How Long to Spend in Portugal, Spain, and Italy (3 Top Itineraries)

From the charming streets of Lisbon to the fiery flamenco dances of Seville and the ancient ruins of Rome, the Portugal-Spain-Rome trio are a traveler's paradise waiting to be explored. Want to know how to arrange a tour of these three countries? This article gives some recommended travel itineraries and tips for discovering Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

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How Many Days to Spend in Portugal, Spain, and Italy

If you are visiting Portugal, Spain, and Italy for the first time and want to cover their highlights, we recommend spending a minimum of 14 days to fully immerse yourself in the cultures of these countries. Prioritizing key sights and experiences is crucial to making the most of your time at each destination. Dedicate 4–5 days to each country to explore their top attractions and delve into their rich cultures.

For a more immersive and in-depth experience across these three destinations, consider extending your trip to 3 weeks. This would allow you to discover more cities and places within each destination, allocating 2–3 days in each city to fully absorb the local culture and history.

If you have limited time and are looking for a quick travel experience, consider spending 10 days exploring only the essential cities of Lisbon, Madrid, Seville, Rome, and Florence. Allocate 2 days to each city to make the most of your trip.

1.Top Suggestion: 2 Weeks in Portugal, Spain, and Italy

If you are visiting for the first time and have 2 weeks for Portugal, Spain, and Italy, we recommend spending 3 days in Portugal, 6 days in Spain, and 5 days in Italy.

As 14 days are not enough to cover most of the tourist cities in these three countries, we recommend that you spend more days in Spain and Italy. This is because Spain and Italy have larger land areas and longer histories, providing them with a more extensive range of tourist resources and attractions.

In Portugal, spend 2 days in Lisbon to explore the top attractions, such as the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Alfama district.

Six days in Spain are adequate to explore its vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, historic sites like the Alhambra in Granada, and famous landmarks, such as the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

In Italy, spend 5 days to absorb its art and culture by exploring iconic sites, such as the Colosseum in Rome, the canals of Venice, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the historical ruins of Pompeii.

Here is a sample of a classic 2-week itinerary:

• Days 1–3: Lisbon (immerse yourself in the vibrant capital and Sintra)
• Days 4–5: Seville (visit the Plaza de España and Seville Cathedral)
• Days 6–7: Madrid (visit the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace of Madrid)
• Days 8–9: Barcelona (visit the masterpieces of Gaudí)
• Days 10–11: Florence (experience Florence's arts and cuisine)
• Days 12–14: Rome (explore the highlights of Rome and the Vatican)

14-Day Portugal, Spain, and Italy Itinerary Iberian and Italian Odyssey

If this itinerary does not meet your requirements or if you have a strong interest in exploring other attractions, get in touch with our trip advisor and we'll create a customized trip just for you.

2. In-Depth Ideas: Portugal, Spain, and Italy in 3 Weeks

If you have 3 weeks, you could fully immerse yourself in each nation. With a week dedicated to each country, you could gain a deeper understanding of their unique cultures and histories, and you could taste more authentic local food. There's a variety of kid-friendly activities offered in the three countries, making it a fun adventure for everyone in the family.

In Portugal, include the Algarve in your itinerary for beach fun and water activities. Discover Lagos Beach, known for its serene spots and striking cliffs. The Algarve region has natural parks, vibrant towns, and charming villages to explore.

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In Spain, visit Valencia for a family-friendly trip. Enjoy a private walking tour and a paella cooking experience, and explore the City of Arts and Sciences with a bike ride. Visit Europe's largest aquarium, the Oceanogràfic, and the interactive Gulliver Park, which is inspired by the classic tale, Gulliver's Travels.

7-Day Spain Family Tour: Madrid, Valencia, Barcelona Enjoy a Vibrant Family Week in Spain

When in Italy, add Venice to your family itinerary. The city is like a Disney water park for kids. Enjoy a gondola ride along the canals. Explore the Rialto Market for a taste of local Venice with unique gadgets and food. Take a boat trip to Murano, known for glassmaking. Watch demonstrations and try making a glass souvenir.

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Here is a sample of a 3-week in-depth itinerary:

• Days 1–7: Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve
• Days 8–14: Barcelona, Valencia, and Madrid
• Days 15–21: Rome, Florence, and Venice

If this tour is not exactly what you want, feel free to contact our trip advisor for a tailor-made tour.

3. Essential Touring: Portugal, Spain, and Italy in 10 Days

If you are a fast-paced traveler with a limited time of 10 days, you could still explore some of the top sites in Portugal, Spain, and Italy.

Spend 2 days in Lisbon to immerse yourself in the nation's maritime history, such as the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Alfama district. In Spain's Seville, start at the Real Alcázar de Sevilla, an ancient royal palace blending Moorish, Christian, and Gothic styles. Visit the grand Seville Cathedral, home to Christopher Columbus's tomb. Explore the Setas de Sevilla, a unique wooden landmark, and marvel at the flamenco performances in Spain Square.

In Italy, you would visit the highlights in Rome and Florence over 4 days.In Rome, begin at the Colosseum with a private expert guide for a seamless exploration. Witness its historical battles, visit the Arch of Constantine, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum.

Then, head to Florence to admire Piazza della Signoria, home to Palazzo Vecchio (the town hall) and the Loggia dei Lanzi (sculpture gallery colonnade). Explore Piazza del Duomo, admiring its architectural wonders. And visit the Uffizi Gallery to see works by Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Raphael.

Here is a sample 10-day tour itinerary schedule:

• Days 1–2: Lisbon (Portugal)
• Days 3–6: Madrid and Seville (Spain)
• Days 7–10: Rome and Florence (Italy)

14-Day Best of Spain and Portugal Tour Encounter the Charm of Iberia

If this tour is not just what you want, feel free to contact our trip advisor for a tailor-made tour.