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!

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.

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

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.

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.

I have lived in Barcelona, and can speak Catalan. I would not hesitate to spend a month or two there over the others. I don’t 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. I’ll be back there again next Tuesday night, in fact. Just for the day, for work, but I never tire of it.

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, that’s where he’s going.

I’m terrified seeing election returns.

Southern France? Or Spain? Or Portugal?

I’m thinking I need to get away for a couple of months to clear my head
And understand what is happening.