have sprung up around this lively part of the city. Have you already been there? Thinking about this itinerary. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Copyright Silver Footprint Ltd 2023. Accommodation at the hotel. Still in the City but to the West of the historic center is the Belam neighborhood. 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? The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. Vigo, Spain 2. What are typical Spanish sweets and desserts? Sintra is a picturesque town that boasts extravagant palaces, ancient castles and stunning scenery and lies only 25km from Lisbon. Porto is wonderful, we spent three days there (loved the B&B called The InPatio Guesthouse- book early). It it the second UNESCO World Heritage Site visited on this itinerary. Throughout the early medieval period, Avila alternated between Moorish and Christian rule until the Reconquest by Alfonso VI in 1085. Today in another driving day as we motor along from Seville to Granada traveling 206 miles in 5 hours through los pueblos blancos. But I know that it can seem overwhelming when youre sitting down to plan out an itinerary for the first time. 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. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. We leave for the Portuguese border and then continue via Viana do Castelo, city located between the mouth of the river Mio and Porto, arrive to Porto. Arrive to Lugo. Only 73 km from Madrid, Toledo is the former capital and something of a museum city reflecting the Jewish, Muslim, and Christian heritage of the people who built it. Probably the only plane is from Porto > Seville. You have already subscribed to this newsletter! Does this seem achievable in terms of rail connections? After breakfast we end the Spain and Portugal tour and transfer to the airport. 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. I was afraid I wouldn't know what to do on christmas and new years day if the museums and castles are closed. Porto is famous for its tapas, fish, meats, pastel de nata, and wine. 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. It was established around the time Philip II of Spain moved the capital from Toledo to Madrid. Learn More. 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. We realize Spain/Portugal combined is a big area & you cannot do it justice in Thirty days,so we are looking at driving the middle /southern regions. After the Moors captured Crdoba in 711, what had previously been a Visigoth Christian church was split in two. 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.. 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. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. At only 39 km from Barcelona, this town is fully surrounded by nature and has a charming historic quarter. 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 Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. Skipping Douro, due to going solo. Probably the second most important museum in Spain after the Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville sits in an old monastery building. My work is closed from Christmas through New years day. Our final stop is Madrid where we will spend 7 nights and 6 days. Departure towards one of the most marvelous areas of Galicia, the Rias Bajas (Spanish Fjords). Great ill add Segovia (hadn't heard of it), and probably spend a couple nights in Toledo. Pick a hotel close to the centre to access the main attractions on foot. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. I probably will not change my travel dates but my trip to Spain is in the first 2 weeks of October. 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 We will approach Mount Igueldo, to contemplate the marvelous views of the city and then proceed towards Bilbao. I would highly recommend booking a guide to help you understand and focus. 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. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. Best of all, they sit next to each other, so you can easily create an amazing Spain and Portugal itinerary and see all the best places in one trip. Also, book in advance, as tickets to the Sagrada Familia quickly become sold out. All rights reserved. Tasty and well-heeled, this much loved madrileo market sells fresh produce and tasty snacks, everything from pastry to charcuterie, Venezuelan corn, and vermouth. I remember Ronda and its stunning views and gorge as a highlight of the my way Spain tour 2017. Today, its a museum. We also recommend LAntic Bocoi del Gotic if you want to try a Barcelona fish speciality. On your second day in Lisbon, leave the city centre and visit the Belem district at the mouth of the river Tagus. SLEEPN Atocha and Petit Palace Triball come highly recommended. I hope that our experiences can help others with their planning. Next to So Jorge Castle, you will find the Alfama district with its massive cathedral, the St. Vincent Monastery, and the National Pantheon. 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. Cordoba was Spains capital during Roman and Moorish times. The next stop on your 2-day Porto itinerary, Igreja do Carmo, consists of two buildings connected through a very small home. Construction lasted for over two centuries and the building was eventually completed in 987. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. This is the oldest part of the city, thronging with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and street artists and musicians. When the city was reclaimed by Christians in 1236, the mosque was converted into a church. vilas old city, surrounded by imposing city walls comprising eight monumental gates, 88 watchtowers and more than 2500 turrets, is one of the best-preserved medieval bastions in Spain. 3. Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you have more time, consider extending your trip to visit other top destinations in Portugal. Barcelona left its mark on Gaudi, and Gaudi left his mark on the city. It is the work of the famous Antonio Gaudi, and like no religious building youve ever seen. Step by the Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla to learn more about their tragic history. Today is going to be a long day in the car as we leave Lisbon and head to Sevilla. Hi, all. The rest train or bus (whichever is cheapest). The tour used Su Casa en Ronda which treats its guests as well as any hotel I've ever been. Find out more fun facts about Madrid here. What is the history of architecture in Spain? Sveavgen 46, 111 34 Stockholm. It has a huge historic area, some lovely mudejar buildings and a great cathedral. 21 day cultural, religious and historic sites tour through Madrid, Porto, Ftima and 17 other destinations in 4 different countries. Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the Alhambra one of the most celebrated attractions in Europe. Before we head back to Madrid we will spend a night in Cordoba. Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too. 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. The intention is fly into & out of Barcelona. Best things to do in Salamanca, Albufeira, Funchal, Maspalomas, Puerto Del Carmen, Ibiza Town, Formentera, and Alcudia are: Zoomarine Algarve, Plaza SPRING SALE: Get 10% off Passes until March 21. Accommodation at the hotel. For more about what to eat in Lisbon, check out our Lisbon food guide here. Admire the XIX C. works such as Prado Museum. One of the best ways to discover the main attractions in Madrid is to take a tour with a local guide. Does this cover a wide selection of what Spain / Portugal have to offer and are famous for? Depending on the train, the journey takes between 1 hour 30 mins and 2 hours. 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. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the wonderful city of Granada. Below, weve created a 10-day itinerary that takes in Portugals main cities, historical sites, and idyllic beaches at a modest pace. The Madrid part of my trip is quite large now. Next to the park, you will find the Plaza de Espaa, a grand affair built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition. A huge art hub, the Prado houses over 8,600 paintings, so whatever you do, dont plan on seeing them all. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. The style of wines produced in the Douro range from light, Bordeaux style claret to rich Burgundian style wines aged in new oak. 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. 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. Best Spanish beach resorts for families?Open to suggestions. Accommodation. On this 10 Night Spain Intensive sailing, the ship will visit a total of 10 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. It is the first destination on your 14-day itinerary, and you have 3 days to explore its attractions and surroundings. Explore Spain and Portugal and experience the vibrant cities, sites, and culture of the Iberian Peninsula. 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. Don't forget that many, if not most, places will be closed for much, if not all, of the 24th and 25th. A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto) on Aug 25, 2017 at 1:21pm PDT. Travel Nov 01 - Nov 21. 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. You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. I have done Lisbon/Sintra prior (that's why im skipping Sintra). A post shared by (@sergiopayan_oficial) on May 11, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT. If you can spare one more day, take a short trip to the nearby spots of Sintra or Cascais. This complex was built at the beginning of the 19th century to serve as a garden city for nursing the sick. Spend the evening in the dreamy Ribeira neighbourhood, discovering the historic centre and admiring the sunset from the Dom Louis I Bridge which connects the two banks of the Douro River. Sounds like I should do Ronda! Today its old quarter and famous Mezquita (mosque) are one of Spains most beautiful remnants from the Moorish era. Choose from 27 trips Theres so much to see in Spain and Portugal that youll probably need months or even years to explore everything. Lots of shops and restaurants and sunny beaches make this place worth visiting. Accommodation. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Valencia is also the home of the internationally well renowned and delicious Paella, Accommodation at the hotel. Several years ago, as were discussing trips to queue up, we added Spain and Portugal to our list. Snap a picture of the only statue in the world dedicated to the devil, the Fallen Angel, which sits at 666 meters above sea level, and check out the rare plants in the botanical garden. The third largest cathedral in the world, The Barrio of Santa Cruz with its narrow streets. Accommodation at the hotel. 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! A day trip from Madrid even better. 10 Day Portugal Tour. Accommodation. 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. And they use the same railway station so changing is simple. Spain and Portugal Itinerary Highlights of the Trip include: Exploring Madrid and Lisbon, the capitals of Spain and Portugal Hiking El Camino de Santiago, a legendary excursion Discovering Peneda-Gers National Park, the only national park in Portugal Hanging out with wild monkeys at the Rock of Gibraltar 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. At night possibility to attend the procession of the candles. Barcelona, Spain Barcelona is a great place to start your Spain and Portugal itinerary. The structure has more than 3,000 rooms, some with special themes. The Montjuc Park with spectacular views of the city, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. It used to be a convent, with one building housing the nuns and the other the monks of the Carmelite Order in Porto. 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. 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. The Royal Palace was the spring residence for the monarchs from the 16th to the mid-19th century. 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. The ultimate journey through two of Europes most fascinating & diverse countries has to offer! 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. See culture, outdoors, beaches, museums, and shopping. If time permits, this is a great day to visit Palace of Ajuda, the official royal house in the second half of the 19th century. Do you have any better recommendations of how to spread the days? So many potential places in Spain, and youve got some fantastic places listed. 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 > 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 ? This drive will take between 6 and 7 hours to cover the 275 miles and will cross the international border. Afternoon free to explore the wonders that the city has to offer. Since youve been to Seville before, could some or all of those 3 days go for other places? 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 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. 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. But the Rossio, Chiado and Cais do Sodre are close to the biggest attractions as well. You are right about museums being closedusually its just a day or two around the holidays, but it's possible Spain shuts down longer. It has an overall bohemian vibe and used to be a meeting point for poets and artists at the end of the 19th century. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . Instead, try to connect to the general vibe. 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. Heres a taste: El Greco, Velsquez, Zurbarn, and Murillo. See also our fun guide on unusual things to do in Porto. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 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. Rest of day at leisure. How can I find more about Jewish history in Spain? Valencia seems out off route logistically, it would be better to go there after Barcelona before Madrid, train connection between Granada and Valencia is very tricky. Highlights. Toll Free : 1-800-770-7148 This historic university still gives it a youthful charm, and the medieval buildings make it one of Portugals most architecturally beautiful destinations. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. WebItinerary in short Cities visited on this trip: 1. Follow it as it is or adapt it to your budget and interests and have a fabulous time! 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. The star is the Baroque loggia, lovely decorated with azulejos. A post shared by Sevilla Lens (@sevilla_lens) on May 3, 2020 at 12:48pm PDT. Its said to have inspired Harry Potter. And its the closest city to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Alhambra, a masterpiece of a Moorish palace and a symbol of defeat and despair. There are no train routes between Portugal and Spain in the south. Spain is a mix of several different nations (Castilla, Leon, Navarra, Pais Basco, Catalunya) which created one country only in 1715. Therefore, as you can see, Portugal is much older than Spain. Your question relies on the premise that Portugal and Spain were ever together and that premise is false. 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. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. 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. It is also famous for its fresh fish and shellfish, so you are in for a feast. Continue to Covadonga, where you will have free time to see the Sanctuary and the Grotto where you will see the patroness of Asturias our Lady of Covadonga. This area of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By this time, Crdoba had become the most important city in the Islamic Kingdom. What is the driving guide for foreigners? Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the Tower of Hercules dating back from the roman period. 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. Tomar was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. 18th Apr 2022 - 11 Nights - Britannia. It requires a car for the first 18 days as we travel through the country exploring the many cities and towns. 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. WebDiscover a varied offer of Portugal and Spain budget adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Madrid and Lisbon. 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. See this Alhambra quote Do not weep like a woman, Beach lovers should head to Malaga for a relaxing day in the sun. 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. Accommodation. We're in our 60s but pretty fit. 9 ni When it was built, it completely broke with the conventions of the time. Good luck! As soon as you arrive, head to the city centre to discover one of its most famous sites.
