Lisbon, Portugal - Lisbon, Portugal 17 days trip

A naturally beautiful city which is surrounded by and set on seven steep hills (though some say eight!), Lisbon overlooks the Tagus River, the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. Characterized by its laid-back atmosphere, Lisbon is known for vibrant culture, history, and architecture as well as for its picture-perfect panoramas.

A charming Roman town set up on a hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding cities, all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Sintra is a charming, picturesque town located in the wooded hills of Portugal’s Sintra Mountains, a day trip from Lisbon.

A beautiful seafront resort city, home to a few sandy beaches, pleasant shops and a wide array of seafood restaurants.

Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is an ancient city, yet one that is young and vibrant in spirit. A coastal city located on the northern bank of the mouth of the Douro River, it is home to historical sites - baroque churches, bell towers rising over the city, magnificent Art Nouveau style buildings, and narrow alleys studded with bookstores and antiques- as well as a vibrant night life, great shopping, cafes, excellent restaurants, and the Port lodges which feature the outstanding local Port wines. Porto is also known for its laid-back vibe and its beauty - charming homes along the banks of the river, romantic spots, and picturesque bridges which connect its two sides.

Guimaraes, the “Cradle of Portugal,” is a well-preserved, vibrant medieval town that has retained the charm and authenticity of Portugal’s glorious past.

Viseu, a vibrant town with a rich, well-preserved history, is nestled in the hilltops of central Portugal surrounded by rivers and mountains.

Coimbra is a charming, lively city which is steeped in culture and history – which offers a wide range of restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, monuments and nightclubs.

Braga, the “Portuguese Rome,” is regarded as the religious center of Portugal and boasts a rich heritage, outstanding tourist sites, and exceptional cuisine.

Salamanca, located in northwestern Spain near the Tormes River, is part of the regions of Castile and Leon, close to the Portuguese border. Home to the University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), it is a small, vibrant university town that attracts students from all over the world who come here to study Spanish.

Valladolid is the elegant, provincial capital city of the Province of Valladolid. It offers a genuine Spanish city experience in this traditional Catholic region. 

Zamora, a well-preserved medieval fortress city, maintains its important Romanesque artistic heritage and architecture - along with outstanding cuisine.

The charming city of Toledo, in Central Spain, is the capital of the province of Toledo. It is a walled city located on a mountaintop above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha, surrounded on three sides by the Tajo River and lovely landscapes.

Madrid is where history and modernity, cosmopolitan atmosphere and old-world charm, and sightseeing, dancing, and shopping go hand-in-hand.

Aptly nicknamed, “the Town of Stones and Saints,” Avila has among the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches (and bars and restaurants) per capita in Spain.

With its historical center recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city features an intriguing past and modern-day fun.

On the banks of the Targus River, this town was the home to Spanish royalty and nobility, retaining some remarkable buildings.

Almagro's roots go at least as far back as the Moors, but its medieval atmosphere is most apparent in its architecture.

Situated approximately 2421 feet above sea level, Granada is perched against the background of the snowy Sierra Nevada Mountains while also being close to the famous beaches of the Costa del Sol. All these features, combined with its comfortable climate, make Granada an attractive destination for tourists.

To the west of the Nasrid Palaces in the Alhambra stands the magnificent Palace of Charles V, a Renaissance masterpiece designed by Pedro Machuca, an architect from Toledo who was a disciple of Michelangelo.

Jaen is well known for its superb olives, offering travelers extensive relics from its Moor era and Renaissance structures.

Almeria is full of historic landmarks, and its remarkable cuisine is based on fresh local produce.

Malaga, the southern capital of Andalucia and the capital of the Costa del Sol, is a vibrant, sophisticated port city.

A popular resort town boasting a hilltop setting, nearby caves, gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and great nightlife.

Torremolinos makes for a fantastic sunny destination, with beaches for all and a lively nightlife for party-seekers.

Antequera boasts great architectural examples of its prosperous Baroque period, as well as dozens of churches and museums.

The charming, historic city center is characterized by narrow streets, paved alleyways, unique architecture, squares, museums, churches, and an abundance of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Granada, the capital city of the province of Granada in Andalusia, is a winning combination of history, art, beauty, and contemporary culture. 

With superb weather and great beaches a given, the city offers all the comforts of a resort and a traditional small-town atmosphere.

Torremolinos makes for a fantastic sunny destination, with beaches for all and a lively nightlife for party-seekers.

Ronda, the beautiful pearl of the province of Málaga, sits atop a mountain dramatically overlooking the deep El Tajo gorge.

A popular resort town boasting a hilltop setting, nearby caves, gorgeous beaches, delicious food, and great nightlife.

Tarifa, the southernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula and continental Europe, is located in the Strait of Gibraltar where the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea meet. This popular vacation destination is known for its consistent wind conditions and stunning beaches, making it the ideal setting for water sports including windsurfing and kite boarding, and for its mix of culture, fun, and relaxation.

The ancient city of Cadiz lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is probably the oldest city in Europe.

Jerez de la Frontera is a southern Andalusian city which, in addition to its rich history, is famous for its sherry, horses, and Flamenco.

With superb weather and great beaches a given, the city offers all the comforts of a resort and a traditional small-town atmosphere.

Ronda, the beautiful pearl of the province of Málaga, sits atop a mountain dramatically overlooking the deep El Tajo gorge.

Known for the colossal limestone monument with mythic origins, this technically British city is culturally diverse and fascinating.

The city is located on a bend of the Guadalquivir River between the cultivated areas and cattle ranches of the Sierra de Cordoba range and the wheat fields and olive vineyards of the plains of Campania.

The Jewish Quarter of Cordoba, known as the Juderia de Cordoba in Spanish, is a maze of narrow alleyways located in the city’s historic city center and is the area where the Jews lived from the 10th to the 15th centuries. 

The Great Mosque of Cordoba, located in the city’s historic center, is among Spain's most precious treasures and most popular tourist attractions. Dating back to the late 8th century when the Muslims ruled the city, the mosque, built by Abd ar-Rahman, is one of Cordoba’s oldest structures.

The Medina Azahara, a magnificent Caliphate archaeological site located 4 miles west of Cordoba, was built in the mid-10th century by Abd al-Rahman III, a member of the Umayyad dynasty in Córdoba and the first caliph of Al-Andalus, and was destroyed shortly afterwards. Forgotten for close to 1000 years, the site was rediscovered in the early 20th century, and its restoration gives a glimpse into the glory of the Western Islamic Al-Andalus civilization.

Seville, the capital and largest city of Andalusia, is one of Spain’s most fascinating cities. The city preserves the past, nurtures the present, and looks to the future.

Jaen is well known for its superb olives, offering travelers extensive relics from its Moor era and Renaissance structures.

The impressive palace was the residence of noble families until the end of the 20th century and is, today, a museum. The palace is known for its 12 beautiful patios and spectacular garden as well as for its outstanding display of antique furniture, embossed leather, tapestries, mosaics, and art collection.

Explore Carmona's long history of Carthaginians, Romans, and Moors through its architecture, artifacts, and atmosphere.

Antequera boasts great architectural examples of its prosperous Baroque period, as well as dozens of churches and museums.

Known for its 18C prosperity due to silk industry, this town is very charming and is surrounded by lofty Subbetica Mountains.

It is also home to great art, outstanding architecture, colorful flamenco dancing – and let’s not forget its renowned tapas! 

Jerez de la Frontera is a southern Andalusian city which, in addition to its rich history, is famous for its sherry, horses, and Flamenco.

The ancient city of Cadiz lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is probably the oldest city in Europe.

Arcos de la Frontera is a charming “White Village” in Andalusia with extraordinary architecture, history, and cuisine.

Córdoba is a meeting place of four cultures - Roman, Moorish, Jewish, and Christian - each of which left a legacy and an imprint on the area. 

Huelva is arguably the oldest inhabited locale on the Iberian Peninsula, but its food and activities are also a great reason to visit.

Faro is located next to the Ria Formosa lagoon, a nature reserve of over 170 square kilometres (66 sq mi) and a stopping place for hundreds of different species of birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods. The beach is roughly seven kilometres (4.3 miles) from the city, and consists of a long sandy spit reached through a bridge The city has a public university, an international airport, a seaport, a marina, a railway station and complete inter-regional bus services. Its 30,000-seater stadium was one of the venues of the Euro 2004 and is also the temporary home ground of the Gibraltar national football team. The stadium is also used for concerts, festivals and other events.

Lagos’ rich history, along with its golden beaches, abundant water sports, and relaxed atmosphere have made it a popular tourist destination.

Formerly a fishing village, Carvoeiro is increasingly popular due to its many beautiful beaches, protected by impressive cliffs.

Formerly a fishing village, Quarteira has been populated since Roman times, and has grown to be a bustling seaside city.