Viking Cruise Spain and Portugal Itinerary: From Lisbon's Charms to Barcelona's Modernist Wonders
Embark on a 7-day journey through Portugal and Spain, beginning in Lisbon and concluding in Barcelona. This itinerary combines cultural exploration, historic sites, and scenic train and bus travel, offering a rich experience of both countries.
- 1Lisbon
- 2Seville
- 3Barcelona
Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon and Explore Alfama
Settle into Portugal's vibrant capital, Lisbon, and begin your exploration in the historic Alfama district, culminating at the grand Praça do Comércio.
Highlights
- Arrive at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), located 7 km northeast of the city centre, with metro (Red Line) and Aerobus connections.
- Head to Gare do Oriente, Lisbon's primary railway hub, also integrated with the Red Line metro.
- Wander through Alfama, Lisbon's oldest district, known for its narrow lanes, viewpoints, and fado heritage, offering an atmospheric experience for walking on foot.
Day 2: Lisbon's Maritime Heritage and Fado Evening
Delve into Lisbon's Age of Discoveries with visits to iconic landmarks, then immerse yourself in the city's vibrant Fado music scene.
Highlights
- Discover Belém Tower, a fortified tower on the Tagus and a symbol of the Age of Discoveries, noted for its Manueline design and riverside setting.
- Visit Jerónimos Monastery, a grand riverside monastery and masterpiece of Manueline architecture, significant for royal tombs and historical links to Portuguese exploration.
- Enjoy an evening of Fado music, a traditional Portuguese musical genre, often found in the atmospheric Alfama district.
Day 3: Day Trip to Sintra's Romantic Palaces
Take a scenic train journey to Sintra to explore its fairytale palaces and historic town centre, surrounded by lush natural beauty.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Lisbon to Sintra, with tickets starting from €14. The earliest train departs Lisbon at 00:08, and the latest return from Sintra is at 23:36.
- Explore the colourful 19th-century Pena Palace, famed for its terraces, ornament, and sweeping views over Sintra and the coast.
- Wander through Sintra's UNESCO-listed Historic Centre, offering charming lanes, tiled facades, and easy access to major monuments.
Day 4: Travel to Seville and Experience Flamenco
Journey by bus from Lisbon to the heart of Andalusia, Seville, and spend your evening enjoying traditional tapas and a captivating flamenco performance.
Highlights
- Depart Lisbon by bus, with tickets starting from €10. The journey takes approximately 4h 48m, operated by companies like Alsa and FlixBus.
- Arrive at Sevilla, Estación de Autobuses (Plaza de Armas), located 2 km from Seville city centre.
- Indulge in an evening of tapas, a classic Sevillian culinary experience, with dishes like Espinacas Con Garbanzos, a traditional Sevillian tapa with Moorish roots.
Day 5: Discover Seville's Royal Grandeur and Historic Quarter
Spend the day exploring Seville's magnificent royal palace and grand cathedral, then get lost in the enchanting narrow lanes of the Barrio de Santa Cruz.
Highlights
- Visit the Royal Alcázar of Seville, a vast Mudéjar royal palace with ornate courtyards and gardens, a UNESCO site and essential historic visit.
- Explore Seville Cathedral, a Gothic cathedral housing major artworks and Columbus’s tomb, notable for its scale, history, and architecture.
- Wander through Barrio de Santa Cruz, Seville’s former Jewish quarter, known for its narrow lanes, patios, and intimate squares near the cathedral and Alcázar.
Day 6: High-Speed Rail to Barcelona and Gothic Charm
Take a high-speed train across Spain to Barcelona, arriving in time for an evening stroll along the iconic La Rambla and through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter.
Highlights
- Travel by train from Sevilla-Santa Justa to Barcelona Sants, with tickets starting from €45. The journey takes approximately 6h 10m, operated by companies like iryo and AVE.
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous boulevard, lined with performers and historic buildings.
- Explore the Barri Gòtic, the medieval district that rewards slow wandering with narrow lanes, hidden squares, and Roman traces.
Day 7: Barcelona's Modernist Farewell and Departure
Spend your final morning experiencing Barcelona's unique Modernist architecture before departing from the city.
Highlights
- Visit Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Gaudí’s iconic unfinished basilica, famed for its soaring towers and extraordinary interior light.
- Alternatively, explore Park Güell, Gaudí’s whimsical hilltop park combining mosaics, viaducts, and city views.
- Depart from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN), located 12 km southwest of Barcelona. Access the airport via Aerobus, Metro L9 Sud, or Renfe R2 Nord train from Barcelona Sants, the city's main railway stat
