Private Portugal Explorer From Madrid
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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 centre 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.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Accommodation Standard
Standard
Tour Overview
Duration
9 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotels (upgrade available)Starts
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 Portugal that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
YesTour Guide
Services of a driver-guide & local guides for some sightseeingCountries
Portugal, SpainMeals Included
Breakfast: 8Passengers
£4,304.00
£1,291.00
Accommodation Standard
Standard
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max Private Tour
Trip Type
Private Tours
Range
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
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 packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
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
Services of a driver-guide & local guides for some sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max Private TourRange
On this tour, you won't be joined by other travellers, and will just be travelling with your booking party. Some transportation & sightseeing may be shared, check the Inclusions for more information.
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 packed itinerary, visiting multiple places each day with limited downtime, ideal for those who want to maximize sightseeing.
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
Private ToursAccommodation Standard
Standard
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Accommodation Standard
Standard
Itinerary
Day 1 - 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.
Day 2 - 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 splendour 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 centres, and the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Day 3 - 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.
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - 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 centre 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.
Day 6 - 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.
Day 7 - 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.
Day 8 - 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, amphitheatre, and ancient bridge.
You will have free time to discover Mérida at your own pace before continuing on to Madrid.
Day 9 - 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.
Accommodation Standard
Standard
Tour Reviews
Accommodation Standard
Standard
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.
Additional Extras
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Single Room Supplement
Accommodation Standard
Standard
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Accommodation Standard
Standard
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.
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