PRIVATE TOUR: Experience Spain and Portugal on this 9-day tour, beginning in Madrid with a panoramic city tour. Visit UNESCO-listed Salamanca before crossing into Portugal to explore Porto’s historic center and Port Wine Cellars. Discover Coimbra and the pilgrimage site of Fatima, then continue to Batalha, seaside Nazare, and Alcobaça. Conclude with a Lisbon city tour, including Belem Tower and Jeronimo’s Monastery, before returning to Madrid through the Roman city of Merida.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Arrival in Madrid
Upon arrival in Madrid, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Madrid
Madrid City Tour
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a panoramic city tour of Madrid, tracing the city’s rich history from its medieval origins. Your journey begins with a glimpse of the Arab fortress and a stroll through the atmospheric Barrio de la Morería, where ancient buildings and traditional taverns bring the past to life.
You will then explore the Hapsburg district, taking in Renaissance and Baroque treasures such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa, shaped by the reign of Philip II. Continuing onward, you’ll encounter the splendor of Bourbon Madrid, including the Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the grand Puerta de Alcalá, all influenced by the urban planning of Charles III.
You will pause to admire 19th-century landmarks like Plaza de Oriente and the world-renowned Prado Museum before heading into modern Madrid. Here, you’ll discover bustling avenues such as Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana, the upmarket Salamanca district, the city’s commercial and financial centers, and the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Salamanca at Leisure & Transfer to Porto
Madrid – Salamanca – Porto (Portugal). Today, you will embark on a journey from Madrid to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its historic university. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore its architectural and artistic treasures at your own pace.
Afterwards, you will continue towards the Portuguese border, making your way to Porto.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Porto City Tour
You’ll set off on a sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. You will admire the magnificent Cathedral with sweeping views over the city, the impressive neoclassical Stock Exchange building, and the beautifully decorated Santa Clara Church with its intricate azulejos.
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a scenic perspective of the city along the Douro River and deepen your understanding of its heritage with a visit to the famous Port Wine Cellars, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Porto, try local cuisine, or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Coimbra & Fatima
Porto – Coimbra – Fatima. After breakfast, you’ll travel to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music. You’ll have free time to explore at your leisure — perhaps visit the Joanina Library, wander through the Botanical Garden, or experience traditional Fado.
Next, you’ll continue to Fátima, an important center of Christian pilgrimage. You will visit the Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. At the heart of the sanctuary, you’ll see the Chapel of the Apparitions and the tombs of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta.
In the evening, you may choose to attend the candlelight procession.
Overnight: Fatima | Breakfast
Batalha, Nazare, Alcobaca & Lsibon
Fátima – Batalha – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Lisbon. This morning, you’ll depart for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. You’ll have time to appreciate its grandeur.
Next, you’ll continue to the fishing town of Nazaré, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming streets or enjoy the coastal scenery.
Afterwards, you’ll travel to Alcobaça, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its striking Gothic church and 12th-century Cistercian monastery.
Your day concludes in Lisbon, the vibrant Portuguese capital.
Overnight: Lisbon | Breakfast
Lisbon City Tour
In the morning, you’ll begin a city tour of Lisbon, once called Olissipo. You’ll discover its grand avenues, main squares, and key landmarks, including the Belém Tower, the exterior of Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoverers.
The afternoon is free for you to explore independently. You may wander through the Alfama district or join an optional excursion to Sintra and Cascais.
Overnight: Lisbon | Breakfast
Merida to Madrid
Lisbon – Mérida (Spain) – Madrid. After breakfast, you’ll depart towards Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its exceptionally preserved Roman monuments, including the theatre, amphitheater, and ancient bridge.
You will have free time to discover Mérida at your own pace before continuing on to Madrid.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Goodbye Madrid
Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before your tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers wanting the privacy of their own room, or if your booking party cannot reach the minimum of 2 persons in a room. Room sharing is not available on this tour.
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Aloft Madrid Gran Via, Madrid
Situated in the vibrant Gran Via neighbourhood, surrounded by shops and restaurants, this stylish hotel is just a minute’s walk from Callao tube station, 9 minutes on foot from the bustling Plaza Mayor, and 2 km from the art exhibits at the Museo Nacional del Prado. The bright, comfortable rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, rainfall showers, minifridges, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The hotel also features a trendy rooftop bar with city views, an outdoor pool (seasonal), and a fitness centre.
AC Hotel Porto, Porto
AC Hotel Porto by Marriott offers contemporary elegance and exceptional service in the vibrant city of Porto. Located near Estádio do Dragao and within easy reach of the city centre, this modern hotel features stylishly designed rooms equipped with premium bedding, free Wi-Fi, floor to ceiling windows, minibar and flat-screen TVs. Guests can enjoy a workout in the fitness centre, relax in the sleek lounge, or savour delicious local and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant.
Hotel Sao Jose, Fatima
Hotel Sao José in Fatima offers a warm and inviting stay in the heart of Fatima, just a short walk from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima. This family-friendly hotel features comfortable rooms with classic décor, free Wi-Fi, and modern amenities to ensure a relaxing experience. Guests can savour traditional Portuguese cuisine at the on-site restaurant, unwind in the cosy lounge, or stay active in the fitness centre. There is also a lounge area with Turkish bath and a relax bar.
Hotel Roma, Lisbon
Hotel Roma in Lisbon offers a comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of the city. Located in the lively Alvalade district, it provides easy access to many theatres and restaurants, public transport, and popular attractions. The spacious rooms feature modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies in select accommodations. Guests can enjoy a variety of Portuguese and international dishes at the on-site restaurant and unwind with a drink at the bar.
Itinerary
Arrival in Madrid
Upon arrival in Madrid, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or begin exploring the city at your own pace.
Overnight: Madrid
Madrid City Tour
This morning, after breakfast, you’ll embark on a panoramic city tour of Madrid, tracing the city’s rich history from its medieval origins. Your journey begins with a glimpse of the Arab fortress and a stroll through the atmospheric Barrio de la Morería, where ancient buildings and traditional taverns bring the past to life.
You will then explore the Hapsburg district, taking in Renaissance and Baroque treasures such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de la Villa, shaped by the reign of Philip II. Continuing onward, you’ll encounter the splendor of Bourbon Madrid, including the Royal Palace, the Cibeles and Neptune Fountains, and the grand Puerta de Alcalá, all influenced by the urban planning of Charles III.
You will pause to admire 19th-century landmarks like Plaza de Oriente and the world-renowned Prado Museum before heading into modern Madrid. Here, you’ll discover bustling avenues such as Gran Vía and Paseo de la Castellana, the upmarket Salamanca district, the city’s commercial and financial centers, and the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Salamanca at Leisure & Transfer to Porto
Madrid – Salamanca – Porto (Portugal). Today, you will embark on a journey from Madrid to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city famed for its historic university. Upon arrival, you will have free time to explore its architectural and artistic treasures at your own pace.
Afterwards, you will continue towards the Portuguese border, making your way to Porto.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Porto City Tour
You’ll set off on a sightseeing tour of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage city. You will admire the magnificent Cathedral with sweeping views over the city, the impressive neoclassical Stock Exchange building, and the beautifully decorated Santa Clara Church with its intricate azulejos.
Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a scenic perspective of the city along the Douro River and deepen your understanding of its heritage with a visit to the famous Port Wine Cellars, where you’ll enjoy a wine tasting.
The remainder of the day is free for you to explore Porto, try local cuisine, or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Porto | Breakfast
Coimbra & Fatima
Porto – Coimbra – Fatima. After breakfast, you’ll travel to Coimbra, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities and the birthplace of Fado music. You’ll have free time to explore at your leisure — perhaps visit the Joanina Library, wander through the Botanical Garden, or experience traditional Fado.
Next, you’ll continue to Fátima, an important center of Christian pilgrimage. You will visit the Basilica and the Cova da Iria, where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared. At the heart of the sanctuary, you’ll see the Chapel of the Apparitions and the tombs of Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta.
In the evening, you may choose to attend the candlelight procession.
Overnight: Fatima | Breakfast
Batalha, Nazare, Alcobaca & Lsibon
Fátima – Batalha – Nazaré – Alcobaça – Lisbon. This morning, you’ll depart for the Batalha Monastery, a UNESCO-listed masterpiece of Gothic and Manueline architecture. You’ll have time to appreciate its grandeur.
Next, you’ll continue to the fishing town of Nazaré, where you’ll have free time to explore its charming streets or enjoy the coastal scenery.
Afterwards, you’ll travel to Alcobaça, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its striking Gothic church and 12th-century Cistercian monastery.
Your day concludes in Lisbon, the vibrant Portuguese capital.
Overnight: Lisbon | Breakfast
Lisbon City Tour
In the morning, you’ll begin a city tour of Lisbon, once called Olissipo. You’ll discover its grand avenues, main squares, and key landmarks, including the Belém Tower, the exterior of Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoverers.
The afternoon is free for you to explore independently. You may wander through the Alfama district or join an optional excursion to Sintra and Cascais.
Overnight: Lisbon | Breakfast
Merida to Madrid
Lisbon – Mérida (Spain) – Madrid. After breakfast, you’ll depart towards Mérida, a UNESCO World Heritage city celebrated for its exceptionally preserved Roman monuments, including the theatre, amphitheater, and ancient bridge.
You will have free time to discover Mérida at your own pace before continuing on to Madrid.
Overnight: Madrid | Breakfast
Goodbye Madrid
Tuck into a final breakfast in the hotel before your tour comes to an end. There is an included transfer to the airport.
Breakfast
At a Glance
