Hello, my husband and I are starting the planning process to travel to the listed places above. We are in our mid 60’s in good physical condition and travel light, only what we can carry in our backs. We are looking at 5 to 6 weeks, during September, October or October to November. Just looking at the best way to start, from the US. South to North , East To West etc. we are budget travelers, however now that we are older do like some comforts. I have looked at a variety of Itineraries and suggestions for ease of travel etc. We have traveled to Madrid, Toledo, Granada, etc.I actually lived in Spain for a few years. Not opposed to repeating some places if it makes getting from one place to the other easier. However the goal is to see new territory. Suggestions.
Posted by
Washington DC
27211 posts
Northern Portugal and the northern coast of Spain (Galicia to the Basque Country) are the areas likeliest to get cool and be wet in the off-season. Of course temperatures will also be lower at altitude if you go to the Pyrenees. Therefore, I'd be inclined to start the trip in Portugal and then head across northern Spain if that area is to he included. If Barcelona/Catalunya is the only part of Spain you have time for, I don't think it makes a lot of difference, weather-wise, what you do after Portugal. You could fly to Nice and work your way back toward Barcelona, or you could fly to Barcelona and then travel onward through southern France.
Should you decide to include Zaragoza, be aware that it gets extremely hot in the summer, despite being not all that far from Barcelona.
If you choose to return to Andalucia (which I don't think you'll have time for), you'll want to push that area as late as you can since it has the least risk of being unpleasantly chilly.
There are very few ground-transportation options for crossing the Portuguese/Spanish border. I haven't checked recently, but I believe these are the possibilities:
From northern Portugal to Vigo (dull city) and on to the many interesting destinations in Galicia, like Santiago de Compostela.
From Lisbon to Madrid by bus or bus/train combo--a long trip.
from Faro (Algarve) to Seville by bus.
Posted by
Sioux Falls, SD, USA
3051 posts
yeah, thinking along these lines ourselves - start in P, go to S, end up in Bretagne (friends in that area).