What cities to Visit??

[chelsealynn]

Hey everyone,

I'm planning my trip to Europe and am having some trouble decided which towns/cities to visit.
I want to spend most of my time in Greece, Italy and Spain. Does anyone know of any great cities or towns in these places?

In Spain I know I'm going to go to Barcelona, Sevilla, Cordoba and Madrid.

In Italy I am planning to go to Riomaggiore, Rome, Florence, Venice, and Tuscany. Are there any places I should go??

and in Greece I know I am definately going to Athens. I just want to stay on the mainland in Greece. I dont think I will have enough time to travel to the islands. I would rather spend more time on the mainland enjoying the sights and beaches.

I would also really like to go to Portugal, does anyone know of must see places there?

Thanks!!!

[herrbert]

I will just give you some tips on Spain. (I am planning Italy (Venice/Florence/Rome) myself, hopefully visiting in February/March).

I think the lists of places for Spain you put together lacks one highlight, and that is Granada. (and it's most impressive building(s): The Alhambra. You could fly into Madrid, and then take a cheap flight to Granada with Vueling, and training your way back to Madrid, visiting Sevilla and Cordoba.

In Madrid, make sure you have some time to visit Toledo (half an hour by train to the South, departure from Madrid Atoche-Renfe Station), or a little bit cheaper by bus (takes 1 hour).

Another place I recommend is Segovia. It takes a little longer to get there (2 hours by train, 1 1/2 by bus), but is also worth a daytrip.

Other places in Spain: Cáceres (between Madrid and Lisbon), Salamanca, San Sebastian. Or head to the beach in Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia ...

Most visited (and liked) places in Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and Lagos. From Lisbon you have easy acces to smaller towns like Sintra.

You could combine this with the south of Spain: Madrid - Granada - Cordoba - Sevilla - Lagos - Lisbon - Cáceres - Madrid, and then on to Barcelona ... and the rest of Europe. (depending on the time available, of course)

[pupkus7]

I can only give advice on Italy as it's the only place I've been on your list.

As far as timing on the places you've considered, I recommend:
Rome (3-5days)
Florence (2-4) + day trip to Siena or Asissi?
Venice(2-4),
Cinque Terre (2-3).
Depending on how much time you have available to you.

I highly suggest actually spending the night in one of the Cinque Terre towns as it's MUCH different at night when the hordes of tourists leave; much more magical!

As far as any other places to go in Tuscany, Siena and Assisi are good bets and extremely close to Florence. Sorrento can serve as a base to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Vesuvius (if you're into the ruins thing), and Capri.

Good Luck!
Kristian