Lisbon to Madrid - 6 days
Lisbon to Madrid - 6 days
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:
Specialist Group:
Family/Kids
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 16
Age range:
16-
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
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
Itinerary
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
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
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Accommodation
3-4 star hotels -
5 breakfasts
Enjoy 5 breakfasts during your tour.
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5 nights in a 3-4 star hotels
Stay for 5 nights in comfortable 3-4 star hotels.
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Escorted by an English-speaking guide
The tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide.
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Transportation in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver
Travel in an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver.
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Entrance to Coimbra University Library and El Escorial
Entrance fees to Coimbra University Library and El Escorial are included.
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20kg luggage
You are allowed to bring 20kg of luggage.
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Tourist taxes
Tourist taxes are included in the tour package.
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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
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International flights and visas
International flights and visas are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping
Tipping is not included and is an entirely personal gesture.
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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
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned luxury mini-coach with a local driver for transportation.
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Is there a guide provided during the tour?
Yes, the tour is escorted by an English-speaking guide.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 5 breakfasts as part of the package.
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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.
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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.
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What is the luggage allowance for this tour?
The tour includes a 20kg luggage allowance. For more details, refer to the Trip Notes.
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Is tipping included in the tour price?
Tipping is not included in the tour price and is considered an entirely personal gesture.
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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.
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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
Reviews of this operator
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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.
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