Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

Begin your adventure in Madrid, a vibrant and diverse capital city bursting with culture. There is time today for a short walking tour of the capital, which visits highlights including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. This evening your tour leader ensures a big Spanish welcome over dinner. Want more time in Madrid? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative. Stay: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar) (D).

Explore the soul of the city on a three-hour tour, visiting areas we did not see yesterday, such as El Retiro Park (a World Heritage site home to 15,000 trees, monuments, and gardens) and neighbourhoods normally missed by most visitors, such as arty Chueca and trendy Malasaña. The afternoon is free for independent exploration. For world-leading culture, consider visiting the Museo del Prado, Spain's national art museum, or the Museo Reina Sofia, where you can see Picasso's masterpiece, Guernica.

In the evening, the tour leader takes us hopping around the tapas bars, in which you can taste great food (purchased locally) and soak up the atmosphere as the madrileños do. Stay: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar) (B).

Take a taxi to the railway station and enjoy our first train ride of the trip, travelling 2hr 50min to Seville station. After taking a taxi to the hotel and check-in, we explore the city. Walk through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets towards River Guadalquivir, where we can see the Triana district and Torre del Oro where gold-filled boats arrived from the American colonies during the Spanish empire.

This evening, we attend a flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco – Seville is known as the birthplace of flamenco after all. Stay: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar) (B).

Venture into the capital of Andalucia today to visit the highlights, including the Royal Alcazar palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture and art in Spain. We also enter Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world. Finally, we head to Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition 1929, it displays a magnificent collection of architectural styles. Stay: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar) (B).

Bid adios to Spain and olá to Portugal, as we take a taxi to the coach station for our journey (2hr 35min) to Faro. After taking a taxi to the hotel, join our tour leader to enjoy an afternoon exploring the seafront promenade, a great spot for lunch, and walking along under the old city walls and around the beautiful old town (Cidade Vela). Stay: Hotel Faro Boutique (or similar) (B).

Take a taxi to the station to catch the train (3hr 15min) to Lisbon today, the trendy capital of Portugal. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the station.

In the afternoon, we have a two-hour exploration of the Baixa district, home to old neighbourhoods, colourful architecture, old-fashioned trams, delicious food and a rich history. Stay: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar) (B).

Discover the capital more today, making use of the tram and metro network. We see the magnificent Jeronimos Monastery (entrance not included and subject to availability) and sip coffee at the original pasteis de Belem factory, which was founded in 1837 and still follows a secret recipe from Jeronimos Monastery. The afternoon has been left free for you to independently explore the city, where you can walk the streets of Barrio Alto or head to the Alfama District to see the castle and viewpoints over the Tagus river. Stay: Hotel Gat Rossio (or similar) (B).

It's back on the rails today as we travel (1hr 40min) to the riverfront city of Coimbra, once the capital of Portugal.

On arrival, we take a taxi to the hotel before visiting Coimbra University; founded in 1290, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe and now a World Heritage site. We also visit the 18th-century Biblioteca Joanina (entrance not included), which is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Stay: Hotel Astoria Coimbra (or similar) (B).

Transferring to the railway station by taxi, we continue our adventure by taking a train (three hours) to Porto, our final destination.

After a taxi transfer to the hotel for check-in, we have a walking tour of the city highlights, including the Clerigos Tower and Aliados Square. We then enjoy sunset at the popular Miradouro do Jardim do Morro, a scenic viewpoint overlooking the historic centre, Ribeira district and river. Stay: Legendary Oporto (or similar) (B).

Take the train (1hr 45min) to Regua, a journey alongside the Douro River. After, we board a boat for a scenic cruise along the waterway, admiring views of the terraced vineyard hills. The six-hour journey includes lunch on board and a visit to the wine town of Pinhão. We then return to Regua where we catch the train back to Porto. Stay: Legendary Oporto (or similar) (B/L).

The trip ends in Porto after breakfast. If you'd like a little more time to explore this fascinating city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay (B).