Spain & Portugal Essential by train
with Railbookers
- Visit Barcelona, Madrid, Seville & Lisbon
- Rail travel in standard class throughout
- Small-group tour of Seville and walking tour of Lisbon included
- Save up to $550 per couple^
Enjoy a 10-night train vacation specially crafted to immerse you in the rich culture, vibrant history, and stunning architecture of Spain and Portugal, all while enjoying scenic journeys through both countries.
Speed through the Catalan countryside to Barcelona to explore Gaudi's iconic landmarks before riding the rails to vibrant Madrid, where the skies are famously blue! Explore the Spanish capital's beautiful "Belle Epoque" centre before heading to historic Seville. Cross the longest bridge in Europe on your way to the beautiful Portuguese capital before your ending your journey on the banks of the Duoro in Porto.
CP - Comboios de Portugal
It operates in almost the entire country and is Portugal's largest land transport operator. CP – Comboios de Portugal, E.P.E. CP as a national leader in integrated mobility - simple, personal and sustainable. Connecting people and communities sustainably by rail-based transport.
Luggage Guidelines: There are no luggage restrictions.
Dining
- Alfa Pendular trains offer a cafeteria and mini bar service.
Accommodations
- Most trains offer Standard and First Class.
- Standard Class offers 2+ 2 seating.
- First Class 2+ 1 seating.
Notable Scenery: The MiraDouro train runs along the banks of the Douro river.
Renfe
Renfe is the national rail operator for Spain, often operating cross-border services with the French and Portuguese Railways.
Luggage Guidelines: You can carry up to 3 pieces of hand luggage onto the train, provided that the sum of the three does not exceed 25 kg or 290 cm. There are also dimension restrictions but most pieces of luggage qualify.
Check-in Times: There are no minimum check in times. However, please note that some stations have security scanners for which there may be a queue.
Dining:
- On most long-distance trains there's a cafe-bar serving tea, coffee, drinks and snacks. Of course, you're also free to take your own food and drink and there are numerous shops, restaurants and cafes in and around most stations.
- An airline-style hot tray meal with wine is included in Preferente class on AVE & EuroMed trains on Mondays-Fridays & Sundays, but not Saturdays. It's a full meal at meal times, but only a snack on late-morning & mid-afternoon trains. Turista Plus does not include any foods. International trains have different facilities.
Accommodations: There are two classes of service, but it depends on the train type:
- Standard class is also known as Turista. Seats are four across, with options for tables as well.
- First class is known as Preferente. Seats are three across, with the option for a table for two and solo seats. On weekdays on AVE and EuroMed high-speed trains, Preferente usually includes a hot airline-style meal and wine during certain times, or may include breakfast or a snack. Prefernete ticket holders can get access to lounges at some stations.
- A third class is Turista Plus. This is, in effect, first class seating but without the food and drink, or access to any lounges. International trains have different classes of travel.
Inclusions
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Barcelona
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Madrid
- 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Seville
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Lisbon
- 2 nights’ hotel stay with breakfast in Porto
- Rail travel in standard class throughout
- Skip the Line: Sagrada Familia Tour in Barcelona
- Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Madrid
- Small-group tour of Seville including skip-the-line Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral
- Walking tour of Lisbon
- 6 bridges cruise in Porto (March-November only)
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the best of Spain and Portugal
- Travel by high-speed trains between exciting cities
- Marvel at Gaudi's architecture in Barcelona
- Visit world-class museums and galleries in Madrid
- Discover the riches from the Spanish Empire in beautiful Seville
- Enjoy excellent shopping and vibrant markets in Lisbon
- Tour the Port Wine cellars of Porto
Day 1: Barcelona
Your vacation begins in Barcelona. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring. Perhaps wander down the tree-lined Las Ramblas, the most famous street in the city that overflows with buskers, dancers, living statues and mime artists.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: 2 nights in Barcelona
Accommodation options: Barcelo Sants Hotel, Novotel Barcelona City, Hilton Diagonal Mar Barcelona, InterContinental Barcelona near Fira Center, Kimpton Vividora Hotel in Barcelona City Centre, The One Barcelona
Day 2: Barcelona
Today spend some time spotting Gaudi's iconic architectural masterpieces throughout the city, then avoid the queues at his masterpiece the Sagrada Familia with a guided tour. Art lovers also won't want to miss a visit to the Picasso Museum to view a huge collection of the famous artist's work. After a busy day sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of locally made Sangria and delicious tapas.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Barcelona to Madrid
Travel from Barcelona to Madrid on the high-speed AVE train and upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend two days sightseeing in this energetic capital. Madrid has three world-renowned art galleries, all within close walking distance of each other in the city's 'Golden Triangle of Art'. the most famous of these is the Prado Museum offering one of the world's finest collections of European works.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: 2 nights in Madrid
Accommodation options: InterContinental Madrid, Mercure Madrid Centro, Hospes Puerta De Alcala Madrid, Atocha Hotel Madrid, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton Madrid-Prado, Victoria 4 Puerta del Sol
Day 4: Madrid
After breakfast explore the city to its fullest with your Hop-on-Hop-off Pass. Why not head to the contemporary Museo Reina Sofia with its fascinating installations and impressive collection of works by Picasso and Dali? Alternatively, take a break in the Parque del Retiro or enjoy some retail therapy along the Gran Via.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Seville
Make your way to Atocha station and take the train to Seville for a 2-night stay. Once settled in take a stroll along the riverside perhaps, or head to the top of the Metropol Parasol for a unique view of this great city.
Meals: Breafkast
Stay: 2 nights in Seville
Accommodation options: Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza Seville, Hotel Casa 1800 Sevilla
Day 6: Seville
This morning join a small group tour of the absolute highlights of Seville, including the impressive Plaza de Espana, San Telmo Palace, Royal Alco¡zar, and huge Cathedral, and see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Enjoy a siesta in the afternoon, before an evening of tapas and Flamenco perhaps!
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lisbon
Take the scenic coach ride from Seville to Lisbon and here check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Visit the city's most iconic sights such as the impressive medieval castle of Sao Jorge, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Estrela Basilica, one of Lisbon's most fascinating churches and the first to be dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Stay: 2 nights in Lisbon
Accommodation options: Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade, Novotel Lisboa, Duo Hotel Lisbon, Curio Collection by Hilton, 1908 Lisboa Hotel, Hotel Do Chiado, HF Fenix Garden
Day 8: Lisbon
Portugal's historic capital city is draped over seven hills overlooking the mouth of the River Tagus. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it has a huge amount to explore from the narrow streets of the Barrio Alto to the majestic Praça do Comercio, the central square overlooking the wide river. Your guided walking tour included is the best way to enjoy these and more, including a stop for one of Lisbon's delicious Pasteis de Nata.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Lisbon to Porto
After breakfast, travel from Lisbon to Porto by train. On arrival, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled at the hotel, why not take a cruise along the River Duoro and marvel at the beautiful scenery from the water?
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: 2 nights in Porto
Accommodation options: InterContinental Hotel Porto - Palacio das Cardosas, Pestana Vintage Porto-Hotel & World Heritage Site, Mercure Porto Centro Aliados, Mercure Porto Centro Santa Catarina, Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Eurostars Porto Douro
Day 10: Porto
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Porto. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, enjoy your 1hr river cruise included at a time of your choosing, and don't miss a tour of the Fundacao de Serralves, a contemporary art gallery housed in a beautiful Art Deco building with lovely gardens. No visit to Porto would be complete without a tour of the Port Wine cellars. These are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river by bridge from Ribeira. You can make your own way around or pick up a guided tour.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 11: Depart Porto
After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your vacation, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Experts would be happy to help you with the details.
Meals: Breakfast
| Price per person, twin share |
|---|
| From $2279 |
| Departures |
|---|
| Daily in 2025 & 2026 |
Advertised price is per person, land only, based on double occupancy on 12 February 2025 departure and includes government taxes. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. Advertised price is based on lead in accommodation option, rooms and rail cabins. Upgrades or any other variations are on a request basis, subject to availability and surcharge. Prices for these will only be confirmed once the prices and availability has been confirmed by third-party suppliers. For all holidays, once you have accepted the basic price and a booking has been confirmed, that price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any surcharges.
Please check with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing.
*Advertised price is per person, land only, based on double occupancy on 12 February 2025 departure and includes government taxes. Other dates available at seasonal surcharge. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability. Advertised price is based on lead in accommodation option, rooms and rail cabins. Upgrades or any other variations are on a request basis, subject to availability and surcharge. Prices for these will only be confirmed once the prices and availability has been confirmed by third-party suppliers. For all holidays, once you have accepted the basic price and a booking has been confirmed, that price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any surcharges. Seasonal activity, (if applicable) during the off-season, some tours may not be available. To count as a night, accommodations must be booked through a Railbookers Group brand. Single supplements are available. Hotel and room facilities vary and may be subject to additional fees. Some will require payment of local city taxes on arrival.
^Offer is subject to availably, change and withdrawal at any time. Please contact your RAC travel consultant for full terms and conditions.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
