Authentic Europe
Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal
Guided small-group tour from Lisbon to Seville with a National Geographic escort
15 daysfrom $4,979
20% rail
exodustravels.com · Guided Group
Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail
Explore the iconic cities of Spain and Portugal
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Adventure starts in Madrid
Begin your adventure in Madrid, a vibrant and diverse capital city bursting with culture. There is time today for a short walking tour of the capital, which visits highlights including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers. This evening your tour leader ensures a big Spanish welcome over dinner.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
City tour of Madrid
Explore the soul of the city on a three-hour tour, visiting areas such as El Retiro Park and neighbourhoods normally missed by most visitors, such as arty Chueca and trendy Malasaña. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. In the evening, the tour leader takes us hopping around the tapas bars.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3railovernight: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Train to Seville
Take a taxi to the railway station and enjoy our first train ride of the trip, travelling 2hr 50min to Seville station. We explore the city, walking through the Jewish Quarter towards River Guadalquivir. This evening, we attend a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 4overnight: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Highlights of Seville tour
Venture into the capital of Andalucia today to visit the highlights, including the Royal Alcazar palace, Seville Cathedral, and Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5overnight: Hotel Faro Boutique (or similar)
Transfer by coach to Faro, Portugal
Bid adios to Spain and olá to Portugal, as we take a taxi to the coach station for our journey (2hr 35min) to Faro. Join our tour leader to enjoy an afternoon exploring the seafront promenade and the beautiful old town (Cidade Vela).
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 6railovernight: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)
Train to Lisbon
Take a taxi to the station to catch the train (3hr 15min) to Lisbon today, the trendy capital of Portugal. In the afternoon, we have a two-hour exploration of the Baixa district.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)
Explore Lisbon
Discover the capital more today, making use of the tram and metro network. We see the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery (entrance not included) and sip coffee at the original pasteis de Belem factory. The afternoon is free for independent exploration.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 8railovernight: Hotel Astoria Coimbra (or similar)
Travel by train to Coimbra
It's back on the rails today as we travel (1hr 40min) to the riverfront city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal. We visit Coimbra University, founded in 1290, and the 18th-century Biblioteca Joanina (entrance not included).
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 9railovernight: Legendary Oporto (or similar)
Train to Porto
Transferring to the railway station by taxi, we continue our adventure by taking a train (three hours) to Porto, our final destination. We have a walking tour of the city highlights, including the Clerigos Tower and Aliados Square.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 10railovernight: Legendary Oporto (or similar)
Cruise along the Douro Valley River
Take the train (1hr 45min) to Regua, a journey alongside the Douro River. We board a boat for a scenic cruise along the waterway, including lunch on board and a visit to the wine town of Pinhão, then return to Porto by train.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Day 11
Adventure ends in Porto
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.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- All accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels)
- All breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner
- Immersive itinerary with all transport (train, coach and taxi) and listed activities
- Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
Not included
- Flights
- Local tourist taxes (approx. €10 for the week, paid locally)
- Entrance to Jeronimos Monastery
- Entrance to Biblioteca Joanina
