Relaxed 14-Day Northern Spain and Portugal Itinerary from Barcelona

Day 1: Barcelona Arrival

Barcelona, Spain on May 3, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Enjoy a healthy and delicious breakfast at this trendy spot, known for its creative dishes and fresh ingredients.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Sagrada Familia

Explore Gaudí's masterpiece, an iconic basilica with breathtaking architecture. Pre-book tickets to avoid lines.
EUR26, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at La Paradeta

Savor fresh seafood in a casual self-service setting, offering some of the best local catches in Barcelona.
EUR25, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll through Park Güell

Visit Gaudí’s colorful and whimsical park with panoramic city views. Open until 8:30 pm.
EUR10, 1.5h

6:00pm

Relax at the Barceloneta Beach

Enjoy a leisurely walk or simply unwind by the Mediterranean Sea during the early evening.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Try classic tapas and a wide variety of dishes at a popular local tapas bar, ideal for a relaxed dinner.
EUR30, 1.5h
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Day 2: Barcelona Culture

Barcelona, Spain on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café

Start your day with specialty coffee and light breakfast options in a cozy urban café.
EUR12, 1h

10:00am

Picasso Museum

Delve into the early works of Picasso in a beautifully restored medieval palace. Open from 9:00am to 7:00pm.
EUR15, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Experience a variety of Spanish cuisines under one roof, with options from tapas to seafood.
EUR30, 1.5h

2:30pm

Visit La Rambla and Boqueria Market

Walk along the lively La Rambla promenade and explore fresh produce and local foods at Boqueria Market.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit the Gothic Quarter

Wander through narrow streets filled with history, shops, and charming cafés.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Cal Pep

Dine on exceptional seafood tapas in a lively atmosphere, a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
EUR40, 2h
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Day 3: Barcelona to San Sebastián

Barcelona to San Sebastián, Spain on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your travel day.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Travel to San Sebastián by train

Take a comfortable high-speed train from Barcelona to San Sebastián; journey takes approx. 5.5 hours.
EUR60, 5h30m

3:30pm

Check in and relax

Settle into your accommodation and unwind from the trip.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Stroll along La Concha Beach

Enjoy a peaceful walk on one of Europe's most beautiful urban beaches.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bar Nestor

Taste some of the best local Basque cuisine, especially the famous tomato salad and steak.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 4: San Sebastián Food & Culture

San Sebastián, Spain on May 6, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at La Guinda

Start with a gourmet breakfast including pastries and excellent coffee.
EUR15, 1h

10:30am

Monte Urgull hike and Castillo de la Mota

Hike this scenic hill and visit the fortress with stunning views over the city and bay.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch Pintxos tour in the Old Town

Sample a variety of small Basque tapas from several iconic pintxos bars in the historic center.
EUR35, 2h

3:30pm

Visit San Telmo Museoa

Explore Basque society and culture at this intriguing museum housed in a former convent. Open till 8:00pm.
EUR7, 1.5h

6:00pm

Relax at your hotel or nearby café

Unwind and enjoy some downtime in preparation for tomorrow’s travels.
Varies, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Gandarias Jatetxea

Dine on traditional Basque dishes with high quality local ingredients in a warm atmosphere.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 5: San Sebastián to Bilbao

San Sebastián to Bilbao, Spain on May 7, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a relaxed morning meal before your short journey.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Travel from San Sebastián to Bilbao by bus

A comfortable 1-hour bus ride connecting two beautiful Basque cities.
EUR10, 1h

11:30am

Visit Guggenheim Museum

Explore iconic contemporary art within the world-famous architectural museum. Open 10:00am-8:00pm.
EUR16, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Café Iruña

Enjoy traditional Basque cuisine in an elegant historic setting.
EUR30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk along the Nervión River and visit Casco Viejo

Discover historic streets, shops, and lively squares in Bilbao’s Old Town.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurante Bistró Guggenheim Bilbao

Dine on innovative dishes inside the Guggenheim with views of the river.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 6: Bilbao & Surroundings

Bilbao, Spain on May 8, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Aste Garlic

Enjoy breakfast featuring local flavors in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Day trip to Gaztelugatxe

Visit this stunning islet with picturesque views and climb the iconic stone staircase. Best visited in morning to avoid crowds.
Free, 5h

3:30pm

Return to Bilbao and rest

Relax at your accommodation after the active day trip.
Varies, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mina

Savor Michelin-starred impeccable Basque cuisine in a modern yet intimate setting.
EUR70, 2h
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Day 7: Bilbao to Santander

Bilbao to Santander, Spain on May 9, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before traveling.
EUR15, 1h

10:00am

Travel from Bilbao to Santander by train

A scenic 1.5-hour train journey along the northern coast of Spain.
EUR15, 1h30m

12:00pm

Check in and lunch at El Serbal

Enjoy a Michelin-starred meal offering creative Cantabrian cuisine.
EUR50, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Magdalena Palace and Park

Explore this historic palace and its stunning grounds overlooking the sea.
EUR5, 2h

6:00pm

Walk on Sardinero Beach

Relax with a stroll on one of the most beautiful urban beaches in Northern Spain.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at La Mulata

Savor fresh seafood and traditional Spanish dishes in a welcoming setting.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 8: Santander to Porto

Santander, Spain to Porto, Portugal on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at café near hotel

Grab a light breakfast before your early journey.
EUR10, 1h

8:30am

Travel from Santander to Porto by train and bus

A long but comfortable combined train and bus trip taking approximately 7 hours.
EUR70, 7h

3:30pm

Check in and relax

Rest after your journey and get ready to explore Porto in the evening.
Varies, 1h

5:00pm

Evening walk along the Ribeira District

Explore the charming riverside area with colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Casa Guedes

Try the famous pork sandwich with Serra cheese, a must-try local specialty.
EUR15, 1h
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Day 9: Porto Sightseeing

Porto, Portugal on May 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Padaria Ribeiro

Enjoy traditional Portuguese pastries and coffee at this beloved bakery.
EUR10, 1h

10:00am

Visit Livraria Lello

Explore one of the world's most beautiful bookstores with its neo-gothic interiors, open 10:00am-7:00pm.
EUR6, 1h

11:30am

Climb Clerigos Tower

Enjoy panoramic views of Porto from the top of this iconic baroque tower.
EUR6, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Rui Paula DOP

Taste contemporary Portuguese cuisine with fine dining in a historic setting.
EUR40, 1.5h

3:00pm

Port Wine Cellar tour

Visit Vila Nova de Gaia for guided tastings and learn about the port wine making process. Tours generally open 10am-6pm.
EUR15, 2h

6:00pm

Relax by the Douro River

Watch the sunset and enjoy a calm atmosphere by the riverbanks.
Free, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Taberna dos Mercadores

Dine on fresh seafood and traditional dishes in a cozy spot loved by locals.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 10: Porto to Lisbon

Porto to Lisbon, Portugal on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or nearby

A relaxed breakfast to prepare for the train ride to Lisbon.
EUR15, 1h

9:30am

Travel from Porto to Lisbon by train

Take a fast and comfortable Alfa Pendular train, about 3 hours travel time.
EUR30, 3h

12:30pm

Check in and lunch at Time Out Market

Sample a variety of Portuguese specialties from multiple vendors at this popular food hall.
EUR25, 1.5h

2:30pm

Tram 28 ride

Take this iconic tram through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
EUR3, 1h

4:00pm

Visit the Lisbon Cathedral

Explore the city's oldest church with fascinating history and architecture. Open until 7:00pm.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro

Enjoy some of the best seafood Lisbon has to offer in a lively ambiance.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 11: Lisbon Sightseeing

Lisbon, Portugal on May 13, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Fabrica Coffee Roasters

Start with excellent coffee and pastries in one of Lisbon’s top cafés.
EUR12, 1h

9:30am

Visit Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery

Explore these UNESCO World Heritage sites reflecting Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Open 10am-5:30pm.
EUR12, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Pasteis de Belém

Taste the famous custard tarts that originated here, along with light lunch options.
EUR15, 1h

2:30pm

Visit MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)

Experience cutting-edge exhibits in a striking modern building on the riverfront. Open 11am-7pm.
EUR9, 1.5h

4:30pm

Explore LX Factory

Discover trendy shops, galleries, and cafes in an old industrial complex.
Free, 1.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Pharmacia

Dine in a unique setting inspired by old pharmacies, serving traditional Portuguese cuisine with a twist.
EUR35, 1.5h
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Day 12: Sintra Day Trip

Sintra, Portugal on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your Lisbon hotel

Early breakfast before heading out to Sintra.
EUR15, 1h

9:00am

Travel to Sintra by train

A 40-minute train ride from Lisbon to historic Sintra.
EUR5, 40m

10:00am

Visit Pena Palace

Explore this colorful Romanticist palace with stunning views. Open 9:30am-6:30pm.
EUR14, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Tascantiga

Enjoy traditional Portuguese tapas in a charming setting in Sintra’s historic center.
EUR20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Quinta da Regaleira

Discover this mystical estate with lush gardens, tunnels, and elaborate architecture. Open until 6:30pm.
EUR10, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Lisbon by train

Relax on the return journey to Lisbon.
EUR5, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner in Lisbon at Bairro do Avillez

Savor contemporary Portuguese dishes in an elegant atmosphere by celebrity chef José Avillez.
EUR40, 1.5h
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Day 13: Lisbon Leisure Day

Lisbon, Portugal on May 15, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Café A Brasileira

Historic café famous for its art deco style and quality coffee.
EUR12, 1h

10:30am

Explore Alfama district

Wander the narrow streets of one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, filled with charm and local culture.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Zé dos Cornos

Enjoy hearty and authentic Portuguese meat dishes in a casual setting.
EUR20, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Spend some time enjoying panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus river from this scenic lookout.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Admire an impressive art collection from ancient to modern, set in beautiful gardens. Open until 6:00pm.
EUR10, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Ramiro

End your trip with an iconic seafood feast featuring fresh shellfish and local specialties.
EUR45, 1.5h
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Day 14: Departure Day

Lisbon, Portugal on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy your last relaxing breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Pack and check out

Prepare for your journey home with plenty of time.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Airport transfer

Travel to Lisbon airport for your flight home, depending on your flight time.
EUR20, 1h
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