Lisbon to Madrid - 6 days

Lisbon to Madrid - 6 days

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6 Days From

$3055

$1986

Lisbon to Madrid - 6 days

6 Days Starting in Lisbon, Portugal and ending in Salamanca, Spain

Visiting: Lisbon, Porto, Santiago de Compostela, Madrid

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Specialist Group:

Family/Kids

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

2 - 16

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

16-

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3055 $1986 Operator discount: -$1069 -35%

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating 6-day journey from Lisbon to Madrid, exploring the rich cultural tapestry of Portugal and Spain. Begin in Lisbon, visiting the charming town of Obidos and the historic university city of Coimbra. Discover Porto's vibrant atmosphere, with options to cruise the Douro River or taste local port wine. Journey through Braga and Guimaraes, then cross into Spain to the pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela. Choose to explore the city or venture to Cape Finisterre's dramatic coastline. Marvel at the Roman legacy in Lugo and the striking landscapes of Las Medulas. Conclude in Salamanca, with a visit to the royal El Escorial before reaching Madrid. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Highlights

  • Coimbra - Explore this former Portuguese capital with an included visit to one of the oldest universities in the world.

  • Porto - Uncover this delightful city independently, with time to sightsee, cruise the Douro River and sample local port wine.

  • Braga - See the famous Bom Jesus Sanctuary and if you're feeling fit, climb the 600 steps for panoramic views over the region.

  • Santiago de Compostela - Spend two nights in one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world.

  • Las Medulas - Marvel at these mountains that once stored one of the Roman Empire's most important gold mines.

  • Salamanca - Discover the history and culture of Salamanca's Old Town and university with free time to explore.

  • El Escorial - Take in the UNESCO-listed home of the Spanish Royal Family on an included visit.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Lisbon

Location: Lisbon

Accommodation Name: Grande Hotel do Porto

Lisbon – Obidos – Coimbra – Porto. Departing Lisbon this morning, we head first to Obidos, a charming walled town filled with delightful discoveries. There is free time here to explore the sturdy walls of the Moorish Castle, stroll through cobbled shopping lanes, and indulge in a delightful Ginjinha d'Obidos, a sweet liqueur served in a chocolate cup.Continuing north, we reach Coimbra, a former Portuguese capital renowned for its ancient university dating back to the 13th century. We enjoy an included visit to this historic institution and there's time for you to find a nice restaurant for lunch. Completing our drive to Porto, we have the afternoon at leisure to explore this incredible city. Please note: Pick up for this tour is at 8:15 on day 1 (tour departs at 8:30) - Lisbon Pick Up Point, Hotel Zenit, Lisbon.

Day 2: Porto

Paul Allen

Location: Porto

Accommodation Name: Grande Hotel do Porto

Meals Included: Breakfast

Porto – Douro Valley – Porto. Today you have a choice! You can enjoy a free day in Porto to explore at your own pace, or you can join an optional half-day excursion to the Douro Valley.





On our optional trip, we travel to Pinhao for a river cruise on a traditional rabelo boat, tasting the local port wine and savouring the breathtaking scenery. We continue to Peso de Regua for optional wine tasting or free time to explore. On the way back to Porto we stop at the Mesao Frio viewpoint which offers stunning views of the Douro River.





The rest of the day is free to further explore the city, savour its wines and cuisine at leisure. If you appreciate live music, consider attending a performance of Fado, Portugal's emotionally stirring traditional music.

Day 3: Porto

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gelmirez

Meals Included: Breakfast

Porto – Braga – Guimaraes – Santiago de Compostela (Spain). Today we leave Porto and journey north to Braga, where we take in the renowned Bom Jesus Sanctuary. This site, celebrated for its religious, cultural, and architectural significance, earned its UNESCO World Heritage status in 2019. Nestled at the base of Mount Espinho, we'll marvel at the Baroque staircase adorned with ornate granite fountains. At the top is a neoclassical church offering panoramic city views. To reach the summit, you can purchase a special elevator ticket or ascend nearly 600 steps on foot.





Our next destination is Guimaraes, often referred to as the 'birthplace of Portugal.' The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is free time for lunch, and an optional visit to the Palace of Braganza.





We then cross the border into Spain and arrive in Santiago de Compostela, one of the world's most important pilgrimage destinations.

Day 4: Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Hotel Gelmirez

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santiago de Compostela – Cape Finisterre – Santiago de Compostela. Today, You have another choice to make. Free time to explore Santiago de Compostela or an optional full-day excursion to Cape Finisterre. If you opt for the trip, the day commences with a scenic drive along the Costa da Morte, known as 'the Coast of Death' - it was once a hotspot for shipwrecks. We pass through Noia and continue on to see Galicia's largest beach, Playa de Carnota. We then visit the Ezaro Waterfall which tumbles directly into the sea.We finally arrive at the 'End of the World' at Cape Finisterre, a place ancient civilizations believed marked the Earth's edge. Here, we can admire the lighthouse and gaze out at the wild Atlantic Ocean. Continuing to the harbour town of Muxia, there's free time to grab a bite to eat and watch the ships heading out to sea.We then make our way back to Santiago de Compostela, where the evening is free to marvel at the renowned cathedral built atop the remains of St. James, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ.

Day 5: Santiago De Compostela

Location: Santiago de Compostela

Accommodation Name: Hotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca

Meals Included: Breakfast

Santiago de Compostela – Lugo – Las Medulas – Salamanca. Our day begins in Lugo, best known for housing the world's only fully intact Roman city walls. We can take a leisurely stroll along these ancient defences, channelling our inner Roman Legionnaire.





Next, we'll follow the footsteps of the Romans to Las Medulas. The landscape here is surreal, with peculiar red holes and mountain cavities. These are a legacy of the Romans, who carved into the earth in search of gold. We explore this unique area and there's time for lunch before we complete our drive to Salamanca.

Day 6: Salamanca

Location: Madrid

Meals Included: Breakfast

Salamanca – Avila – El Escorial – Madrid. There's free time this morning to explore Salamanca independently before we journey onto the vast plains of Castile and Leon. We make a stop for lunch in Avila before an included visit to El Escorial, home to the Spanish Royal Family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Arriving in Madrid in the early evening, our tour comes to an end.





Please note: This tour finishes at 19:30 - Madrid Drop Off, Hotel Porcel Ganivet, Madrid.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    3-4 star hotels

  • 5 breakfasts

    Enjoy 5 breakfasts during your tour.

  • 5 nights in a 3-4 star hotels

    Stay for 5 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels.

  • Escorted by an English-speaking guide

    The tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide.

  • Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver

    Travel in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver.

  • Entrance to Coimbra University Library and El Escorial

    Entrance fees to Coimbra University Library and El Escorial are included.

  • 20kg luggage

    You are allowed to bring 20kg of luggage.

  • Tourist taxes

    Tourist taxes are included in the tour package.

  • Note on tour operation

    This tour is operated in conjunction with a trusted partner, and you will join travelers from different operators.

What's Not Included

  • International flights and visas

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

  • Tipping

    Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.

  • Optional activities & additional attractions

    Optional activities and additional attractions are not included unless specified.

Accommodation

Experience the charm of Portugal and Spain with stays at the Grande Hotel do Porto, Hotel Gelmirez in Santiago de Compostela, and Hotel Artheus Carmelitas in Salamanca. Each hotel offers a unique blend of modern amenities and historic charm, providing a comfortable and convenient base for exploring these vibrant cities.

Age Policy

Minimum age 16, escorted by an adult

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort aboard an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver, ensuring a smooth journey from Lisbon to Madrid. Enjoy the convenience of included transportation, allowing you to focus on the stunning landscapes and cultural experiences along the way.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of transportation is used during the tour?

    The tour uses an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver for transportation.

  • Is there a guide provided during the tour?

    Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour includes 5 breakfasts as part of the package.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights in 3-4 star hotels, such as the Grande Hotel do Porto, Hotel Gelmirez, and Hotel Artheus Carmelitas Salamanca.

  • Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

    Yes, there are optional activities such as a half-day excursion to the Douro Valley and a full-day excursion to Cape Finisterre.

  • What is the luggage allowance for this tour?

    The tour includes a 20kg luggage allowance. For more details, refer to the Trip Notes.

  • Is tipping included in the tour price?

    Tipping is not included in the tour price and is considered an entirely personal gesture.

  • What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

    The minimum age requirement for this tour is 16, and participants must be escorted by an adult.

  • 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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1 Select your preferred date

Monday - Saturday

Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025
$3055 $1986

Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

Apr 28, 2025 - May 03, 2025
$3055 $1986

Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

May 12, 2025 - May 17, 2025
$3055 $1986

Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

May 26, 2025 - May 31, 2025
$3055 $1986

Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

Jun 09, 2025 - Jun 14, 2025
$3055 $1986

Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

Jun 23, 2025 - Jun 28, 2025
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Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

Jul 07, 2025 - Jul 12, 2025
$3055 $1986

Operator discount: -$1069

Monday - Saturday

Sep 01, 2025 - Sep 06, 2025
$3055 $2444

Operator discount: -$611

Monday - Saturday

Sep 15, 2025 - Sep 20, 2025
$3055 $2444

Operator discount: -$611

Monday - Saturday

Sep 29, 2025 - Oct 04, 2025
$3055 $2444

Operator discount: -$611

Monday - Saturday

Oct 13, 2025 - Oct 18, 2025
$3055 $2444

Operator discount: -$611

Monday - Saturday

Oct 27, 2025 - Nov 01, 2025
$3055 $2444

Operator discount: -$611

Monday - Saturday

Nov 10, 2025 - Nov 15, 2025
$3055 $2444

Operator discount: -$611

Prices last published on 22-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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