Below I am sharing my itinerary for a 10 day journey traveling from California to Spain, Portugal and Morocco. This is based off renting a car in Barcelona and driving all around Spain and Portugal and returning the car before flying to Morocco for the last few days of the trip.
Day 1
- Travel to Barcelona (We flew from John Wayne airport in Orange County to Chicago and Chicago to Barcelona)
Day 2
- Land in Barcelona (We landed at 1:30 and picked up our rental car before heading into the city)
What to see in Barcelona:
- La Boqueria (This is the largest open air market in Europe)
- Gothic Quarter
- Casa Batllo
- The Sagrada Familia (To go inside you must buy a ticket. Cost are $18-$35 per person depending on which ticket)
- Park Guell (It is free to observe the outside section and about seven euro to get in)
- Temple of Sacred Hearts (It is free to enter the church but you have to pay for parking and to use the elevators to the different view points)
Day 3
- Drive Barcelona to Porto, Portugal (10 hour 30 minute drive)
Day 4
What to see in Porto:
- Leca Swimming Pools
- The Church of Sao Francisco (Six euro admission)
- Livraria Lello (I believe its five of six euro to enter since its so popular and its recommended to book in advance)
- Church of Saint Ildefonso
- Clérigos Church
- Porto Cathedral
Drive Porto > Aveiro, Portugal (45 minute drive)
More specifally we went straight to Costa Nova Beach. This is the cutest little fishermen village situated between a lagoon and the ocean. Its filled with the cutest painted houses and wonderful seafood.
- Optional: From Aveiro you can head to Covao Dos Conchos, Lagoa Comprida, Portugal which is a unique sinkhole in the lake but can add a good amount of time if you are trying to do only a 10 day itinerary.
Drive Aveiro > Sintra (2 hours 30 minute drive)
What to see in Sintra:
- Castelo Dos Mouros (be prepared for a big hike and paid entrance)
- Palace of Pena (I believe entrance was seventeen euro and depending where you park it can be a long hike up the castle. My advice is go towards the end of the day and go to the very top. People start seeing one open spot and parking without realizing there is parking after the castle as well. This is definitely a castle you don’t want to miss)
- Palace of Monteiro
Drive Sintra > Lisbon (30 minute drive)
Day 5
What to see in Lisbon:
- Livraria Ler Devagar Bookstore
- Torre De Belem Lisboa
- Palace of Queluz
- Carmo Convent
Drive Lisbon > Carvoeiro (2 hour 30 minute drive)
- Relax. Enjoy sunset on a cliff. Go to the beach. Enjoy live music and dinner downtown!
- Explore the whole coast from Carvoeiro to Faro
- Visit Benagil Caves (The cave can only be reached by sea. So you can rent a boat or kayak or swim..we decided to save money and opt for the swim)
Day 6
Drive Carvoeiro > Seville, Spain
What to see in Seville:
- Alcázar of Seville
- Seville Cathedral
- Plaza de España
Drive Seville > Córdoba(1 hour 30 minute drive)
Visit: Mosque of Córdoba
Córdoba > Madrid (4 hours )
Day 7
What to see in Madrid
- El Retiro Park
- Palacio De Cristal
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Plaza Mayor
- When in Madrid you must try the torrija which is a bakery treat that somewhat resembles french toast. It is a slice of bread soaked with milk and spices, dipped in an egg and fried. The famous La Mallorquina located right outside Plaza Mayor.
Fly Madrid > Marrakesh, Morocco
(We ended up getting a 9:30pm flight from Madrid into Marrakesh and had the hotel driver waiting for us.)
Day 8
What to do in Marrakesh:
- Visited any open air market you can find (you will find many just by walking a few blocks)
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Bahia Palace
- Saadian Tombs
- Try a traditional Hammas spa treatment
- Hot air balloon ride at sunrise
Day 9
Fly Marrakesh, Morocco > Madrid, Spain
(We took a 5:00pm flight out of Morocco so we were able to explore Morocco in the morning and still get back into Madrid to have dinner and walk the streets)
Day 10
Fly Home!!!
Thats a wrap on a fulfilled and busy trip. This itinerary is a bit overwhelming so if you have a few more days then you will definitely have more relaxing of a time. However, it is possible to do in 10 days. If you have any questions or want advice on hotels let me know and I would be happy to share.
To view more detailed account of my trip to each location and view more photos, click the links below!
Porto, Portugal & Costa Nova Beach
xoxo
A
