
Cox & Kings
Rail Escape

Discover the Highlights of Portugal on our 8-day rail tour through Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto and enjoy authentic cultural experiences.
Welcome to Portugal's capital! After checking into your hotel for two nights, spend your afternoon getting acquainted with Lisbon's historic Baixa neighborhood. Visit the iconic Praça do Comércio plaza facing the Tagus River and stroll along the nearby pedestrianized streets lined with restaurants and shops. [Night in Lisbon]
Today, experience some of Lisbon's top attractions like the Unesco-listed Belém district where you can see the ornate Jerónimos Monastery and the iconic Belém Tower. Other highlights include the hilltop Castelo de São Jorge fortress offering panoramic city views and the lively Alfama neighborhood. [Night in Lisbon]
After breakfast, depart Lisbon and take the train to the historic university city of Coimbra. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for two nights. Spend your afternoon strolling through Coimbra's medieval streets and visiting sights like the 12th-century Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the university's famous Biblioteca Joanina library. [Night in Coimbra]
With a full day in Coimbra, you can further experience its rich history and culture. Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, including its 16th-century cathedral-like building and the baroque University Tower. You may also enjoy exploring the lively downtown shopping district. [Night in Coimbra]
Leave Coimbra after breakfast and continue north by train to the coastal city of Porto. After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented by visiting the historic Ribeira district along the Douro River and seeing the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge arching overhead. [Night in Porto]
Devote today to discovering the highlights of Porto, perhaps starting in the UNESCO-listed Ribeira. Visit top sights like the neo-gothic São Bento railway station, the baroque Torre dos Clérigos tower, and at least one of the city's port wine caves or cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. [Night in Porto]
After breakfast, take the train back to Lisbon. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day revisiting any attractions you missed or discovering new areas like the trendy Príncipe Real or Anjos neighborhoods known for their restaurants and nightlife. [Night in Lisbon]
On your final morning in Portugal's capital, visit any last sights or simply relax at an outdoor cafe and soak in the lively atmosphere before departing Lisbon. You may want to pick up some classic Portuguese custard tarts or port wine as a souvenir.