Planning a Portugal, Spain, France itinerary and wondering how to cover these expansive countries? Want to know if Portugal, Spain, France train itinerary is possible, or do you want to go on Portugal, Spain, France road trip? Check out my detailed itinerary!
Interested in a Europe road trip and wondering which countries to include?
I had planned a leisurely trip spanning Portugal, Spain, and France that lasted over 2 weeks.
However, you can opt for a fast-paced Portugal Spain France itinerary 7 days and still explore different cities. It will take you from historic Lisbon to romantic Paris via diverse Spain.
What helped the most during my trip was Eurail Global Mobile Pass for 33 Countries. This Europe travel pass is valid for 11 months and ensured I got discounted tickets for sightseeing buses and ferries. A perfect way to save money when following Portugal Spain france train itinerary, right?
So, here I am, with a customizable 7/10/14 days Portugal Spain France itinerary that you can extend beyond 2 weeks if you want.
PLANNING YOUR TRIP | THE ESSENTIALS
Top tours for the Portugal-Spain-France itinerary:
Recommended hotels for the Portugal-Spain-France itinerary:
- Casa da Maria Alfama in Lisbon
- Ibis Barcelona Centro in Barcelona
- Hotel du Lys in Paris
Portugal, Spain, France itinerary 10 days:
Lisbon – Porto – Madrid – Barcelona – Toulouse – Paris
Portugal Spain France itinerary
Day 1 and 2 in Lisbon
Day 1 in Lisbon
Start your day in the Alfama neighbourhood, leisurely exploring its picturesque alleys and looking for shops selling traditional arts.
Check if Feira da Ladra is open. Visit famous tourist attractions like the National Pantheon and Church of São Vicente of Fora in the Alfama district.
If you are a history buff, head off to São Jorge Castle. Check other sites like Lisbon Cathedral, Casa dos Bicos. When in the Baixa neighbourhood, visit Praça do Comércio. This waterside public plaza is one of Lisbon’s bustling spots.
Take the Santa Justa Lift to soak in the view from the top. Before heading next, click photos at Rossio Square.
If you want to experience nightlife in Lisbon, the Bairro Alto district is the place to be.
Day 2 in Lisbon
Head off to Belem, as this laid-back area on the Tagus River is only 20 minutes away from Lisbon city centre.
When you spend a day in Belem, you can visit the top sites like Belem Tower, Discoveries Monument, Jerónimos Monastery, Church of Santa Maria, and the Maritime Museum.
Spend at least a couple of hours strolling around LX Factory, a historical industrial complex that has been transformed into a bustling shopping and eating hub.
Check this Tagus River Cruise at Sunset to end your day with a relaxing experience.
How to reach Lisbon?
Lisbon International Airport is well-connected to almost all the major European cities. You can also take a train to Lisbon from neighbouring countries. The Lisbon Port has a convenient connection to some major ports.
If flying from Asia you may get a direct flight or you may have to connect via airports in London, Frankfurt, Rome or Amsterdam.
Where to stay in Lisbon?
Casa da Maria Alfama is only a few minutes from Rossio Square and has elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Portugal Spain France itinerary
Day 3 in Porto
Your Portugal Spain France itinerary is incomplete without spending at least a day in Porto. One of the largest cities in Portugal, Porto is often overlooked by travellers. Here is how to spend a day in Porto –
Start your day with a visit to the famed Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto.
As you step in, art nouveau architecture and a winding wooden staircase welcome you. This is enough to tell you how lavishly Livraria Lello is designed and how meticulously it has been maintained over the last century.
If you have a couple of hours, I would suggest booking this Guided Walking Tour including Lello Bookshop. It is the best way to understand the history of the city and navigate the crowds at Livraria Lello.
Igreja do Carmo is only minutes away and will greet you with its well-known tiled side facade donning beautiful blue and white Azulejo tiles.
Head to the narby Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos. This bell tower was built in the mid-18th century and has become the symbol of Porto over the centuries.
Buy the tickets in advance to climb the tower without worrying about waiting lines and soak in the panoramic city views.
One of the oldest landmarks in the city, Porto Cathedral is a must. The twin towers and the impressive facade have dominated the Porto skyline for centuries whereas Azulejo Mural and Gothic elements have added to the striking interiors.
Porto São Bento is a railway station declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be it the Azulejo panel, historic tile images, or the multicoloured murals, Porto São Bento is all about impressive architecture.
If you are not taking a train to Porto, stop by this railway station to check out the beautiful interiors.
Spend the afternoon exploring the riverside Ribeira area and stroll along the waterfront promenade. Dotted with cafes and colourful houses, Cais da Ribeira is a lively place to be.
If you want to make the evening memorable, opt for this Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting in Porto. You will thoroughly enjoy this Porto tour as live Fado performance is a lovely affair to witness.
How to reach Porto?
When travelling from Lisbon to Porto, you will find different modes of transportation connecting these two cities.
The best way to reach Porto is by train, as it takes less than 3 hours.
There are direct buses between Lisbon and Porto, leaving every half an hour. You can consider renting a car or booking a taxi, but the road trip to Porto may take close to 4 hours.
Where to stay in Porto?
Porto Republica Ribeira is a comfortable AC accommodation located only minutes away from the historic building of Mercado Ferreira Borges.
Portugal Spain France itinerary
Day 4 and 5 in Madrid
After covering one country from your Portugal Spain France itinerary, it is time to head to Madrid. This two-day Madrid trip plan will keep you on your toes, but it will also ensure you get to visit the top sights in Madrid.
Start your morning with a guided, skip-the-line Royal Palace Madrid tour. This is one of the largest functioning royal palaces in the world.
So, keep at least a couple of hours in your Portugal-Spain-France road trip for this Madrid attraction.
Be amazed at all the artworks and historic treasures as you explore the Throne Room, Banquet Hall, Royal Armory, and Private Royal apartments.
Consider stopping by Almudena Cathedral as it is only minutes away from the Royal Palace and has colorful chapels along with a museum.
Spend some time at Casa de Campo where everything from streams to hills can be found right in the heart of the urban city.
The indoor San Miguel market is an ideal place to spend an afternoon in Madrid. A true foodie will fall in love with the array of cuisines this market offers. This century-old place has all the delicious flavours local Spanish delicacies carry as well as off-beat Mediterranean cuisines.
Spend the evening wandering the narrow lanes of La Latina. Be it the trendy bars or the 16th-century Iglesia de San Andrés, this Madrid neighbourhood has something for everyone.
Day 2 in Madrid
The Prado Museum is the Spanish national art museum. Its expansive collection of European art will keep you engaged for around three hours. Start the tour of the Prado Museum at 10 am so that you can spend half a day here and then use the afternoon to visit other places.
Stop by the historic Puerta de Alcalá Parque monument before heading to El Retiro.
El Retiro is a vast urban park full of surprises. Be it a beautiful rose garden or the Buen Retiro Palace turned museum, this place will make for a memorable visit.
For those interested in Madrid nightlife and shopping, the Malasaña neighbourhood is a blessing. Are you looking for a cute bakery or a quiet coffee shop? Is pub-hopping part of your trip? Or are you searching for vintage clothing stores and boutiques? The bustling Malasaña has everything!
I insist on attending the Live Flamenco Show with Food and Drinks in the evening as this is a legendary experience Madrid offers.
How to reach Madrid?
Take a overnight bus from Porto to Madrid and you will be in the capital of Spain.
There are trains running between Porto to Madrid, but the timings may not be convenient when you are short on time and do not want to waste a day travelling.
Alternatively, you can take a flight to reach Madrid if budget is not a constraint.
Where to stay in Madrid?
Book a room at NeoMagna Madrid as it has modern AC rooms equipped with free wifi along with a private bathroom with free toiletries.
If you want to spend one more day in Madrid, this guided Toledo & Segovia with Optional Ávila Tour from Madrid is highly recommended.
Portugal Spain France itinerary
Day 6 and 7 in Barcelona
Here is how spent 5 days in Barcelona and explored the best as well as least-known sights in this Spanish city. Refer to my Barcelona itinerary and choose which sites you want to visit.
When you are in Barcelona for 2 days only, you can cover La Rambla, La Boqueria Market, Gothic Quarter, and Barcelona Beach on day 1.
For day 2, visit Gràcia, Park Güell, Sagrada Familia, Casa Mila, Casa Batlló and then go for a Tapas crawl.
How to reach Barcelona?
The best way to travel from Madrid to Barcleona is by taking a AVE high-speed train.
You can catch an early morning train from Madrid and reach Barcelona in less than 3 hours.
Where to stay in Barcelona?
Ibis Barcelona Centro is located a stone’s throw away from top sights like Sagrada Familia and La Pedrera.
Planning a trip to Spain? Here are 7 different options for a Spain itinerary to suit each type of traveller.
Portugal Spain France itinerary
Day 8 in Toulouse
Spending only one day in Toulouse may seem unjust, but it is enough to give you a glimpse of what this graceful French city has in store.
Take the Toulouse City Sightseeing Tour by Bus with an Audio Guide, which will help you understand which sites to explore in Toulouse.
Capitole is one of the top sights in Toulouse with statues and murals adorning the walls. This city hall dates back to the 12th century and has witnessed how the city has shaped over the years.
Places like the Convent of the Jacobins, Cathedral Saint Etienne, and Basilica of Saint Sernin are also popular in Toulouse.
Musee des Augustins is a fine arts museum where an extensive collection of sculptures and paintings can be found.
Do take a walk along the Canal du Midi in the evening or opr for a boat ride.
How to reach Toulouse?
There are direct trains running between Barcelona to Toulouse four times throughout the day. It takes a little more than 3 hours to reach Toulouse from Barcelona.
Where to stay in Toulouse?
Hôtel le Pastel in Toulouse is a humble accommodation with small rooms and basic amenities.
Portugal Spain France itinerary
Day 9 and 10 in Paris
It’s hard not to like Paris. It’s massive. It’s modern. It has charming cafes and boasts impressive landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe. You’ll also find some of the finest art museums in the world, including the Louvre and the Museé d’Orsay.
Of course, the French capital has the proud honor of hosting the upcoming Olympic Games, which start on 26 July and end on 11 August 2024, for the third time. Naturally, the Games attract people from all over the world and the hosting venues are always a hit with the visitors.
Paris has such a vast arrey of artsy districts and popular sights that it is hard to wrap up the Paris itinerary in hurry. Here are the Paris sights I recommend visiting –
Saint-Germain des Prés
This is the place to be if you’re a culture vulture. Paris’s key cultural moments in the 20th century thrived here.
Simone du Beauvoir and Jean Paul Sarte would take coffee here.
The many independent bookstores and boutiques of the area help to preserve the cultural flavor. The Jardin du Luxembourg is an ideal place to relax with a book.
The Marais
The Marais is quintessentially Parisian. The squares are beautifully preserved. The parks boast secret fountains.
The fashion boutiques are cute, and the bistros are traditional.
The Marais offers a diverse blend of independent stores and aristocratic mansions. It’s very central, across from Notre Dame. You have the Louvre to the west.
Champs Élysées
The neighborhood is associated with the Arc de Triomphe, the Grand Palais and the country’s most famous shopping street, but you’ve also got delights such as the Marché Président Wilson outdoor market and, north of the neighborhood, Parc Monceau.
Eiffel Tower
To visit Paris and not see the world’s most famous humanmade structure would be a poor show. If you don’t go into the tower to dine and see the views of almost all of Paris from the top, at least make time to see the tower up close.
Arc de Triomphe
If you want Paris views but don’t fancy heading to the Eiffel Tower, try the Arc de Triomphe. It’s 284 steps to the top of this war memorial, but the view is worth and takes in the Louvre.
How to reach Paris?
The best way to reach Paris from Toulouse is to take a late-evening or overnight train. Buses run between these two cities, but travel time is higher.
Where to stay in Paris?
Hotel du Lys is a 17th-century private mansion near the Latin Quarter. Its elegant rooms and continental breakfast make it a lovely place to stay in Paris.
Visiting Paris in July or August 2024? Witness the Olympics in Paris
Some of Paris’s most lovable venues will host Olympic action.
You might want to head to the Grand Palais to see some Olympic fencing, taekwondo or Paralympic wheelchair fencing.
Or if more contemporary sports are your thing, you could make a beeline for the Place de la Concorde and catch the 3×3 basketball, skateboarding or BMX freestyle.
Into cycling? You can see some of the action for free at the Montmartre hillock.
Of course, if you’re into Olympic Games betting, and even if you’re not, one of the best events to follow and place a wager on is the 100-meter race in athletics.
In the men’s 100 meters, Noah Lyles (USA) is expected to win, closely contested by Christian Coleman (USA). In the women’s, Sha’ Carri Richardson (USA) seems the lady to beat.
That’s not a foregone conclusion, however, as Jamaica’s Shelly-Ann Fraser Price, despite not looking the force she was 16 years ago when she won in Beijing, can still mount a powerful challenge.
Paris is a fantastic city, full of sights to see and enjoy, and will be especially exciting during the Olympics.
Remember that if you wish to buy something or pay for any service while you’re there, the local unit of currency is the euro. It has been since the start of 2002, and most places only accept payment in euros. So carry local currency and enjoy your trip!
Extended Portugal Spain France itinerary 2 weeks
If you want to spend more time exploring the beauty of Portugal, Spain, and France, here are the cities you can cover at your own pace –
Lisbon – Porto – Algarve – Seville – Granada – Madrid – Barcelona – Toulouse – Paris
FAQs – Portugal Spain France itinerary
- How many days are enough for Spain and Portugal?
If you want to explore major cities as well as off-the-beaten towns, you will need at least 2 weeks for Spain and Portugal. But if you are looking for top sights only, then Spain and Portugal can be covered in a week.
- Should you visit Spain or Portugal first?
I would suggest visiting Lisbon first, exploring Portugal, and then heading to Spain, as Spain will take more time to explore. But you can visit cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville first and then opt for Lisbon if that is convenient for you.
- How many days is enough to see Portugal?
Ten days is enough time to see the best of Portugal, as it will give you time to visit major cities like Lisbon and Porto as well as smaller towns in the Faro district.
- Which country to combine with Portugal?
Spain is the best country to combine with Portugal during your trip. These neighbouring countries offer fascinating cultural and historical experiences that can be paired with good food, beautiful beaches, and quaint towns.
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