18 days in Spain, Lagos & Lisbon Itinerary

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

Get a sense of the local culture at Basilica of the Sagrada Familia and Parc Guell. You'll discover tucked-away gems like El Born and Patronat Call de Girona. Venture out of the city with trips to Colonia Guell Gaudi Crypt (in Santa Coloma de Cervello), Girona Cathedral (Catedral) (in Girona) and Vila Vella (Old Town) (in Tossa de Mar). The adventure continues: take a stroll through El Barri Gòtic, see what you can catch with a fishing tour, don't miss a visit to Casa Batllo, and contemplate the long history of Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar.

To find where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Barcelona travel planner.

Rochester, USA to Barcelona is an approximately 14.5-hour flight. You can also do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus, shuttle, and flight. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to Central European Time, which is usually a 6 hour difference. Traveling from Rochester in April, expect Barcelona to be somewhat warmer, temps between 66°F and 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 3rd (Sun) so you can take a train to Madrid.

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Prado National Museum and Alcazar of Segovia. Step off the beaten path and head to Casco Historico de Toledo and The Walls of Avila. Explore Madrid's surroundings by going to MQM Museo del Queso Manchego Toledo (in Toledo), Catedral de Segovia (in Segovia) and Cathedral of Avila (in Avila). Next up on the itinerary: admire the striking features of Royal Palace of Madrid and steep yourself in history at Plaza Mayor.

To see where to stay, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Madrid holiday builder .

Take a train from Barcelona to Madrid in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Traveling from Barcelona in May, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Madrid, with lows of 52°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can travel to Granada.

Granada boasts numerous well-preserved examples of exquisite Moorish architecture, not the least of which is the Alhambra, an ancient citadel and royal palace.

Step off the beaten path and head to Basilica de San Juan de Dios and Monasterio Cartuja. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Alhambra and Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias). The adventure continues: take a stroll through Albayzin, stroll through Generalife, add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Mirador de San Nicolas.

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

Traveling by flight from Madrid to Granada takes 4 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May in Granada, expect temperatures between 77°F during the day and 53°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Seville.

A city of rich Moorish heritage, Seville is the cultural and financial center of southern Spain, and the site of numerous festivals throughout the year.

On the 9th (Sat), contemplate the long history of Royal Alcázar of Seville, then take a stroll through Barrio Santa Cruz, then take in panoramic vistas at Torre Giralda, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Catedral de Sevilla. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at Las Duenas and then contemplate the long history of Plaza de España.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Seville online trip itinerary planner .

You can drive from Granada to Seville in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 79°F in May, and nighttime lows around 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to drive to Lagos.

The allure of the beaches and the town's historical center draw visitors to Lagos, a coastal destination in the Barlavento region of the Algarve.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour, make a trip to Lagos Farol da Ponta da Piedade, take in the dramatic natural features at Ponta Da Piedale, then head outdoors with Pro Putting Garden, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of St. Anthony (Igreja de Santo Antonio), and finally pause for some photo ops at Statue of Gil Eanes.

To see maps, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Lagos travel planner.

Getting from Seville to Lagos by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Due to the time zone difference, you'll gain 1 hour traveling from Seville to Lagos. In May, plan for daily highs up to 75°F, and evening lows to 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 12th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Lisbon.

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

On the 13th (Wed), test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, then take in the spiritual surroundings of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, then make a trip to Belém Tower, and finally step into the grandiose world of Castelo de S. Jorge. On the next day, explore the striking landscape of Parque Natural da Arrabida, appreciate the history behind Arco do Triunfo, and then take a stroll through Alfama.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Lisbon travel planner.

Traveling by car from Lagos to Lisbon takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. Traveling from Lagos in May, Lisbon is a bit cooler at night with lows of 55°F. On the 15th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading back home.