Below, weve created a 10-day itinerary that takes in Portugals main cities, historical sites, and idyllic beaches at a modest pace. It will involve a change, but an easy one since there are lots of fast options from Cordoba to Madrid and then from Madrid to Toledo. Visit the Spain Tourism AuthorityHere, Visit: Madrid, San Sebastian, Bilbao, Castro Urdiales, Santander, Santillana, Covadonga, Oviedo, Lugo, A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela, Rias Bajas, La Toja, Vigo,Viana Do Castelo, Porto, Coimbra, Fatima, Obidos, Lisbon, Caceres, Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Valencia, Barcelona, April: 13, 20 & 27May: 04, 11 & 18June: 01, 08, 15 & 22July: 13 & 27August: 03 & 24September: 07, 14 & 28October: 05, 12 & 19, USD pricing will be at the days exchange rate, To begin the Spain and Portugal tour we meet and assist you at the airport. 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. WebThe Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. 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. It requires a car for the first 18 days as we travel through the country exploring the many cities and towns. These countries, part of the Iberian peninsula, are packed full of beautiful cities, fascinating history and plenty of attractions - both day and night. Arrive to Lugo. 3. Read More. And they use the same railway station so changing is simple. Trip customizable. WebThe Iberian Union in 1598, under Philip II, King of Spain and Portugal The Spanish and Austrian Habsburg European lands, ca 1700 Charles formally became the sole monarch of Spain upon the death of his imprisoned mother Queen Joan in 1555. 2023 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy. Take a panoramic sightseeing tour of Porto considered World Heritage city. SAN SEBASTIAN BILBAO CASTRO URDIALES SANTANDER, 9th Day (Tue.) After several months of research, we developed this Spain and Portugal Itinerary for 25 Days that is round trip from Madrid. Do not miss the highlights: the galleries dedicated to El Greco and the extended Goya collection. At 07:30 hrs we leave for Caceres considered as World Heritage place because of the citys blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. more. Balance of the day at leisure to explore the narrow cobblestone streets and get the feel of the student atmosphere. From Granada to Barcelona you would need to fly. SLEEPN Atocha and Petit Palace Triball come highly recommended. It includes a large number of gardens and monuments spread across 125 hectares. You can take a tour of the stadium and then visit the museum inside. I'm glad it worked out for you. For the best pastel de nata, Confeitaria do Bolho is your place. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.What are forum guidelines? Spain & Portugal. WebFamily-Friendly Tour of Spain & Portugal 9 Day Custom Tour Dynamic pricing from $2,569 Luxury 2- Week City Highlights Tour of Spain and Portugal 14 Day Custom Tour Dynamic pricing from $5,637 Coastal Villages to Iconic Metropolises: Spain and Portugal Tour 15 Day Custom Tour Dynamic pricing from $4,675 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 Centro-Baixa and Ribeira are the best areas to stay in Porto due to their proximity to the main attractions. 21 Day Spain & Portugal. If you have more time, consider extending your trip to visit other top destinations in Portugal. The Chapel of the Apparitions, heart of the sanctuary, with the tombs of the three shepherds, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta. . Walk through its Plaza Mayor and the Old Town with its famous Medieval Quarter. You can also stay in Lavapis or Huertas for a more colourful and bohemian atmosphere. There are so many more wonderful road trips through Spain to take. At the time, the neighbours found this quite unusual, if not downright ugly. Afterwards, continue on towards Crdoba, once the capital of the Caliphate. Accommodation. Barcelona left its mark on Gaudi, and Gaudi left his mark on the city. Inspired by the Beaux-Arts style, it has a large vestibule covered in almost 20,000 tiles that depict scenes of daily life in Northern Portugal. The rolling hills, accessible history in Alfama, delectable food and all-night parties make this one of Europes greats. If you don't do the Douro valley, you won't need four nights in Porto. See also our fun guide on unusual things to do in Porto. Welcome to the complete Spain and Portugal itinerary planner. However, flights bring problems, from having to turn up early to possibly losing your luggage to missing out on all the landscapes and smaller places between the big cities. These are tiny white villages some with impossibly long names . Today, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although for the former rather than latter fact, I believe. 1-404-736-7283 Have you already been there? Tomar was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction. Museums, galleries and water-related activities will keep you busy throughout the day. We had a wonderful time in Spain, spending our 21-odd days in a number of places to really experience the variety of character, history, culture an 21 days Portugal/Spain Jump to bottom Posted by hexodeci on 05/24/21 01:10 PM Dec 16 - Jan 5th .21 days Lisbon 3 > Obidos 1 > Coimbra 2 > Porto 4 > (From San Sebastian we did a day-trip to Bilbao, from Madrid to Toledo, from Seville to Cordoba, and from Barcelona to Figueres.) A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto) on Aug 25, 2017 at 1:21pm PDT. When it was built, it completely broke with the conventions of the time. Hi, all. Optional Gipsy Flamenco show at Sacromonte quarter. 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. Consider an open jaw air ticket flying into either Madrid or Lisbon then flying out the other. WebMarch 21, 2023: BROCHURE RATES - Stateroom Category IB: $1,780.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: ESCAPE TO SEA CRUISE ONLY - Stateroom Category BA: $1,879.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: ESCAPE TO SEA CRUISE ONLY - Stateroom Category SM: $2,069.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: BROCHURE RATES - Stateroom Category IR1: $2,080.00 (USD) March A post shared by Vigo (@vigotoday) on Aug 21, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT. Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the country, stroll along grand promenades of northern maritime cities and listen to the melodies of fiery Andalucan Flamenco! This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. You can wander off on your own and imagine it's the Middle Ages. 5 years ago. Check out the azulejos on the exterior of Igreja do Carmo, which are hand-painted blue and white tiles specific to the area. Copyright Ken and Karen's Travels 2023 | Design by, Chapel of S. Gregrio and Nossa Senhora da Piedade. The Montjuc Park with spectacular views of the city, Olympic Ring, monument to Columbus and the Olympic Port. On the next day, visit Maria Luisa Park, which displays a spectacular collection of Mediterranean trees and plants. I remember Ronda and its stunning views and gorge as a highlight of the my way Spain tour 2017. Today is going to be a long day in the car as we leave Lisbon and head to Sevilla. On your second day in Porto, cruise along the Douro River and visit the Douro Valley, the region famous for producing grapes for the Porto wine. 31 Interesting Facts About Madrid You Dont Already Know, Your Galicia Road Trip Itinerary: Why Youll Love Spains Rugged and Wild Coast, Be The Change: Steps to Take for a Better World, How to Boost Your Writing in 4 Simple Steps, Planning Your Trip Through Spain and Portugal. A day trip from Madrid even better. The ultimate journey through two of Europes most fascinating & diverse countries has to offer! In trying to plan, I think we can do 2 Flamenco dancing, tapas bars, Roman ruins, a massive cathedral, the Alczar palace complex and river views combine to make it an impressive stopover. Its possible to reach Vigo by train from throughout northern Spain. Phone : 1-404-736-7283 Take the Royal Chemists room filled with natural medicine cabinets, for example (you can check out the prescriptions the medics wrote to the members of the royal family.) And note that many things in Spain are closed for part of Sunday, all of Monday, and a long mid-day break on every day. This historic university still gives it a youthful charm, and the medieval buildings make it one of Portugals most architecturally beautiful destinations. Answered: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. Instead, try to connect to the general vibe. Accommodation. Enjoy some free time. Copyright 2018 SpainTours.biz a Division of, Guided visits in Madrid, San Sebastian, Santiago, Porto, Lisbon, Crdoba, Seville, Granada (Alhambra & Generalife gardens), Valencia and Barcelona, Panoramic sightseeing tours of San Sebastian, Bilbao and La Corua, Modern private coach transportation with AC, 4th Day (Thu.) Accommodation. After arriving in Madrid, we will pick up our rental car and head west to Salamanca. Cordoba was Spains capital during Roman and Moorish times. 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. Pick a hotel close to the centre to access the main attractions on foot. 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. It was established around the time Philip II of Spain moved the capital from Toledo to Madrid. Marvel at the gothic-modernist architecture in Barcelona. Food writers say that the best octopus in town is served at Frade dos Mares, and Floresta Das Escadinhas is genius when it comes to ribs. The PortoBay Flores is a popular hotel for its luxurious rooms and great service, but if you are looking for mid-range accommodation, Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Aliados offers everything you need at an excellent price. Today, its a museum. [emailprotected]. Coimbra has one of the oldest universities in Europe and the birthplace of Fado. The journey time is approximately 1 hour 40 minutes. For an impressive show with music and lights, visit the magic fountain of Montjic in the evening. 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. New year next holiday here we come!!! But the Rossio, Chiado and Cais do Sodre are close to the biggest attractions as well. Accommodation. Visit the Jeronimo Monastery (another UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the Belem Tower and stop at the Pastis de Belm, the place where the delicious Portuguese egg tarts were invented. Brief stop in one of the wonders of the world the oldest working lighthouse the Tower of Hercules dating back from the roman period. Shop the sale now . The non-fortified wines are typically referred to as Douro wines. And a beautiful one it is too. Answer 1 of 2: We are a family of 5 (children ages 23, 22 and 15) traveling to Spain and Portugal in mid-June. Other iconic buildings to visit here are the Oriente Station, the turtle-like Altice Arena, and the Portugal Pavilion. After breakfast we end the Spain and Portugal tour and transfer to the airport. It covers some Spain's big sights of course, but for Portugal it's only the capital you are aiming to visit. Next to the park, you will find the Plaza de Espaa, a grand affair built for the 1929 Ibero-American exhibition. I would do Barcelona but have been and could skip. City tour where we will see the main square called Obradoiro and also the Cathedral (entrance included) dedicated to the Apostle Santiago. We spend 2 days and 3 nights in the historic mercantile city of Porto. Webone month in spain itinerary. Ronda is one of Rick Steves back doors of Europe. Visit the highlights of Madrid, like the El Prado Museum. Free time. Flight leaves from Madrid (thats why I go there last). Top Tip: Dont forget about travel insurance. And, if you are a literature lover, dont miss Casa dos Bicos, where you will find an exhibition space dedicated to Nobel Prize winner Jose Saramago. 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. Seville and Toledo are MUST SEE for Spain. Heres a taste: El Greco, Velsquez, Zurbarn, and Murillo. Granada also offers beautiful views of Alhambra from the Mirador San Nicolas. Driving through this magnificent landscape we will arrive to La Toja Island, universally known for its spa. I didn't pick Spain/Portugal due to Xmas, but because my work lets me off for a few weeks around that time. 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The grandeur of the vestibule, along with its large glass ceiling, is simply fascinating. All rights reserved. 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. The last stop on your Spain-Portugal trip, Barcelona is the heart of the autonomous region of Catalunya, and a popular spot, receiving over 8 million visitors each year. The bulk of the tourists don't venture far beyond the path between Zocodover Square and the cathedral. The Spain and Portugal Tour is a comprehensive 21 day tour across the Iberian Peninsula. The best way to visit the basilica is to take a walking tour with a local guide who will give you more information on Gaudis vision and the history of the place. Rest of day at leisure. The Royal Palace in Madrid was inspired by Berninis sketches for the Louvre, rejected in France but put to good work in Spain, where this architectural jewel was built. Barcelona has a wonderful beach, but Costs Brava is an entire coast of beaches, with inland mountains, volcanic craters and more. 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. 1. Get inspired - Discover Europe with Eurail, A post shared by Visit Porto (@visitporto), A post shared by Refill de Ideias (@refill.de.ideias), A post shared by Visit Portugal (@visitportugal), A post shared by Sevilla Lens (@sevilla_lens), A post shared by (@sergiopayan_oficial), A post shared by AVIATRAVL WORLD (@aviatravelworld). It has a huge historic area, some lovely mudejar buildings and a great cathedral. Morning city tour of Barcelona well known worldwide for the Olympic Games during 1992, drive along the main avenues with impressive modernist buildings by Gaudi such as La Pedrera, Casa Mila, etc. An early afternoon departure northward all along the Mediterranean coast to Catalunya, via Tarragona, the Roman Tarraco. We had to fly into and out of Barcelona, so our itinerary was Barcelona (3 nights), San Sebastian (3 nights), Madrid (5 nights), Seville (4 nights), Granada (2 nights) and back to Barcelona (3 nights). In the afternoon, stroll around this huge park, recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It will take several hours to see it all, along with the small museum inside, so try to be there early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The structure has more than 3,000 rooms, some with special themes. What is the history of architecture in Spain? Web10 Night Spain Intensive from Lisbon, Portugal The September 11, 2024 cruise on the Azamara Quest departs from Lisbon, Portugal. Do I need a International Driving Permit to drive a hire car? How Many Days Do You Need for a Spain & Portugal Trip? WebTop Spain and Portugal Tours & Vacations 2022-2023 Trending Machu Picchu Angkor Wat Danube River Mt. Looking at your plan I have a feeling you are not allocating enough time to discover Barcelona/Madrid and even Seville. Accommodation. Today we have a 3.5 hour 208 mile drive. (The trip from Granada to Barcelona concerns me, as I don't want to lose a day on trains.). 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. Cordoba itself is a fragrant, picturesque Andalusian 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 Evora has roots as far back as Roman times. 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. By the way, Toledo is overrated on this forum. Porto is a beautiful vibrant city set on the banks of the Douro River. Check out our guide to the best tapas in Seville. We will explore its architecture including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and its famous Roman aqueduct. Good luck! But at such a distance, with limited opportunities to repeat, it sounds like you got the absolute best out of it, side trips included, and saw one hell of a lot. So, dont rush your first day in the city. I think Toledo is really great. It requires a car for the first 18 days Step on this historic lift, which takes you from the Baixa neighbourhood to Bairro Alto. Step by the Centro de Interpretacion Juderia de Sevilla to learn more about their tragic history. Accommodation at the hotel. It covers some Spain's big sights of course, but for Portugal it's only the capital you are aiming to visit. 3 nights for Lisbon is very tight, you The journey takes 2 hours 22 minutes. The Royal Palace was the spring residence for the monarchs from the 16th to the mid-19th century. Morning panoramic city tour visiting: the exterior of the Cathedral (the second largest in the Catholic world after St. Peters in Rome), Santa Cruz quarter (a natural scenario of Carmen as well as a precisely where the myth of Don Juan developed), Maria Luisa Park and Plaza de Espaa. WebItinerary in short Cities visited on this trip: 1. Kilimanjaro Rivers & Seas Galapagos Mediterranean Sea Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) Mideast & N. Africa Mekong River Europe Croatia Portugal Amazon Rainforest Tours Europe Spain and Portugal Spain and Portugal Tours & Travel On the orders of the Emir Abd al-Rahman in 784, the church was destroyed and work began on a great mosque. I probably will not change my travel dates but my trip to Spain is in the first 2 weeks of October. In the afternoon we will continue to San Sebastian, where they hold the International Film Festival. There are no train routes between Portugal and Spain in the south. And youll see plenty of people hanging out here, trying to get that instagram shot. We had a wonderful time in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Vigo, Spain 2. This complex was built at the beginning of the 19th century to serve as a garden city for nursing the sick. Spend some time in the garden before ending the day on the Guadalquivir River waterfront. Web30 Days in Spain & Portugal - Potential itinerary. They have gorgeous beaches, centuries-old buildings, delicious food, and a mild climate that attracts tourists even in the winter. You can add some about text, or any other kind of widget content. Batalha Monastery is a masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline style considered a World Heritage place by UNESCO. Transfer to bus terminal, located in the underground parking of the Plaza de Oriente. Admire the colourful faade and step in to visit the former residence of the Batll family bathed in light. We had a wonderful time in Spain, spending our 21-odd days in a number of places to really Andalusia, the region around Seville, deserves a road trip of its own. We love art and scenery, experiencing the local culture, some history, churches and gardens. It's a major fishing port, so you can expect an abundance of fresh seafood. The tour used Su Casa en Ronda which treats its guests as well as any hotel I've ever been. Departure at 08:30 a.m. towards Zaragoza. Toledo is one of the most visited UNESCO World Heritage sitesin Spain. Center of the Christian Faith and World Pilgrimage Sanctuary with its impressive Basilica and the Cova da Iria place where the Virgin Mary appeared. Her joy lies in the tumbling ruins and steep streets, her shareable food and her people far more than her checklist of sights. This afternoon at your leisure to catch the nostalgic corners of Alfama Quarter, the old city gathered next to its Castle, with old buildings nested in narrow twisting Ruas full of color housing the genuine tabernas where Fado sounds as a missing past. Maybe you will be happy with the Alcacar in Cordoba and skipping Granada. Its the perfect place to sip on a lemonade or tinto de verano and watch a flamenco performance on one of the lively terraces. Afternoon free to explore the wonders that the city has to offer. However, you can see the main cities and taste a bit of the local culture in about 14 days. It seems you go from Porto to Sevilla on Xmas Day, but my maths might be wrong. The main point of focus is the tomb of Christopher Columbus, but the collection of gold and jewellery is something to behold. Train, car, plane? I love Seville and Madrid, but if you've been there before, I agree that you might want to spend some time elsewhere. Click To view other tours:All Tours,Guided ,Private,By Region Contact usHere. Last edited by kja; Dec 26th, 2019 at 05:28 PM . You can do Toledo on a day trip from Madrid. Lisbon is set on 7 hills just like Rome we will be using the many trams, elevators, and funiculars to explore the city. The Roman Temple of Evora, standing in the middle of the historic town, is one of its most significant landmarks, along with the Cathedral of Evora and Church of the Lios. Leave the grand buildings behind and wander through Sevilles most tight-streeted neighbourhood, the former Jewish Quarter in the city. Barcelona and Gaudi are two inseparable entities. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel. WebVisit Spain and Portugal. I'm pretty agnostic on traveling over Xmasor not, so I think you'll be fine either way. The next stop on your 2-day Porto itinerary, Igreja do Carmo, consists of two buildings connected through a very small home. And thats why we wrote one here. The style of wines produced in the Douro range from light, Bordeaux style claret to rich Burgundian style wines aged in new oak. La Latina is the best area for eating in Madrid, especially when you only have a few days. On this 10 Night Spain Intensive sailing, the ship will visit a total of 10 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. Follow it as it is or adapt it to your budget and interests and have a fabulous time! This shows through in the classic architecture, quaint eateries and quiet, winding alleyways. It was here that Columbus applied for funding for his voyage to India and here, too, where the Game of Thrones filmed their palace in the Kingdom of Dorne. It contains architectural treasures such as the Collegiate of Santa The na, a Jewel of the Romanesque Architecture in Cantabria. The Cultural Landscape of Sintra is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the 23rd (Thu), enjoy the sand and surf at, Copyright 2005-2023 Klarna Bank AB (publ). Could be worth your time. All the big towns in Spain and Portugal are connected through direct flights that are shorter than 1 hour and 30 minutes, so if you want to travel fast, it might be worth adding in some flights. Even if you dont have much time, you can pay a quick visit to the fishing village of Cascais, which is only half an hour from Lisbon. A post shared by (@sergiopayan_oficial) on May 11, 2020 at 1:12pm PDT. You haven't mentioned Granada. Travel back in time to the fairytale castles and hills of Sintra, a 19th-century resort town and UNESCO World Heritage site. As in most cities, the city centre is the best place to stay, and you have some fabulous hotels here that seem to be the smaller copies of the palaces in town the Boutique Hotel Casa del Poeta and the Hotel Gravina51, for example. See this Alhambra quote Do not weep like a woman, Beach lovers should head to Malaga for a relaxing day in the sun. Please agree to all the terms and conditions before proceeding to the next step. 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. Please note that this bus isn't included in your Eurail Pass, and a one-way journey costs around15 - 20. But if you're in the mood for something more festive, you'll have to plan ahead. By this time, Crdoba had become the most important city in the Islamic Kingdom. I don't know the backstory on this change. The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is a former Spanish royal residence located 50km south of Madrid in the town of Aranjuez. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Marvel at imposing castles and buildings of austere Castile in the heart of the Free time to be able to contemplate the Roman remains that still retains like its walls, declared World Heritage. WebOur ten-day Portugal itinerary was designed to provide ideas and inspiration for your Portugal vacation. Discover historic Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto. Panoramic city tour of this marvel style bourgeois city, seeing the extraordinary landscape dominated by the bay and the magnificent La Concha beach. Its history, culture and favourable climate have made it a major hub for rail travellers in Spain. I would consider skipping Lisbon and adding those days to the places I mentioned. The ancient ramparts guard Romanesque churches, medieval convents, and Renaissance palaces making the UNESCO-listed Avila one of the most interesting cities in Spain. Today we start with a morning city tour of this bright city including a drive through the old city showing the most prominent buildings, we will then be driven past the old riverbed of the Turia to the most avant-garde complex Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias to watch the emblematic exteriors of the six buildings. I made a nice, and totally seasonally inappropriate, meal of some of my favorite foods in the kitchen of my AirBnb, and it was great. Please let me know if I am missing, or should miss anything. Hopefully lots of photos. Still in the City but to the West of the historic center is the Belam neighborhood. Highlights. Our ideal itinerary is Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Maderia Island and Lisbon. Lisbon is an acquired taste. WebMarch 21, 2023: BROCHURE RATES - Stateroom Category IB: $1,780.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: ESCAPE TO SEA CRUISE ONLY - Stateroom Category BA: $1,879.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: ESCAPE TO SEA CRUISE ONLY - Stateroom Category SM: $2,069.00 (USD) March 21, 2023: BROCHURE RATES - Stateroom Category IR1: $2,080.00 (USD) March Santillana is one of the most important historical artistic towns in Spain. I would highly recommend booking a guide to help you understand and focus. 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. Departure to Santander, a port city located between the sea and the mountains, well known for its Sardinero Beach, one of the best known beaches in Spain. 21 Day Spain & Portugal. 21 day cultural, religious and historic sites tour through Madrid, Porto, Ftima and 17 other destinations in 4 different countries.