gyurka

I am retired but actively teach snow skiing. My wife 15 years my junior is an executive for a pharmaceutical company. After conclusion of a convention in Madrid in the fall, I will join her for our planned trip. As yet the dates have not been established.
I am looking for suggestions on a time frame of approx. 7 days. Is it impractical to get a flavor of both Spain & Portugal in a short trip? What should we see and or leave out for another time. Is renting a car a better option than a bus tour? Places not to miss?
We have traveled to Ireland, Berlin, Prague, Budapest, a river cruise down the Rhine and have skied extensively in many mountain resorts. We love the Arts, Museums, Cathedrals and old architecture, and of-course great food. We are not beach people. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thank you
George

bobthenavigator

Yes, it would take 7 weeks, not 7 days.

You can easily spend that time in central Spain, to include day trips to Toledo, Segovia, Avila, and Salamanca. You can use public transport or drive yourself--really your call.

sofarsogood

Seville, Granada and Cordoba would fit the bill and you can take the train from Madrid.

thursdaysd

Pick Spain or Portugal. You could easily spend seven days just in Lisbon, or just in Barcelona, with day trips. Since your wife will already be in Spain, I suppose it makes sense to stay there, although I prefer Portugal. In my view the number one sight in all of Spain is the exquisite palace and gardens of the Alhambra in Granada, but you could certainly add, say, Seville and Ronda. Or Toledo and Barcelona. Lots of good choices.

Egbert

Yep, Seville, Granada, Cordoba and Madrid.

gyurka

Thanks to all for your replies. I have some great choices. Looking forward to my trip.

Sassafrass

Seven days - stay in Spain. Travel to Portugal would use up time traveling that could be used seeing and experiencing Madrid and Andalusia.

Madrid has the Prado - one of the great, great museums in the world. It has other great museums also, but the Prado is an unforgettable museum with many paintings you have seen and studied in art history books and classes.

Since you like cathedrals, do not miss the Toledo Cathedral! You will remember it long after you forget many others. Go to the transparente and look up at the sky with sculpted figures looking down. Beautiful!

Architecture - if you can work it in, the Alhambra in Granada is the ultimate in Moorish architecture of the Nasrid period. It is so amazing, it is too much to comprehend in one visit. Try to see it both during the day and at night.

Cordoba has the largest mosque ever built in the Western world. It is a mesmerizing place.

Seville is old world Spain. Even when there is not some festival or event , you can envision swirling ruffled skirts. Good place to see Flamenco.

There are so many other places to see in Spain. Can only mention places like Barcelona, San Sebastian, etc. but you have only 7 days.

Can you possibly add a couple of days to your trip?

kja

If starting in Madrid, logical choices for a week would include Toledo, Salamanca (at least 2 days each), Segovia, Avila (a day or so each), and maybe Cuenca (a day or two). BUT it really depends on what YOU want to see and do. Personally, I would not try to travel to Andalusia with just one week -- I'd wait until I could give that part of Spain at least 10 days. Just my opinion! You need to do some research and decide what best suits YOUR interests. Enjoy!