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17-Day Spain–Portugal–Belgium Itinerary: Barcelona → Donostia-San Sebastián → Madrid → Toledo → Granada → Seville → Lisbon → Porto → Brussels

Viewed by 117 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

Barcelona, Spain on October 12, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Forn Baluard or Federal Café

Start with fresh bakery items or a plated breakfast near Barceloneta to fuel the first day and sample local pastries; both open around 8:30–9:00am but check current hours.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Sagrada Família

Gaudí's unfinished basilica is Barcelona’s must-see for its extraordinary facades and interior light; book timed tickets in advance—typical opening around 9:00am–6:00pm but hours vary by season.
EUR26, 1h30m

12:00pm

La Boqueria Market & Lunch

Wander stalls at La Boqueria for tapas, fresh seafood or a casual lunch; market usually opens from early morning through the afternoon—great for quick local bites.
EUR15, 1h

2:00pm

Gothic Quarter walk

Stroll narrow lanes, visit Plaça Reial and the Barcelona Cathedral to feel the city’s medieval core and street-life vibe; most streets are always open though some monuments have set hours.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Park Güell (monumental zone)

Visit Gaudí’s colourful park for sweeping city views; timed entries are required and usual opening hours run into the evening—book in advance.
EUR10, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner in El Born / Tapas

Enjoy tapas or seafood in El Born or Barceloneta; many restaurants stay open late—reserve if you have a particular place in mind.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Modernisme & Museums

Barcelona, Spain on October 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast - Chocolateria or local café

Try churros and chocolate or a light café breakfast near Plaça Catalunya to prepare for a museum morning; opening times commonly start 8:00–9:00am.
EUR7, 0h30m

10:00am

Casa Batlló and Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Visit two of Gaudí’s iconic modernist houses—book timed tickets for either in the morning to avoid crowds; typical openings 9:00–19:00.
EUR25, 1h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de Santa Caterina or El Nacional

Sample a range of Catalan dishes under one roof; markets normally open through lunchtime and give a relaxed, local meal experience.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Picasso Museum & El Born

Explore Picasso’s early works in an atmospheric medieval quarter—Picasso Museum usually opens 10:00–19:00 but may close on some holidays.
EUR12, 1h30m

6:00pm

Montjuïc cable car and sunset

Ride the cable car up to Montjuïc for panoramic views and visit the Olympic area; cable car typically runs until early evening—check seasonal times.
EUR12, 1h

9:00pm

Dinner in Poble-sec — tapas crawl

Finish the day with a relaxed tapas crawl in Poble-sec where bars specialise in montaditos and vermouth; most bars open late into the night.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 3: Coastline to Basque Country

Barcelona → Donostia–San Sebastián, Spain on October 14, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast and transfer to airport or station

Quick bakery breakfast before a morning flight or long-distance train; flights to San Sebastián (EAS) are about 1h15, trains are much longer—book in advance.
EUR8, 0h30m

10:30am

Travel flight/train to Donostia–San Sebastián

Choose a short flight for time savings (or scenic long-distance rail if preferred); total door-to-door typically 2.5–4 hours depending on connections.
EUR70, 3h30m

2:30pm

Stroll La Concha Beach & Paseo

Arrive and walk the famous shell-shaped bay to stretch legs and take photos; the promenade is open year-round and ideal on arrival afternoons.
EUR0, 1h

4:00pm

Parte Vieja pintxos tour

Explore pintxo bars in the Old Town—try local anchovies, txuleta and innovative small plates; bars typically open from lunchtime and peak in the evening.
EUR20, 1h30m

8:30pm

Dinner at a recommended pintxos bar (Ganbara / La Cuchara de San Telmo)

Reserve or arrive early to sample Basque cuisine at a popular local pintxo spot—expect lively atmosphere and seasonal dishes.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 4: Basque Culture & Views

Donostia–San Sebastián, Spain on October 15, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a seaside café

Enjoy coffee and a tostada with sea views before a full day of walking; cafés usually open from early morning.
EUR8, 0h30m

10:00am

Monte Igueldo funicular & viewpoint

Take the funicular to the Monte Igueldo viewpoint for sweeping views over the bay and classic funfair; funicular runs roughly 9:30–20:00 but check seasonal hours.
EUR5, 1h

12:00pm

Visit Miramar Palace & gardens

Walk the elegant gardens and shoreline paths around Miramar, once royal property and now public grounds—open daytime hours with free access to gardens.
EUR0, 45m

1:30pm

Lunch at a harbour seafood restaurant

Sample fresh Basque seafood or grilled fish at the harbour; lunchtime service typically runs 13:00–16:00.
EUR25, 1h

3:30pm

San Telmo Museum

Learn Basque history and art at this atmospheric museum in the old town—usual opening hours are around 10:00–19:00; check days closed.
EUR6, 1h30m

8:30pm

Pintxo dinner crawl in Parte Vieja

Return to favourite pintxo bars or try new ones—evenings are lively and the best time to sample many small plates.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 5: Head to the Capital

Donostia–San Sebastián → Madrid, Spain on October 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and transfer to airport

Eat a quick breakfast and take a morning flight to Madrid (approx 1h15); trains are possible but slower—book ahead.
EUR10, 0h30m

11:00am

Arrive Madrid and check-in

Drop bags and have a short rest; central Madrid hotels make it easy to walk to major sights.
EUR0, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mercado de San Miguel

Explore a selection of Spanish tapas and fresh bites in this historic covered market near Plaza Mayor—open most days through lunch.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Prado Museum (short visit)

See highlights of Spain’s great masters; museum hours commonly 10:00–20:00 but closing times vary so confirm before you go.
EUR15, 1h30m

6:00pm

Retiro Park & Puerta de Alcalá

Relax with a walk or boat on the Retiro lake and view elegant city monuments—park is open daylight hours and great for late afternoon.
EUR0, 1h

9:00pm

Dinner in Barrio de las Letras

Enjoy modern Spanish cuisine or tapas in this lively neighbourhood close to major museums; many restaurants open late.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 6: Royal Madrid & Flamenco

Madrid, Spain on October 17, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Chocolatería San Ginés or local café

Try churros and hot chocolate or a more traditional Spanish breakfast before touring the city; popular spots open early to mid-morning.
EUR7, 0h30m

10:00am

Royal Palace & Almudena Cathedral

Tour the Royal Palace’s state rooms and the cathedral opposite; palace hours typically 10:00–20:00 (seasonal) and tickets are recommended.
EUR13, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in La Latina / Cava Baja

Eat in the tapas-lined street of Cava Baja and sample local specialities; eateries are open through lunchtime and into the evening.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Thyssen or Reina Sofía Museum (modern art pick)

Pick one museum to match your taste—the Reina Sofía houses Picasso’s Guernica; usual opening is 10:00–19:00 but check current times.
EUR12, 1h30m

9:00pm

Flamenco show & dinner (Tablao)

Book a tablao for an authentic flamenco performance with dinner—shows typically start 8:30–21:30 and must be reserved in advance.
EUR45, 2h

Day 7: Toledo Day Trip

Toledo → Madrid, Spain on October 18, 2025

8:00am

Train to Toledo

Take the ~30–35 minute train from Madrid’s Atocha to Toledo; early trains free up sightseeing time in this compact city.
EUR13, 0h35m

9:30am

Toledo Cathedral

Visit one of Spain’s finest Gothic cathedrals with rich chapels and art—usual hours roughly 10:00–18:00, check for seasonal variations.
EUR10, 1h

11:00am

Jewish Quarter & Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca

Explore Toledo’s winding streets and its historic synagogues and convents for a sense of medieval multicultural Spain.
EUR5, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch and marzipan tasting

Lunch at a local tavern followed by sampling famous Toledo marzipan from a traditional confitería; shops open through the afternoon.
EUR18, 1h

3:00pm

Alcázar & city viewpoints

See the Alcázar fortress and enjoy panoramic views across the Tagus River—Alcázar opening times commonly mid-morning to late afternoon.
EUR5, 1h

6:00pm

Return to Madrid

Evening return via train to Madrid to rest for the following day’s travel south.
EUR13, 0h35m

Day 8: Granada Arrival

Madrid → Granada, Spain on October 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and morning transfer to train station

Take an early AVE/MD train to Granada (journey ~3–4 hours) or a short flight if you prefer faster transfer—book tickets in advance.
EUR45, 0h30m

12:30pm

Check-in & lunch

Drop bags and have lunch near the Cathedral—Granada’s tapas culture often includes a free tapa with a drink at many bars.
EUR12, 1h

3:00pm

Albaicín neighbourhood walk

Wander the whitewashed streets of the historic Moorish quarter and head to Mirador de San Nicolás for the classic Alhambra view; open area, accessible any time.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Early evening tapas crawl

Explore caves and bars, sampling local wines and complimentary tapas—a quintessential Granada experience with bars open late.
EUR20, 1h30m

9:00pm

Dinner with a view

Dine in a restaurant overlooking the Alhambra from the Albaicín—book a table for the sunset-to-night view.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 9: The Alhambra

Granada, Spain on October 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and transfer to Alhambra

Have an early breakfast and head to the Alhambra complex; tickets are timed and sell out—book months ahead if possible and arrive early for cooler light.
EUR15, 0h30m

9:00am

Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

Spend the morning touring the Nasrid Palaces, Alcazaba and Generalife gardens; typical visiting hours vary by season (morning and evening slots)—follow your ticket times.
EUR18, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch in Realejo

Return to the city for lunch in the Realejo neighbourhood and sample Andalusian dishes; lunchtime service usually 13:00–15:30.
EUR18, 1h

4:30pm

Sacromonte or relax

Visit Sacromonte’s cave houses and flamenco museums or relax at a café—Sacromonte is open daytime with evening shows in some caves.
EUR8, 1h30m

9:00pm

Sacromonte cave flamenco (optional)

Book a cave flamenco show for an intimate Andalusian music experience—shows commonly start around 9:00pm; reserve ahead.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 10: Seville Transfer & Highlights

Granada → Seville, Spain on October 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast and train to Seville

Take a morning train (approx 2.5–3h) to Seville for a comfortable scenic ride through Andalusia; trains usually depart throughout the morning.
EUR25, 0h30m

12:30pm

Arrive and lunch near the Cathedral

Check in and enjoy lunch near the Cathedral—a good spot to begin exploring Seville’s historic centre.
EUR18, 1h

2:30pm

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

Climb the Giralda tower for panoramic city views and visit the vast Gothic cathedral—usual hours approx 11:00–17:00 but confirm seasonal times.
EUR10, 1h30m

4:30pm

Real Alcázar

Explore the palace and gardens made famous by Mudejar architecture—timed-entry recommended, openings generally 9:30–19:00.
EUR12, 1h30m

8:30pm

Tapas in Triana

Cross the river to Triana for tapas and lively bars—Triana has a strong culinary identity and stays lively at night.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 11: Plaza de España & Culture

Seville, Spain on October 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bar El Comercio (churros)

Enjoy a local breakfast of churros or tostada before a full day of sight-seeing; many cafés open early to serve commuters and tourists.
EUR7, 0h30m

10:00am

Plaza de España & María Luisa Park

Stroll the grand semicircular Plaza de España and enjoy the adjacent park—open public spaces accessible all day and perfect for photos and rowing boats on the canal.
EUR0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Santa Cruz quarter

Eat in the atmospheric Jewish quarter with narrow lanes and orange trees; many restaurants offer set lunches at midday.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Optional river cruise or visit the Metropol Parasol (Setas)

Choose a relaxed river cruise or climb the wooden Metropol Parasol for views; Metropol Parasol typically open during daylight hours and by evening.
EUR10, 1h

9:00pm

Evening flamenco barrio show

Experience another intimate flamenco show or enjoy live music in Triana—shows usually start 21:00 onward with reservations recommended.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 12: Fly to Lisbon

Seville → Lisbon, Portugal on October 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and transfer to airport

Early breakfast and short flight to Lisbon (≈1h10) for maximum time in Portugal’s capital; book flights ahead for the best fares.
EUR60, 0h30m

11:30am

Check-in and light lunch

Drop bags and enjoy a late morning snack or light lunch—Lisbon cafés typically start serving late-morning pastries and sandwiches.
EUR12, 0h45m

1:30pm

Belém: Jerónimos Monastery & Tower of Belém

Visit Portugal’s UNESCO site and the riverside tower; typical hours for Jerónimos and Belém Tower run roughly 10:00–17:30 but check closures.
EUR12, 1h45m

4:30pm

Pastéis de Belém

Try the original custard tarts from the famous bakery—expect queues but it’s a beloved Lisbon experience.
EUR4, 0h30m

8:00pm

Dinner in Bairro Alto

Dine in Bairro Alto or Chiado with a mix of traditional and modern Portuguese cuisine; the area comes alive at night for food and bars.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 13: Lisbon Classics

Lisbon, Portugal on October 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a local pastelaria

Start with a coffee and pastel de nata in Alfama or Baixa; pastelarias typically open early for commuters.
EUR5, 0h30m

10:00am

São Jorge Castle & Alfama walk

Climb up to the castle for panoramic city views and wander Alfama’s steep lanes—castle opening hours commonly 9:00–18:00 but confirm before visiting.
EUR8, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch and Tram 28 ride

Take the historic Tram 28 through old neighbourhoods then enjoy lunch in Baixa—tram runs seasonally and can be crowded; plan for queues.
EUR4, 1h

3:30pm

Chiado shops & viewpoints

Explore Chiado’s boutiques, cafés and viewpoints like Santa Catarina for a relaxed afternoon shopping and coffee break.
EUR0, 1h

9:00pm

Fado dinner in Alfama

Reserve a fado house for dinner and live music to experience Portugal’s soulful song tradition—shows usually start around 20:30–21:00.
EUR35, 2h

Day 14: Train to Porto

Lisbon → Porto, Portugal on October 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and morning Alfa Pendular train to Porto

Take the comfortable high-speed train (approx 2.5–3h) to Porto for scenic Atlantic coast views; trains depart throughout the morning—book seats.
EUR30, 0h30m

11:30am

Arrive & lunch in Ribeira

Check in and eat along the riverside in Ribeira—enjoy views of the Douro and the Dom Luís I bridge; riverside cafés serve lunch midday.
EUR18, 1h

2:00pm

Dom Luís I Bridge & Cais de Gaia

Walk across the iconic bridge and visit Vila Nova de Gaia’s port wine cellars for tastings—cellars typically open 10:00–18:00 with tours at set times.
EUR15, 1h30m

5:00pm

Port wine cellar tour

Book a guided cellar visit and tasting at a reputable lodge like Graham’s or Sandeman—reservations recommended.
EUR18, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at a riverside restaurant

Try fresh seafood or the local francesinha in a riverside setting; dinner service typically from 19:00 onward.
EUR25, 1h30m

Day 15: Explore Porto

Porto, Portugal on October 26, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café Majestic or local pastelaria

Enjoy an elegant or casual breakfast in the city centre; popular cafés open from early morning.
EUR8, 0h45m

10:00am

Livraria Lello & Clérigos Tower

Visit the famed bookshop and climb the Clérigos Tower for views—Lello opens mid-morning and can queue, so book ahead when possible.
EUR10, 1h15m

12:30pm

Lunch in Mercado do Bolhão area

Try local dishes and market produce in the historic Bolhão area—markets generally open through lunchtime.
EUR15, 1h

3:00pm

Douro river cruise (short)

Take a 50–60 minute boat trip on the Douro to see the city from the water—operators run multiple daily departures, check times and book in high season.
EUR15, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner in Gaia with port view

Finish the day with dinner overlooking Porto’s lights—many restaurants in Gaia stay open late with excellent vistas.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 16: Fly to Belgium

Porto → Brussels, Belgium on October 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and airport transfer

Have a quick breakfast and take a morning flight to Brussels (approx 2h); book flights early for the best scheduling into central Brussels.
EUR60, 0h30m

11:30am

Arrive Brussels & check-in

Drop luggage and take a short orientation walk toward the city centre and Grand-Place.
EUR0, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch: moules-frites or local brasserie

Try classic moules-frites or a Belgian brasserie dish near Grand-Place—restaurants typically serve midday onwards.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Grand-Place, Manneken Pis & Galeries Royales

Explore the ornate central square, the famous statue and the elegant covered galleries; these open public areas are accessible all day.
EUR0, 1h30m

5:00pm

Royal Museums or street chocolate shops

Choose a museum like the Magritte Museum (often 10:00–18:00) or enjoy Belgian chocolate tastings—check museum opening days (some closed Mondays).
EUR15, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner: Belgian beer & cuisine

Dine at a restaurant offering local beers and hearty dishes to round off the day; many establishments stay open until late evening.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 17: Brussels Highlights & Departure

Brussels, Belgium on October 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Maison Dandoy (waffles)

Enjoy a Belgian waffle and coffee to start your final day; popular pastry shops open from morning but expect queues at peak times.
EUR6, 0h30m

10:00am

Atomium or Magritte Museum (pick one)

Visit the Atomium for panoramic city and architecture views (typical hours 10:00–18:00) or the Magritte Museum to explore surrealist art—check exact opening times and transport to Atomium.
EUR16, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch & last-minute shopping

Have a relaxed lunch near the Grand-Place and pick up any chocolates or souvenirs; many shops are open through early evening.
EUR20, 1h

3:00pm

Leisure time / transfer to airport

Return to your hotel to collect luggage and transfer to Brussels Airport for your onward journey; allow ample time for international departures.
EUR0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Departure

Depart from Brussels. If you have a late flight, enjoy a final Belgian beer or dinner near the airport or station before boarding.
EUR0, —
0
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