Spain and Portugal - ANY advice would be nice!

Toledo, Sevilla, Arcos de la frontera. Stay at a Paradore hotel at least once in Spain is a must.In Portugal Sintra, Belem, Lisbon, Odidos.

Not sure how long that makes your trip - less than 10 days. That is not long to see 3 cities in 2 countries plus other places.

Of the 3 you mention I only know Seville but it is a wonderful city and worth some time. I don't go to places for hotels or restaurants so cannot help you there but Seville has the Santa Cruz area with the
Alcazar and the Cathedral and lots of wonderful bars and restaurants. Southern Spain has a lot to offer aside from Seville. For example, Granada and Cordoba as well as many white villages.

It would help to know what you like to do and see.

My favorite place in Spain was Granada. In Portugal, Sintra.

I don't know how those work in December.

Sintra can be a day trip from Lisbon, but Granada needs one or two overnights (or more). If possible, arrange that your first visit to the Alhambra is at night.

Seville is a great city but MUCH nicer, much more romantic and much easier to vist is Jerez de la Frontera, about 1 hour South of Seville. It's also home to the world's most famous Sherry destilleries. Actually if I were you I'd stay there and do Seville as day trip. Outside of Huelva is the site were Columbus started from when he discovered "the new world". There are replicas of the vessels they used, his Santa Maria and two others. You can see how surprisingly small they were. But that's actually the only sight worthwhile in the Huelva area.

2 years ago we were in Barcelona and Madrid.
From Madrid you can take a day trip to Toledo and Segovia.

I used www.maribelsguides.com and found it to be full of information. Not to be confused with maribelsguide (singular).. add an "S" to guides.com.

This guide will tell you the hidden gems, and where to catch the bus to Toledo and Segovia. Plus you can find the place to get the cookies from the Cloistered Nuns!

In Madrid I stayed at hotel abalu
http://www.hotelabalu.com

The location was good... close to the Gran Via, and close to 2 metros. The hotel is clean, not expensive, and not too too close to the touristy area. The staff was nice, but not overly helpful.... and they answer email promptly. Ask for a room facing the courtyard. The view isn't great but at least you'll get a quiet room and a good night's sleep.

Juliane, email me if you have ??'s Have a great time!

Juliane,
Use the upper right hand box to search "Lisbon" or "Portugal" I've posted some stuff on those topics earlier.

(I won't bore the regulars by rehashing old stuff...)

Something unique to Canada is our multi-cultural neighbourhoods. Have you thought of visiting "Little Portugal" or "Little Spain" in Calgary?
You might learn a little something from visiting and interacting within their hood.
Sometimes I like to go to Toronto's multicultural villages and pretend I'm somewhere else for a day! It's fun to try local foods and see their products in the shops.

It kind of gets you psyched up for your trip!

Safe Travels,
F/A

I would definitely visit Madrid! If you are into art, the Prado and Thyssen museums are both marvelous.
I stayed at the Hotel Europa and it was incredible! It is where Rick Steves (and his tours) stays. The rooms were gorgeous, marble bathrooms, etc. It's located just off the Puerta Del Sol, on a pedestrian only street, and has a great restaurant/outdoor cafe for great people watching. The service was also extraordinary.
I would also not miss Toledo, a small midieval city on top of a hill just south of Madrid. It was El Greco's home and the city is full of his paintings.
The great new trains get there in about a half hour from Madrid. It has the most beautiful cathedral in Spain, very, very narrow streets, and it was a great adventure. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

Here's another option: In March we took a bus from Madrid to Salamanca (2 nights). Then we rented a car and went to Coimbra, Portugal (3 nights), drove to Porto (3 nights) and then to Santiago de Compostela(3 nights). From there we went on to San Sebastian (3 nights)with a stop to see the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Then back to Madrid. It was a 2 week trip. We loved northern Spain. If you get to Sanitago stay at the Hotel Residencia Costa Vella--it's wonderful! Driving in Spain was expensive however, especially the tolls.

When in Seville, Granada is a must, while in Lisbon, you can't leave without a visit to Sintra.
Sounds like you have little more than a week, so try not to cover too many places or you'll miss the flavor of each place. I'd do Lisbon, Sintra, Seville, Granada, and Madrid.
The places you should dedicate more time to are Madrid and Lisbon (both very different, though).
You can check the www.GoLisbon.com and the www.GoMadrid.com sites for information on those two capitals.
Any specific type of hotels, sights, or restaurants you like? I'd be able to recommend some based on your tastes... Have a great time!

Granada and Barcelona.
Although 5 days seems too short to do so many different places...maybe just the two big cities Lisbon and Madrid would suit your time frame.

Just wanted to thank you for posting your question because we're going to be in Spain and Portugal (Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo and Lisbon) over Christmas and New Year's, so these replies have been very helpful!

Remember, smart travellers use the telephone...and internet. Some places in Portugal may be closed or have seasonal or reduced hours of operation over the holidays. It is the off season for most places. Lucky for you, less crowds to boot!

I suggest you check as many websites as you can for specific information. I believe the Castle at Sintra is closed on Mondays? Pls check on that. It's a futile train ride from LIS to find the Castle closed.

The Eden Hotel in LIS is great! It's an old Opera Theatre converted into a Hotel. The rooms/apartments are old converted Opera boxes. Neat, but can drive you mad if you're claustrophobic, after staying there for 5 days!

In Alfama, head up the hill across from the Train station to "O'Emegrante" Restaurant, in the residential area. Or there's another Mom & Pops place just up the hill about ten shops past...it's even better! I don't remember the name, but the owner is Ermalinda and I think her name is over the door with a red light bulb.