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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon

7-day rail trip through Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon

Illustration of Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon

Railbookers operates this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation through Spain and Portugal, connecting Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon by train. The trip opens with two nights in Barcelona, including a guided visit to the Sagrada Familia, before a high-speed train reaches Madrid for two nights and a panoramic open-top tour past the Royal Palace and Gran Vía. Day five is a full day of train travel across the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, arriving in Lisbon for a two-night stay that includes a small-group guided tour of the historic Alfama neighborhood, the Belem Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. This is a self-guided journey across two countries, with hotels, rail tickets, and three headline tours arranged in advance and the rest of each day left open. It suits travelers who want a short introduction to Iberia's two capitals and Lisbon without planning each border-crossing connection themselves.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator does not name specific hotels or state their star rating for this package; confirm the properties with Railbookers before booking.
  • The Madrid to Lisbon leg is a full day of train travel across the Spanish and Portuguese countryside, the longest single travel day in the itinerary.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barcelona

    Your Journey Begins in Barcelona

    Upon arrival, head to your hotel to check in for a two-night stay. Set out and explore the colorful city with your hop-on, hop-off 2-day ticket.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Start your Spanish adventure today with a guided visit to Barcelona's most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia. The rest of the day can be explored at your own leisure using your hop-on, hop-off pass.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Madrid

    Barcelona to Madrid

    Enjoy breakfast in Barcelona before checking out and catching a high-speed train to Madrid. On arrival, check in for a two-night stay. Stroll around Buen Retiro Park, or the Paseo de la Castellana and Gran Via.

  4. Day 4overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Continue your exploration of Madrid with a panoramic open-top tour, taking in views of the Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá, and Gran Vía.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Lisbon

    Madrid to Lisbon

    Check out of your hotel this morning and head to the train station, for a day of riding the rails through the Spanish and Portuguese countryside. Arrive in Lisbon and settle in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    Embark on a guided small group tour of Lisbon's highlights, exploring the historic Alfama neighborhood, the iconic Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Lisbon

    Check out of your hotel after breakfast this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided visit to the Sagrada Familia explains Gaudí's architectural vision.
  • Day 4A panoramic open-top tour of Madrid passes the Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá, and Gran Vía.
  • Day 5A full day of train travel crosses the Spanish and Portuguese countryside from Madrid to Lisbon.
  • Day 6A small-group guided tour explores Lisbon's historic Alfama neighborhood, the Belem Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Barcelona with breakfast
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Madrid with breakfast
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Lisbon with breakfast
  • Open-top panoramic tour of Madrid
  • Skip-the-Line entrance and Tower Access at the Sagrada Familia
  • Small-group, guided tour of Lisbon's highlights

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, on Renfe in Spain and CP, Comboios de Portugal, between Madrid and Lisbon.
Is this trip guided or independent?
A self-guided rail journey with guided tours layered in: the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, a panoramic tour of Madrid, and a small-group tour of Lisbon.
Which countries does the trip visit?
Spain and Portugal.
How long is the Madrid to Lisbon train ride treated in the itinerary?
The itinerary describes it as a full day of travel through the Spanish and Portuguese countryside.
How many nights in each city?
Two nights each in Barcelona, Madrid, and Lisbon.

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