Portugal and Spain

Try to take a side trip to Toledo from Madrid. The train ride is about 30 minutes. I was in Madrid in March for 4 days and was able to fit in Toledo. In Madrid, I went to the Prado and Royal Palace. I enjoyed both, but I had the most fun just walking around town. I did the walk that Rick has in his book. You have to make it San Gines for Chocolate con churros! There is a great restaurant near Plaza Mayor called Las Cuevas - the best Sangria I have ever had! They serve it by the pitcher there! The food and atmosphere were so great I went twice! Of course, any trip to Spain would not be complete without trying some jamon! You can find it EVERYWHERE! As far as Lisbon goes, I was there for a week, but primarily for work. I was able to see most of the town. I did the walk that Rick has in his book too. I can't remember any of the restaurants I went to, but you have to try the cod fish. It is amazing. I was able to see all the historical districts there - Alfama, Belem, Barro Alto. Make sure you go see a fado show. You may not know what they are singing about, but the music is wonderful. Feel free to send me a PM and I'll give you as many details as I can! I'll be going to Madrid and Lisbon in December. When do you go?

One more thing on Lisbon. My favorite "attraction" was the Gulbankian Museum. The artifacts at the museum are amazing! I would say it is a medium size museum. I spent about 2 hours there. I plan to go again in December! Also, get the Lisboa Card while you are there - you get discounts on museums and it comes with a transportation card for the trolleys. Take the trolley to Belem and you will get a chance to see more of the town. In Lisbon, I also went to the Convent ruins (near the Santa Juta elevator). If it's a pretty day, it's worth the trip for the price (with the Lisboa Card). You are going to have a great time in Madrid and Lisbon.

Do you have RS Spain & Portugal guide book yet? If so, good. If not, you should get it as it is full of information that we found very useful when we toured those two countries.

Thanks for the suggestions about the Lisboa card. We were thinking about doing one of the day excursions to Toloedo with a tour group. Have you done any of those? We do have a RS Spain and Portugal guide and love his walks. We did one in Amsterdam and it was perfect. We are going on our trip in March.

I only did an organized tour in Granada. Everywhere else I used my RS book.

Sorry, I meant Seville!

Agree that a daytrip to Toledo is a must. No need for a guided walk. The city is compact and with a good guidebook you can see the main sights and just wander around. Take time there for a marzapan break. Madrid has an abundance of great restaurants. Make sure to get some churros. In Lisbon, I loved the roast chicken restaurants (forget the names but they are in the guidebooks and right across the street from each other). Slather on some piri-piri sauce and WOW! Be sure to visit Belem and take time for a pastry break. Also visit the Port wine sample place at the top of the hill (also in guidebooks). A great way to learn about port for not much per glass. A daytrip to Sintra is a must.

First and foremost go to the Prada to see Picasso's Guernica. Most powerful painting ever from the WWWII period. Very moving. Second, find the cafes called Valore. With your morning coffee you can get a chocolate fix that will keep you happy for the day. I call them Churro's (like at Costco) but they are tube-like donuts that you dip in moltant chocolate. To die for! Had a nice dinner at Citrus Restaurant. Madrid is a great city. Lisboa is also. A side trip to Sintra is all you expect it to be. Funny that Mad King Ludwig had a mad cousin in Sintra. Nice castle. The Port Wine Institute is a must if you like wine. Great trip up the finicular to find it plus the site from the hill is wonderful. The Duoro Valley is very beautiful if you have time. Just got back from 5 weeks is Spain & Portugal. Great weather. Jack Martin Bellevue, WA
USA

Unless it has moved very recently, Guernica is not at the PradO, but at the Reina Sofia museum.

Gillie got it right. And the Juan Carlos/Sofia/Franco relationship regarding the painting is story in itself.

Lisbon - we liked the zoo, a restaurant called Sacramento, and a store called La Vida Portugal - lovely things for the home. I loved wandering Lisbon - it is by far one of my favorite cities. The Port Institute also. Sip some port and eat their tasty cheese. Portugal was such a surprise.