Railbookers: 11D10N Spain and Portugal Essential
Enjoy a ten-night journey perfect for discovering the beautiful cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Lisbon. Speed through the Catalan countryside to Barcelona to explore Gaudi's iconic landmarks before riding the rails to vibrant Madrid, where the skies are famously blue! Explore the Spanish capital's beautiful "Belle Epoque" centre before heading to historic Seville. Cross the longest bridge in Europe on your way to the beautiful Portuguese capital before your ending your journey on the banks of the Duoro in Porto.
Tour Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the best of Spain and Portugal
- Travel by high-speed trains between exciting cities
- Marvel at Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona
- Visit world-class museums and galleries in Madrid
- Discover the riches from the Spanish Empire in beautiful Seville
- Enjoy excellent shopping and vibrant markets in Lisbon
- Tour the Port Wine cellars of Porto
- Sagrada Familia Tour in Barcelona
- Panoramic sightseeing tour in Madrid
- Small-group tour of Seville including skip-the-line Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral
- Walking tour of Lisbon
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1 Barcelona
Your journey begins in Barcelona. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring. Perhaps wander down the tree-lined Las Ramblas, the most famous street in the city that overflows with buskers, dancers, living statues and mime artists. (Overnight in Barcelona)
breakfast
Day 2 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. (Overnight in Barcelona)
breakfast
Day 3 Barcelona to Madrid
Travel from Barcelona to Madrid on the high-speed AVE train and upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend two days sightseeing in this energetic capital. Madrid has three world-renowned art galleries, all within close walking distance of each other in the city’s ‘Golden Triangle of Art’. The most famous of these is the Prado Museum offering one of the world’s finest collections of European works. (Overnight in Madrid)
breakfast
Day 4 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. (Overnight in Madrid)
breakfast
Day 5 Seville
Make your way to Atocha station and take the train to Seville for a 2-night stay. Once settled in take a stroll along the riverside perhaps, or head to the top of the Metropol Parasol for a unique view of this great city. (Overnight Seville)
breakfast
Day 6 Seville
This morning join a small group tour of the absolute highlights of Seville, including the impressive Plaza de Espana, San Telmo Palace, Royal Alcozar, and huge Cathedral, and see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Enjoy a siesta in the afternoon, before an evening of tapas and Flamenco perhaps! (Overnight Seville)
breakfast
Day 7 Lisbon
Take the scenic coach ride from Seville to Lisbon and here check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Visit the city’s most iconic sights such as the impressive medieval castle of Sao Jorge, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Estrela Basilica, one of Lisbon’s most fascinating churches and the first to be dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. (Overnight in Lisbon)
breakfast
Day 8 Lisbon
Portugal’s historic capital city is draped over seven hills overlooking the mouth of the River Tagus. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it has a huge amount to explore from the narrow streets of the Barrio Alto to the majestic Praça do Comercio, the central square overlooking the wide river. Your guided walking tour included is the best way to enjoy these and more, including a stop for one of Lisbon’s delicious Pasteis de Nata. (Overnight in Lisbon)
breakfast
Day 9 Lisbon to Porto
After breakfast, travel from Lisbon to Porto by train. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled at the hotel, why not take a cruise along the River Duoro and marvel at the beautiful scenery from the water? (Overnight in Porto)
breakfast
Day 10 Porto
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Porto. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, enjoy your 1hr river cruise included at a time of your choosing, and don’t miss a tour of the Fundacao de Serralves, a contemporary art gallery housed in a beautiful Art Deco building with lovely gardens. No visit to Porto would be complete without a tour of the Port Wine cellars. These are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river by bridge from Ribeira. You can make your own way around or pick up a guided tour. (Overnight in Porto)
breakfast
Day 11 Depart Porto
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to help you with the details.
breakfast
What's included
Included
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Barcelona
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Madrid
- 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Seville
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Lisbon
- 1 night hotel stay with breakfast in Porto
- Rail travel in standard class throughout
- 6 bridges cruise in Porto (March-November only)
Not included
- International air ticket
- Travel insurance
- Others not mentioned above
Your hotels
Kimpton Vividora Hotel
★★★★★
Barcelona Carrer del Duc, 15, Ciutat Vella, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Sofitel Barcelona Skipper
★★★★★
Lisboa Av. del Litoral, 10, Ciutat Vella, 08005 Barcelona, Spain
Hospes Puerta De Alcala Madrid
★★★★★
Madrid Pl. de la Independencia, 3, Salamanca, 28001 Madrid, Spain
InterContinental Madrid
★★★★★
Madrid P.º de la Castellana, 49, Chamberí, 28046 Madrid, Spain
Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza
★★★★★
Sevilla Pl. Jesús de la Redención, 2, Casco Antiguo, 41003 Sevilla, Spain
H10 Casa de la Plata
★★★★
Sevilla C. Lagar, 2, Casco Antiguo, 41004 Sevilla, Spain
Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade
★★★★★
Lisboa Av. da Liberdade 127, 1269-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Bairro Alto
★★★★
Lisboa Praça Luís de Camões 2 5º Piso, 1200-243 Lisboa, Portugal
Intercontinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas
★★★★★
Porto Praça da Liberdade 25, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal
Dom Henrique - Downtown
★★★★
Porto R. do Bolhão 223, 4000-112 Porto, Portugal



