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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Madrid, Galicia, Porto, and Lisbon

9-day independent rail vacation from Madrid to Lisbon via Galicia and Porto

Illustration of Madrid, Galicia, Porto, and Lisbon

Railbookers runs this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation across Spain and Portugal, starting in Madrid and ending in Lisbon. The route spends two nights in each of its four stops: Madrid, where a private city tour takes in the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum; Santiago de Compostela in the Galicia region, reached by train through the Spanish countryside, with a private walking tour of the Old Town and its Cathedral, the reputed burial site of St James; Porto, described as hilly but walkable, with a Douro River cruise; and Lisbon, reached by a high-speed train that skirts the coast, where a private driver leads a city tour past the Belem Tower. Because every stop runs two nights, the pace stays steady rather than rushed. It suits travelers who want private, guided sightseeing bundled with independent rail travel between two countries.

What to know before you look closer

  • Railbookers doesn't name specific hotels in Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, or Lisbon, only the number of nights and that breakfast is included.
  • Railbookers doesn't list specific departure dates for this trip; confirm current availability with them before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Madrid

    Your Journey Begins in Madrid

    Welcome to Madrid! On arrival at the airport make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled in take a stroll along the magnificent Grand Via perhaps or settle into any of the cosy tavernas for a drink and some delicious tapas. (Overnight Madrid)

    Meals: B

  2. Day 2overnight: 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? (Overnight Madrid)

    Meals: B

  3. Day 3railovernight: Santiago de Compostela

    Madrid to Santiago De Compostela

    Make your way to the station for your train to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy the views of the Spanish countryside as the train heads north and enters the beautiful region of Galicia. Once arrived in the city, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay then enjoy dinner at one of the city's many fantastic restaurants. For a region famed for its food, its hard to be disappointed here! (Overnight Santiago de Compostela)

    Meals: B

  4. Day 4overnight: 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. (Overnight Santiago de Compostela)

    Meals: B

  5. Day 5railovernight: Porto

    Santiago De Compostela to Porto

    Head south today with a train to the pretty city of Vigo. A lovely place to add a night if you have time, otherwise it's an easy change of train for a direct connection to your next stop, Porto. Once checked in why not take a stroll through the atmospheric Ribeira district to the riverside for dinner with a view. (Overnight Porto)

    Meals: B

  6. Day 6railovernight: 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. (Overnight Porto)

    Meals: B

  7. Day 7railovernight: Lisbon

    Porto to Lisbon

    Take the highspeed train south today to Lisbon. the train skirts the coastline for the first hour of the journey, and once you're at your hotel in the Portuguese capital you should get out to explore the beautiful city. the huge Praça do Comercio is stunning, and home to Portugal's oldest cafe, 'Martinho de Arcada which was established in 1782. (Overnight Lisbon)

    Meals: B

  8. Day 8overnight: 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. (Overnight Lisbon)

    Meals: B

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Lisbon

    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, perhaps an extra night in the Portuguese capital and a tour of the magnificent town of Sintra? B

    Meals: B

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Day 4: A private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela's Old Town and its Cathedral, the reputed burial site of St James and end point of the Camino de Santiago
  • Day 6Day 6: A short cruise along the Douro River in Porto, past the city's azulejo-tiled buildings and Sao Bento train station
  • Day 7Day 7: A high-speed train from Porto to Lisbon that skirts the coastline for its first hour
  • Day 8Day 8: A private guided tour of Lisbon taking in the Belem Tower, with time to ride the trams through Alfama and see Sao Jorge Castle

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Trains link every stop: Madrid to Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela to Porto with a change in Vigo, and a high-speed train from Porto to Lisbon.
Which trains are used?
Railbookers lists CP as the Portuguese rail operator; the Spain legs are described only as 'the train' or 'your train.'
Is this trip escorted or independent?
Railbookers markets it as an independent rail vacation. City tours in Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, and Lisbon are privately guided, but travel between cities is unescorted.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Two nights each in Madrid, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, and Lisbon.
What is included?
Train travel as per the itinerary, two nights of breakfast-included hotel stays in each of the four cities, private city tours by car in Madrid and Lisbon, a private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela's Old Town, and a Douro River three-bridges cruise in Porto.

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