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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Lisbon, Porto, Galicia, and Madrid

Independent rail trip from Lisbon to Madrid via Porto and Galicia

Illustration of Lisbon, Porto, Galicia, and Madrid

Railbookers sells Lisbon, Porto, Galicia, and Madrid as a 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation, starting in Lisbon and ending in Madrid. Two nights in each of the four cities are linked by train, beginning with a private, English-speaking driver's two-hour tour of Lisbon on day 2, taking in the Belem Tower and Sao Jorge Castle. A highspeed train carries travelers north to Porto, a city the itinerary calls hilly but very walkable, with a Douro river cruise past its famous azulejo-tiled Sao Bento station. From Porto, the train continues via Vigo to Santiago de Compostela for a private walking tour of the old town and its Cathedral, the reputed burial site of St James at the end of the Camino de Santiago. The final stop, Madrid, pairs a private driver's tour past the Royal Palace with an afternoon at the Prado Museum. With private guides layered onto free time in each city, the trip suits travelers who want curated highlights without a full group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers lists 22 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.
  • The evidence's day 2 description of Lisbon is cut off after mentioning Sao Jorge Castle; confirm the full day's plan with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Lisbon

    Your Journey Begins in Lisbon

    Welcome to Lisbon! On arrival make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay, then head out to enjoy this great city.

  2. Day 2overnight: Lisbon

    Lisbon

    You'll be collected from your hotel this morning by your own personal English-speaking driver, who will give you a two-hour tour of the city's highlights and the opportunity to stop and explore at any stage. In the afternoon enjoy exploring the city at your own speed. Visit the impressive Belem Tower perhaps or ride the classic trams through the steep streets of Alfama and admire the views from Sao Jorge Castle. Whatever you do, be sure to sample the true Pasteis de Nata.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Porto

    Lisbon to Porto

    Make your way to the station for your highspeed train north to Porto. Once checked in why not take a stroll through the atmospheric Ribeira district to the riverside for dinner with a view.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Porto

    Porto

    Porto is a hilly but very walkable city, with a fascinating church, beautiful mural, or historic Palace, or Monument around every corner. The famous azulejos tiles can be found everywhere, but Porto Sao Bento train station boasts perhaps the most impressive and elaborate. Enjoy a short cruise along the Douro for a different view of the city.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Santiago de Compostela

    Porto to Santiago De Compostela

    Continue travelling north this morning with a train to Vigo. A lovely place to add a night if you have time, otherwise its an easy change of train for a direct connection to your next stop, Santiago de Compostela.

  6. Day 6overnight: Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago De Compostela

    Today enjoy a private walking tour of the city's ancient old town, then visit the famous Cathedral - the reputed burial site of St James, and the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Madrid

    Santiago De Compostela to Madrid

    Take the train to Madrid for a two-night stay, and once checked in why not enjoy a stroll along the magnificent Grand Via. In the evening visit any of the city's traditional tavernas for a fine selection of delicious tapas.

  8. Day 8overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Following breakfast, you will be collected by your own personal driver for a two-hour tour of the city. Pay a visit to the vast Royal Palace perhaps, then in the afternoon why not spend some time with some of the worlds masterpieces at the world-famous Prado Museum?

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Madrid

    Today is the end of your tour, so make your way to the airport for your flight home or do speak to any of our Travel Consultants about perhaps extending your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A private, English-speaking driver's two-hour tour of Lisbon, then free time to visit the Belem Tower, ride trams through Alfama, and take in views from Sao Jorge Castle.
  • Day 4Porto's azulejo-tiled Sao Bento train station and a short cruise along the Douro for a different view of the city.
  • Day 6A private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela's old town and its Cathedral, the reputed burial site of St James at the end of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
  • Day 8A private driver's two-hour tour of Madrid past the Royal Palace, with an afternoon at the Prado Museum.

Included

  • Train travel as per the itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lisbon
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Porto
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Santiago de Compostela
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid
  • Private city tours by car and English-speaking guide in Lisbon and Madrid
  • Douro river 3 bridges cruise in Porto
  • Private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela Old Town

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. Train travel is included as per the itinerary, connecting Lisbon to Porto on day 3, Porto to Santiago de Compostela via Vigo on day 5, and Santiago de Compostela to Madrid on day 7.
Is it an escorted tour or independent travel?
It is an independent rail vacation with private guided components: a private city tour by car in both Lisbon and Madrid, and a private walking tour in Santiago de Compostela.
Which hotels are used?
Railbookers lists 22 accommodation options across Lisbon, Porto, Santiago de Compostela and Madrid, 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, Porto, Santiago de Compostela, and Madrid.
What guided tours are included?
A private city tour by car with an English-speaking guide in both Lisbon and Madrid, a Douro river 3 bridges cruise in Porto, and a private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela's Old Town.
What is the starting price?
From $1,569 per person, about $174 a day.

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