Reply
Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 7,896
Registered: ‎05-15-2014

We have been to Barcelona but not Portugal.  We are booked next May (2020) for a river boat cruise on the Douro river that will stop at ports in Portugal and Spain.  You see places in a different view on the river boats, this will be our 4th one, having done the Rhone, Danube and the Rhine.  We love it!!  Great way to travel.

 

@Overseas Traveler  Your description sounds wonderful of that area!

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,090
Registered: ‎01-13-2012

Our 2nd trip overseas!  Went to Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris,  London and Dublin.  Amsterdam and London top the list.  Went for a total of 19 days so we saw alot.  Next time we would focus on 1 or 2 countries like we did in Italy.  Saw that from bottom (Sicily) to top (Lugano, Switzerland).  Still loved Italy the most!!

Trusted Contributor
Posts: 1,033
Registered: ‎03-11-2010

@LindaSal wrote:

We have been to Barcelona but not Portugal.  We are booked next May (2020) for a river boat cruise on the Douro river that will stop at ports in Portugal and Spain.  You see places in a different view on the river boats, this will be our 4th one, having done the Rhone, Danube and the Rhine.  We love it!!  Great way to travel.

 

@Overseas Traveler  Your description sounds wonderful of that area!


I am going on that cruise in September. We are really looking forward to it. I have already booked a cooking class in Lisbon and have a couple other things in mind. The rest, I will leave to the cruise. I can let you know how it is.  

 

I was in Barcelona and Valencia last year. Loved both but would really like to spend some time in Valencia.

 

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,483
Registered: ‎10-19-2011

Re: Spain and Portugal?

[ Edited ]

WOW @lolakimono   😲

 

Do you speak other languages then? How lucky you were. 

 

I was reading all the places you have all gone to visit. How fun !!! 

 

My parents were always traveling. My grandmother took everyone (not me)  my sister + cousins to Europe...and Africa. For some strange reason, I will/would not leave home even when very young........

 

(( I did a tiny bit like to Montana in the wild west Grizzly bear back country....)) 

 

Everyone have fun that is traveling! Be safe~

 

 

____

ETA -I also went to Canada, Tahoe and Las Vegas...sort of traveling...

 

 

-Do Not Copy Pls-
Honored Contributor
Posts: 54,410
Registered: ‎03-29-2012

@cbrite 

Yes, I am a Spanish teacher.Cat Happy

I also studied Russian in high school and a bit of French in graduate school.

While in Europe, my friends and I spent a month traveling over the Christmas break: Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, the Netherlands, etc.

Respected Contributor
Posts: 2,483
Registered: ‎10-19-2011

@lolakimono wrote:

@cbrite 

Yes, I am a Spanish teacher.Cat Happy

I also studied Russian in high school and a bit of French in graduate school.

While in Europe, my friends and I spent a month traveling over the Christmas break: Portugal, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Italy, Belgium, Hungary, the Netherlands, etc.


@lolakimono 

 

Oh my gosh @lolakimono !!!!!!! I am so impressed ! I love all those languages!! You must be a wonderful teacher..... you have a world. of wealth in your heart and mind then. Is a lovely combination. I could sit and ask you so many questions...it's what I do, I love to learn..... I crave knowledge.... and you put up neat photos of homes and decor... You are also humble..... A most gifted woman and human being. I am honored to meet you in a way here. Gracias...Greetz...Ciao...I am Belle Mer....🐳

-Do Not Copy Pls-
Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,237
Registered: ‎03-29-2011

@bargainsgirl 

I too have been to both.  Despite the fact they border each other, they are very different countries. 

 

You've been given a lot of great information so I really do not have anything to add.  I do second the suggestion, unless you love VERY HOT weather, do not go in July or August.  Also, Madrid is a city I would never revisit.

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 6,460
Registered: ‎04-20-2013

I've been to both and lived in Madrid a year when I was younger.  I'm not fond of Portugal tho the beaches are nice.  I do love Spain especially Barcelona which, imo, is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.  I love Dali's art and took a side trip to Fiqueras which was an experience.  

Respected Contributor
Posts: 3,842
Registered: ‎04-23-2010

As you see from these answers everything is a matter of taste and opinion. 

I would grab some books ( even just tour books, nothing complicated) , read and figure out what would you want to see. 

 

But  any any of these countries you decide to visit, please, do not combine them in 1 trip ( they really dislike each other). Do not go in July and August. September -October is a very good time, especially Spain. Portugal is fine in May- June too. 

 

English is is better spoken in Portugal, more cultural things to see and learn I Spain, natural beauty is more prominent in Portugal, the people are much nicer and helpful in Portugal too. Again, personal opinion.

 

Good luck with planning. 

 

PS.  I just came back from Portugal and will post some pictures.