6-Day Self-Drive Road Trip in Portugal and Spain With Itinerary from Lisbon to Merida, Madrid, and Cáceres
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Description
Pack your bags and hit the road for the ultimate 6-day Euro trip extravaganza! This multi-country adventure through the Portugal and Spain guarantees unforgettable experiences at every stop.
With this ultimate European tour package, you'll experience the essence of 2 incredible countries, each offering a tapestry of experiences that will leave you with lasting memories. You'll stay 2 nights in Portugal and 3 nights in Spain.
In the first leg of your journey, you'll find yourself in the heart of Portugal, a land filled with treasures waiting to be discovered. You’ll collect your chosen rental car in the city of Lisbon and begin your adventure from there. Explore Lisbon and Sintra, where picturesque vistas and cultural gems await your exploration.
Next, prepare to be mesmerized by the diverse and vibrant landscapes of Spain. Immerse yourself in the allure of Merida, Toledo, Madrid, and Cáceres, where every street tells a story.
Your multi-country road trip brings you close to some of Europe’s most iconic attractions and landmarks, such as Merida’s Roman Theatre Of Emerita Augusta. From must-see attractions to breathtaking viewpoints, this meticulously crafted itinerary promises you a glimpse into the unique features of this region in Europe.
Throughout your tour, you’ll stay at some of the best accommodations along your route. Our recommendations always include options with varying levels of comfort, ranging from 3 to 5-star hotels that cater to various preferences and budgets.
Your ultimate multi-country road trip across Portugal and Spain will not be complete without indulging in some retail therapy! Embark on a quest for a rare souvenir in each destination. Beyond the thrill of buying unique goods, it’s also an amazing opportunity to immerse yourself in local customs and interact with friendly locals at every stop.
By booking this holiday package, you can save yourself from the tedious task of researching and planning your road trip in Europe. We'll handle all the travel arrangements for your 6-day self-drive adventure in Portugal and Spain. With our expertise, you can enjoy a hassle-free experience and focus on immersing yourself in incredible destinations without the stress of organizing every detail. This holiday deal also comes with 24/7 travel support and a step-by-step guide accessible via our mobile app to assist you throughout your journey.
Discover breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and iconic landmarks in multiple European countries on one epic road trip! Travel across borders and experience the freedom of the open road as you create lifelong memories in Portugal and Spain.
Choose your travel dates today and start planning your unforgettable multi-country road trip with Guide to Europe!
Itinerary summary
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Day 1
- Lisbon - Arrival day
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Your unforgettable multi-country road trip in Portugal and Spain begins the moment you arrive in the awe-inspiring city of Lisbon in Portugal. You’ll check in at a top-rated hotel and stay in Lisbon for 1 night.
Catch an early flight to Portugal to enjoy as much time as possible exploring Lisbon before it’s time to hit the road and drive to your next destination. Discover the city’s rich history, breathtaking sights, and lively atmosphere with visits to the most popular attractions.
As afternoon approaches, head to your chosen hotel in Lisbon. Check-in typically starts around 2 to 4 PM at hotels in Portugal. We recommend staying at a hotel in a central location for easy access to the best attractions, restaurants, and bars in the city.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Lisbon’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Portugal and Spain.
Enjoy a lovely meal at Delirium Café Lisboa, a top-rated place to have dinner tonight. Alternatively, if your taste buds call for something different, daPrata52 - Petiscos ¦ Tapas is another top choice with a popular menu. You could also check for a table at A Provinciana. As an establishment that gains consistently high praises from customers, it’s an ideal choice in Lisbon tonight.
After enjoying a fulfilling meal, continue your evening at Lisboa Bar, ideal for those looking to unwind with a drink in a comfortable setting. Alternatively, Toca Da Raposa offers a welcoming atmosphere for easing into the nightlife. Similarly, O Bom O Mau E O Vilão provides an excellent environment for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Your multi-country road trip in Portugal and Spain has only just begun. Brace yourself for more exciting days to come as you cross country borders in the comfort of your rental car and discover the most unique attractions, activities, and foods of each destination.
Day 2
- Lisbon
- Mérida
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Drive 312 km, 3 hours 47 min
- Lisbon Oceanarium
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Experience an unparalleled adventure on day 2 of your multi-country journey across Portugal and Spain. This exciting part of your road trip invites you to discover the renowned landmarks in 1 vibrant destinations - Lisbon in Portugal. After a day filled with exploration and new experiences, you will retreat to Merida where you'll spend 1 night of well-deserved relaxation.
Explore multiple popular travel destinations in Lisbon today. Begin your sightseeing with a visit to the outstanding Lisbon Oceanarium. This attraction boasts an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 86,301 visitors and attracts around 1,000,000 curious travelers annually.
After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Merida. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.
In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Merida’s regional flavors and culminate your day with a toast. We’ve curated a guide to the city’s culinary and nightlife hotspots to enhance your experience during your multi-country vacation in Portugal and Spain.
Treat yourself to a delightful dinner at Restaurante Chamorro, highly recommended for tonight's dining. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try A de Arco? It's another excellent option with a diverse menu. Consider reserving a table at Bar Volterra as well. Known for its consistent customer satisfaction, it’s an ideal pick for tonight in Merida.
Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Trastero, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, Jazz Bar Mérida provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, Cafetería Pizarrín offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.
Take in the ambiance of Merida as this vacation day slowly comes to an end. Whether you’re going bar hopping or you decide on a quiet night at your hotel, you have another exciting day of your road trip to look forward to!
Day 3
- Mérida
- Toledo
- Madrid
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Drive 380 km, 4 hours 14 min
- Roman Theatre of Emerita Augusta
- Alcázar of Toledo
- Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada de Toledo
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On day 3 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Portugal and Spain, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Merida in Spain. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Madrid, where you’ll be staying for 1 night.
You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Merida, including the outstanding Roman Theatre Of Emerita Augusta. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 40,662 reviews, this fascinating archeological site and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the city.
Set your GPS to Toledo and hit the road. Expect a journey of approximately 2 hours 54 min without stops. Soak in the beautiful landscapes as you drive and look forward to exploring your next destination. Toledo beckons with new experiences!
Complement your beautiful day with a visit to a top-rated castle and attraction in Toledo — Alcázar Of Toledo. About 33,620 visitors have rated this attraction an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
The popular Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada De Toledo is another top sight in Toledo that locals and travelers often enjoy spending time at. This attraction is a well-loved church in the area, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,551 visitors.
Relax your senses after a day of exhilarating activities and fun exploration. Retreat to one of the best accommodations in Madrid.
As the sun sets on day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, prepare for a culinary journey. Navigate through Madrid's top restaurants and eateries, each offering a local taste of Spain to remember your trip by. After a fulfilling dinner, dive into the city’s local nightlife. Whether you prefer the bustling energy of popular pubs or want to take in the ambiance of a quiet bar, Madrid has them.
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary journey in Madrid by reserving a table at DiverXO. Renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant, it offers an exceptional creative menu. For a different taste experience, head to Smoked Room, recognized for its delicious contemporary dishes. This 2-star Michelin restaurant consistently impresses guests, ensuring a memorable addition to your holiday. Looking for another option? Make sure to visit Paco Roncero, a local favorite known for its delightful creative cuisine in Madrid. Nestled in the heart of the city, this restaurant with 2 Michelin star is an ideal choice for discerning creative foodies seeking culinary excellence.
After your delicious meal, get a taste of the vibrant nightlife with a visit to Bar Yambala, known for its inviting atmosphere. Baton Rouge Cocktail Bar is another great option if you’re looking for a place to get the night started. Similarly, Cafe Madrid provides a great setting to enjoy the night away.
Celebrate day 3 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!
Day 4
- Madrid
- Cáceres
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Drive 316 km, 3 hours 57 min
- Main Square
- Market of San Miguel
- Royal Palace of Madrid
- Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
- El Retiro Park
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On day 4 of your multi-country road trip across Portugal and Spain, you will get a true taste of the freedom a self-drive vacation in Europe entails. Today’s travel plans include stops at the most scenic, wondrous, and interesting places to see in Madrid in Spain. In the evening, you’ll end up in Cáceres, where you will stay for 1 night.
Something that makes Madrid the perfect holiday destination is that the city offers easy access to many popular places of interest, like the outstanding public square, Main Square. This local gem has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 180,808 visitors.
The famous Market Of San Miguel is another remarkable sightseeing hotspot in the area. As one of Madrid's most remarkable sights, there's no wonder why around 136,314 travelers have rated this incredible food market and travel destination an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars in reviews.
Madrid is also home to the extraordinary Royal Palace Of Madrid, which boasts a 4.7 out of 5 star rating in 108,690 traveler reviews.
Another place you’ll want to visit is the captivating Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from a total of 145,531 reviews, a visit to this wonderful stadium and tourist destination is truly a great idea.
On this Madrid exploration, you'll also have the chance to admire the fantastic El Retiro Park up close. This fascinating park and attraction is a must-visit, and its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 190,149 travelers is proof.
Once you're ready to continue your road trip, it's time to buckle up and drive, eagerly anticipating your arrival in Cáceres. This drive usually takes around 2 hours 58 min, without any stops or traffic disruptions.
This outstanding travel destination inspires so many travelers each year.
After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Cáceres of your choice.
If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Portugal and Spain, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Cáceres. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.
Have a memorable dining experience in Cáceres by booking a table at Atrio, renowned as a 3-star Michelin restaurant presenting an exceptional creative menu. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La Casa del Sol, a popular restaurant in Cáceres. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
To truly maximize your evening out, consider visiting Bulevar Cáceres after dinner. This bar is known for offering some of the best drinks and vibes in the city. Alternatively, head to El Corral De Las Cigüeñas, another bar with an inviting ambiance. Similarly, La Traviata also offers a great atmosphere, ensuring a night filled with enjoyment and relaxation.
Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Portugal and Spain! Enjoy your evening in Cáceres to the fullest by mingling with the locals at a bar, taking a stroll around the city center, or simply relaxing.
Day 5
- Cáceres
- Sintra
- Lisbon
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Drive 377 km, 5 hours 11 min
- Quinta da Regaleira
- Park and National Palace of Pena
- Castle of the Moors
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Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 5 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Sintra in Portugal. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Lisbon, your home for 1 night.
When you’re ready to jump back into the car and say goodbye to Cáceres, you’ll hit the road in the direction of Sintra, Portugal. Witness the landscapes transform as you cross the border to Portugal. This drive usually takes around 3 hours 39 min. When you arrive, enjoy some sightseeing.
In Sintra, the extraordinary Quinta Da Regaleira awaits. This attraction is a valued palace that boasts an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 54,624 travelers' reviews.
Another of the best travel destinations in Sintra is the spectacular National Palace Of Pena. This attraction is a palace that is rated an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars by 86,631 visitors, making it a captivating highlight for all travelers.
You could then travel to the amazing Castle Of The Moors. This local castle and wonder has an overall review score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21,662 visitors, proving its popularity among travelers.
An exhilarating day of exploring and driving will have you longing for a comfortable bed at the end of the day. Fortunately, Lisbon’s top hotels offer a lovely retreat at day’s end. Choose from options ranging from budget to luxury.
By dinnertime, you’ll be ready to savor the tastiest bites and enjoy the lively vibes in central Lisbon. From mouthwatering restaurants to happening bars, we've got the inside scoop on where to eat and drink at this stop on your multi-country road trip across Portugal and Spain.
Experience a harmony of flavors at Encanto in Lisbon by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 1-star Michelin status, Encanto offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious vegetarian menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Alma, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing creative cuisine. This popular 2-star Michelin-awarded venue consistently exceeds expectations, ensuring a memorable holiday experience. Ready for another culinary adventure? Indulge your senses at Belcanto, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative and portuguese menu.
After savoring a delicious meal, step into the vibrant nightlife at 4 Caravelas, where the evening is just getting started. In the same way, British Bar Lisboa offers a unique charm perfect for experiencing the local bar scene in Lisbon.
Go to bed happy and look forward to a good night’s sleep as soon as your head hits the pillow. Your European tour continues tomorrow!
Day 6
- Lisbon - Departure day
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- Praça do Comércio
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On day 6 you have reached the last destination of your European road trip. Catch one last glimpse of Lisbon before it’s time to leave.
Depending on how much time you have before your departure, you may want to engage in some last-minute shopping or souvenir hunting. Get some unique items to remind you of your great European road trip across Portugal and Spain. If shopping isn’t your thing, visit some of the lesser-known attractions you have yet to discover.
Make the most of your final day in Portugal by visiting Lisbon’s iconic markets and shopping establishments in the buzzing Armazéns do Chiado. Secure the perfect souvenirs for your family and friends back home or buy yourself a remembrance of your amazing experience in Portugal.
Praça Do Comércio is a travelers’ favorite in Lisbon, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 108,290 visitors.
Get a last taste of Portugal’s tasty traditional food. Choose from a curated list of the best local food and drink spots in Lisbon and enjoy what may be your last vacation meal of this trip. Look forward to recreating these distinct culinary experiences in your own kitchen later to remind you of your unforgettable road trip across Portugal and Spain.
The time has come to say farewell to Lisbon for now. You will realize that you’re traveling home with more than you came with as you look back at your 6-day European road trip in Portugal and Spain with fond memories. Safe travels!
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