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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona

Independent rail trip through Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona with guided tours

Illustration of Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona

Railbookers sells Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona as a 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation, starting in Lisbon and ending in Barcelona, with Madrid in between. Each stop gets two nights and a guided small-group tour: day 2 covers Lisbon's historic Alfama neighborhood, the Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery, day 4 is a panoramic open-top bus tour past Madrid's Royal Palace and Puerta de Alcala, and day 6 is a guided visit to Barcelona's Sagrada Familia to learn about Gaudi's design and symbolism. Travelers ride the rails between cities, crossing the Spanish and Portuguese countryside from Lisbon to Madrid on day 3 and taking a high-speed train on to Barcelona on day 5, where a hop-on hop-off ticket covers Las Ramblas and the surrounding city. With a guided highlight built into every stop and the option to extend the trip through a Rail Expert, this suits travelers who want an easy introduction to three cities in one week rather than a fully independent itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 16 accommodation options across different tiers and cities for this trip, described as choices rather than consecutive stays; the specific hotel included depends on which tier and city you choose.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Your Journey Begins in Lisbon

    Welcome to Portugal! Arrive in Lisbon, settle in at your hotel for a two-night stay, and start exploring this vibrant capital. Why not enjoy a delicious seafood dinner in the heart of the city? After all, Lisbon is known for its tasty coastal cuisine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    Embark on a guided small group tour of Lisbon's highlights and discover the city's unique charm. Explore the narrow streets of the historic Alfama neighborhood, visit the iconic Belem Tower, and admire the ornate architecture of the Jeronimos Monastery. With a small group tour, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with your guide and fellow travelers, making for a more personalized and immersive experience. Whether it's your first time in Lisbon or you're a seasoned traveler, this guided tour is the perfect way to discover the city's highlights and hidden gems.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Madrid

    Lisbon to Madrid

    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 Madrid and settle in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Why not enjoy a delicious tapas dinner in the heart of the city before getting a restful night's sleep?

  4. Day 4overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Continue your discovery of Madrid today with a panoramic open-top bus tour. Sit back and relax as a live expert guide points out the city's top landmarks, including the Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcalá, Biblioteca Nacional, and Cybele Palace. It's a great way to take in the highlights of the Spanish capital in comfort.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Enjoy breakfast in Madrid before checking out of your hotel and making your way to the railway station, where you'll catch a high-speed train to 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, wandering down the city's most famous shopping street, Las Ramblas, catching a boat out on the ocean or riding the cable car to the top of Montjuic Hill, where you'll be treated to delightful views over the city as well as a plethora of grand museums.

  6. Day 6overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    After breakfast, start your Spanish adventure today with a guided visit to Barcelona's most iconic landmark, the Sagrada Familia. Led by a knowledgeable local guide, learn about Gaudí's extraordinary vision, the rich symbolism behind his designs, and how nature influenced every aspect of this architectural masterpiece. Explore the breathtaking interior and discover why this basilica remains a must-see highlight of the city.

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Barcelona

    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 and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A guided small-group tour of Lisbon's highlights, taking in the Alfama neighborhood, the Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery.
  • Day 3The train from Lisbon to Madrid crosses the Spanish and Portuguese countryside in a single day.
  • Day 4A panoramic open-top bus tour of Madrid with a live guide, passing the Royal Palace, Puerta de Alcala, Biblioteca Nacional, and Cybele Palace.
  • Day 5Arrival in Barcelona on a high-speed train, with a hop-on hop-off 2-day ticket to explore Las Ramblas and the city.
  • Day 6A guided visit to the Sagrada Familia, learning about Gaudi's vision and the symbolism behind his designs.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Lisbon with breakfast
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Madrid with breakfast
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation in Barcelona with breakfast
  • Small-group, guided tour of Lisbon's highlights
  • Panoramic sightseeing tour in Madrid
  • Hop-on, hop-off tours in Barcelona
  • Sagrada Familia tour in Barcelona

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Standard-class rail travel is included, connecting Lisbon to Madrid on day 3 and Madrid to Barcelona on a high-speed train on day 5.
Is it an escorted tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation with small-group guided tours built into each stop: a Lisbon highlights tour, a Madrid panoramic bus tour, and a Sagrada Familia tour in Barcelona.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers lists 16 accommodation options across Lisbon, Madrid and Barcelona, including the InterContinental Lisbon Bairro Alto and Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade. The hotel you get depends on the tier you choose.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights each in Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona.
What guided tours are included?
A small-group tour of Lisbon's highlights, a panoramic open-top bus tour in Madrid, hop-on hop-off tours in Barcelona, and a guided Sagrada Familia tour.
What is the starting price?
From $1,119 per person, about $160 a day.

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