Explore Vibrant Portugal From Douro to Lisbon
Set off from Madrid and wind through Castile into Portugal, finishing in Lisbon over five days. Expect sweeping viewpoints over Ávila’s walls, medieval charm in Ciudad Rodrigo, and a rabelo cruise on the Douro as Porto’s Ribeira drifts by. You’ll visit Braga’s cathedral and ride the funicular to Bom Jesus, glimpse Portugal’s origins in Guimarães, and glide through Aveiro’s canals on a moliceiro with a sweet treat. Coimbra’s scholarly lanes, the majestic Batalha Monastery, Atlantic scenes in Nazaré, and Óbidos lined with flowers keep cameras busy. In Lisbon, enjoy a guided tour and time in Belém – with optional jaunts to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
LisbonMinimum 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
R 15 920,50
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
Ciudad Rodrigo
Porto
Braga
Guimarães
Bom Jesus
Pinhão
Coimbra
Batalha
Nazaré
Óbidos
Lisbon
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid - Ciudad Rodrigo - Porto
We depart early from Madrid towards Castile, stopping at the Mirador de los Cuatro Postes for panoramic views of Ávila’s impressive city walls. Near the Portuguese border we pause in Ciudad Rodrigo for a stroll through its medieval streets to see the cathedral and ancient walls, then continue to Porto. On arrival, we enjoy a 50–minute cruise on the Douro aboard a traditional rabelo boat – an excellent way to admire the riverside. Afterwards, you have free time to explore the lively medieval Ribeira district, with its narrow lanes, historic merchant houses and cafés, before we head to the hotel.Please note: if traveller numbers on the Madrid–Porto leg are very low, this sector may be operated by plane – in that case the stop in Ciudad Rodrigo will be cancelled.
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 - Porto - Braga - Bom Jesus - Guimarães - Aveiro - Coimbra
This morning we travel through northern Portugal, beginning with a stroll in Braga – long regarded as the country’s religious capital – to see its historic cathedral. We take the historic funicular up to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus for wide views over the city, and you may prefer to walk back down to appreciate the baroque stairway. We then continue to Guimarães, Portugal’s first capital, where the Palace of the Dukes reflects its former importance, and you have free time for lunch. In the afternoon we head west to Aveiro, often known as the Venice of Portugal for its canals and colourful houses. Here we include a ride on a traditional moliceiro boat through the canals and salt flats, with a tasting of a typical local sweet on board. We arrive in Coimbra in the late afternoon – dinner is included at the hotel.
Day 3 - Coimbra - Batalha - Nazare - Obidos - Lisbon
We spend time in Coimbra, Portugal’s third largest city, known for its historic university and steep, characterful streets. We then continue south to Batalha Monastery – a striking medieval mausoleum of kings – with entry included. Next, we reach Nazaré, a fishing town and seaside resort, where you’ll have time for lunch and a stroll. We take the elevator up to the old city – tickets included – for impressive ocean views. Travelling on towards Lisbon, we pause in Óbidos to wander its white streets adorned with flowers. We arrive in Lisbon at approximately 7.30 pm.
Day 4 - Lisbon
In the morning, we set out on a guided sightseeing tour of Lisbon, the city of seven hills, taking in its narrow alleys, iconic tiles and clear Atlantic light. We also visit Belém, the district from which Portuguese navigators set sail to cross the oceans in the 15th century. The afternoon is free – you can explore at your own pace or head to Bairro Alto and its viewpoint, or join an optional excursion to Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. In the evening, we return to the hotel from Restauradores Square, a lively area with bars and cafés.
Day 5 - Lisbon
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Lisbon – the tour ends here. If you’d like more time in the city, you can book additional nights to extend your stay.
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 - Lisbon
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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