re: Planning a my first Europe trip next year

A lot of people recommend Italy as place to focus on and delve into.

I love Italy, I speak the language fluently and partially grew up there, it’s a second homeland to me. That said, I have to really push the alternative of the Iberian Peninsula.

Generally the infrastructure in Spain & Portugal both in a general (roads/public transport) and touristic sense are superior to that of Italy.

More favorably priced offerings in just about every category (for Europe these are gonna be your most budget friendly options west of Poland), excellent food, and diversity of landscapes that easily rivals those of France and Italy.

So another dreamy Iberian itinerary for inspirational purposes:

Fly into Barcelona, stay there 5 days including potential day trip to either Girona or Costa Brava.

Take train to San Sebastián (~ 5 hours) spend 2.5-3 days there, 1 hr 30 min bus ride to Bilbao spend 1 fullish day there see the town and the Guggenheim.

Fly Bilbao to Porto (probably an hour long flight max)

3 days in Porto (including Douro Valley daytrip excursion)

Train to Lisboa ( ~ 3 hours)

4 days in Lisbon including day trip to Sintra to hike through the enchanting palaces and estates and finish off with a dip in Praia da Ursa one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve seen the world over (disclaimer: Ursa only a serious option if you’re dealing with people capable of a semi-intensive hike to descend the cliff to beach)

Fly back stateside from Lisbon.

Second disclaimer: this is not at all to detract from the marvels of bella Italia, it’s absolutely worth visiting, but just providing an option that’s a little bit less cliche for an American visiting Europe for the first time and also a bit more budget friendly.