Americans Abroad
Related: About this forumPortugal, Spain or France??
Im thinking if taking a month next spring and do either:
Portugal, (Likely Faro area) , or Barcelona suburbs near the ocean, or Southeast France- (Perpignan?) .
Anyone familiar with these areas, would you make sone recommendations? I like history, architecture, art, military, and good food. Do you have good tips?
elleng
(135,637 posts)haven't been to Portugal.
Did drive around France (with young family, so choose France 'cause I studied French.) Also visited cities in Spain, including a few days in Barcelona.
Can't miss by visiting Spain and France for history, architecture, art, and good food.
Train from southern France to Spain possible.
Bon voyage!
msongs
(69,951 posts)TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)Travel Hat
(131 posts)I'm not a tour fan but I went on one sponsored by National Geographic and run by G Adventures. Very pleased with the experience.
Started in Madrid and a day trip in Toledo. Then took a train to Cordoba and saw the La Mezquita de Cordoba, a must see. and then onto Granada and an other must see , the Alhambra. Ended in Sevilla and the Real Alcazar castle. Check websites for entry requirements.
Travel by train in all 3 of countries is fast and easy and interconnected. You should look into a Euro-rail pass.
And about flights. I had 3 flights going there and coming home. 4 of the 6 flights where delayed by 2 hours or more. Took Air Canada and Lufthansa. It was a mess! And I don't see getting any better anytime soon. Suggest that you fly in a day early.
Spain is beautifully. The food was great, the architecture is amazing, and the people wonderful.
Happy Travels.
Crazyleftie
(458 posts)you must avoid the holidays...
we were in France during Mayday...everyone takes a week off and ALL venues were crowded
we were in Portugal during Easter...same thing because masses of Spaniards escape to Portugal
shrike3
(5,370 posts)Found people very unpleasant and helpful. Came back to the States and happen to run into a woman whose brother had the same experience. A lot of difficulties. And we're seasoned traveles.
However, a lot of organized tours make it look magical. Maybe you'll have better luck.
RipVanWinkle
(260 posts)Barcelona, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Seville, and Granada.
They are all good for history, architecture, art, and good food.
Barcelona is overrun with tourists. Hotel prices are high.
Granada was my favorite.
DFW
(56,367 posts)I have lived in Barcelona, and can speak Catalan. I would not hesitate to spend a month or two there over the others. I dont speak Portuguese, but understand much if it, i do speak French and Spanish.
Barcelona wins hands down. Coolest place to spend a month, a season or even a year. Ill be back there again next Tuesday night, in fact. Just for the day, for work, but I never tire of it.
Betty Boom
(134 posts)I really want to visit Portugal and I would also like to make a side trip to the Azores. A friend of mine says that if Trump wins, thats where hes going.