Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

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11 Days From

$4500

Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

11 Days Starting in Madrid and ending in Porto, Portugal

Visiting: Madrid, Seville, Faro, Lisbon, Coimbra, Porto, Douro Valley

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ASP

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural, History, Rail Tours

From: $4500 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain and Portugal with the "Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Madrid, where you'll explore hidden gems and iconic landmarks. Travel by train to Seville, the birthplace of flamenco, and experience its rich cultural heritage. Cross into Portugal to discover the charming city of Faro, then continue to Lisbon, where you'll explore its historic neighborhoods by tram. Visit the ancient Coimbra University before heading to Porto, where you'll enjoy a scenic cruise along the Douro River. Throughout the tour, stay in locally owned hotels and savor delicious breakfasts and a lunch on board the Douro cruise. This cultural adventure offers a perfect blend of guided tours and free time, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique flavors and rhythms of the Iberian Peninsula.

Highlights

  • Visit Spain and Portugal's greatest cities using the excellent train network

  • Get to the soul of Madrid, visiting areas normally missed by most tourists

  • Watch a flamenco show in Seville, the birthplace of the artform

  • Discover the landmarks of Lisbon by tram and metro

  • Visit Coimbra University, one of the oldest in Europe

  • Explore Porto and cruise along the Douro River

  • Venture into the capital of Andalucia to visit the Royal Alcazar palace and Seville Cathedral

  • Enjoy a walking tour of Porto, including the Clerigos Tower and Aliados Square

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start In Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

Say hola to Madrid, where our adventure kicks off. The excitement starts with a welcoming briefing, before a walking tour of the capital, which visits highlights including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real.



In the evening, the group typically gathers for dinner. It’s a great chance to get to know each other better and quiz the tour leader on the local lingo and customs in a relaxed setting.



Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

Day 2 : City Tour Of Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Explore the soul of the city on a three-hour tour, visiting areas we did not see yesterday, such as El Retiro Park (a World Heritage site home to 15,000 trees, monuments, and gardens) and neighbourhoods normally missed by most visitors, such as arty Chueca and trendy Malasaña.



The afternoon is free for independent exploration. For world-leading culture, consider visiting the Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum, or the Museo Reina Sofia, where you can see Picasso’s masterpiece, Guernica.



In the evening, the tour leader takes us hopping around the tapas bars, in which you can taste great food (purchased locally) and soak up the atmosphere as the madrileños do.



Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

Day 3 : Train To Seville

Location: Seville

Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy our first train ride of the trip today, travelling 2hr 50min to Seville station. Upon arrival, either walk to the hotel (25 minutes) or go by public transport (additional cost).



After check in, we explore the city. Walk through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets towards River Guadalquivir, where we can see the Triana neighbourhood and Torre del Oro where gold-filled boats arrived from the American colonies during the Spanish empire.



This evening, we attend a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco – Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco after all.



Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

Day 4 : Highlights Of Seville Tour

Location: Seville

Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Venture into the capital of Andalucia today to visit the highlights, including the Royal Alcazar palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture and art in Spain. We also enter Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world. Finally, we head to Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition 1929, it displays a magnificent collection of architectural styles.



Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

Day 5 : Transfer By Coach To Faro, Portugal

Location: Faro

Accommodation Name: Hotel Faro Boutique (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Bid adios to Spain and olá to Portugal, as we take a coach transfer (2hr 35min) to Faro. Guided by the tour leader, enjoy an afternoon exploring the seafront promenade, a great spot for lunch, and walk along under the old city walls and around the beautiful old town (Cidade Vela).



Accommodation: Hotel Faro Boutique (or similar)

Day 6 : Train To Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Catch the train (3hr 15min) to Lisbon today, the trendy capital of Portugal. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the station. In the afternoon, we have a two-hour exploration of the Baixa district, home to old neighbourhoods, colourful architecture, old-fashioned trams, delicious food and a rich history.



Accommodation: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)

Day 7 : Explore Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Discover the capital more today, making use of the tram and metro network. We see the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery (entrance not included and subject to availability) and sip coffee at the original pasteis de Belem factory, which was founded in 1837 and still follows a secret recipe from Jeronimos Monastery.



The afternoon has been left free for you to independently explore the city, where you can walk the streets of Barrio Alto or head to the Alfama District to see the castle and viewpoints over the Tagus river.



Accommodation: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar)

Day 8 : Travel By Train To Coimbra

Location: Coimbra

Accommodation Name: Hotel Astoria Coimbra (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

It’s back on the rails today as we travel (1hr 40min) to the riverfront city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal. Here, we visit Coimbra University; founded in 1290, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe and now a World Heritage site. We also visit the 18th-century Biblioteca Joanina (entrance not included), which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.



Accommodation: Hotel Astoria Coimbra (or similar)

Day 9 : Train To Porto

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Legendary Oporto (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Continue the adventure by taking a train (three hours) to Porto, our final destination. After hotel check-in, we enjoy a walking tour of the city highlights, including the Clerigos Tower and Aliados Square. We then enjoy sunset at the popular Miradouro do Jardim do Morro, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the historic centre, Ribeira district and river.



Accommodation: Legendary Oporto (or similar)

Day 10 : Cruise Along The Douro Valley River

Location: Douro Valley

Accommodation Name: Legendary Oporto (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Take the train (1hr 45min) to Regua, a journey alongside the Douro River. After, we board a boat for a scenic cruise along the waterway, admiring views of the terraced vineyard hills.



The six-hour journey includes lunch on board and a visit to the wine town of Pinhão. We then return to Regua where we catch the train back to Porto.



Accommodation: Legendary Oporto (or similar)

Day 11 : End Oporto

Location: Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Porto after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • All breakfasts, one lunch

    All breakfasts and one lunch are included in the tour package.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included throughout the tour.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.

  • Local taxes

    Local taxes are not included in the tour package.

Accommodation

We have chosen small, locally owned hotels for this adventure, which are generally well positioned for exploring the city. See the normal accommodations used on the day-to-day itinerary.

Food

All breakfasts and one lunch are included.



Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.



Mealtimes in Spain and Portugal are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Mode of Transport

Travel through Spain and Portugal using the excellent train network, with additional coach transfers for certain segments. Enjoy scenic train rides between major cities and a boat cruise along the Douro River.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in small, locally owned hotels that are generally well positioned for exploring the city.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All breakfasts and one lunch are included in the tour package.

  • Is there a flamenco show included in the itinerary?

    Yes, there is a flamenco show included in the itinerary during the visit to Seville.

  • What is the mode of transportation between cities on this tour?

    The tour primarily uses trains to travel between cities, with a coach transfer from Seville to Faro.

  • Is there a cruise included in the tour?

    Yes, there is a scenic cruise along the Douro River included in the tour, which also includes lunch on board.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, airport transfers are included in the tour package.

  • What is the starting point of the tour?

    The tour starts in Madrid.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The tour ends in Porto.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Prices last published on 30-Jan-2025

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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