12 days in Spain, Lisbon & Tangier Itinerary

Madrid is known for its cultural and artistic heritage, lively nightlife, and a dynamic culinary scene.

Museum-lovers will get to explore Prado National Museum and Museo Sorolla. Get a sense of the local culture at Royal Palace of Madrid and Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Madrid: Toledo (Alcazar - Biblioteca de Castilla-La Mancha, MQM Museo del Queso Manchego Toledo, &more), Avila (Basilica de San Vicente, The Walls of Avila, &more) and Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol (in Olias del Rey). And it doesn't end there: indulge your taste buds at Food & Drink, steep yourself in history at Plaza Mayor, get engrossed in the history at National Archaeological Museum of Spain, and see the interesting displays at Naval Museum.

For where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Madrid driving holiday planner.

Charlotte, USA to Madrid is an approximately 13-hour flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to Central European Standard Time (CET), which is usually a 6 hour difference. October in Madrid sees daily highs of 73°F and lows of 53°F at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) so you can take a train to Barcelona.

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Casa Batllo. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Vila Vella (Old Town) and Casa Vicens. Explore Barcelona's surroundings by going to Esglesia de Sant Vicenc (in Tossa de Mar) and Lloret de Mar (Lloret Beach, Parish Church of Sant Roma, &more). And it doesn't end there: get to know the fascinating history of El Barri Gòtic, admire the landmark architecture of Casa Amatller, get engrossed in the history at Museu d'Història de Barcelona MUHBA, and take in the spiritual surroundings of Real Santuario San Jose de la Montana.

Plan my day in Barcelona using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

You can take a train from Madrid to Barcelona in 3.5 hours. Other options are to fly; or drive. Traveling from Madrid in October, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit warmer in Barcelona, with lows of 60°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Tue) early enough to travel to Lisbon.

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

Popular historic sites such as Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and Palácio Nacional da Ajuda are in your itinerary. You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and Guincho Beach. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Lisbon: Sintra (Sintra National Palace & Quinta da Regaleira), Centro Historico de Cascais (in Cascais) and Cabo da Roca (in Colares). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at National Coach Museum, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Igreja de Sao Domingos (Santa Justa e Rufina), explore the world behind art at Museu Nacional do Azulejo, and contemplate the long history of Castelo de S. Jorge.

For photos, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, go to the Lisbon attractions planner.

You can fly from Barcelona to Lisbon in 5.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a train. The time zone changes from Central European Standard Time (CET) to Western European Standard Time (WET), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In October, daytime highs in Lisbon are 76°F, while nighttime lows are 58°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Fri) to allow enough time to travel to Tangier.

Separated from Spain by the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier remains a mix of North African, French, Spanish, and Portuguese cultural influences.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): appreciate the extensive heritage of Petit Socco.

To see where to stay, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Tangier trip itinerary maker app.

Fly from Lisbon to Tangier in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Expect a daytime high around 78°F in October, and nighttime lows around 63°F. You will have some time to spend on the 23rd (Sat) before leaving for home.