Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail
Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail
Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail
11 Days Starting in Madrid and ending in Porto, Portugal
Visiting: Madrid, Seville, Faro, Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Douro Valley
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ASP
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal with the "Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Madrid, where you'll explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Travel by train to Seville, the birthplace of flamenco, and experience its rich cultural heritage. Cross into Portugal to discover the charming city of Faro, then continue to Lisbon, where you'll explore its historic neighborhoods by tram. Visit the ancient Coimbra University before heading to Porto, where you'll enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River. Throughout the tour, stay in locally owned hotels and savor delicious breakfasts and a lunch on board the Douro cruise. This cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of guided tours and free time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique flavors and rhythms of the Iberian Peninsula.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start In Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Say hola to Madrid, where our adventure kicks off. The excitement starts with a welcoming briefing, before a walking tour of the capital, which visits highlights including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real.
In the evening, the group typically gathers for dinner. It’s a great chance to get to know each other better and quiz the tour leader on the local lingo and customs in a relaxed setting.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Day 2 : City Tour Of Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the soul of the city on a three-hour tour, visiting areas we did not see yesterday, such as El Retiro Park (a World Heritage site home to 15,000 trees, monuments, and gardens) and neighbourhoods normally missed by most visitors, such as arty Chueca and trendy Malasaña.
The afternoon is free for independent exploration. For world-leading culture, consider visiting the Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum, or the Museo Reina Sofia, where you can see Picasso’s masterpiece, Guernica.
In the evening, the tour leader takes us hopping around the tapas bars, in which you can taste great food (purchased locally) and soak up the atmosphere as the madrileños do.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Day 3 : Train To Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy our first train ride of the trip today, travelling 2hr 50min to Seville station. Upon arrival, either walk to the hotel (25 minutes) or go by public transport (additional cost).
After check in, we explore the city. Walk through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets towards River Guadalquivir, where we can see the Triana neighbourhood and Torre del Oro where gold-filled boats arrived from the American colonies during the Spanish empire.
This evening, we attend a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco – Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco after all.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Day 4 : Highlights Of Seville Tour
Location: Seville
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Venture into the capital of Andalucia today to visit the highlights, including the Royal Alcazar palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture and art in Spain. We also enter Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world. Finally, we head to Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition 1929, it displays a magnificent collection of architectural styles.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Day 5 : Transfer By Coach To Faro, Portugal
Location: Faro
Accommodation Name: Hotel Faro Boutique (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid adios to Spain and olá to Portugal, as we take a coach transfer (2hr 35min) to Faro. Guided by the tour leader, enjoy an afternoon exploring the seafront promenade, a great spot for lunch, and walk along under the old city walls and around the beautiful old town (Cidade Vela).
Accommodation: Hotel Faro Boutique (or similar)
Day 6 : Train To Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Catch the train (3hr 15min) to Lisbon today, the trendy capital of Portugal. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the station. In the afternoon, we have a two-hour exploration of the Baixa district, home to old neighbourhoods, colourful architecture, old-fashioned trams, delicious food and a rich history.
Accommodation: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)
Day 7 : Explore Lisbon
Location: Lisbon
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the capital more today, making use of the tram and metro network. We see the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery (entrance not included and subject to availability) and sip coffee at the original pasteis de Belem factory, which was founded in 1837 and still follows a secret recipe from Jeronimos Monastery.
The afternoon has been left free for you to independently explore the city, where you can walk the streets of Barrio Alto or head to the Alfama District to see the castle and viewpoints over the Tagus river.
Accommodation: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)
Day 8 : Travel By Train To Coimbra
Location: Coimbra
Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria Coimbra (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
It’s back on the rails today as we travel (1hr 40min) to the riverfront city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal. Here, we visit Coimbra University; founded in 1290, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe and now a World Heritage site. We also visit the 18th-century Biblioteca Joanina (entrance not included), which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Coimbra (or similar)
Day 9 : Train To Porto
Location: Porto
Accommodation Name: Legendary Oporto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue the adventure by taking a train (three hours) to Porto, our final destination. After hotel check-in, we enjoy a walking tour of the city highlights, including the Clerigos Tower and Aliados Square. We then enjoy sunset at the popular Miradouro do Jardim do Morro, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the historic centre, Ribeira district and river.
Accommodation: Legendary Oporto (or similar)
Day 10 : Cruise Along The Douro Valley River
Location: Douro Valley
Accommodation Name: Legendary Oporto (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Take the train (1hr 45min) to Regua, a journey alongside the Douro River. After, we board a boat for a scenic cruise along the waterway, admiring views of the terraced vineyard hills.
The six-hour journey includes lunch on board and a visit to the wine town of Pinhão. We then return to Regua where we catch the train back to Porto.
Accommodation: Legendary Oporto (or similar)
Day 11 : End Oporto
Location: Porto
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends in Porto after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts, one lunch
All breakfasts and one lunch are included in the tour package.
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All accommodation
All accommodation is included throughout the tour.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.
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Local taxes
Local taxes are not included in the tour package.
Accommodation
We have chosen small, locally owned hotels for this adventure, which are generally well positioned for exploring the city. See the normal accommodations used on the day-to-day itinerary.
Food
All breakfasts and one lunch are included.
Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.
Mealtimes in Spain and Portugal are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Spain and Portugal using the excellent train network, with additional coach transfers for certain segments. Enjoy scenic train rides between major cities and a boat cruise along the Douro River.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in small, locally owned hotels that are generally well positioned for exploring the city.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts and one lunch are included in the tour package.
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Is there a flamenco show included in the itinerary?
Yes, there is a flamenco show included in the itinerary during the visit to Seville.
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What is the mode of transportation between cities on this tour?
The tour primarily uses trains to travel between cities, with a coach transfer from Seville to Faro.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour?
Yes, there is a scenic cruise along the Douro River included in the tour, which also includes lunch on board.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour package.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Madrid.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in Porto.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.