14 days in Spain, Tangier & Lisbon Itinerary

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

Escape the urban bustle at Fenals Beach and Beach Castelldelfels Barcelona. Ciutat Vella and Plaça de Sant Felip Neri will appeal to history buffs. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Barcelona: Salou (Avenida Jaume I & Llevant Beach), Lloret de Mar (Parish Church of Sant Roma & Lloret Beach) and Tossa de Mar (Great Beach & Vila Vella (Old Town)). And it doesn't end there: take a stroll through El Born, explore the world behind art at Joan Miro Foundation, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Templo del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, and take an in-depth tour of Museu d'Història de Barcelona MUHBA.

For ratings, where to stay, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Barcelona vacation planner.

Charlotte, USA to Barcelona is an approximately 13.5-hour flight. Traveling from Charlotte to Barcelona, you'll lose 6 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Charlotte in October, expect somewhat warmer with lows of 60°F in Barcelona. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Sun) so you can catch the train to Madrid.

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

Your inner history buff will appreciate Alcazar of Segovia and The Walls of Avila. Discover out-of-the-way places like Museo Sorolla and Catedral de Segovia. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Madrid: Toledo (San Martin Bridge, Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, &more), Avila (Basilica de San Vicente & Casco Historico de Avila) and Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol (in Olias del Rey). There's lots more to do: admire the masterpieces at National Archaeological Museum of Spain, wander the streets of Barrio de Salamanca, awaken your taste buds at some of the top wineries in the area, and get engrossed in the history at Naval Museum.

For other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Madrid journey planning tool.

Traveling by train from Barcelona to Madrid takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Barcelona in October, expect a bit cooler with lows of 53°F in Madrid. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Wed) early enough 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Thu): take in the local highlights with Walking tours.

For photos, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Tangier tour itinerary planner.

You can fly from Madrid to Tangier in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train, bus, and ferry. The time zone difference moving from Central European Standard Time to Western European Standard Time is minus 1 hour. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Tangier when traveling from Madrid in October, with lows around 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) so you can travel to Lisbon.

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

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian and Capela dos Ossos. Museum-lovers will get to explore Museu Nacional do Azulejo and Carmo Archaeological Museum. Change things up with these side-trips from Lisbon: Arraiolos (Convento dos Loios & Aldeia da Terra) and Evora (Centro Historico de Evora & Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora)). There's much more to do: explore the historical opulence of Palácio Nacional da Ajuda, examine the collection at National Coach Museum, pause for some photo ops at Arco do Triunfo, and get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour.

To see photos and other tourist information, go to the Lisbon road trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Tangier to Lisbon takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Plan for a bit cooler nights when traveling from Tangier in October since evenings lows in Lisbon dip to 58°F. On the 25th (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.