1 week in Europe in the fall
Portugal and Spain
SALE: Get 10% off Eurail Passes until April 9 – Shop now →
Fall is an ideal time to visit Europe. The summer crowds have left, the temperature has dropped — along with the prices — and you’ll have some of Europe’s top cities to explore with much more peace and quiet. Because of this it’s possibly the best time to visit the likes of Portugal and Spain. If you’re looking to spend 1 week in Europe in the fall, consider this a good starting point.
Itinerary highlights
Port wine in Porto; food, nightlife and history in Lisbon; art and history in Madrid; a pleasant climate in Seville; famous architecture in Barcelona.
Day 1: Porto, Portugal
Walk the Douro River, and take in the views from the Luís I Bridge.
Drink port wine at a local wine cellar.
Take the tram ride along the river and walk to the Felgueiras Lighthouse.
Days 2 - 3: Lisbon, Portugal
Walk the Alfama district to get a taste of old Lisbon.
Have sunset drinks from one of Lisbon’s hills or rooftop bars.
Take a tram to Belém to visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
If time allows, take a day trip to Sintra or Cascais.
Day 4: Madrid, Spain
Walk around the Buen Retiro Park to see the fall leaves and rowboats on the lake.
Visit Plaza Mayor, Madrid's main square.
Go to the Museo Reina Sofía to view Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica.
Day 5: Seville, Spain
Explore the Cathedral of Saint Mary of the See, also known as the Seville Cathedral, in the heart of the city.
Relive your Star Wars fantasies at Plaza de España.
Marvel at the giant wooden structure of Metropol Parasol.
Days 6 - 7: Barcelona, Spain
Spend a morning at Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece Sagrada Família.
Take in the views and architecture at Park Güell.
Soak up the coastal atmosphere at La Barceloneta beach.
Walk La Rambla along with thousands of other tourists, then get lost in the Gothic Quarter.
Find a quirky café, hip restaurant, vibrant bar, or traditional tapas spot to spend a few hours.
