Madrid, Porto & Lisbon - 9 days
9 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Salamanca, Porto, Lisbon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
2581/MPLI
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 24
Age range:
No minimum age
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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 MorerÃa 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
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
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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.
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8 nights 4-star hotels
Stay in 4-star hotels for 8 nights during your tour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Guided sightseeing in Madrid, Porto and Lisbon
Participate in guided sightseeing tours in the cities of Madrid, Porto, and Lisbon.
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Douro River Cruise & wine tasting in Porto
Experience a Douro River Cruise and enjoy a wine tasting session in Porto.
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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.
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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.
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Chocolate & Churros tasting in Madrid (2025)
Indulge in a Chocolate & Churros tasting experience in Madrid in 2025.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping - an entirely personal gesture
Tipping is not included and is considered a personal gesture.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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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+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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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.
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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.