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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal

Escorted 11-day rail journey from Barcelona to Lisbon via Spain's Andalusian cities

Illustration of Grand Tour of Spain & Portugal

Vacations By Rail's Grand Tour of Spain and Portugal is an 11-day escorted journey linking two Iberian nations across seven cities. Beginning in Barcelona, the itinerary follows high-speed and regional rail south through Valencia and Madrid, then deeper into Andalusia via Córdoba to Granada and Seville before crossing into Portugal to Lisbon. Throughout, a Tour Manager guides you and arranges daily sightseeing, meals, and coach connections. You will visit UNESCO World Heritage sites including Granada's Alhambra palace, Córdoba's La Mezquita, and Seville's Real Alcázar, explore Madrid's Prado Museum, and taste the local cultures of Barcelona, Valencia, and Lisbon. Seven dinners and two lunches are included, ranging from authentic paella in Valencia to fado performances in Lisbon. Ten nights in four-star hotels provide a stable base. This tour suits escorted travelers who value organized itineraries, cultural immersion through guided tours and local performances, and the convenience of included meals and transfers.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own arrival in Barcelona and departure from Lisbon.
  • Day 1 is unguided; you check in independently and dine on your own.
  • Days 9 travels by coach from Seville to Lisbon (no train leg on that segment); not all travel is by rail.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barcelona

    Welcome to Barcelona

    Arrive independently and check into the hotel; meet the Tour Manager. Rest of the day at leisure, dine independently.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Uncovering Barcelona & Boquería drinks tasting

    Guided sightseeing tour of the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, concluding with a drinks tasting at La Boquería market.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Valencia

    Savoring sights and cuisine in Valencia

    Train to Valencia along the Mediterranean coast; sightseeing tour including the Central Market, and a group dinner featuring authentic paella.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Madrid

    By high-speed rail to Madrid, Spain's grand capital

    Free morning in Valencia, then a high-speed train to Madrid.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Madrid

    Guided tour of Madrid & the Royal Palace

    Coach tour taking in the Prado Museum and El Retiro park, a tapas lunch, then a visit to the Royal Palace.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6railovernight: Granada

    By rail to the city of Granada via Cordoba

    Rail journey to Córdoba to visit La Mezquita, then continuing by rail through the Sierra Nevada foothills to Granada.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Granada

    Exploring the spectacular Alhambra

    Guided tour of the Alhambra palace complex and the Generalife gardens, followed by a tapas lunch.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  8. Day 8overnight: Seville

    Sightseeing in Seville

    Coach to Seville; guided tour of the Santa Cruz district, the cathedral and the Real Alcázar, followed by an evening flamenco show and dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Lisbon

    To Portugal's stunning capital

    Coach journey from Andalucía to Lisbon, Portugal.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10overnight: Lisbon

    Sightseeing in Lisbon

    Four-hour guided coach tour of Lisbon's highlights (Alfama, Baixa), with dinner accompanied by a live fado performance.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11

    Traveling home

    Tour concludes after breakfast; travel home independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided tour of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, concluding with a drinks tasting at La Boquería market.
  • Day 3Train travels south along the Mediterranean coast to Valencia; a group dinner features authentic paella after sightseeing at the Central Market.
  • Day 6Rail journey through the Sierra Nevada foothills from Madrid via Córdoba, with a stop to visit La Mezquita before arriving in Granada.
  • Day 7Guided tour of the Alhambra palace complex and the Generalife gardens in Granada.
  • Day 10Four-hour guided tour of Lisbon's Alfama and Baixa districts, followed by dinner accompanied by a live fado performance.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 10 nights' 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 2 lunches, 7 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour but can be arranged
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Questions travellers ask

Is all travel by train?
No. High-speed rail covers Barcelona to Valencia, Valencia to Madrid, and Madrid to Granada via Córdoba. Coach is used for sightseeing within cities and for the Seville-to-Lisbon leg. All rail and coach travel is included.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Escorted. Vacations By Rail provides a Tour Manager from start to finish, plus local guides for city sightseeing tours and excursions.
What hotels are included?
Ten nights in four-star hotels: Catalonia Atenas in Barcelona (2 nights), Catalonia Excelsior in Valencia (1 night), Catalonia Goya in Madrid (2 nights), Occidental Barceló in Granada (2 nights), Catalonia Santa Justa in Seville (1 night), and PortoBay Marquês in Lisbon (2 nights).
What meals are included?
Breakfast each day, seven dinners (including paella in Valencia, tapas in Madrid, and fado dinner in Lisbon), and two lunches (tapas in Madrid and Granada).
What is the physical demand?
Mobility Rating 3. Days include guided walking tours of historic quarters, palace complexes, cathedrals, and museum visits; expect stairs and uneven ground.
Does the price include flights?
No. Flights and airport transfers are not included. You travel independently to Barcelona on Day 1 and depart from Lisbon on Day 11.

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