Itinerary
- Days 1 - 3
Barcelona
Start in Barcelona by checking out the Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter, where you'll get a good sense of the city's cultural side. From there, head to Parc Güell to see Gaudí's unique take on architecture and design. Later in the day, wander around Las Ramblas to try some local food and get a feel for the nightlife scene. You'll wrap up by catching a 3.5-hour train to Madrid, so plan to head to the station by evening.
Optional Activities
- Visit Picasso Museum in the Gothic Quarter
- Explore Parc Güell to see Gaudí's distinctive architecture
- Bar crawl around Las Ramblas
- Experience Barcelona's nightlife and tapas bars
Landmarks/POIs Picasso Museum Parc Güell Las Ramblas Gothic Quarter - Days 4 - 5
Madrid
After arriving in Madrid, spend time exploring the Museo del Prado to see its extensive art collection. In the afternoon, walk through the Rastro Flea Market, a historic spot that's been around since the 17th century and has all kinds of vintage and local goods. If you're interested in football, you can catch a Real Madrid match at the Bernabéu stadium. That evening, take a 2-hour train to Seville.
Optional Activities
- Visit Museo del Prado
- Stroll through the 17th Century Rastro Flea Market
- Watch a Real Madrid match at Bernabéu stadium
- Explore Madrid's tapas bars and nightlife
Landmarks/POIs Museo del Prado Rastro Flea Market Bernabéu Stadium - Days 6 - 7
Seville
You'll notice Seville has its own distinct character, with intense heat and lots of energy in the streets. Check out the Alcázar Palace to see the ornate architecture and gardens. In the evening, watch some traditional flamenco dancing to get a real taste of Spanish culture. Later, find a café on an old town terrace, grab a drink, and soak up the atmosphere. On Day 8, you'll take a 4-hour bus to Faro.
Optional Activities
- Visit Alcázar Palace
- Experience Flamenco dances
- Have drinks on old town café terraces
- Explore tapas culture
Landmarks/POIs Alcázar Palace - Days 8 - 9
Faro
The Algarve coast offers a big shift from Seville, with long sandy beaches and warm weather. Spend time relaxing on the beach or trying out surfing on the west coast if you're into that. Take the Comboio Turístico tourist train around town for a different perspective, or book a dolphin-watching boat trip combined with a cave tour along the coastline. By evening, you'll catch a 4-hour train heading to Lisbon.
Optional Activities
- Relax on the beach
- Ride the Comboio Turístico tourist train
- Go on a dolphin-watching boat trip
- Take a cave tour
- Try surfing on west coast waves
- Explore Faro's old towns
Landmarks/POIs Algarve Coast - Days 10 - 11
Lisbon
Lisbon has a charm that comes from steep cobbled streets and layers of history. Climb up to the castle and learn about Portugal's colonial past while taking in views of the city. The nightlife is solid here, with spots like Music Box club featuring live rock and electro acts. Later that day, board a 3-hour train to Porto, so head to the station after lunch or in the early afternoon.
Optional Activities
- Learn about Portugal's colonial past
- Climb steep cobbled streets to the castle
- Dance to live rock and electro at Music Box club
- Explore historic neighborhoods
Landmarks/POIs Lisbon Castle Music Box Club - Days 12 - 15
Porto
Porto greets you with bridges, church spires, and a waterfront lined with old wine cellars you can tour and taste from. Walk across the iconic Dom Luís bridge for views and photos. Wander through the Ribeira district (it's a UNESCO site) where you'll find quirky bars and cafés tucked into narrow streets. The piazzas here get lively, especially later in the day, and the whole place has a relaxed vibe that makes it worth just sitting around and taking it in.
Optional Activities
- Cross the iconic Dom Luís bridge
- Visit old wine cellars along the waterside
- Drink at quirky bars and cafés
- Explore UNESCO Ribeira district
- Attend parties in the piazzas
Landmarks/POIs Dom Luís Bridge Ribeira District
