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.
Hotel NH Madrid Ribera del Manzanares, Madrid
Located 1.3 km from Puerta de Toledo metro station, this riverside high-rise hotel is just 2.5 km from the Royal Palace of Madrid and 2.6 km from Plaza Mayor. The contemporary rooms come equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibars, and coffeemakers. Guests can enjoy a Spanish and Mediterranean restaurant, a casual bar with outdoor seating, and a café. Additional facilities include a fitness room and the option for massages.
BessaHotel Boavista, Porto
Located in Porto's popular Boavista district, the BessaHotel Boavista is just a few minute's walk from the Casa da Musica concert hall and other attractions. Bright and spacious guest rooms offer private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, air-conditioning and TV. There is an onsite gym and dining options include the BRestaurant & Bar, where Head Chef Vitor de Matos serves impeccable Iberian cuisine. Breakfast is served buffet style and there is also an outdoor terrace serving an array of cocktails and regional Douro Valley wines. Complimentary Wi-Fi is also offered.
Hotel Santa Maria, Fatima
A 2-minute walk from the Sanctuary of Our Lady Fatima, Hotel Santa Maria has been contemporarily designed, with tall glasswork allowing plenty of light into the hotel. Displaying works by artists including Pedro Calapez, Silvia Patrício and Inês Carrelhas, the hotel also features a tranquil garden, restaurant serving local cuisine, and a bar. Views of the Sanctuary can be admired from the upper floor terrace. Rooms are air-conditioned, with free Wi-Fi and carpeted floors.
Lutécia Smart Design Hotel, Lisbon
Set in a modern building with a sleek concrete and glass façade, this upscale design-focused hotel is just a 3-minute walk from Roma–Areeiro train station and 4 km from the 11th-century São Jorge Castle. Its contemporary rooms, arranged across themed floors, feature city views, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers, with room service available. Guests can enjoy breakfast in an elegant restaurant serving Portuguese and Indian cuisine, unwind at the lobby bar, book massage treatments, or make use of the 24-hour gym.
At a Glance
