10-Day Honeymoon Itinerary for Portugal, Spain, and France: Exploring Hidden Gems

  • Day 1: Lisbon, Portugal
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    Begin your romantic getaway by visiting the charming city of Lisbon. Take in the vibrant colors of the city's architecture as you stroll hand in hand through the streets. For a relaxing day, head to the nude beach at Praia 19 or take a scenic drive to an olive farm and indulge in some delicious olive oil tastings.

  • Day 2: Sintra, Portugal
    30 min (18 miles) from Lisbon

    Spend the day exploring the magical Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site where every corner is a fairytale waiting to be told. Visit the stunning Pena Palace or the romantic Quinta da Regaleira, home to elaborate gardens and underground tunnels.

  • Day 3: Madrid, Spain
    7h 30m (567 miles) from Sintra

    Take a morning flight from Lisbon to Madrid to start your next adventure. Spend the day enjoying the vibrant Spanish culture with a visit to the Royal Palace, the buzzing Puerta del Sol, or an art-filled afternoon at the Prado Museum.

  • Day 4: Barcelona, Spain
    2h 30m (388 miles) from Madrid

    After a leisurely breakfast in Madrid, take a train journey to the lively Barcelona. Embrace the passionate energy of the city through exploring the striking architecture of Gaudí’s Park Güell or take an afternoon by the coast to unwind and relax.

  • Day 5: Aix-en-Provence, France
    4h 30m (331 miles) from Barcelona

    Spend the day in the lovely French town of Aix-en-Provence. Walk around the French countryside and visit a French perfumery, or visit the city's gorgeous architecture by exploring Cours Mirabeau. In the evening, enjoy a romantic candle-lit dinner at one of the many restaurants in the charming old town.

  • Day 6: Nice, France
    1h 30m (93 miles) from Aix-en-Provence

    Take a comfortable bus ride from Aix-en-Provence to the enchanting city of Nice. The town is known for its pristine beaches and alluring architecture. Take a dip in the cove at Villefranche-sur-Mer or wander around the Cimiez Monastery and Amphitheater.

  • Day 7: Montpellier, France
    3h (169 miles) from Nice

    Visit the alluring city of Montpellier, located in Southern France best known for its historic university and winding medieval streets. Visit the famous Place de la Comedie, catch a show at the Opéra Comédie, or go for a nice stroll around the Botanical Garden.

  • Day 8: Marseille, France
    1h 50m (106 miles) from Montpellier

    Spend a relaxing day on the Mediterranean coast in Marseille. Take a scenic boat ride around the Calanques, the stunning limestone cliffs that rise from the Mediterranean Sea, or visit the world-famous Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. Be sure not to miss out on the delightful Bouillabaisse, the traditional Marseillaise fish soup.

  • Day 9: Avignon, France
    1h 40m (98 miles) from Marseille

    Visit the captivating fortified city of Avignon surrounded by mighty ramparts. Visit the Palais des Papes - once home of the papal court in the 14th century during the Avignon Papacy, or attend the Festival d’Avignon, a summer-long arts festival where art and culture are celebrated on every corner.

  • Day 10: Paris, France
    3h (317 miles) from Avignon

    Take a train journey from Avignon to conclude your romantic getaway in Paris, the city of love. Visit the top of the Eiffel Tower or go for a tranquil walk in the Tuileries Garden. Spend the final evening of your unforgettable honeymoon enjoying a romantic dinner at a traditional Parisian bistro.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Lisbon's Olive Oil Tasting (1 hour, $15)
  • Pena Palace in Sintra (2 hours, $16)
  • Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra (2 hours, $16)
  • Prado Museum in Madrid (3 hours, $20)
  • Park Güell in Barcelona (1 hour, $12)
  • Cours Mirabeau in Aix-en-Provence (1 hour, $10)
  • Beaches of Nice (2 hours, $13)
  • Place de la Comedie in Montpellier (1 hour, $8)
  • Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille (1 hour, $5)
  • Palais des Papes in Avignon (1 hour, $10)
  • Eiffel Tower in Paris (2 hours, $25)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $140

Transportation

Visitors could rent a car for part of the trip and utilize trains and buses for the rest. Alternatively, they could hire a car service, which can be more expensive but maybe worth it for a more luxurious experience. A combination of transportation methods along with some walking/public transit options would provide the most flexibility and opportunities to see different areas. The approximate cost of the airfare, trains, and buses is $830 per person for the whole itinerary.

Useful Tips

For a more relaxing pace, visitors could spend more time in each city or stay overnight in smaller towns along the way. For a more active trip, visitors may consider renting bicycles or motorbikes to explore the different areas. There are so many hidden gems and places to see in each of these destinations, so visitors may consider staying an extra day or two to take in more of the surroundings.

Airports

The primary airports closest to each city are:

  • Portela Airport (LIS) - Lisbon, Portugal - 5 miles from the city center
  • Adolfo Surez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) - Madrid, Spain - 8 miles from the city center
  • Barcelona-El Prat Josep Tarradellas Airport (BCN) - Barcelona, Spain - 7 miles from the city center
  • Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) - Nice, France - 4 miles from the city center
  • Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) - Marseille, France - 17 miles from the city center
  • Avignon – Provence Airport (AVN) - Avignon, France - 5 miles from the city center
  • Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) - Paris, France - 14 miles from the city center
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