Seville, Spain 7. Past two years I've been in Mexico over NYE and it was great. 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. Stop by the Lisbon Cathedral to see where St Anthony was baptised. At only 39 km from Barcelona, this town is fully surrounded by nature and has a charming historic quarter. We love art and scenery, experiencing the local culture, some history, churches and gardens. We aren't into rushing around for the whole day, and prefer spending at least 2 nights in any city. Accommodation. Rest of day at leisure. Its possible to reach Vigo by train from throughout northern Spain. Do you have any better recommendations of how to spread the days? The S do Porto is the oldest cathedral in the city, built in the 12th century and expanded over the centuries. It's also home to the famed University of Coimbra. Portugal will consume at least 6-10 days. Also, recommend a day trip from Madrid to Segovia to see the ancient Roman aqueduct that was still in service until the second half of the 20th Century. You could do it as a long day trip from Seville or Cordoba, but sleeping there one night is better. Santillana is one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. 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 best place to buy yourself a nice FC Barcelona souvenir. Created by a user from Egypt. We will take an indirect route though the Douro Valley Wine Region that produces grapes and wine, much of which eventually become fortified Port Wine. Spend a moment of peace in its beautiful forecourt and then head inside to admire its baroque interior. Panoramic city tour of this marvel style bourgeois city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha beach. Explore Spain and Portugal and experience the vibrant cities, sites, and culture of the Iberian Peninsula. The 135 mile drive should take less than 2.5 hours After a nap from the long flight, we will start exploring. Sevilla is home to lots of upscale restaurants where you can try divine dishes in a gorgeous venue, often decorated with plants and small trees. It combines the Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Mudjar styles in an architectural masterpiece decorated with marble columns, azulejos, and flowers. 10 Day Portugal Tour. 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) Cordoba was Spains capital during Roman and Moorish times. It requires a car for the first 18 days as we travel through the country exploring the many cities and towns. Granada also offers beautiful views of Alhambra from the Mirador San Nicolas. This is the place from where many Portuguese explorers set sail to other parts of the world, returning with incredible riches. This is what actually tells the stories of the confluence of these cultures which resulted from repeated conquests. It is an oasis of peace in the middle of the town, providing a sweet relief for locals and tourists alike during the summer. Accommodation. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Last edited by kja; Dec 26th, 2019 at 05:28 PM . Is Coimbra enjoyable? 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. WebSpain and Portugal Tours. I love Seville and Madrid, but if you've been there before, I agree that you might want to spend some time elsewhere. 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. 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). Step by the Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla to learn more about their tragic history. Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to La Toja Island, universally known for its spa. 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 If you don't do the Douro valley, you won't need four nights in Porto. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. You have already subscribed to this newsletter! There are two direct InterCity trains between Vigo and Porto daily one at 08:58 AM and another at 07:56 PM. Admire the colourful faade and step in to visit the former residence of the Batll family bathed in light. You can wander off on your own and imagine it's the Middle Ages. The old city will be this trips third UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note the tour price reflected on the brochure is subject to change. Check out the famous clock thats the centre of attention on New Years Eve, when locals and tourists gather in the square to celebrate. Seville and Toledo are MUST SEE for Spain. Designed as a court town, only servants from the Royal household could reside in the town. 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. Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. Take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered World Heritage city. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a former Spanish royal residence located 50km south of Madrid in the town of Aranjuez. A post shared by Sevilla Lens (@sevilla_lens) on May 3, 2020 at 12:48pm PDT. Cadiz, Spain 8. Vigo, Spain 2. 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). Be sure to set your watch back one hour as Portugal is 1 hour behind Spain. Top things to see in Madrid (among many others) include: Toledo also presents a conundrum of Roman, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim architecture. Continuing via the white-washed village of Obidos we reach Lisbon, Portugals atmospheric capital, then crossing the peninsula to Andaluca, the land of toreadors and Moorish castles, we end our tour in the bustling cities of Valencia and Barcelona. 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. Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the Alhambra one of the most celebrated attractions in Europe. After the Moors captured Crdoba in 711, what had previously been a Visigoth Christian church was split in two. Shop the sale now . Day 1: Arrive in San Sebastin. So many more city breaks to enjoy. The geometric patterns give away its youth: it was first part of a mosque which once stood upon this land. Drive east through the Caliphate road to the heart of ANDALUSIA observing an endless number of olive trees on the way to Granada and its incredible and amazing monumental environment, last stronghold of the Moorish Kingdoms up to 1492. The Centro and La Latina areas are close to everything, including tapas bars and restaurants, and its easy to find a good stay here. Lisbon is set on 7 hills just like Rome we will be using the many trams, elevators, and funiculars to explore the city. There are regular direct daily trains from Coimbra to Lisbon. It combines the Romanesque style with Baroque and Gothic influences and is designed more like a fortress with massive walls. See this Alhambra quote Do not weep like a woman, Beach lovers should head to Malaga for a relaxing day in the sun. The total journey time is approximately 5 hours 30 minutes. I would consider skipping Lisbon and adding those days to the places I mentioned. The journey takes 2 hours 22 minutes. Aurora. Best things to do in Paris, Bayeux, Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, and Albufeira are: Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Parc Guell. Enjoy the best of the Iberian peninsula and get ready for your next trip. Barcelona and Gaudi are two inseparable entities. If youve got a good pair of lungs, climb the stairs to the dome for a splendid view of the city. If you fancy a steak, dont miss Casa Lucio its been sizzling since 1974. Construction lasted for over two centuries and the building was eventually completed in 987. Malaga is also the birthplace of Picasso, with a museum dedicated to the artist, and an extremely lively town offering tapas and nightlife galore. There are several daily InterCity trains between Lisbon and Faro that take about 3.5 hours. A post shared by Hakan M (@hakan.mhmd) on May 8, 2020 at 11:12am PDT. Everyone else stayed overnight in other villages and came to Aranjuez for the day. In the afternoon, stroll around this huge park, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Skipping Douro, due to going solo. 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. I'm glad it worked out for you. For an impressive show with music and lights, visit the magic fountain of Montjic in the evening. The balance of the day at your leisure. But even those who havent read a book in a while shouldnt miss this place for its exquisite neo-gothic faade and stunning interior. . All rights reserved. Good luck! The grandeur of the vestibule, along with its large glass ceiling, is simply fascinating. Instead, try to connect to the general vibe. 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. It covers some Spain's big sights of course, but for Portugal it's only the capital you are aiming to visit. Day 2 + 3: Explore San Sebastin. 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. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187493-i384-k10462756-BennyMalaga_s_Tips_for_Salamanca-Salamanca_Province_of_Salamanca_Castile_and_Leon.html In addition visiting Alhambra, in Granada, we will step back in time, winding through the ascending cobblestone streets of Albayzin. Probably the most photogenic building in Porto, the Chapel of Souls sits in the middle of the main shopping street. Please try again later. (*) This tour might be a combination of different programs. More Ideas for Your Spain and Portugal Itinerary. Error subscribing to the newsletter. Santiago de Compostela is declared World Heritage as it is one of the most important center of Christian Pilgrimages in Spain as the end of the Camino de Santiago route built during the Roman Empire. Before we head back to Madrid we will spend a night in Cordoba. Our ideal itinerary is Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Maderia Island and Lisbon. When you are visiting so many cities in a row, the chances of losing your luggage or experiencing a delay increase. You are missing Barcelona and Granada, but perhaps you don't have time. A road trip through Asturias reveals magical mountains and delicious food, and the coast of Galicia can keep you entertained 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. However, I'll note that the aforementioned Cuenca is on the AVE line between Madrid and Valencia. It has a rich history and the city packed with innumerable monuments. Free time and continue to the Ria de Arosa, passing through Pontevedra to arrive to Vigo, situated in the middle of the Rias Baixas. 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!) Next to So Jorge Castle, you will find the Alfama district with its massive cathedral, the St. Vincent Monastery, and the National Pantheon. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa The na, a Jewel of the Romanesque Architecture in Cantabria. We have 21 nights to spend on the Iberian peninsula, flying in and out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Spain and Portugal are ideal rail partners. The Montjuc Park with spectacular views of the city, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. It is definitely beautiful. Many describe Spain and Portugal as some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. How can I find more about Jewish history in Spain? The Centro-Baixa and Ribeira are the best areas to stay in Porto due to their proximity to the main attractions. I guess you would want to go to Toledo and Segovia or even El Escorial for day trips from Madrid and for that you have no time in your current plan. WebVisit Spain and Portugal. A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto) on Aug 25, 2017 at 1:21pm PDT. Lisbon, Portugal 5. Next on, the Royal Alczar of Seville is a spectacular palace with a lush garden and sumptuous decorations. 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. WebWhether you are looking for a 7-day tour plan for Spain, 10 days, 2 weeks, or even more, our extensive list of itineraries provides the perfect inspiration for your tour of Spain. (*) 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. Continue to the picturesque fishing town of Nazar. After arriving in Madrid, we will pick up our rental car and head west to Salamanca. Travel Nov 01 - Nov 21. Due to seasonality, and taxes When it was built, it completely broke with the conventions of the time. 21-day Portugal itineraries could include a few stops in Spain to plump out the itinerary, but rest assured this isnt mandatory as three weeks can easily be spent And it has been since 1882. Crossing the scenic Rias Bajas region well view two of Europes oldest universities in Salamanca and Coimbra. Afternoon free to explore the wonders that the city has to offer. 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. Web30 Days in Spain & Portugal - Potential itinerary. 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. We were able to visit Salamanca, Spain just across the border as well. We will explore its architecture including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and its famous Roman aqueduct. Optional Gipsy Flamenco show at Sacromonte quarter. 2 or 3 is good, but you can take the train up the Douro and stay at Regua or another of the river towns. Spend one day walking the neighborhoods of the historic Lisbon Center, one day in the Belam area, and one day in Sintra. Highlights. 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. Alternatively, Prados website suggests three itineraries that can help you find your way. One night is enough. We suggest Salamanca or Toledo. If you are not a big football fan, you can skip Camp Nou and head to Tibidado, a 520-meter mountain. Day 1: Lisbon Solar Do Castelo Hotel/Oyster The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a beautiful city, combining the charm of the old streets and churches with a more modern architectural vision. Today in another driving day as we motor along from Seville to Granada traveling 206 miles in 5 hours through los pueblos blancos. It's a major fishing port, so you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood. VIGO VIANA DO CASTELO PORTO, Vineyards & Cathedrals of Central Spain ES201. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. What are typical Spanish sweets and desserts? 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. There are four daily trains between Cadiz and Granada that connect in Dos Hermanas. 369 Holly Worton ~ Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone With Outdoor Adventures (now with downloadable 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. Just before we say goodbye to Portugual, we will stop in Evora for the another visit to an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step out of the Royal Palace and enter the grand Catedral del la Almudena, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. We spend 2 days and 3 nights in the historic mercantile city of Porto. Its said to have inspired Harry Potter. WebTop Spain and Portugal Tours & Vacations 2022-2023 Trending Machu Picchu Angkor Wat Danube River Mt. And a beautiful one it is too. 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. 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. I am a 37 year old / solo / social person. Thinking about this itinerary. Experience memorable scenic cruising, and visit Belfast, Cobh and the Isle of Man too. The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Granada is home to the Alhambra citadel which is one of the most famous buildings in Spain: a Moorish fortress with grand archways and delicate ornamental mosaics. 3. Could be worth your time. So, dont rush your first day in the city. We'll be self-guided, relying on the train network. The rest train or bus (whichever is cheapest). WebMarch 21, 2023: BROCHURE RATES - Stateroom Category IB: $1,780.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: ESCAPE TO SEA CRUISE ONLY - Stateroom Category BA: $1,879.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: ESCAPE TO SEA CRUISE ONLY - Stateroom Category SM: $2,069.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: BROCHURE RATES - Stateroom Category IR1: $2,080.00 (USD) March 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.) WebItinerary in short Cities visited on this trip: 1. These are tiny white villages some with impossibly long names . I would do Barcelona but have been and could skip. But if you have less time, you can skip Sintra or Cascais and head directly to Seville. For the best pastel de nata, Confeitaria do Bolho is your place. Afternoon at leisure for you to discover exclusive views, specific flavors of this active full of light city. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Hi, all. Webone month in spain itinerary. Free time. Faro lies in the far south, in Portugals Algarve region. Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the country, stroll along grand promenades of northern maritime cities and listen to the melodies of fiery Andalucan Flamenco! 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). Great ill add Segovia (hadn't heard of it), and probably spend a couple nights in Toledo. A temple for football worshipers, Camp Nou is the mythical stadium of the beloved FC Barcelona. An early afternoon departure northward all along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. more. San Sebastian and northwestern Spain could be another region. Check out Casa Lucas to try their famous black cannelloni, or take a seat at La Perjila for a plate of delicious tapas. 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. A post shared by Vigo (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT. Dating back to the 5th century, this huge castle sits on the summit of So Jorge hill, the highest point in Lisbon. 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.