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28-Day European Journey: SFO to Lisbon, Porto, Barcelona, Madrid & Germany

Viewed by 62 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Lisbon & Settling In

Morning: Arrive at Lisbon Portela Airport and check into your hotel. Rest and freshen up after the long flight.

Afternoon: Take a gentle walk through the historic Baixa district, admire Praça do Comércio and get familiar with the city’s vibe.

Evening: Enjoy dinner in Chiado with views of the Tagus River and listen to live Fado music at a local venue.

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Day 2: Historic Lisbon Exploration

Morning: Visit the iconic Tower of Belém and the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, masterpieces of Manueline architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the MAAT Museum (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) along the waterfront.

Evening: Relax at Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint for a panoramic sunset over Lisbon’s rooftops and river.

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Day 3: Alfama & Castelo de São Jorge

Morning: Walk the narrow streets of the Alfama neighborhood, Lisbon’s oldest quarter, and visit the Fado Museum.

Afternoon: Explore Castelo de São Jorge, enjoy breathtaking views across Lisbon from the castle walls.

Evening: Dinner at a traditional restaurant with authentic Portuguese dishes in Alfama.

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Day 4: Day Trip to Sintra

Morning: Travel to Sintra and visit the Pena Palace, a colorful Romanticist castle perched on a hill.

Afternoon: Explore the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira estate with its enchanting gardens and initiatic wells.

Evening: Return to Lisbon and unwind with a riverside walk at Docas de Santo Amaro.

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Day 5: Lisbon - Contemporary and Local Life

Morning: Visit the modern Parque das Nações area, explore the Oceanário de Lisboa.

Afternoon: Shop and relax at the Time Out Market, tasting local and international cuisine.

Evening: Experience Lisbon nightlife in the Bairro Alto district.

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Day 6: Lisbon to Porto - Arrival & Initial Exploration

Morning: Take a train or flight to Porto, check into your hotel and rest.

Afternoon: Begin exploring by walking along the Ribeira district by the Douro River.

Evening: Dine in one of Porto’s riverside restaurants sampling local specialties like Francesinha.

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Day 7: Historic Porto Highlights

Morning: Visit the Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, then Clerigos Tower.

Afternoon: Tour the famous Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and do tastings.

Evening: Enjoy a stroll on the D. Luís I Bridge and watch the sunset over the river.

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Day 8: Cultural & Artistic Porto

Morning: Visit the Serralves Museum and its art-filled park.

Afternoon: Explore the medieval Palácio da Bolsa and its elegant Arabian Room.

Evening: Sample local seafood dishes and enjoy live music at a cozy Porto eatery.

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Day 9: Douro Valley Day Trip

Morning: Head out for a scenic day trip into the Douro Valley, touring vineyards and tasting wines.

Afternoon: Take a river cruise on the Douro River through terraced hills and villages.

Evening: Return to Porto and rest or enjoy a quiet evening stroll along the riverfront.

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Day 10: Porto Neighborhoods & Markets

Morning: Explore the Bolhão Market and nearby Rua de Santa Catarina shopping street.

Afternoon: Visit the Church of São Francisco famed for its baroque interiors.

Evening: Have dinner in the artsy Foz do Douro neighborhood near the sea.

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Day 11: Porto to Barcelona – Arrival & Tapas Experience

Morning: Fly from Porto to Barcelona and check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Walk along La Rambla, visit the bustling Boqueria Market.

Evening: Explore Gothic Quarter and enjoy traditional tapas in a local bar.

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Day 12: Gaudí Day

Morning: Visit Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s iconic basilica.

Afternoon: Explore Park Güell and its colorful mosaics and gardens.

Evening: Dine around Gràcia neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and eateries.

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Day 13: Barcelona’s Waterfront & Museums

Morning: Stroll along Barceloneta Beach and visit the contemporary Barcelona Aquarium.

Afternoon: Explore the Picasso Museum in the Born district.

Evening: Enjoy a flamenco show paired with dinner near Poble Espanyol.

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Day 14: Montjuïc Hill and Surrounds

Morning: Take the cable car up to Montjuïc Castle and explore the gardens.

Afternoon: Visit the Magic Fountain and the National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC).

Evening: Leisurely stroll through Poble Sec and try some tapas bars.

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Day 15: Modernist Architecture & Shopping

Morning: Walk down Passeig de Gràcia visiting Casa Batlló and La Pedrera.

Afternoon: Shop at boutiques and designer stores or relax at a café.

Evening: Sunset drinks at a rooftop terrace with a view of the city skyline.

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Day 16: Day Trip to Montserrat

Morning: Take a train to Montserrat Monastery set in the stunning mountain range.

Afternoon: Hike around the trails and visit the Montserrat Museum.

Evening: Return to Barcelona and dine near Plaça Reial.

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Day 17: Barcelona to Madrid - Arrival & Tapas Night

Morning: Take a high-speed train to Madrid.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and stroll through Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor.

Evening: Enjoy tapas hopping in La Latina district.

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Day 18: Art & Culture in Madrid

Morning: Visit the famous Prado Museum and admire European masterpieces.

Afternoon: Walk through Retiro Park and visit the Crystal Palace.

Evening: Dinner in the vibrant Chueca neighborhood, known for its nightlife.

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Day 19: Royal Madrid

Morning: Tour the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid and the Almudena Cathedral.

Afternoon: Visit Plaza de Oriente and explore the nearby Teatro Real.

Evening: Watch a traditional Spanish performance or enjoy a gourmet restaurant.

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Day 20: Markets & Local Flavors

Morning: Browse through the El Rastro Flea Market (Sunday) or visit Mercado de San Miguel.

Afternoon: Explore the trendy Malasaña district with its shops and cafes.

Evening: Experience Madrid’s tapas culture along Cava Baja street.

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Day 21: Day Trip to Toledo

Morning: Travel to the UNESCO city of Toledo, known for medieval architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the Toledo Cathedral and the Alcázar fortress.

Evening: Return to Madrid and relax at your hotel.

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Day 22: Madrid to Germany - Arrival in Berlin

Morning: Fly to Berlin, check into your accommodation.

Afternoon: Explore Alexanderplatz and visit the Berlin TV Tower.

Evening: Dinner in the Mitte district and enjoy Berlin’s vibrant nightlife.

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Day 23: Berlin History & Culture

Morning: Visit the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag Building.

Afternoon: Explore the Berlin Wall Memorial and East Side Gallery.

Evening: Dine near Hackescher Markt, a hub for restaurants and bars.

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Day 24: Museums & Parks in Berlin

Morning: Spend time at the Museum Island, visiting the Altes Museum and Neues Museum.

Afternoon: Relax in Tiergarten Park and visit the Victory Column.

Evening: Enjoy a gourmet dinner at a trendy Berlin restaurant.

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Day 25: Berlin to Munich - Arrival & Beer Garden

Morning: Train or short flight to Munich.

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and walk through Marienplatz, watch the Glockenspiel.

Evening: Experience a traditional beer garden, such as the Hofbräuhaus.

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Day 26: Munich Cultural Highlights

Morning: Visit Nymphenburg Palace with its expansive gardens.

Afternoon: Explore the Deutsches Museum, the world’s largest science and technology museum.

Evening: Dinner in the Altstadt (Old Town) with Bavarian specialties.

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Day 27: Day Trip to Neuschwanstein Castle

Morning: Take a day trip to the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle near Füssen.

Afternoon: Explore the castle interiors and surrounding alpine scenery.

Evening: Return to Munich and have a light dinner or rest.

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Day 28: Departure from Munich

Morning: Last-minute souvenir shopping in Munich’s markets.

Afternoon: Pack and prepare for departure.

Evening: Depart from Munich Airport to return home or onward destination.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Lisbon Tower of Belém - 2 hours - $10
  • Jerónimos Monastery - 2 hours - $12
  • Castelo de São Jorge - 2 hours - $9
  • Sintra Pena Palace - 3 hours - $15
  • Port Wine Cellars Tour - 2.5 hours - $25
  • Sagrada Família - 2.5 hours - $30
  • Park Güell - 3 hours - $12
  • Picasso Museum - 2 hours - $15
  • Montserrat Monastery - 6 hours (day trip) - $40
  • Prado Museum - 3 hours - $17
  • Royal Palace of Madrid - 2 hours - $14
  • Toledo Day Trip - 8 hours - $60
  • Brandenburg Gate & Reichstag - 2 hours - Free (Reichstag dome $0-$15 advance booking)
  • Berlin Museum Island - 4 hours - $20
  • Neuschwanstein Castle - 8 hours (day trip) - $65
  • Train & Flights between cities (estimated total) - Variable - $450

Total Estimated Cost: $740 (admission fees and transportation, excluding accommodation and meals)

Tips

  • For extending the trip: Consider adding extra days in Portugal’s Algarve region for beaches and nature or spend more time in Munich exploring Bavarian countryside and Salzburg, Austria, which is nearby.
  • For reducing the trip: Focus on either Spain (Barcelona & Madrid) or Portugal (Lisbon & Porto) plus one German city to save travel time and costs, cutting the trip down to around 14-18 days without missing highlights.
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