Phone : 1-404-736-7283 b) you can get from Cordoba to Toledo on the same day easily. Accommodation. 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. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage City that has been a celebrated university town famous since the Middle Ages when it drew students from all over Europe. 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. On this 10 Night Spain Intensive sailing, the ship will visit a total of 10 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. 21 day cultural, religious and historic sites tour through Madrid, Porto, Ftima and 17 other destinations in 4 different countries. I probably will not change my travel dates but my trip to Spain is in the first 2 weeks of October. Probably the only plane is from Porto > Seville. Have you already been there? Copyright Ken and Karen's Travels 2023 | Design by, Chapel of S. Gregrio and Nossa Senhora da Piedade. How can I find more about Jewish history in Spain? Accommodation at the hotel. It has an overall bohemian vibe and used to be a meeting point for poets and artists at the end of the 19th century. WebItinerary in short Cities visited on this trip: 1. 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. Flamenco dancing, tapas bars, Roman ruins, a massive cathedral, the Alczar palace complex and river views combine to make it an impressive stopover. Last edited by kja; Dec 26th, 2019 at 05:28 PM . After the Moors captured Crdoba in 711, what had previously been a Visigoth Christian church was split in two. 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. An early afternoon departure northward all along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. We certainly didn't see all there was to see in each place, but we saw and experienced enough to be very happy. Not to be missed among the many sites include: Segovia is a World Heritage City, with unique monuments that make a visit well worthwhile. We recommend using public transportation, as the streets are quite busy for a rental car. Aranjuez became one of four seasonal seats of government. You can also take a direct Alvia train from Madrid (Chamartin station), which takes just over 6 hours. 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. Accommodation. I remember Ronda and its stunning views and gorge as a highlight of the my way Spain tour 2017. You also have a range of day trip options to the likes of Sintra, Belm and Cascais. Answer 1 of 2: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. 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. Evora has roots as far back as Roman times. On the next day, visit Maria Luisa Park, which displays a spectacular collection of Mediterranean trees and plants. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Step out of the Royal Palace and enter the grand Catedral del la Almudena, consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Free time to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of The Pilar, patroness of Hispanity and stroll through the old streets of Zaragoza. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa The na, a Jewel of the Romanesque Architecture in Cantabria. Granada has the Alhambra. The capital of Spain, Madrid, is a beautiful city, combining the charm of the old streets and churches with a more modern architectural vision. After breakfast we end the Spain and Portugal tour and transfer to the airport. The most iconic building in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia, is still under construction. . Web30 Days in Spain & Portugal - Potential itinerary. 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. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and get the feel of the student atmosphere. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. Choose from 27 trips Choose Invicta if you crave fish or langoustines plucked fresh from the ocean. Join our Newsletter for exclusive discounts, inspirational travel content And a change towin 2x Eurail Passes! Coimbra, Portugal 4. It includes a large number of gardens and monuments spread across 125 hectares. Plus, the costs (and time) adds up travelling out and back to airports all the time. Highlights. 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. But you can also visit everything on your own if you are organised. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a former Spanish royal residence located 50km south of Madrid in the town of Aranjuez. 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). Porto is famous for its tapas, fish, meats, pastel de nata, and wine. Faro, Portugal 6. On the orders of the Emir Abd al-Rahman in 784, the church was destroyed and work began on a great mosque. I would do Barcelona but have been and could skip. SLEEPN Atocha and Petit Palace Triball come highly recommended. There are regular direct daily trains from Coimbra to Lisbon. It used to be a convent, with one building housing the nuns and the other the monks of the Carmelite Order in Porto. Several years ago, as were discussing trips to queue up, we added Spain and Portugal to our list. Theres also a puppet theatre that still holds shows, great for kids and adults. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? 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. Travel Nov 01 - Nov 21. Please note that this bus isn't included in your Eurail Pass, and a one-way journey costs around15 - 20. Arrive to Lugo. 369 Holly Worton ~ Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone With Outdoor Adventures (now with downloadable 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. The Montjuc Park with spectacular views of the city, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. When you are visiting so many cities in a row, the chances of losing your luggage or experiencing a delay increase. Accommodation. Accommodation. 2 or 3 is good, but you can take the train up the Douro and stay at Regua or another of the river towns. The Madrid part of my trip is quite large now. 9 ni WebSpain and Portugal Tours. The Royal Palace was the spring residence for the monarchs from the 16th to the mid-19th century. It requires a car for the first 18 days as we travel through the country exploring the many cities and towns. Good luck! Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the Tower of Hercules dating back from the roman period. In summer months this is the main hub from which to explore the area. There are no train routes between Portugal and Spain in the south. For the best pastel de nata, Confeitaria do Bolho is your place. My wife & I are looking to travel around Spain & Portugal for 30 days this Christmas. Don't need a full day at Obidos, it is a must see town with ancient Roman wall, but 3-4 hours are enough. You could do it as a long day trip from Seville or Cordoba, but sleeping there one night is better. 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. Best price guaranteed. The well preserved town center is still partially surrounded by medieval walls. [emailprotected]. 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 rolling hills, accessible history in Alfama, delectable food and all-night parties make this one of Europes greats. Hi, all. 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 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. Lisbon (Evora day trip) 4 > Obidos .5 > Coimbra 2.5 > Porto 3 > Seville 3 > Cordoba 1.5 > Madrid - (Toledo/Segovia/Alcala de Henares day trips) 7.5. 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. This is just some text were adding to the footer area. Besides the dramatic views, it is a place of fun, housing an amusement park with a Ferris wheel and a roller coaster. I'll be at hostels over Xmas/NYE so I'm hoping it should be fine socially (usually is). This is the oldest part of the city, thronging with souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and street artists and musicians. At only 39 km from Barcelona, this town is fully surrounded by nature and has a charming historic quarter. Next to the park, you will find the Plaza de Espaa, a grand affair built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition. A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal) on Aug 17, 2017 at 7:55am PDT. Today is going to be a long day in the car as we leave Lisbon and head to Sevilla. However, renting a car in one country and dropping in the other will be a huge charge. Stroll around these picturesque neighbourhoods. Enjoy the best of the Iberian peninsula and get ready for your next trip. Enjoy some free time. 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.. Its not all about the beach (although it can be if you want it to be.). Today will be a long car day as we drive from Salamanca to Porto. At night possibility to attend the procession of the candles. Unlike Seville I think it's a one and done type location. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. For a picturesque view and more affordable prices, you can book a room in Barrio Santa Cruz we recommend H10 Casa de la Plata. Step on this historic lift, which takes you from the Baixa neighbourhood to Bairro Alto. (The trip from Granada to Barcelona concerns me, as I don't want to lose a day on trains.). Visit the highlights of Madrid, like the El Prado Museum. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-87151574', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');villa minutely! Other iconic buildings to visit here are the Oriente Station, the turtle-like Altice Arena, and the Portugal Pavilion. 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. 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. I hope that our experiences can help others with their planning. 5 years ago. 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. This is what actually tells the stories of the confluence of these cultures which resulted from repeated conquests. 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. Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. The 135 mile drive should take less than 2.5 hours After a nap from the long flight, we will start exploring. Spain and Portugal are ideal rail partners. Accommodation. I am traveling solo too. The quickest and easiest way to get from Faro to Seville is via bus, of which there are at least four daily. 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. Proceed to the old fishing village Castro Urdiales. Update: This hotel is now called the Soho Boutique Palacio San Gabriel. 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. 21 Day Spain & Portugal. La Latina is the best area for eating in Madrid, especially when you only have a few days. The intention is fly into & out of Barcelona. You are right about museums being closedusually its just a day or two around the holidays, but it's possible Spain shuts down longer. 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. Somebody else may have caught this already, but how are you planning on traveling from place to place? 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. Day 2: Explore Paris. On the 23rd (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at, Copyright 2005-2023 Klarna Bank AB (publ). Maybe I should add Valencia to the end? Leave the grand buildings behind and wander through Sevilles most tight-streeted neighbourhood, the former Jewish Quarter in the city. Spending around 10 days in Spain and Portugal is a decent amount of time but you will still be moving pretty quickly. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. Today in another driving day as we motor along from Seville to Granada traveling 206 miles in 5 hours through los pueblos blancos. Very near Madrid is Segovia - fantastic ancient Roman aqueduct, and a lively social town. 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 The river cruises start at Portos Ribeira pier and can last from a few hours to a whole day. Chiado is elegant and bohemian, with gorgeous cafes and theatres, whilst Bairro Alto is famous for its great fado restaurants and graffiti art. Abigail King is an award-winning writer and broadcaster who swapped a career as a doctor for a life on the road. The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. Seville and Toledo are MUST SEE for Spain. A post shared by Hakan M (@hakan.mhmd) on May 8, 2020 at 11:12am PDT. The journey takes 2 hours 22 minutes. It is an exceptional architectural ensemble built in the Art-Nouveau style and declared a World Heritage Site in 1997. Optional Flamenco tour. I spent Christmas solo in Madrid a couple of years ago. Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the 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. But it also misses a lot out. 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) Then to Fatima. a) work out when you are travelling and when Christmas falls. Past two years I've been in Mexico over NYE and it was great. Granada also offers beautiful views of Alhambra from the Mirador San Nicolas. The ultimate journey through two of Europes most fascinating & diverse countries has to offer! 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. 1. After creating an account, you'll be able to track your payment status, track the confirmation and you can also rate the tour after you finished the tour. We will explore its architecture including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and its famous Roman aqueduct. Accommodation. Once inhabited by Romans, the Spanish city of Vigo is a coastal destination with a rich maritime history. Our Tizzy car will allow us to see 10 attractions/sites including a trip to the coast to the western most point in Europe. The second most beautiful palace in Sevilla, Casa del Pilatos, was inspired by Pontius Pilates house in Jerusalem. Still in the City but to the West of the historic center is the Belam neighborhood. Via Murcia, capital of the fertile garden of the Segura river, continue north via Alicante, the second largest city within the region of Valencia. You can wander off on your own and imagine it's the Middle Ages. 7 Day Portugal and Spain Tours & Trips. We also recommend LAntic Bocoi del Gotic if you want to try a Barcelona fish speciality. 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. I started trawling through all of the forums and thought it would be simpler to just throw this out there. Best Spanish beach resorts for families?Open to suggestions. This is the place from where many Portuguese explorers set sail to other parts of the world, returning with incredible riches. Construction lasted for over two centuries and the building was eventually completed in 987. 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). Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. I'm glad it worked out for you. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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. SAN SEBASTIAN BILBAO CASTRO URDIALES SANTANDER, 9th Day (Tue.) Instead, try to connect to the general vibe. 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. 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. I lived in Spain for years and frequently crossed the border into Portugal. Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden. Dating back to the 5th century, this huge castle sits on the summit of So Jorge hill, the highest point in Lisbon. Probably the second most important museum in Spain after the Prado, the Museo de Bellas Artes in Seville sits in an old monastery building. So, if you are not sure where to start, heres a complete guide, including the best cities to visit, top hotels and restaurants, as well as some ideas for day trips in case you have extra time. Do not miss the highlights: the galleries dedicated to El Greco and the extended Goya collection. The food in Lisbon is simply divine, and there are plenty of restaurants cooking it to perfection. The Douro Valley has been devoted on the vineyards for centuries. A road trip through Asturias reveals magical mountains and delicious food, and the coast of Galicia can keep you entertained as well. 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. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. more. Below, weve created a 10-day itinerary that takes in Portugals main cities, historical sites, and idyllic beaches at a modest pace. All rights reserved. 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. How Many Days Do You Need for a Spain & Portugal Trip? Tomar was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g187493-i384-k10462756-BennyMalaga_s_Tips_for_Salamanca-Salamanca_Province_of_Salamanca_Castile_and_Leon.html. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments . Optional traditional and typical dinner including a show of Fado, typical Portuguese song and music. And thats why we wrote one here. Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. Spend one day walking the neighborhoods of the historic Lisbon Center, one day in the Belam area, and one day in Sintra. You can add some about text, or any other kind of widget content. Even with 21 days, you'll find that gets eaten up very quickly. 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. An impressive tour of the Cordoba Mosque and other sites that will ease our mind and spirit strolling through its narrow winding streets of the Jewish Quarter. Vigo, Spain 2. Please try again later. But I know that it can seem overwhelming when youre sitting down to plan out an itinerary for the first time. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header. However, I'll note that the aforementioned Cuenca is on the AVE line between Madrid and Valencia. 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. Pick a hotel close to the centre to access the main attractions on foot. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. It is the first destination on your 14-day itinerary, and you have 3 days to explore its attractions and surroundings. 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!) Consider an open jaw air ticket flying into either Madrid or Lisbon then flying out the other. Our final stop is Madrid where we will spend 7 nights and 6 days. Cross the border and stop in Porto, a magically romantic city famous for its harbour and wines. One night is enough. Cadiz in southwestern Spain is one of the oldest continuously inhabited regions of Europe. UNESCO World Heritage. Re: how best to spend 21 days in Spain & Portugal. Climb to the top of the fortress for a magnificent view of the city. 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. Its said to have inspired Harry Potter. Don't miss the Prado Museum in Madrid. Don't forget that many, if not most, places will be closed for much, if not all, of the 24th and 25th. As soon as you arrive, head to the city centre to discover one of its most famous sites. If you fancy a steak, dont miss Casa Lucio its been sizzling since 1974. Lisbon 3 days is a minimum, also consider an portion of a day in Sintra. Learn More. February 27, 2023 endeavor air pilot contract No Comments .