Madrid to Lisbon Iberian Odyssey
Set off from Madrid for an eight day loop through Portugal and western Spain – finishing back in the capital. Expect Roman wonders in Mérida, whitewashed Évora, hill towns like Marvão and Castelo de Vide, and the Templar legacy at Tomar. Pay respects in Fátima, then enjoy Porto’s riverfront with a Douro cruise. Up north you’ll explore Braga’s cathedral and Bom Jesus, historic Guimarães, and Aveiro’s canals by moliceiro with a sweet treat. Coimbra’s university heritage, the royal monastery at Batalha, Nazaré’s Atlantic views and storybook Óbidos keep cameras busy. Round things off with a guided spin around Lisbon – Belém and free time – before returning via Cáceres 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
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, PortugalPassengers
$2,035.75
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
Marvão
Castelo de Vide
Tomar
Fátima
Porto
Braga
Guimarães
Bom Jesus
Pinhão
Coimbra
Batalha
Nazaré
Óbidos
Lisbon
Cáceres
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid - Merida - Evora
Welcome to your tour. We leave Madrid and travel to Mérida, capital of Extremadura. Admission is included to the Archaeological Ensemble of Mérida – its Roman theatre and amphitheatre are exceptionally well preserved and form part of a World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch in the lively pedestrian historic centre, which offers plenty of places to eat.We then continue into Portugal, arriving in Évora – another World Heritage city known for its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces and imposing cathedral. You’ll have free time to explore at your own pace; we suggest visiting the Chapel of Bones, built with 5,000 skeletons.
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 - Evora - Marvão - Castelo de Vide - Tomar - Fatima
We leave Évora and travel through the rolling landscapes of the Alentejo, pausing in Marvão – a picturesque walled hilltop town with sweeping views of the region. We continue to Castelo de Vide to see its impressive castle and walk the old Jewish quarter; you can visit the medieval synagogue, now a small museum, or simply explore the winding streets. After time for lunch, we head to Tomar for a visit to the Convent of Christ – the former castle‑convent of the Order of the Templars, with admission included. Before reaching Fátima, we stop in Aljustrel, birthplace of the three shepherd children, to see Lúcia’s house. On arrival in Fátima, you have free time at the Sanctuary – you can join the candlelight procession if you wish (not held in winter). Dinner is included.
Day 3 - Fatima - Porto
We travel north to Porto – Portugal’s second city – arriving at about 11:00. On arrival, we take a 50 minute cruise on the Douro River aboard a traditional rabelo boat, giving us a fresh perspective on the city’s riverside. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the lively Ribeira district, known for its narrow streets lined with historic merchant houses and charming cafés, before we head to the hotel.
Day 4 - Porto - Braga - Bom Jesus - Guimarães - Aveiro - Coimbra
We travel through northern Portugal’s landscapes to Braga, the country’s religious capital, for a stroll around its historic centre and ancient cathedral. We take the world’s oldest funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for panoramic views – you can walk down to appreciate the magnificent baroque stairway. We continue to Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal, where the Palace of the Dukes reflects its historic importance – you’ll have free time for lunch. Heading west to the Atlantic coast, we reach Aveiro, the “Venice of Portugal”, known for its colourful houses – here we include a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat to explore the canals and salt flats, with a tasting of a typical local sweet on board. We then continue to Coimbra, arriving in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 5 - Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon
We spend the morning in Coimbra, Portugal’s third-largest city, known for its historic university and steep, characterful streets. Continuing south, we stop at the Batalha Monastery – entrance included – a remarkable medieval royal mausoleum. There will be time in Nazaré, a traditional fishing town and seaside resort, where you can have lunch and take a stroll. We then take the elevator up to the old town – tickets included – for sweeping ocean views. Travelling towards Lisbon, we make a stop in Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most beautiful towns, with picturesque white streets adorned with flowers. We arrive in Lisbon at approximately 19:30.
Day 6 - Lisbon
This morning we take a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the Portuguese capital of seven hills, with its winding alleys, iconic azulejo tiles, a sense of saudade and bright Atlantic light. We also visit the Belém neighbourhood – departure point for the great 15th‑century voyages. The afternoon is yours to explore – you could wander up to Bairro Alto for its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening we return to the hotel from lively Restauradores Square, home to buzzing bars and cafés.
Day 7 - Lisbon - Caceres - Madrid
We depart Lisbon early, travelling across the Alentejo. We pause for a coffee in Estremoz – a hilltop town with a medieval castle and cobbled streets – before continuing into Spain. In Cáceres, you’ll have free time for lunch and to explore its historic centre, noted for remarkably preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. We then continue to Madrid, arriving in the evening.
Day 8 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Madrid – tour services end here. We hope you depart with lasting memories of the places we explored.
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
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
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.
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