59 days in Europe & Africa Itinerary

Built on seven hills, Lisbon has experienced a renaissance in recent years, making it the cultural star of Portugal.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Convento da Ordem de Cristo and Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Rosario de Fatima. Visiting Cabo da Roca and Praia da Nazare will get you outdoors. Venture out of the city with trips to Batalha Monastery (in Batalha), Cascais Historic Center (in Cascais) and Evora (Capela dos Ossos, Se Catedral de Evora, & more). There's much more to do: step into the grandiose world of Castle of the Moors, pause for some serene contemplation at Carmo Convent, admire the masterpieces at Museu Calouste Gulbenkian, and take a stroll through Chiado.

To see ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Lisbon itinerary maker.

New York City, USA to Lisbon is an approximately 16.5-hour flight. Traveling from New York City to Lisbon, you'll lose 5 hours due to the time zone difference. August in Lisbon sees daily highs of 82°F and lows of 64°F at night. On the 16th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Funchal.

The capital of the island of Madeira for more than 500 years, Funchal represents a laid-back city made popular by its historical sites and climate.

Visit Blandy's Winelodge and Igreja de Sao Bento for their historical value. Explore hidden gems such as Pico do Arieiro and Porto Moniz Natural Swimming Pools. Change things up with these side-trips from Funchal: Kayaking & Canoeing (in Canical), Galeria dos Prazeres (in Prazeres) and Machico (Ponta de Sao Lourenco, Igreja Da Nossa Senhora Da Conceicao, & more). Next up on the itinerary: take some stellar pictures from Cabo Girao, take in the architecture and atmosphere at Paróquia de São Pedro, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Church of the Good Lord Jesus, and don't miss a visit to Jesuits' College of Funchal.

For ratings, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read Funchal trip generator.

You can fly from Lisbon to Funchal in 4.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer evenings in Funchal when traveling from Lisbon in August, with lows around 70°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Thu) early enough to travel to Porto.

Called "Oporto" by many, the city of Porto along the Duoro River lent the country and Port wine their names. Portugal's second-largest metropolis dates back to the 4th century, representing both a rich cultural past and industrial present through its architecture and style.

Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Centro Historico de Guimaraes and Clerigos Tower. Get outdoors at Praia de Sao Jacinto and Praia da Barra. Get out of town with these interesting Porto side-trips: Torreira Beach (in Torreira), Santuario de Santa Luzia (in Viana do Castelo) and Braga (Bom Jesus do Monte & Cathedral of Santa Maria de Braga). Dedicate the 28th (Mon) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's still lots to do: steep yourself in history at Igreja da Ordem Terceira de São Francisco, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral), do a tasting at Taylor's Port, and admire the striking features of Palacio da Bolsa.

To see traveler tips, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Porto itinerary planner.

You can fly from Funchal to Porto in 4.5 hours. Expect little chillier evenings in Porto when traveling from Funchal in August, with lows around 60°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Barcelona.

Barcelona, the country’s second-largest city, is a cosmopolitan urban center known for its throbbing youthful energy and stellar architecture.

Vila Vella (Old Town) and Castillo de Tossa de Mar are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore hidden gems such as Fenals Beach and Montserrat Monastery. Get out of town with these interesting Barcelona side-trips: Salou (Illuminated Fountain & Llevant Beach) and Lloret Beach (in Lloret de Mar). Next up on the itinerary: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Barcelona Cathedral, admire the striking features of Sant Pau Recinte Modernista, contemplate the long history of Ciutat Vella, and tour the pleasant surroundings at La Barceloneta.

For where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Barcelona online itinerary creator.

Traveling by flight from Porto to Barcelona takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and train. The time zone changes from Western European Time to Central European Time, which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Porto in August, expect Barcelona to be a bit warmer, temps between 84°F and 71°F. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Thu) so you can catch the train to Valencia.

A charming old city originally founded as a Roman colony, Valencia is the country’s third-largest urban center.

Get some historical perspective at Peniscola Castle and Guadalest Valley. Get in touch with nature at Poniente Beach and Playa Gandia. Go for a jaunt from Valencia to Alicante to see Santa Bárbara Castle about 1h 55 min away. There's still lots to do: take in the architecture and atmosphere at Valencia Cathedral, steep yourself in history at La Lonja de la Seda, and appreciate the extensive heritage of Plaza de la Virgen.

To see photos, reviews, and tourist information, read Valencia itinerary builder.

You can take a train from Barcelona to Valencia in 3.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. September in Valencia sees daily highs of 82°F and lows of 65°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to travel to Seville.

Granada boasts numerous well-preserved examples of exquisite Moorish architecture, not the least of which is the Alhambra, an ancient citadel and royal palace.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Wed): take a stroll through Sacromonte, contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mezquita Mayor de Granada, then engage your brain at Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias), and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at Basilica of San Juan de Dios. Keep things going the next day: take in breathtaking views at Los Cahorros.

For maps, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Granada travel planner.

Traveling by car from Valencia to Granada takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a train. Traveling from Valencia in September, you can expect nighttime temperatures to be a bit cooler in Granada, with lows of 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 14th (Thu) so you can drive to Seville.

A city of rich Moorish heritage, Seville is the cultural and financial center of southern Spain, and the site of numerous festivals throughout the year.

Step out of the city life by going to Pileta Caves (Cueva de la Pileta) and Playa de Valdelagrana. Get a sense of the local culture at Casa de Pilatos and La Rabida Monastery. Change things up with these side-trips from Seville: Huelva (Parque Nacional de Donana & Muelle de las Carabelas), Museo Lara (in Ronda) and Lighthouse None (in Chipiona). And it doesn't end there: delve into the distant past at Archaeological Ensemble of Italica, take in the views from Puente de Isabel II (Puente de Triana), see the interesting displays at Hospital los Venerables, and admire the striking features of Palacio del Virrey Laserna.

To see ratings, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, read our Seville sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Granada to Seville in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In September, plan for daily highs up to 79°F, and evening lows to 63°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 21st (Thu) so you can travel to Marrakech.

You won't run out of things to do in Marrakech, a city where you can spend days exploring grandiose palaces and mosques, photogenic gardens, sacred tombs, and traditional mansions that evoke a bygone era.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Thu): soak in style at Turkish baths.

For where to stay, maps, and more tourist information, read our Marrakech vacation trip planner.

Explore your travel options from Seville to Marrakech with the Route module. The time zone changes from Central European Time to Western European Time, which is usually a -1 hour difference. Traveling from Seville in September, you will find days in Marrakech are somewhat warmer (90°F), and nights are about the same (65°F). Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to go by car to Essaouira.

The laidback town of Essaouira, known for its forceful trade winds, attracts Moroccan and foreign tourists alike with its sweeping beaches and atmospheric, labyrinthine medina, a World Heritage Site.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Medina of Essaouira and Sidi Kaouki Beach. Do some cultural sightseeing at Galerie l'Arbre bleu and Simon Attias Synagogue. Next up on the itinerary: glide peacefully along the water with some of the best stand-up paddleboarding in the area, tee off at Golf d'Essaouira Mogador, and contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Chaim Pinto Synagogue.

To find other places to visit, traveler tips, more things to do, and tourist information, read our Essaouira trip generator.

You can drive from Marrakech to Essaouira in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. While traveling from Marrakech, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Essaouira, ranging from highs of 77°F to lows of 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Mon) so you can travel to Watamu.

Hailed for its picturesque scenery and pristine beaches, the village of Watamu on Kenya's Indian Ocean coastline attracts both adventure seekers and those looking for a relaxing seaside holiday.

On the 26th (Tue), stroll through Che Shale Beach and then get engrossed in the history at Gede Ruins. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: delve into the distant past at Mnarani and then kick back and relax at Spiaggia delle Tartarughe.

For where to stay, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Watamu vacation planner.

Getting from Essaouira to Watamu by combination of ride share and flight takes about 23 hours. The time zone difference moving from Western European Time to Eastern African Time is 3 hours. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Essaouira in September; daily highs in Watamu reach 83°F and lows reach 75°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) early enough to travel to Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Home to the Great Migration and Africa's exceptional wildlife, Maasai Mara is a must on a Kenya itinerary.

Escape the urban bustle at Olare Orok Conservancy and Off-Road & ATV Trails.

For traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Maasai Mara National Reserve custom trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Watamu to Maasai Mara National Reserve takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and car. Plan for cooler temperatures traveling from Watamu in September, with highs in Maasai Mara National Reserve at 59°F and lows at 48°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Sun) so you can travel to Goma.

Nestled between two opposites--a lake and a volcano--Goma represents an adventurous vacation spot.

Get outdoors at Virunga National Park and Lake Kivu. Spend the 3rd (Tue) among the fascinating landscape of Mount Nyiragongo.

To find reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, read our Goma trip builder.

You can do a combination of car and flight from Maasai Mara National Reserve to Goma in 11.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and flight; or do a combination of car and bus. The time zone difference moving from Eastern African Time to Central African Time is minus 1 hour. On the 4th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.