Locally owned hotels

We have chosen small, locally owned hotels for this adventure, which are generally well positioned for exploring the city. See the normal accommodations used on the day-to-day itinerary,

All breakfasts and one lunch are included.

Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.

Mealtimes in Spain and Portugal are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

We highly recommend you bring a backpack for your main luggage rather than a suitcase as we will be getting on and off trains and walking to and from the hotels.

— Small backpack for the day (for camera, water bottle etc)
— Normal daily clothes
— Sunscreen
— Water bottle

There is an expert tour leader with a group of six to 16 people.

— Visit Spain and Portugal's greatest cities using the excellent train network
— Get to the soul of Madrid, visiting areas normally missed by most tourists
— Watch a flamenco show in Seville, the birthplace of the artform
— Discover the landmarks of Lisbon by tram and metro
— Visit Coimbra University, one of the oldest in Europe
— Explore Porto and cruise along the Douro River

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Gran Legazpi, P.º de la Chopera, 71, BAJO, Arganzuela, 28045 Madrid
Phone: +34 618 38 30 53
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Madrid Airport (MAD)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

— Travel insurance
— Single accommodation (available on request)
— Local taxes

We highly recommend you bring a backpack for your main luggage rather than a suitcase as we will be getting on and off trains and walking to and from the hotels.

— Small backpack for the day (for camera, water bottle etc)
— Normal daily clothes
— Sunscreen
— Water bottle

— Accommodation: 10 Classic nights (hotels)
— Travel by train, coach and taxi
— Group normally 6 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Allow approximately €50 per day for meals, coffees and other drinks; however, this depends on which restaurants you choose.

Although optional, a tip for the tour leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution between €30 and €35 per person in total.

We travel from city to city by train. Transfers to/from the train stations are by taxi (included), although you can walk if you'd prefer. We also take a coach from Seville, Spain, to Faro, Portugal. Airport transfers are in a private vehicle.

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Luggage: We highly recommend you bring a backpack for your main luggage rather than a suitcase as we will be getting on and off trains and walking to and from the hotels.

Itinerary: Due to variable train schedules, your tour leader may have to amend the timings of some activities.

Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can hit between mid-June and September. In April and October, expect temperatures around 5C-25C (41F-77F). May, June and September are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 10C-30C (50F-86F).