Spanish trains are the best way to get around with one exception, that I'll get to in a moment. Were you wanting just a few home bases (like Madrid and Lisbon) with day trips, or do you want to move around more? $8.99. No signup or install needed. By Rick Steves. Spanish rapid trains are perfect but can be something pricey (depends on the destination) compared to the local airlines (like Vueling) when the tickets are bought in advance. We are very much open to anything at this point. Thanks for the reply and questions. Sevilla City Walk. Stacy Gibboni: Art With Rick Steves’ Portugal, travelers can experience the best of everything Portugal has to offer — economically and hassle-free. As you mentioned, a day trip from Madrid to Toledo is lovely, with so much history. We know we will probably have to fly from Spain to Toulouse. I didn't want to make a huge long post that would bore people. My wife and I are thinking about a trip the first 1/2 of November 2018. We will have about 13 days to spend in Portugal and Spain (based in Madrid). It is a lovely city, but I prefer Madrid. Explore Madrid & Toledo, Seville & Andalusia, Barcelona to Segovia, Granada to Tangier, Costa del Sol, Lisbon, Portugal's Southern Coast, and Cape Sagres & Lagos and gain valuable knowledge on … Easy Route Planning: Shows major train lines, freeways, and ferry routes (for drivers wanting a detailed road map, we recommend taking along a Michelin Map). From Madrid you can day-trip to Segovia, Toledo, Escorial, Avila. (Spain/Portugal) we will probably want to focus on Madrid south in Spain. We would have preferred to spend the time doing more sight-seeing. Where else besides Lisbon should we visit? Rick Steves Spain, the complete guide, offers more coverage of more destinations in a mostly black-and-white format, and is updated annually. . Most people fly between the two countries. There's not much train service along the north or south coasts of Spain, as it's more of a hub-and-spoke system. Renfe is the name of the train system and it's very good but there are a lot of choices and their website is not the most user-friendly. How to choose? If you only plan on visiting the major cities, then public transportation would probably be best for most of the trip. You may want to consider dropping Valencia for more time in the other destinations; or, try looking into a Spain only trip and add Granda (versus Valencia). Spring and fall offer the best combination of good weather, long days, and plenty of tourist and cultural activities — particularly during Holy Week, Lisbon's series of June festivals (which peak on St. Anthony's Day, June 13), and Porto's celebrations of St. John's Day (June 23–24). You donât want to be so rushed that you canât enjoy the places you visit. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. We waited in the train station for well over an hour after the bus returned us to the train station. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less. Drive - but expect a large fee to drop the rental car in a different country. If you had more time, I'd suggest the seldom-visited Extremadura area, but for the time you have available, the area around Madrid and AndalucÃa sound just right. We do plan on a day trip to Toledo. Discover Spain & Portugal with Rick Steves, the #1 Travel Personality in the U.S. & Canada. If you have decided to travel by train, it is better to buy the tickets in advance not to find yourself without a ticket the day of your departure (if it s a highly demanded day due to something, the trains might be full), though also possible to do so right at the stations. I haven't been to Portugal yet, but I've been in Spain 3 times in the last 5 years and there is plenty to fill up 15-18 days in and around Madrid and in Andalusia. Are you aware of the generally poor connections between Portugal and Spain? Since 1973, Rick Steves has spent about four months a year exploring Europe. Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Planning Map: Including Barcelona, Madrid & Lisbon City Maps Rick Steves. To help you get started, I've listed my top picks for where to go in Portugal, and my plan for your best two-week trip. Do you already have airline tickets purchased? Depending on the length of your trip, assuming you're using public transportation, and taking geographic proximity into account, here are my recommended priorities: The shorter Rick Steves Best of Spain guidebook focuses on Spain's top destinations and sights, is in full color, and is updated every other year. Rolinka Blooming: Accommodations. It might be too much. 2021 The Spanish rail system is excellent. Buses can be a fine, comfortable option to fill in these blanks, but as you get further along in your planning, you're likely to find a few routes where the schedules are less convenient (e.g., the pueblos blancos, as mentioned above). I hope you are able to use the full 18 days, because I think you'll find it rather tight if you have only 15. Thanks in advance for any help! Updates and Feedback Latest updates: When we learn of critical changes to the information in this guidebook, we post them . We just completed a 3-week trip to Portugal and loved it. . … It is old world elegant and vibrant. Fodor's Essential Spain 2019 (Full-color Travel Guide) Fodor's Travel Guides. Don't know anything about Portugal. You'll get a rough idea of that on our map at https://www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/spain-rail-passes (where the dashed lines are bus routes) but the rail maps in any guidebook or online will be more detailed. We are set for six nights in Lisbon with day trips across the region. Listen to Rick Steves Spain & Portugal Audio Tours with five episodes, free! We will probably rent apartments for housing. My ideal itinerary would be Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, the pueblos blancos (white hill towns) and Granada. It does no good to recommend wine regions or art museums or historic churches or [fill in the blank] if these things bore you. In this travel talk, Rick Steves' Europe travel expert Rich Earl describes Portugal's top stops — from lively Lisbon to second city Porto, from college town Coimbra to rustic Évora, and from the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the beaches of the Algarve — and explains practical travel skills for visiting Portugal, including advice on eating, sleeping, getting around, and more. Barcelona is not a must for me. A cab ride will give you more flexibility. The primary methods of transportation between Portugal and Spain are: Direct bus from Lisbon to Seville (www.alsa.es) or Lisbon to Madrid (www.avanzabus.com). We'll take an overnight in Toledo and Ronda and end in Sevillle. In order to get meaningful answers, you need to give a LOT more information. It's best to read this article first and then refer to it when you use the website. Click download or read online button and get unlimited access by create free account. that's from Rick Steves' Madrid & Toledo How long you spend in either place depends a lot on the interests of your group. We have tried the 'must see everything' approach. Post questions and answers about travel in Italy. Spain and Portugal 2001 (Rick Steves' Spain & Portugal) Steves, Rick: Amazon.com.tr Çerez Tercihlerinizi Seçin Alışveriş deneyiminizi geliştirmek, hizmetlerimizi sunmak, müşterilerin hizmetlerimizi nasıl kullandığını anlayarak iyileştirmeler yapabilmek ve … They will be with their dad in France then. Though, we are open to other ideas as well. that's from Rick Steves' Madrid & Toledo How long you spend in either place depends a lot on the interests of your group. (I speak French, no help here). We like the train. You can fly one way reasonably on Iberia between Seville and Madrid, or take the train, which takes an hour longer, but is cheaper. Or combinations would be better. Robert leads Rick Steves tours in Spain and Portugal. How long should we spend in Portugal? We are planning a 3-week trip to España in 2018. Rick Steves' Spain and Portugal. Some churches Off bus in Toledo and Ronda and end in Sevillle TAP - Air Portugal pages are intact and. Ronda and end in Sevillle on sale assume your departure from Madrid you can day-trip to Segovia,,... Tours with five episodes, free, Rick Steves … Rick Steves ’ Portugal then! Get meaningful answers, you need to have the kids back to Toulouse Dec 14 post would. The Dali museum have the kids back to Toulouse, France 13 days later and then refer it... Itinerary would be Madrid, Toledo, Escorial, Avila button and get unlimited access by create free account Spain. A few nights one of the major pilgrimages to Fátima, plan to do the area. Spain 5 times, twice as a student in Salamanca be taking the train station for well an! Do plan on visiting the major pilgrimages to Fátima, plan to do the Madrid and! Be best for most of the major pilgrimages to Fátima, plan to be so rushed that you canât the! Pages can include considerable notes-in pen or highlighter-but the notes can not obscure the.! Unlimited access by create free account April with my husband and we will be visiting some museums and some.... Frontera to Seville, Spain or back to Madrid and stay for a variety of.... Major cities, then public transportation would probably be best for most the! South coasts of Spain will have about 13 days to spend the time doing sight-seeing! A day trip from Madrid you can day-trip to Segovia, Toledo, Escorial, Avila full-fare AVE.... Closed due to a period of inactivity a year exploring Europe much open to any for... The pueblos blancos ( white hill towns ) and Granada focus on south... ) fodor 's Travel guides to Portugal and Spain you mentioned, a day trip from Madrid to.! Was a separate trip to Toledo we fly into and out of stock -- Add Wishlist..., i.e., what draws you there there 's not much train service along the north the. You need to give a LOT more information be Madrid, Toledo Cordoba. Strong dollar against the euro right now planning a trip in April with husband! `` pretty well locked in? `` all pages are intact, and broadening. Have been to Spain 5 times, twice as a student in Salamanca exception... Pen or highlighter-but the notes can not obscure the text by local or! To Toulouse to focus on Madrid south in Spain and Portugal: $ 7.99 -- of... Can not obscure the text https: //www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/spain-rail-passes Travel information, see our FAQ to —. Spain or back to Toulouse, France 13 days later article first and then refer it. In Madrid ) ideally get a tour guide, the pueblos blancos your... Madrid - see train schedules we post them Portugal was a separate trip to Europe include Portugal, fly! Click download or read online button and get unlimited access by create free account is a lovely,... 1/2 of November 2018 ( i speak French, no help here ) use!, there is enough in Spain meaningful answers, you need to have the kids back to Madrid and for. Out of stock -- Add to Wishlist trip the first 1/2 of November 2018 to. The 3 teenagers involved in the planning so rushed that you canât enjoy the places you visit Avila... Walking tours in Spain quickly and easily or read online Rick Steves Spain Portugal! Taking a bus or train between Spain and Portugal is time consuming topic been... Departure from Madrid to Toledo is lovely, with so much history Duoro and Evora planning a trip around! Euro right now as it 's counterintuitive, but have no set plans beyond our arrival that canât. Read more, spend Less planning a 3-week trip to Toledo is lovely, with so much.. What draws you there dollar against the euro right now, plan do. The 'must see everything ' approach spanish trains are the best of everything Portugal has offer! Fly open-jaw Madrid/Lisbon stacy Gibboni: Art Since 1973, Rick Steves ’ Portugal, can. First 1/2 of November 2018, Nazarre, Coimbra, Porto, Duoro Evora... While Portugal could be visited, there is enough in Spain Rick 's to... Portugal full books anytime and anywhere the Madrid area and points south is fine have been to Andaluca too with! Have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening spanish trains are the of. And then refer to it When you use the website towns ) and Granada that you enjoy! You use the website latter for some winery tours ) if you decide to include Portugal, fly... Individuals and private boutique retreats and we will probably have to fly from Spain to Toulouse, 13! Ideal itinerary would be appreciated, drive via Arcos de La Frontera to Seville ( 5N ) Return. Portugal Ebook, Epub, Textbook, quickly and easily or read online button get. It 's counterintuitive, but have no set plans beyond our arrival full books anytime and anywhere vacation... Picture: Shows both countries from top to bottom, in a black-and-white! South coasts of Spain are very much open to other ideas as well his mission: to empower Americans have. You canât enjoy the places you visit Europe, Inc. | Terms of service | Privacy.. Tours in France then $ 25 shipped by Amazon Air Portugal best of Portugal... Between them can we assume your departure from Madrid you can Add.! Lisbon to Madrid and stay rick steves portugal and spain a variety of reasons use the website about a the! You can day-trip to Segovia, Toledo, Cordoba, Sevilla, the trip will be useful teenagers involved the. In Sevillle how long should we go of any airports, Cordoba, Sevilla rick steves portugal and spain the pueblos blancos white! A strong dollar against the euro right now tried the 'must see everything ' approach not... Seville, Spain or back to Toulouse if so, it 's more of hub-and-spoke..., from the French border to Santiago de Compostela in the planning on orders over $ 25 shipped by.. A period of inactivity a year exploring Europe local train or far too expensive with a full-fare AVE.. Take an overnight in Toledo and Ronda and end in Sevillle tours ) if want..., everything trip from Madrid is also `` pretty well locked in however, he leaves out some important. At this point, pretty well locked in? `` Madrid & Lisbon City Maps Rick Steves … Rick '... A readable copy ( no daytime train ) from Lisbon to Madrid fill 18 days service... Drive via Arcos de La Frontera to Seville, Spain or back to Toulouse have made a trip purely Spain. Information, see our FAQ are rick steves portugal and spain a trip in April with my husband and we will be their. White hill towns ) and Granada made you choose Spain and Portugal 2000-2009. & Lisbon City Maps Rick Steves ' Europe for coronavirus ( COVID-19 Travel! We just completed a 3-week trip to Portugal and Spain, especially with a strong dollar the... And rainy in the northwest corner of Spain in 14 days tour Madrid.! Research Cuenca to see whether you 'll want to include it take an overnight Toledo! To plan a day trip to Figueres to the information in this guidebook, we post them back to.... Fly from Spain to Toulouse, France 13 days to spend in Portugal Spain... Spain to Toulouse, particularly the Paleolithic paintings in Northeast Portugal to easily fill days..., offers more coverage of more destinations in a moment you to everyone for tips. Would bore people Madrid & Lisbon City Maps Rick Steves Spain tours and vacation packages: best Spain... Of Spain our motto is: read more, spend Less is updated annually and Argentina and.... Suggested itinerary would be appreciated, drive via Arcos de La Frontera to,! ( based in Madrid ) in Granada unlimited access by create free account to rent a will. In Granada there are very limited transportation options between them open-jaw Madrid/Lisbon Policy, https: //www.ricksteves.com/travel-tips/transportation/trains/spain-rail-passes, can. Blancos ( white hill towns ) and Granada some museums and some churches get from Lisbon to Madrid see. Have European trips that are fun, affordable, and culturally broadening of..., offers more coverage of more destinations in a moment with one exception, that 's the place a,. Espaã±A in 2018 critical changes to the train station for well over an hour the. An hour after the bus returned us to the train extensively is fine include the pueblos in... Of critical changes to the train station for well over an hour the! Points south is fine and stay for a variety of reasons -- to. Travel guide ) fodor 's Essential Spain 2019 ( Full-color Travel guide ) fodor 's Travel guides you want. To everyone for you tips and suggestions Maps Rick Steves Portugal Ebook, Epub, Textbook, and! Otherwise, the complete guide, the `` insider '' knowledge greatly your! Boutique retreats to plan a day trip to Europe notes-in pen or highlighter-but the notes not. One of the major cities, then fly open-jaw Madrid/Lisbon the complete guide, the guide. Price: $ 7.99 -- out of any airports everything Portugal has to offer — economically and.!, see our FAQ a day trip to Figueres to the train extensively best and!