Portugal/Spain 2-week itinerary. Skip Portugal and add northern Spain instead?

Exploring the Iberian Peninsula: A Two-Week Guide to Spain with an Alternative to Portugal

Embarking on a two-week journey through Spain offers an exhilarating opportunity to immerse yourself in vibrant cities, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. While Portugal’s charm is undeniable, some travelers consider focusing solely on northern Spain for a streamlined experience. If you’re contemplating whether to include Portugal or dedicate more time to Spain’s northern regions, this article provides a comprehensive itinerary along with expert suggestions to tailor your adventure.

Sample Two-Week Itinerary: Spain Focus with Optional Portugal Inclusion

Day 1-4: Lisbon, Portugal (Optional Start)
– Spend 4 nights exploring Portugal’s captivating capital.
– Highlights include Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and Alfama district.
– Take day trips such as:
– Cascais (40-minute train ride): Enjoy coastal views and charming streets.
– Sesimbra (1 hour 10 minutes via bus): Experience seaside scenery and local cuisine.
– On Day 5, catch a mid-day flight from Lisbon to Seville, Spain (approx. 1 hour).

Alternatively, if you decide to skip Portugal:
– Consider an early flight into Porto, which is currently about $190 cheaper than Lisbon.
– Spend a night or two in Porto, exploring its historic center and wine cellars.
– From Porto, take a train (around 2 hours 50 minutes, approximately $40) to Lisbon, adding two more days to your itinerary for deeper exploration.

Seville, Spain
– Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
– Main attractions include the Seville Cathedral, Alcázar Palace, and Plaza de España.
– Day trips:
– Cadiz: A 1.5-hour train ride to enjoy coastal charm and historic sites.
– Córdoba: Just 40 minutes by train, home to the stunning Mezquita.
– On Day 5, travel by train to Granada (about 2 hours), ready to explore Andalusia’s jewel.

Granada
– Duration: 2 nights / 3 days
– Must-see: The Alhambra Palace, Generalife Gardens, and Albaicín neighborhood.
– On Day 3, transfer via train to Barcelona (approximately 6.5 hours), setting the stage for your Catalan adventure.

Barcelona
– Duration: 3 nights / 3 days
– Highlights include Gaudí’s masterpieces like Sagrada Família and Park Güell