One-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in Spain and Portugal With Itinerary from Madrid to Cáceres, Lisbon, and Merida

On day 2, you will wake up in Madrid with an entire day of wonders ahead of you! You still have 1 night left in Madrid before it’s time to get back on the road and continue your European tour across Spain and Portugal.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is a travelers’ favorite in Madrid, and today you’ll have the opportunity to discover it too! This one-of-a-kind attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 145,531 visitors.

In Madrid, don’t miss Las Ventas, a great stadium and place to see in the city. This outstanding attraction has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 36,757 reviews.

Check other top attractions in Madrid off your list when you visit the wonderful Puerta De Alcalá. This popular sight is an outstanding monument, rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 53,211 travelers.

Beyond the above-mentioned top sights, take the opportunity to visit the outstanding Museo Del Prado. This museum and place of interest has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 127,611 reviews. It’s estimated that around 3,497,345 people come to admire it every year.

If you’re keen to explore even more, the fantastic Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía awaits. This museum is a tourist hot spot, garnering an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 59,426 visitors. The fantastic Museo Nacional Centro De Arte Reina Sofía gets around 1 yearly visitors.

In the evening, prepare to be amazed by Madrid’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 Spain and Portugal.

Experience a harmony of flavors at DiverXO in Madrid by securing a reservation in advance. Known for its 3-star Michelin status, DiverXO offers a delightful variety of dishes highlighting its delicious creative menu. If you're seeking an alternative culinary experience, be sure to explore Smoked Room, a highly recommended restaurant known for its enticing contemporary 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 Paco Roncero, a highly acclaimed restaurant celebrated for its exceptional creative menu.

Cap off your dinner by heading to Jazz Bar, ideal for a leisurely evening with a drink in hand. España Building is another bar that offers an enjoyable setting. Similarly, 1862 Dry Bar is also a popular place to go on a night out, perfect for relaxing and socializing.

As the night falls in Madrid, take a moment to savor the experiences of the day. Wash away your fatigue with a drink, or lie back and relax at your hotel, and look forward to another thrilling day of your multi-country journey across Europe.

On day 3 of your multi-country road trip across Spain and Portugal, 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.

A favorite among locals and travelers alike in Madrid is the fantastic El Retiro Park. As an appreciated park and local gem in the area, El Retiro Park has earned an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 190,149 reviews.

Next up on your agenda, you will find the extraordinary Main Square. This attraction is rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 180,808 visitors, so don't miss the opportunity to experience it for yourself!

Join countless others in discovering the allure of Market Of San Miguel, a standout food market and attraction that's captivated the hearts of many. It has a stellar rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 136,314 reviewers.

Experience the magic that has drawn so many to the doorstep of the outstanding Royal Palace Of Madrid. This palace is a highly recommended attraction in the city boasting an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in 108,690 visitor reviews.

Just around the corner lies the magnificent Temple Of Debod, a popular monument and attraction many visitors enjoy. More than 57,161 people have rated this attraction an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars.

After an exciting day of sightseeing, it’s time to check in at your accommodation in Cáceres. This is not only a place to sleep but your home away from home, offering a warm welcome after a long day on the road.

As the sun dips under the horizon, freshen up and head out to discover the best dining spots in Cáceres. Check out our recommendations on where to wine and dine while seeing this marvelous destination in Spain in a new light. After dinner, head out to a bar to relax, mingle with the locals, and raise a toast to your unforgettable road trip vacation in Europe.

Set out on a gastronomic journey in Cáceres by reserving a table at Atrio. Renowned for its 3-star Michelin recognition, this restaurant presents an outstanding menu of creative cuisine. Looking for something different? La Casa del Sol offers a tantalizing alternative with its diverse menu. With its reputation for pleasing customers, it’s a fantastic choice for tonight in Cáceres.

Let the evening flow smoothly from dinner to drinks at Bulevar Cáceres, a top-rated bar in the area. For other recommendations, El Corral De Las Cigüeñas provides a perfect setting for rounding out your night with style and great drinks. Likewise, La Traviata offers a memorable night with diverse drink options and excellent service.

Savor the moment and raise a toast to yet another amazing day of your vacation in Spain and Portugal! 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.

On day 4 of your exciting European self-drive vacation in Spain and Portugal, you’ll soak in the magnificence of 1 destination, Sintra in Portugal. When you’re not exploring the city and its surrounding areas, take time to relax at your selected hotel in Lisbon, where you’ll be staying for 2 nights.

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.

You'll enjoy easy access to the most remarkable sights in Sintra, including the outstanding Quinta Da Regaleira. Having an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 54,624 reviews, this fascinating palace and attraction is one of the top travel destinations in the town.

Sintra is also home to the captivating National Palace Of Pena, a local palace considered one of the highlights of the town. About 86,631 visitors have rated this incredible site with 4.4 out of 5 stars, proving its popularity.

The extraordinary Castle Of The Moors is another unforgettable place you can visit on this leg of your journey in Sintra. This extraordinary castle and tourist hot spot boasts a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 21,662 travelers.

After a long day of driving and exploring, you’ll check in at a top-recommended hotel in Lisbon of your choice.

If you're eager to sample culinary delights during your multi-country road trip in Spain and Portugal, you'll be excited to head out for dinner and get a taste of the local cuisine in Lisbon. After dinner, head out to a bar to reminisce about your day and raise a toast to this stop on your road trip.

Experience a taste of local culinary excellence while in Lisbon by securing a table at Encanto. An esteemed 1-star Michelin restaurant, it features an exceptional vegetarian menu. For an alternative taste experience, visit Alma, famous for its scrumptious creative dishes. This 2-star Michelin venue consistently impresses guests, making it a standout addition to your holiday plans. Looking for another choice? Discover Belcanto, a local favorite celebrated for its exquisite creative and portuguese cuisine in Lisbon. Located in the heart of the city, this 2-star Michelin restaurant is an ideal pick for creative and portuguese cuisine lovers seeking top-notch culinary experiences.

Following your dinner, dive into the local bar culture at Lisboa Bar. Enjoy this evening's relaxed ambiance with delightful drinks. Alternatively, go to Toca Da Raposa, the perfect place for those looking to experience the best of the nightlife. Similarly, O Bom O Mau E O Vilão provides excellent drinks and a great atmosphere, ensuring a memorable night out.

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!

Embark on another extraordinary experience on day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe, where you’ll be making 1 stop. The highlights of today include the wonderful destinations of Merida in Spain. At the end of the day, you will enjoy the comforts of a top-rated hotel in Madrid, your home 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.

When you’ve had your share of Merida, prepare for your next destination. Admire the views and listen to some good music as you drive in the direction of Toledo. Your travel time is around 2 hours 54 min.

A tour of Toledo is not complete without a visit to the famous Alcázar Of Toledo. This incredible castle and attraction has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from 33,620 travelers.

Make the most of your Toledo travel adventure by seeing another popular site, the wonderful Santa Iglesia Catedral Primada De Toledo. This church and unique destination is rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 31,551 travelers.

After a long day of discovery, it's time to settle in at a top-rated hotel in Madrid. Indulge in well-deserved rest and rejuvenation, preparing for the continued adventure that lies ahead.

As the day unfolds, you’ll be delighted to find that the city of Madrid boasts an array of restaurants and bars catering to every budget. Take this opportunity to sample the distinctive flavors of Spain.

Make sure to reserve a table at Areia, an iconic dining spot in Madrid. This culinary treasure and its outstanding menu have enchanted food enthusiasts from around the world. Immerse yourself in the culinary delights of La MaMá Restaurante, a popular restaurant in Madrid. With a menu designed to delight, it ensures a dining experience that transcends the ordinary. Experience the culinary magic of Sacha Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in Madrid. Known for its exquisite cuisine and inviting atmosphere, it's a dining experience you won't soon forget.

Celebrate day 7 of your multi-country road trip in Europe with a toast, and look forward to more memorable moments to come!