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. Accommodation. 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. Do you have any better recommendations of how to spread the days? Other iconic buildings to visit here are the Oriente Station, the turtle-like Altice Arena, and the Portugal Pavilion. Personally, rather than sandwich Toledo between two visits in Madrid, I'd save one unpacking by putting Toledo straight after Cordoba. The intention is fly into & out of Barcelona. Last edited by kja; Dec 26th, 2019 at 05:28 PM . From my investigations, it seems like we could do a circuit of Barcelona (3 nights), Madrid (3 nights), Salamanca or Leon (3 nights), Lisbon (3 nights), Sevilla (3 nights), Cordoba en route to Granada (2 nights), Valencia (2 nights) and then back to Barcelona (2 nights). The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. 56 cheap Portugal And Spain vacation packages with 324 reviews View Map See this Alhambra quote Do not weep like a woman, Beach lovers should head to Malaga for a relaxing day in the sun. 1. I would do Barcelona but have been and could skip. Everyone else stayed overnight in other villages and came to Aranjuez for the day. There are regular direct daily trains from Coimbra to 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. It is also famous for its fresh fish and shellfish, so you are in for a feast. It combines the Gothic, Italian Renaissance, and Mudjar styles in an architectural masterpiece decorated with marble columns, azulejos, and flowers. 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. The river cruises start at Portos Ribeira pier and can last from a few hours to a whole day. The best neighbourhoods to book a room in Barcelona are Barri Gtic, La Rambla, and El Raval since they are close to the centre. I didn't pick Spain/Portugal due to Xmas, but because my work lets me off for a few weeks around that time. If we were to tour Sintra on foot and using the Tourist Bus, we would have to choose 2 or maybe 3 site to visit. Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. 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. 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. 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. 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. A post shared by Vigo (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT. Take a wine tour of the Douro River Valley in northern Portugal. You could do it as a long day trip from Seville or Cordoba, but sleeping there one night is better. 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 it the second UNESCO World Heritage Site visited on this itinerary. Admire the colourful faade and step in to visit the former residence of the Batll family bathed in light. 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). Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. Re: how best to spend 21 days in Spain & Portugal. You can also take a direct Alvia train from Madrid (Chamartin station), which takes just over 6 hours. Lisbon is an acquired taste. We admire the Cathedral, Stock Exchange building and Santa Clara church. 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. Today in another driving day as we motor along from Seville to Granada traveling 206 miles in 5 hours through los pueblos blancos. 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. An early afternoon departure northward all along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. Designed as a court town, only servants from the Royal household could reside in the town. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. It has a huge historic area, some lovely mudejar buildings and a great cathedral. I lived in Spain for years and frequently crossed the border into Portugal. Optional Gipsy Flamenco show at Sacromonte quarter. The structure has more than 3,000 rooms, some with special themes. The Centro-Baixa and Ribeira are the best areas to stay in Porto due to their proximity to the main attractions. After several months of research, we developed this Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days that is round trip from Madrid. Plus, the costs (and time) adds up travelling out and back to airports all the time. Yes I have been to Granada and enjoyed it. What is the driving guide for foreigners? You can also stay in Lavapis or Huertas for a more colourful and bohemian atmosphere. Do you think I am making a mistake by not going to Spain I the last 2 weeks of December? Best things to do in Salamanca, Albufeira, Funchal, Maspalomas, Puerto Del Carmen, Ibiza Town, Formentera, and Alcudia are: Zoomarine Algarve, Plaza Since youve been to Seville before, could some or all of those 3 days go for other places? We're in our 60s but pretty fit. Past two years I've been in Mexico over NYE and it was great. Several years ago, as were discussing trips to queue up, we added Spain and Portugal to our list. Ronda is one of Rick Steves back doors of Europe. Her joy lies in the tumbling ruins and steep streets, her shareable food and her people far more than her checklist of sights. Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. Please note that this bus isn't included in your Eurail Pass, and a one-way journey costs around15 - 20. The tour used Su Casa en Ronda which treats its guests as well as any hotel I've ever been. Besides the dramatic views, it is a place of fun, housing an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. In the south, you can spend one or two weeks driving around Andalusia in southern Spain or spend a week roaming through the Algarve or walking the overlooked Costa Vicente in Portugal. On your second day in Lisbon, leave the city centre and visit the Belem district at the mouth of the river Tagus. 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. 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. It is the first destination on your 14-day itinerary, and you have 3 days to explore its attractions and surroundings. Due to seasonality, and taxes 21 day cultural, religious and historic sites tour through Madrid, Porto, Ftima and 17 other destinations in 4 different countries. What personal identification should I carry in Spain? WebMagic of Spain, Portugal and Morocco. The bulk of the tourists don't venture far beyond the path between Zocodover Square and the cathedral. The ultimate journey through two of Europes most fascinating & diverse countries has to offer! Lisbon 4 > Obidos .5 > Coimbra 2.5 > Porto 3 > Seville 3> Cordoba 1.5 > Madrid - Toledo/Segovia (day trips) 8.5. Lisbon 3 days is a minimum, also consider an portion of a day in Sintra. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . It combines the Romanesque style with Baroque and Gothic influences and is designed more like a fortress with massive walls. I spent Christmas solo in Madrid a couple of years ago. declared World Heritage buildings. 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. Also, book in advance, as tickets to the Sagrada Familia quickly become sold out. 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). It offers easy accessibility to beaches, waves and the laid-back coastal vibes and hedonistic jaunts that define this popular part of the country. This was then used by both Christians and Muslims as a place of worship. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. 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 Montjuc Park with spectacular views of the city, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. Accommodation. As parking is scarce, we will take a train to Sintra from Lisbon and rent a Twizzy car. 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. It is the most important cathedral in Madrid and houses a museum with objects related to the life of the local patron saints. If you have more time, consider extending your trip to visit other top destinations in Portugal. 2. Accommodation at the hotel. Then to Fatima. Save. 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. Depending on the train, the journey takes between 1 hour 30 mins and 2 hours. Today is going to be a long day in the car as we leave Lisbon and head to Sevilla. Not to be missed among the many sites include: Segovia is a World Heritage City, with unique monuments that make a visit well worthwhile. However, renting a car in one country and dropping in the other will be a huge charge. Update: This hotel is now called the Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel. 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. After several months of research, we developed this Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days that is round trip from Madrid. At the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies the wonderful city of Granada. And elsewhere, enjoy the bodegas and boutique shops which have sprung up around this lively part of the city. This area of Porto was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I have been to Seville/Lisbon prior, thus the weighting towards Porto/Madrid. WebPrincess Cruises. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a former Spanish royal residence located 50km south of Madrid in the town of Aranjuez. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-83942978', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Barcelona. Next to So Jorge Castle, you will find the Alfama district with its massive cathedral, the St. Vincent Monastery, and the National Pantheon. 2 or 3 is good, but you can take the train up the Douro and stay at Regua or another of the river towns. Marvel at the gothic-modernist architecture in Barcelona. Day 1: Arrive in San Sebastin. 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. Accommodation. Porto, Portugal 3. Highlights. 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. Alternatively, Prados website suggests three itineraries that can help you find your way. 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. In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 Stop by the Lisbon Cathedral to see where St Anthony was baptised. 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. For an impressive show with music and lights, visit the magic fountain of Montjic in the evening. Santillana is one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. Probably the most photogenic building in Porto, the Chapel of Souls sits in the middle of the main shopping street. Granada, at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, is home to the Alhambra one of the most celebrated attractions in Europe. Dating back to the 5th century, this huge castle sits on the summit of So Jorge hill, the highest point in Lisbon. 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. 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 The Douro Valley has been devoted on the vineyards for centuries. The non-fortified wines are typically referred to as Douro wines. 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. Afternoon at leisure for you to discover exclusive views, specific flavors of this active full of light city. Still in the City but to the West of the historic center is the Belam neighborhood. After breakfast we end the Spain and Portugal tour and transfer to the airport. 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. Shop the sale now . 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. Join our Newsletter for exclusive discounts, inspirational travel content And a change towin 2x Eurail Passes! But its the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Mezquita, a mosque turned into cathedral, which will linger in your memory for decades to come. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. Great ill add Segovia (hadn't heard of it), and probably spend a couple nights in Toledo. Next on, the Royal Alczar of Seville is a spectacular palace with a lush garden and sumptuous decorations. 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 is definitely beautiful. 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. Very near Madrid is Segovia - fantastic ancient Roman aqueduct, and a lively social town. I am traveling solo too. There are regular direct InterCity trains between Porto and Coimbra throughout the day, which take approximately one hour. You haven't mentioned Granada. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187493-i384-k10462756-BennyMalaga_s_Tips_for_Salamanca-Salamanca_Province_of_Salamanca_Castile_and_Leon.html. b) you can get from Cordoba to Toledo on the same day easily. 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. 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 One of the best ways to discover the main attractions in Madrid is to take a tour with a local guide. Thinking about this itinerary. Only by St Pauls Cathedral in London and St Peters Basilica in Rome surpasses this monumental building in size. Travel back in time to the fairytale castles and hills of Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Web4 Spain 21-day itineraries and tours Starts Lisbon, Portugal Ends Madrid, Spain Ultimate Spain & Portugal Best price guaranteed No booking fees 21 day cultural, religious and historic sites trip to Lisbon and Madrid traveling through Portugal and Spain. WebThe Iberian Union in 1598, under Philip II, King of Spain and Portugal The Spanish and Austrian Habsburg European lands, ca 1700 Charles formally became the sole monarch of Spain upon the death of his imprisoned mother Queen Joan in 1555. SLEEPN Atocha and Petit Palace Triball come highly recommended. The narrow house between them was built to help preserve the chastity of the nuns and the monks vow of celibacy. Enjoy some free time. The quickest and easiest way to get from Faro to Seville is via bus, of which there are at least four daily. Best Place For Family/Kids Holiday on July, August? The 135 mile drive should take less than 2.5 hours After a nap from the long flight, we will start exploring. How did you pick December January? Panoramic driver in Bilbao and free time on the esplanade where The Guggenheim Museum is located in order to admire this modern architectural building. Filter for departure dates and price to find the right 7 day Portugal and Spain tour with TourRadar. 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. We aren't into rushing around for the whole day, and prefer spending at least 2 nights in any city. Barcelona has a wonderful beach, but Costs Brava is an entire coast of beaches, with inland mountains, volcanic craters and more. The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a beautiful city, combining the charm of the old streets and churches with a more modern architectural vision. Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the Tower of Hercules dating back from the roman period. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. 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. 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. Batalha Monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. You can do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. I hope that our experiences can help others with their planning. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. Consider an open jaw air ticket flying into either Madrid or Lisbon then flying out the other. 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. 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. I'm glad it worked out for you. VIGO VIANA DO CASTELO PORTO, Vineyards & Cathedrals of Central Spain ES201. Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden. Looking back on the actual itinerary it looks about as good as you could get. Accommodation at the hotel. Reach Barcelona principal Mediterranean city homeland of the famous architect Gaudi symbol of the Catalan modernism. 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. WebTop Spain and Portugal Tours & Vacations 2022-2023 Trending Machu Picchu Angkor Wat Danube River Mt. Its the perfect place to sip on a lemonade or tinto de verano and watch a flamenco performance on one of the lively terraces. There are so many more wonderful road trips through Spain to take. We love art and scenery, experiencing the local culture, some history, churches and gardens. We have 21 nights to spend on the Iberian peninsula, flying in and out of (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Best Spanish beach resorts for families?Open to suggestions. Coimbra, Portugal 4. WebItinerary in short Cities visited on this trip: 1. Cadiz in southwestern Spain is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions of Europe. On this grand tour of Spain, well visit northern sites among them world famous Santiago de Compostela. 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. Is Coimbra enjoyable? 21 Day Spain & Portugal. Consider cutting a day or two off Cordoba. Accommodation. You are missing Barcelona and Granada, but perhaps you don't have time. A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) on Aug 17, 2017 at 7:55am PDT. Museums, galleries and water-related activities will keep you busy throughout the day. This is what actually tells the stories of the confluence of these cultures which resulted from repeated conquests. If youre so inclined, consider adding Granada - the Alhambra palace is incredible, and has to be seen to be appreciated. Theres so much to see in Spain and Portugal that youll probably need months or even years to explore everything.
