Can someone suggest a 15–20 day itinerary for Spain, Portugal, and France around September 2025? We are in our early 60's. Healthy and active. Have traveled twice to Italy for 14 days each over the past 10 years. Maybe packing too much into 15 days?
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1608 posts
dale,
I believe you are trying to pack too much into 15 days.
What are you looking to see and do in these three countries? Do you have certain cities or sights you want to see in them?
15-20 days gives you 5 days per country, not counting travel time between them (the extra days). Travel between Spain and Portugal is not convenient by rail. Flying from,say Madrid or Sevilla to Lisbon would take the least time. With three countries, my suggestion would be to visit only one city in each country due to the short time involved. Better yet, pick just one country.
That being said, having been to Italy twice, for 14 days each trip, should give you an idea of how much time is needed to see a country. I would pick Spain or France by themselves, or Spain for 10 days and Portugal for 5 days. Add a day in there for transit. 10 days for Spain would give you perhaps three cities to briefly see...Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona or Granada. 5 days in Portugal gives you 3 days in Lisbon and 2 in Porto. Definitely keep it to two countries max, as each change uses up most of a day.
Have you read any travel books about what there is to see and do in each of these places? Maybe they would give you an idea of what appeals to you the most. Then you can list what you like the most, and narrow down things from there. Once you have done that, it will be easier to make suggestions to aide you. Remember, France is about the size of Califoirnia, and Spain, Oregon. Imagine trying to see these two states, plus Indiana (Portugal), in 15-20 days. That may help you make some decisions.
Best of luck!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
1608 posts
Forgot to add...Count nights, not days. As someone here once said, a full day is when you wake up and go to bed in the same place. Two nights equals one full day. Transit between locations takes up at least half a day (checking out of lodgings,getting to train station or airport, actual travel time, getting to lodgings in new location, checking in and getting somewhat oriented the new location). And arrival in Europe day and departure for home day are usually wasted for much sightseeing, unless you arrive very early and leave very late. Sorry to sound so like a Debby Downer. Just being practical.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7377 posts
Reconsider. I’ve spent 3 weeks in just one region of Spain, so three countries is too many. You need conduct some research to see what’s of interest to you while taking into account your preferred mode of travel between locations. You don’t want to spend 1/3 of your time in transit.
Posted by
Washington DC
28689 posts
Also consider the time of year. Three of Spain's very top destinations (Seville, Cordoba and Granada) are in the south. That area is likely to still be miserably hot during much of September.
Seville weather -- September 2024
That website is a great place to check the actual, day-by-day, historical weather data for just about anywhere you want to go.
My philosphy is that if you have a bunch of possible destinations and not much time, you might as well go somewhere with a good chance of pleasant weather.
Posted by
25 posts
I would recommend flying into either Barcelona or Madrid and plan to spend 3 days. Then take train to next city to see countryside, spend 3 days …
Granada Spain is a must visit. A bit out of the way but so special. 2 days. The Alhambra palace !!! Buy tickets in advance or join a tour group
Posted by
25 posts
The way to travel is to go slowly through a country with as much full immersion as possible.
Minimise travel time maximise living in another culture.
Burn your checklist. Go fewer places and spend more time at each place.
But of course get tickets for the biggest attractions in advance. If tickets are sold out, join a guided tour.