Madrid, Porto & Lisbon - 9 days

Madrid, Porto & Lisbon - 9 days

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9 Days From

$3955

$2571

Madrid, Porto & Lisbon - 9 days

9 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain

Visiting: Madrid, Salamanca, Porto, Lisbon

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Tour code:

2581/MPLI

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 24

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

No minimum age

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3955 $2571 Operator discount: -$1384 -35%

NB: Prices correct on 25-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 9-day journey through Spain and Portugal, exploring the vibrant cities of Madrid, Porto, and Lisbon. Begin in Madrid with a guided tour of its historic and modern highlights, followed by free time to explore. Discover the charm of Salamanca, then cross into Portugal to experience Porto's rich heritage with a Douro River cruise and Port Wine tasting. In Lisbon, enjoy a guided tour and wander the historic Alfama Quarter. The tour includes visits to UNESCO sites like Batalha Monastery and Merida's Roman ruins. Enjoy comfortable stays in 4-star hotels, with included breakfasts, dinners, and cultural experiences like Fado shows. This small group coach tour offers a perfect blend of guided sightseeing and leisure time, ensuring a memorable exploration of the Iberian Peninsula.

Highlights

  • Madrid - Explore the modern and historic highlights of the city on a guided tour.

  • Salamanca - Stroll around this historic university city, home to the world's third oldest university.

  • Porto - Cruise the Douro River, visit a Port Wine cellar for tasting, and enjoy a guided sightseeing tour.

  • Lisbon - Join a guided tour of the Portuguese capital and explore the historic Alfama Quarter.

  • Fatima - Spend a free evening in the city, home to the Cova da Iria, an important Christian site.

  • Caceres - Admire the Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture in this UNESCO-listed city.

  • Merida - Discover the impressive archaeological sites in this historic city founded by the Romans.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Hotel Riu Plaza Espana

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to Madrid, the Spanish capital! You will be collected at the airport and transferred to our hotel. There is an included Tapas dinner this evening to get to know the group.





2024 departures: In 2024, the welcome Tapas dinner is offered on day 2 instead.

Day 2: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Hotel Riu Plaza Espana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we take an all-encompassing coach tour of Madrid. Highlights of the excursion include the historic Barrio de la Morería region, Habsburgs District, Puerta del Sol central square, Plaza Mayor and the Neptuno Fountains. These are dedicated to Neptune, a Roman water god. In the more modern part of the city we see the Salamanca district, Plaza Castilla and Parque del Oeste. We also see the Santiago Bernabeu, the football stadium of Real Madrid, the most successful European club.





During our tour, enjoy the chance to taste typical chocolate and churros, a popular sweet treat in Spain. The rest of the day is at leisure.





2024 departures: In 2024, chocolate and churros tasting is not included.

Day 3: Salamanca

Location: Salamanca

Accommodation Name: BessaHotel Boavista

Meals Included: Breakfast

Madrid - Salamanca - Porto (Portugal). Departing Madrid after breakfast, we make a stop in the university city of Salamanca, with free time to enjoy a stroll around. After our visit, we cross the border into Portugal and complete our drive to Porto. One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto is located along the Douro River estuary and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Day 4: Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: BessaHotel Boavista

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today is spent exploring Porto with a number of included activities. We enjoy a guided city tour, taking in highlights such as the Cathedral, Stock Exchange and Santa Clara Church. We also take a cruise on the Douro River, which runs through the heart of Porto. And we visit one of the riverfront Port Wine Cellars, with included tasting of this local drink. This evening, enjoy an included dinner and Fado show at one of the oldest Fado venues in the whole of Porto.





2024 departures: In 2024, the included Fado show and dinner will instead take place in Lisbon.

Day 5: Porto

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Hotel Santa Maria

Meals Included: Breakfast

Porto - Aveiro - Coimbra. Departing Porto after breakfast, our first stop today is in Aveiro. Here we enjoy a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional boat used for navigating the canals of the town. Aveiro is known as the "Venice of Portugal", and rightly so! Our next stop is Coimbra. This riverfront city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which was established in 1290. It was also the birthplace of Fado music. We are spending the night in Coimbra and there's free time to explore.





2024 departures: Please note in 2024 we visit Fatima instead of Aveiro and enjoy guided sightseeing of the Basilica and the Cova da Iria. The night will be spent in Fatima instead of Coimbra.

Day 6: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Smart Design Hotel Lutecia

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Lisbon. This morning we visit the UNESCO-listed Batalha Monastery, a 14th Century Gothic masterpiece, built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. We then enjoy some free time in the quaint fishing village of Nazare before arriving in Lisbon, the capital city of Portugal. We enjoy an included seafood dinner at a local restaurant.





2024 departures: Please note in 2024 our departure will be from Fatima instead of Coimbra and dinner is not included this evening.

Day 7: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Smart Design Hotel Lutecia

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our day starts with a city sightseeing tour, taking in many of Lisbon's highlights. We see the city's main plazas, the fortified Belem Tower, Jeronimo's Monastery, the Monument to the Discoverers and the Marquis of Pombal Square roundabout.





The rest of today is free, and we recommend you head into the Alfama Quarter, the oldest part of Lisbon. Crowned by the Sao Jorge Castle, this part of the city features narrow alleyways and colourful 'tabernas'.





2024 departures: Please note that in 2024, the included Fado show and dinner takes place tonight.



Day 8: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Hotel Riu Plaza Espana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Lisbon - Merida (Spain) - Madrid. Departing Lisbon, we cross back into Spain and make a stop in Merida. We have time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is known for its incredible Roman ruins. We can see the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre before we complete our journey back to Madrid. Enjoy an included farewell dinner with your fellow travellers.





2024 departures: Please note in 2024 we will visit Caceres instead of Merida. Here we will explore the Old Town and the Plaza Mayor main square.

Day 9: Madrid

Location: Madrid

Accommodation Name: Hotel Riu Plaza Espana

Meals Included: Breakfast

Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before our tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    4-star hotels

  • 8 breakfasts & 4 dinners (2 dinners in 2024)

    Enjoy 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners during your tour, with 2 dinners included in 2024.

  • 8 nights 4-star hotels

    Stay in 4-star hotels for 8 nights during your tour.

  • Escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader

    Be accompanied by an English-speaking local tour leader with local guides for sightseeing, or an expert driver-guide for groups of 10 or fewer.

  • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9

    Enjoy convenient airport transfers on the first and last days of your tour.

  • Transportation by deluxe coach with Wi-Fi and audio headsets

    Travel in comfort with transportation by deluxe coach, equipped with Wi-Fi and audio headsets.

  • Guided sightseeing in Madrid, Porto and Lisbon

    Participate in guided sightseeing tours in the cities of Madrid, Porto, and Lisbon.

  • Douro River Cruise & wine tasting in Porto

    Experience a Douro River Cruise and enjoy a wine tasting session in Porto.

  • 2024 - City tour of Coimbra or 2025 - Moliceiro boat trip along the canals in Aveiro

    In 2024, enjoy a city tour of Coimbra, or in 2025, take a Moliceiro boat trip along the canals in Aveiro.

  • 2024 - Fado show in Lisbon (including dinner) or 2025 - Fado show in Porto (including dinner)

    In 2024, attend a Fado show in Lisbon with dinner included, or in 2025, enjoy a Fado show in Porto with dinner.

  • Chocolate & Churros tasting in Madrid (2025)

    Indulge in a Chocolate & Churros tasting experience in Madrid in 2025.

show more

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

    International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.

  • Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

    Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.

  • City tax in Porto and Lisbon

    City tax of approximately €2 per person per night in Porto and Lisbon (approx €8 in total per person) is not included and must be paid directly to the hotel at check-in/out.

Accommodation

Stay in the heart of Madrid at the 4-star Riu Plaza Espana, featuring a sky bar and outdoor pool, or enjoy the BessaHotel Boavista in Porto with its Iberian cuisine and gym. In Fatima, Hotel Santa Maria offers contemporary design and a tranquil garden, while Lisbon's Smart Design Hotel Lutecia provides modern amenities and themed floors.

Age Policy

No minimum age

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with deluxe coach transportation, complete with Wi-Fi and audio headsets, ensuring a seamless journey between destinations. Airport transfers on arrival and departure days are included, making your travel experience hassle-free.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in 4-star hotels throughout the tour. In Madrid, you'll be at the Hotel Riu Plaza Espana, which features an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a sky bar. In Porto, the BessaHotel Boavista offers bright and spacious rooms with an onsite gym and dining options. In Fatima, the Hotel Santa Maria is a contemporary hotel with a tranquil garden and a restaurant. In Lisbon, the Smart Design Hotel Lutecia provides modern amenities and is conveniently located near a metro station.

  • Are there any special activities included in Porto?

    Yes, in Porto, you will enjoy a guided city tour, a cruise on the Douro River, and a visit to a Port Wine Cellar with a tasting included. Additionally, there is an included dinner and Fado show at one of the oldest Fado venues in Porto.

  • Is there a transfer service provided at the start and end of the tour?

    Yes, there is an airport arrival transfer on day 1 and a departure transfer on day 9 included in the tour.

  • What meals are included during the tour?

    The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 4 dinners. In 2024, only 2 dinners are included. Meals are provided at various points throughout the tour, including a welcome Tapas dinner in Madrid and a seafood dinner in Lisbon.

  • Will there be any guided tours during the trip?

    Yes, the tour includes guided sightseeing in Madrid, Porto, and Lisbon. You will be escorted by an English-speaking local tour leader with local guides for sightseeing, or an expert driver-guide for groups of 10 or fewer.

  • What is the transportation like during the tour?

    Transportation is provided by a deluxe coach equipped with Wi-Fi and audio headsets for the duration of the tour.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Simla Patel (Google Reviewer)  

This company doesn’t deserve even...

26-Nov-2024

This company doesn’t deserve even 1 star. I would not recommend this company. There are hidden fees which means the cost of the holiday ends up being very expensive. We recently came back from our trip to China where it is not customary to tip in restaurants & hotel staff. Yet we had to make a payment upfront in cash to to the guide for more than £100. The hotel service was appalling. Just think £100 from each person. The trip was suppose to be a Tour yet we had to pay for all entrance fees. We complained about the poor condition of the hotels but no one responded to our emails to date. The after sales service is non existent. Do not use this company. Far far too expensive for what you get. Not competitive at all. They messed up our booking; repeatedly asked for the same information. We spent so much time correcting their errors. Very difficult to get hold of anyone because they all work in S Africa or New Zealand. Absolute nightmare

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Sunday - Monday

Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025
$4035 $2623

Operator discount: -$1412

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Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025
$4035 $2623

Operator discount: -$1412

Sunday - Monday

May 04, 2025 - May 12, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1412

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May 11, 2025 - May 19, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1412

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$4035 $2623

Operator discount: -$1412

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Operator discount: -$1412

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Operator discount: -$1395

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Operator discount: -$1521

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Sep 07, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$3955 $2571

Operator discount: -$1384

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Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 22, 2025
$4035 $2623

Operator discount: -$1412

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Sep 21, 2025 - Sep 29, 2025
$4035 $2623

Operator discount: -$1412

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Oct 05, 2025 - Oct 13, 2025
$4395 $2857

Operator discount: -$1538

Sunday - Monday

Oct 12, 2025 - Oct 20, 2025
$4035 $2623

Operator discount: -$1412

Sunday - Monday

Nov 02, 2025 - Nov 10, 2025
$3955 $2571

Operator discount: -$1384

Sunday - Monday

Dec 14, 2025 - Dec 22, 2025
$3955 $2571

Operator discount: -$1384

Sunday - Monday

Feb 15, 2026 - Feb 23, 2026
$3955 $2571

Operator discount: -$1384

Sunday - Monday

Mar 15, 2026 - Mar 23, 2026
$3955 $2571

Operator discount: -$1384

Sunday - Monday

Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026
$4245 $2759

Operator discount: -$1486

Sunday - Monday

Apr 12, 2026 - Apr 20, 2026
$4245 $2759

Operator discount: -$1486

Sunday - Monday

May 03, 2026 - May 11, 2026
$4245 $2759

Operator discount: -$1486

Sunday - Monday

May 10, 2026 - May 18, 2026
$4245 $2759

Operator discount: -$1486

Prices last published on 25-Dec-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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