Portugal

Portugal runs along the Atlantic like a long balcony, and seven days is enough to walk most of it without rushing. The country reveals itself in small sensory details: the smell of charcoal sardines drifting out of Lisbon courtyards in June, the slap of dominoes in a Porto cafe, the chalky mineral finish of a young vinho verde. A balanced week typically splits between two cities, one wine region, and a stretch of coast, with train rides doing most of the connective work.

Start in Lisbon for two or three nights. Climb through Alfama at dusk when fado spills from doorways, ride tram 28 once for the view and never again for comfort, and eat your way through Time Out Market and the petiscos bars of Cais do Sodré. A day in Sintra adds Moorish ramparts and the candy-colored Pena Palace. From there, the train north to Porto takes about three hours and lands you in a city of azulejo-tiled churches, port lodges across the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, and tripe stews older than the country itself.

Build in at least one night in the Douro Valley, either at a working quinta near Pinhão or on the river itself. The terraced vineyards turn copper in autumn and emerald in spring. If you have a beach day to spare, fly south to Faro and base in Tavira or Lagos for cataplana, grilled dourada, and the limestone caves at Benagil.

Mid-range travelers do well in boutique hotels like Memmo Alfama or The Lodge in Gaia, with rooms typically 150 to 250 euros. Trains via CP are reliable and cheap. Go in May, June, or September to dodge August crowds and Algarve heat.