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exodustravels.com · Guided Group

Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

Guided rail loop from Madrid through Spain and Portugal to Porto

Illustration of Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

Exodus Travels operates this 11-day guided rail and coach tour through Spain and Portugal, starting in Madrid and ending in Porto with stops in Seville, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Faro. An expert tour leader accompanies the group throughout, managing train schedules and curating a mix of structured activities and free time. Days blend city exploration (walking tours of Madrid neighborhoods, a three-hour tour of Seville's royal palaces and cathedral, use of Lisbon's tram and metro) with cultural experiences: a flamenco show at the Baile Flamenco museum, visits to Coimbra University and historic monasteries, and a boat cruise along the Douro River with lunch. Each city offers time to wander independently. Accommodation is in three-star hotels with breakfasts included, plus one dinner and one lunch. This itinerary suits travelers new to rail journeys who want logistics and company handled, history enthusiasts, and those drawn to Spanish and Portuguese food and culture.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar,' meaning your final accommodation may differ from those named.
  • Entrance fees to Jeronimos Monastery and Biblioteca Joanina are not included in the package price.
  • Only one October 2026 departure is currently listed; confirm availability before committing.

Day by day

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Walking tour of Madrid highlights the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real; evening welcome dinner with the tour leader.
  • Day 3Train ride of 2 hours 50 minutes to Seville, followed by a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco.
  • Day 6Three-hour 15-minute train journey to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal.
  • Day 10Train to Regua alongside the Douro River, then boat cruise to the wine town of Pinhão with lunch aboard and return by rail.

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The from-price of USD 4,800 includes all train, coach, and taxi transport, plus 10 nights of accommodation, breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner. Flights are not included.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
It is a guided group tour. Exodus Travels provides an expert tour leader throughout the 11 days to manage the schedule and enhance the experience.
Which trains are used?
The itinerary includes trains from Madrid to Seville (2 hours 50 minutes), Faro to Lisbon (3 hours 15 minutes), Lisbon to Coimbra (1 hour 40 minutes), Coimbra to Porto (3 hours), and Porto to Regua in the Douro Valley (1 hour 45 minutes each way).
What cities does the trip visit?
Madrid, Seville, Faro, Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto. The tour also includes a boat cruise on the Douro River.
How much walking is involved?
Exodus Travels rates this as Activity Level 3 (Moderate). Days include three-hour city tours in Madrid, walking through neighborhoods and along waterfronts, exploration via tram and metro in Lisbon, and visits to historic sites and universities.
What meals are included?
All breakfasts, one lunch (on the Douro River boat), and one dinner (welcome dinner in Madrid) are included. Most other meals are not.

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