Budget Spain & Portugal Package

This budget Spain & Portugal package offers super comfortable accommodations and convenient transport among the three cities Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon. It leaves you the largest space to arrange your tour plan to save your time for hotel, train and flight booking. Here we also carefully plan an elaborate travel itinerary for your reference to make a great trip plan. If you want to include entrance fees for all the attractions, tour guides, and tickets for performances in the itinerary, please feel free to contact us to get a new quote!

Your first stop is the vibrant capital city of Catalonia, Barcelona. Upon arrival, you need to arrive at the hand-picked hotel on your own. The hotel we chose for you is located just in the city center, very close to famous attractions like Casa Mila. Using public transport, you can take the R2N train directly from the airport to Passeig de Gràcia. Get off and there is still about 1 km from the hotel. If you prefer a more convenient way, then take a taxi directly or use ride-hailing apps like Bolt, Cabify, and Freenow, which are much cheaper than taxis. Pay attention that Uber is not widely used in Barcelona.

Activities Recommendation:
After checking in, you can relieve from the long-haul flight at the comfortable hotel. If you want to explore the city, then the National Art Museum of Catalonia is suggested. This is one of the most important museums in the city, featuring a lot of Romanesque collections and Catalan masterpieces. Besides that, the architecture itself combining the Renaissance and Baroque styles is well worth a visit. The rooftop terrace on the third floor offers the best viewpoint for sunset and panoramic views of the city, which should not be missed.

Inclusion:
Accommodation: Hotel Evenia Rosello, Barcelona (4 stars) or similar

Today you are suggested to explore Barcelona’s highlights including Gaudí’s most famous works. It is advised to go to Park Güell first. More than a normal public park, it is a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site designed by the genius architect Gaudí, featuring colorful broken tile mosaics on the surface and a beautiful waving balcony. Next, move to the city’s most iconic structure, Sagrada Familia, the world’s most well-known unfinished church, which has been constructed for more than 100 years. Its ornate and complex architecture will dazzle you and you can even climb the tower to enjoy a unique city view. Here we also offer some tips about photographing the magnificent architecture:
► Best Photo Locations for Sagrada Familia
1. Plaça de Gaudí: The beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery makes it one of the best Instagram spots to put the whole church in the frame. And you can surely get a stunning reflection in the water. Not far from the church, getting off the metro and walking about 2 minutes to reach.
2. Avinguda de Gaudí: As a Barcelona hotspot, the atmospheric street offers one of the best angles to capture the imposing Catholic church.Finish the exploring, and you can continue the visit to Casa Batlló and Casa Mila, another two famous houses constructed by Gaudí, both displaying his innovative talents. You will be amazed at the houses’ futuristic design with irregular windows and flowing shapes of stonework. Then, walk through Catalonia Square and famous La Rambla Avenue, and you will arrive at Barcelona’s most traditional food market, Mercat de la Boqueria, full of fresh local produce, seafood, snacks, and a lively local atmosphere. If the touristy Mercat de la Boqueria is not your cup of tea, you can also choose the Mercat de San Antoni, a less-crowded local market. After lunch, spend some time in Barcelona’s old town area, where you can also drop by two magnificent churches, Barcelona Cathedral and Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar. The centuries-old Gothic-style churches will impress you with exquisite facades and historical chambers.

★ Unique Experience: Watch a Sunset at the Sea by Cruise
After that, it is recommended to try a unique cruise on the sea. Book a 2-hour sunset cruise in advance and sail from the Marina Port Vell. Just enjoy the sun sinking down slowly at the sea and appreciate the beautiful city skyline while feeling the sea breeze and holding a soft drink. The golden sunlight will definitely give you a unique memory and great photo opportunities.

Things to Know: Adapt to Spanish Dining Times
Spaniards always eat late and they generally have 4-5 meals one day! The breakfast time is just the same as that in most countries, at around 7:00-9:00. A light meal called Almuerzo happens between 10:00 and 12:00, generally with drinks and tapas. Spain’s lunch keeps around 14:00 while the dinner is always at around 21:00. For most visitors the first time traveling to Spain, they are not accustomed to the dining times. Luckily, in Spain, you can find a large variety of tapas at any time. By the way, pay attention to the opening hours of the restaurant when making a reservation.

Inclusions:
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Evenia Rosello, Barcelona (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you need to take a train from Barcelona to Madrid on your own and we have booked the train tickets for you in advance. You need to arrive at Barcelona Sants Railway Station on time. Walk northeast about 600 meters to Diagonal Station where you can take Metro Line L5 to Sants Estació, taking around 15 minutes. The Barcelona - Madrid train journey takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Along the way, you will be enchanted by the beautiful and splendid scenery. Upon arrival at the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Station, you can take Metro Line 1 to Antón Martín, and then walk northeast about 500 meters to the hotel for check-in.

Activities Recommended:
1. Go Sightseeing at Puerta del Sol
You cannot miss the famous city square, Puerta del Sol. It is home to some of the most iconic city statues and architecture, like the statue of King Charles III, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, as well as the Kilometer Zero marker of Spain’s road network. Also, don’t miss the unique sunset experience in the Temple of Debod, an ancient Egyptian temple dating back to the 2nd century BC, which was donated to Madrid by the Egyptian government.
► Tip: Be Careful of Scams at Puerta del Sol!
With so many people gathering, Puerta del Sol is a magnet for pickpockets and scam artists. Visitors should be careful of some typical tourist scams like lucky rosemary from gypsy ladies, fake police, and strangers who ask for directions. Be on your guard when traveling and don't pick up on strangers.

2. Taste Snails at Restaurante Casa Amadeo los Caracoles & El Rastro de Madrid
Snails really aren't just for the French, and you can surely taste some in Spain’s old bars. Here we recommend one restaurant in the city center, which has been offering the famous dish for more than 80 years. Founded in 1942, its specialties include the caracoles (escargot/snails), pig ears, and pig trotters. What’s more, if you happen to visit Madrid on Sunday, don’t miss the city’s hottest flea market, El Rastro de Madrid, which is just located near the restaurant.

Inclusions:
Barcelona - Madrid train ticket
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Madrid Centro (4 stars) or similar

This day is just suggested to explore the capital city’s iconic attractions. Starting with Plaza de Espana to see the famous statues of Cervantes, you can then move to the Royal Palace of Madrid, boasting one of the world’s largest royal palaces with over 3,000 rooms, offering a glimpse into the life of the Spanish royal family. Later, you can linger around the nearby Catedral de la Almudena. The Neo-Gothic church features a modern design with a sheer size and you can enjoy a panoramic city view standing on the top of the church. Afterward, head to the popular covered food market, Mercado de San Miguel. Located in the city center, it features a cast-iron architecture and offers a large variety of tapas and drinks. It’s great to taste local specialties and experience the hustle and bustle.After lunch, stroll around the Plaza Mayor, rimmed with cafes and restaurants. The afternoon is suggested to be devoted to the famous Prado Museum, the main national art museum of Spain, collecting the most complete Spanish paintings from the 11th to 18th centuries. You can soak in the art world of Velasquez, Goya and El Greco. After that, decompress yourself in the beautiful El Retiro Park, to stay away from the bustling city life and enjoy a scenic boat ride on the man-made lake. Getting out of the park from the northeastern entrance, you will see the magnificent granite and limestone Alcalá Gate, once the main gate to the city. After that, pay a visit to the famous Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, of much significance to Real Madrid football fans.

Activities Recommended: Experience Bullfight Culture at Las Ventas Bullring
The best place in Spain to watch a bullfight show is in Madrid. The city’s bullfighting season generally lasts from March to October, especially in May and June, during which the San Isidro Bullfighting Fair is held in the Las Ventas Bullring. During this period, a bullfight show can be expected nearly every day. If you have any interest, just book a ticket in advance.

Inclusions:
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Mercure Madrid Centro (4 stars) or similar

Today, you will take a flight to Portugal’s capital city, Lisbon. The ticket is prepared for you and you need to get to the airport by yourself. Walk north about 700 meters to take the Bus Line 203 from Cibeles Station to the airport, and it takes about 50 minutes. Fly for about 1.5 hours, and you will land in Lisbon. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the hotel downtown by metro. Take Metro Line Vm from the airport to Saldanha, and then transfer to Metro Line Am to Marquês de Pombal. Get off the train and walk southeast about 300 meters to the hotel. A single journey takes about 50 minutes and costs about 2 euros.

Activities Suggested:
After check-in, the rest of the day is suggested to spend in the Lisbon old own to get the charm of the city. Here we recommend a classic sightseeing route: Bica Funicular - Igreja de São Roque - Elevador de Santa Justa - Arco da Rua Augusta - Praça do Comércio - Lisbon Cathedral - Miradouro de Santa Luzia - Castelo de S. Jorge

► Tips:
1. In Lisbon, Bolt is the most recommended ride-hailing app with unbeatable prices. For example, from the airport to the downtown area, it costs around 10 euros.
2. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes as the Lisbon Old Quarter is located on the hill and full of cobbled streets.

Inclusions:
Madrid - Lisbon flight ticket
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Marques de Pombal, Lisbon (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, welcome to another historical district of Lisbon - Belém. The first stop is the city’s eternal landmark, Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), built in the 16th century as a fortification to guard the city. Not only does its Manueline-style architecture offer a lingering experience, but if weather permits, you can climb to the top for stunning views. After that, you can stop by the famous Monument of the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos) standing on the waterfront, which displays the legends of explorers from the Age of Discovery, including Henry the Navigator and King Alfonso V. Continue to visit the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) to learn more about the explorers and the monastery is also known for having the tomb of Vasco de Gama. Don’t miss the intricate facades, beautiful vault, and sophisticated decorative columns. Later, drop by the world’s first egg tart shop, Pstéis de Belém, tasting the original pastel de nata. After that, pay a visit to the National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional Dos Coches), to enjoy a fantastic collection of horse-drawn coaches and gorgeous vintage carriages.After lunch, you are advised to have a half-day tour to the Sintra Old Town, the former summer retreat for Portuguese royalty. The charming historical town attracts numerous visitors for centuries-old palaces, colorful castles, and steep cliffs. Pena Palace is undoubtedly the highlight, built against the hill, featuring a fairytale architecture with red and yellow facades. What’s more, it offers a great hill top view to overlook the whole town. Due to the limited time, next you can choose one from the following 3 sights to visit: Quinta da Regaleira, Monserrate Palace, and Sintra National Palace. Besides exploring the extraordinary palace art, you can also enjoy idyllic scenery and beautiful beaches at Cascais. Last but not least, enjoy an amazing sunset at Cape Roca, the westernmost point of Sintra and also the continental Europe.

► Tips to Enjoy Sunset at Roca Cape:
1. To protect you from the strong wind, it is suggested to wear wind-proof clothes and caps.
2. Don’t squat on the ground for wind protection, otherwise the sand is easily blown into the mouth.
3. Prepare some medicine to prevent colds. If you do not feel well after watching the sunset, take it timely.

Inclusions:
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Marques de Pombal, Lisbon (4 stars) or similar

This is the last day of your Spain & Portugal tour and you need to go to the airport on your own for a homeward journey. Using Bolt or taking the metro are both convenient. By metro, walk northwest about 300 meters to take Metro Am from Marquês de Pombal to Saldanha and then interchange to Metro Vm to the airport.

Activities Recommended:
If your free time is enough, today you can also spend some time taking a boat to have a glimpse at the majestic Christ Statue of Lisbon, Cristo Rei, inspired by the Christ the Redeemer of Brazil. Take a boat from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas and remember to choose a window seat, where you can capture amazing photos of the giant statue and 25 de Abril Bridge.

► Note: Anyway, if you have more requirements about your tour, no matter whether a hotel or train and flight booking, private tour guides offering or the itinerary changing, just contact us to tailor your itinerary based on your needs and interests!

Inclusions:
Meals: Breakfast