Iberian Heritage Madrid to Lisbon Odyssey
This 8–day adventure begins and wraps up in Madrid – think grand boulevards, El Retiro and a peek inside the Bernabéu – then rolls into Portugal for World Heritage gems and coastal charm. You’ll explore Mérida’s Roman theatre, whitewashed Évora and Lisbon’s Belém, with free time or an optional hop to Sintra and Cascais. Northbound brings Fátima and Porto, including a Douro cruise. In Galicia, ride to Bom Jesus, taste mussels and wine on the Ría de Arousa, and tour Santiago de Compostela. Return via the Camino route – Lugo’s Roman walls, O Cebreiro and León’s stained–glass cathedral – back to Madrid.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
MadridMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, PortugalPassengers
$1,468.00
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Madrid
Mérida
Évora
Lisbon
Fátima
Porto
Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary
Cambados
Santiago de Compostela
Lugo
O Cebreiro
León
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Welcome to Madrid. On arrival, we’ll transfer you to your hotel – the rest of the day is free. In the afternoon, please check the information boards at hotel reception for details about the start of your tour.
Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.
Day 2 - Madrid
We begin with a morning panoramic tour of central Madrid, taking in Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then head to El Retiro Park to see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium – home of Real Madrid – for a visit. You have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we provide a return transfer to the hotel.
Day 3 - Madrid - Merida - Evora - Lisbon
We leave Madrid for Mérida, capital of Extremadura, where we visit the Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre archaeological complex – tickets included – a World Heritage Site renowned for its excellent state of preservation. You’ll have time for lunch in the pedestrianised historic centre, full of places to eat. We then continue into Portugal and stop in Évora, another World Heritage city with white streets, Renaissance palaces and a cathedral. We arrive in Lisbon in the evening.
Day 4 - Lisbon
This morning, we take a guided tour of Lisbon – the Portuguese capital of seven hills, known for its narrow lanes, traditional tiles and Atlantic light. We also visit the Belém neighbourhood, the historic departure point from which Portuguese navigators set sail across the oceans in the 15th century. The afternoon is yours – you can explore at your own pace, perhaps heading to Bairro Alto for its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we provide a return transfer from Restauradores Square – a lively area of bars and cafés – back to the hotel.
Day 5 - Lisbon - Fatima - Porto
Heading north from Lisbon, we visit Fátima – an important pilgrimage site – then continue to Porto, Portugal’s second largest city. After lunch, we enjoy a 50–minute Douro River cruise aboard a traditional Portuguese rabelo boat, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s riverside. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the medieval Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets, historic merchant houses and cafés, before we head to the hotel.
Day 6 - Porto - Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary - Cambados - Santiago de Compostela
We travel through scenic landscapes to Braga, where we ride the world’s oldest water operated cable car up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for panoramic views. After time to explore, you can descend via the sanctuary’s picturesque staircase if you wish. We continue into Galicia to visit Cambados or O Grove in the Rías Baixas, then board a glass bottom boat on the Ría de Arousa to learn about mussel and oyster production, with wine and mussel tasting on board. Around lunchtime we arrive in Santiago de Compostela for a guided city tour with a local guide, taking in its medieval streets and renowned pilgrimage sites dating back to the Middle Ages.
Day 7 - Santiago de Compostela - Lugo - O Cebreiro - Leon - Madrid
We travel along the Way of St James, stopping in Lugo to explore the historic centre and its Roman walls – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We then pause in O Cebreiro, a charming Galician stone village. By lunchtime we reach León, where we visit the Gothic cathedral – renowned for its stained–glass windows – and take a leisurely walk through the historic centre. We depart around 17:00 – arriving in Madrid at approximately 21:00. Note: depending on the group size, the journey from León to Madrid may be by train or regular transport.
Day 8 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Madrid – our services end here. Wishing you a smooth onward journey and lasting memories of your trip.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Double
Twin
Triple
Single
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Double
Twin
Triple
Single
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
Can't find a date that works for you?
Looking for a date not yet released?
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Spain to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
On The Go Tours
Our agents are waiting to chat to you...
Are you a Travel Agent or Customer?
Do you have an booking reference?