Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail: Self-Launched Edition
11 days · Spain & Portugal
Exodus charges £4,160
No-markup version: ~£865 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Follow the same iconic rail route through Madrid, Seville, Faro, Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto — but do it on your own terms and at a fraction of the cost. This self-launched itinerary replaces the guided group package with independently bookable trains, budget-friendly locally-owned hotels and hostels, and self-bookable tours via GetYourGuide. Spain and Portugal's rail network is excellent, English is widely spoken, and signage is clear — making this one of the most accessible self-launched adventures in Europe. All cost estimates are approximate and per person.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Fly into Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD) and make your way to your accommodation in the city centre. The Metro Line 8 (Aeropuerto T1-T2-T3 or T4) connects the airport to central Madrid in around 25–30 minutes for around €5 — skip the expensive taxis. Check in, freshen up, and take yourself on a self-guided walk around the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real to get your bearings. Head out for your first tapas and a glass of Rioja to kick off the adventure.
🚌Madrid Metro Line 8 from airport to city centre, ~£4
🛏Generator Madrid or similar central hostel/budget hotel, ~£25–35/night
- →Arrive at Madrid Barajas Airport and take Metro Line 8 into the city centre (~€5, ~30 min)
- →Self-guided walking tour of Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real (free)
- →Explore the surrounding streets and grab dinner at a local tapas bar
City Tour of Madrid
Madrid, Spain
Spend a full day exploring Madrid. Book a 3-hour walking tour of Madrid's neighbourhoods including El Retiro Park, Chueca and Malasaña via GetYourGuide (from ~£15). In the afternoon, visit the Museo del Prado (entry ~£18) or the Museo Reina Sofía to see Picasso's Guernica (entry ~£12). In the evening, do as the madrileños do and hop between tapas bars in La Latina or Malasaña — order a drink and a free pincho, then move on.
🚌On foot and Madrid Metro day pass (~£8)
🛏Generator Madrid or similar central hostel/budget hotel, ~£25–35/night
- →Book a 3-hour Madrid neighbourhood walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£15)
- →Visit El Retiro Park — free entry
- →Museo del Prado or Museo Reina Sofía (entry ~£12–18)
- →Self-guided tapas bar crawl in La Latina or Malasaña
Train to Seville
Seville, Spain
Take the AVE high-speed train from Madrid Puerta de Atocha to Seville Santa Justa — a stunning 2hr 50min journey through the Castilian plains. Book in advance via Renfe (renfe.com) for the best prices (~£25–50 depending on how early you book). On arrival, walk or take a short bus ride to your hotel. Explore the Jewish Quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz) and stroll along the River Guadalquivir to see the Torre del Oro. In the evening, book a flamenco show at the Museo del Baile Flamenco via GetYourGuide (~£20–25).
🚌AVE train Madrid Atocha → Seville Santa Justa, ~£25–50 booked in advance
🛏One Shot Catedral 09 or similar boutique hostel/budget hotel in Seville, ~£30–40/night
- →AVE high-speed train Madrid to Seville, ~2hr 50min (book via renfe.com, ~£25–50)
- →Walk through the Jewish Quarter (Barrio Santa Cruz) — free
- →Stroll to Torre del Oro and the River Guadalquivir — free
- →Evening flamenco show at Museo del Baile Flamenco (~£20–25, book via GetYourGuide)
Highlights of Seville
Seville, Spain
Today is all about Seville's showstoppers. Book a combined ticket or visit independently the Royal Alcázar palace (~£13), one of the most breathtaking examples of Moorish architecture in the world. Then head to Seville Cathedral — the world's largest Gothic cathedral — and climb the Giralda tower for panoramic views (~£12). Round off the afternoon at Plaza de España, a stunning semi-circular complex built for the 1929 Ibero-American Exposition. Entry to the plaza itself is free.
🚌On foot or city bus (~£2)
🛏One Shot Catedral 09 or similar boutique hostel/budget hotel in Seville, ~£30–40/night
- →Royal Alcázar palace (entry ~£13, book timed slot in advance online)
- →Seville Cathedral and Giralda tower (~£12)
- →Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa (free entry)
- →Evening stroll and dinner in the Triana district
Coach to Faro, Portugal
Faro, Portugal
Head to Seville's Plaza de Armas bus station and catch a DAMAS or Flixbus coach to Faro (~2hr 35min, ~£12–18). Book online in advance at flixbus.com or damas-sa.es. On arrival in Faro, walk or take a short taxi to your accommodation. Spend the afternoon exploring the charming Old Town (Cidade Vela), strolling the seafront promenade and along the ancient city walls. Faro is a great place to pick up a bifana (pork sandwich) for lunch.
🚌Coach Seville → Faro, ~£12–18 via Flixbus or DAMAS
🛏Hotel Faro or Casa d'Alagoa guesthouse, ~£30–40/night
- →DAMAS or Flixbus coach Seville → Faro (~2hr 35min, ~£12–18, book at flixbus.com)
- →Walk around Faro's Cidade Vela (Old Town) — free
- →Stroll the seafront promenade and city walls — free
- →Lunch at a local café on the waterfront (~£8–12)
Train to Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Take the Comboios de Portugal (CP) train from Faro to Lisboa Oriente (~3hr 15min, ~£20–30 booked via cp.pt). The hotel is easily walkable from Rossio or Cais do Sodré stations. In the afternoon, head to the Baixa district — Lisbon's grand downtown grid — and explore the ornate Praça do Comércio by the river. Take Tram 28E or the iconic yellow Elevador da Glória up to the Bairro Alto for sunset views. Try a pastel de nata at a local café.
🚌CP intercity train Faro → Lisbon Oriente, ~£20–30
🛏Lisbon Destination Hostel or similar central hostel/budget hotel, ~£28–38/night
- →CP train Faro → Lisbon Oriente (~3hr 15min, ~£20–30, book via cp.pt)
- →Self-guided walk of Baixa district and Praça do Comércio (free)
- →Ride Tram 28E or the Elevador da Glória (~£2 per journey)
- →Explore Bairro Alto and grab a coffee and pastel de nata (~£3)
Explore Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal
Make full use of the Lisbon 24-hour transport pass (~£7) to explore the city. Head to Belém to see the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery (entry ~£10) and the nearby Pastéis de Belém café, founded in 1837, for the best custard tarts in Portugal (~£1.50 each). Take the tram back and explore the Alfama district on foot — wander up to São Jorge Castle for panoramic views (~£10). In the evening, seek out a local Fado house in the Mouraria neighbourhood for a taste of Portugal's soulful music tradition.
🚌Lisbon 24-hour transport pass (~£7), trams and metro
🛏Lisbon Destination Hostel or similar central hostel/budget hotel, ~£28–38/night
- →Belém: Jerónimos Monastery (~£10, book online to avoid queues)
- →Pastéis de Belém café — custard tarts from the 1837 original recipe (~£3)
- →Alfama district walking tour — self-guided (free)
- →São Jorge Castle (~£10) with views over the Tagus
- →Evening Fado music at a local Mouraria bar (free or small cover charge)
Train to Coimbra
Coimbra, Portugal
Board a CP Alfa Pendular or intercity train from Lisbon to Coimbra-B (~1hr 40min, ~£15–22, book via cp.pt). Walk or take the short local train link to Coimbra centre. This beautiful riverside city was once Portugal's capital and home to one of Europe's oldest universities. Visit Coimbra University (entry ~£8 including Biblioteca Joanina — one of the world's most beautiful Baroque libraries). Explore the medieval upper town and catch a student Fado performance in the evening if timing allows.
🚌CP Alfa Pendular train Lisbon → Coimbra-B, ~£15–22
🛏Hug Hostel Coimbra or Hotel Astoria (budget option), ~£25–35/night
- →CP Alfa Pendular train Lisbon → Coimbra-B (~1hr 40min, ~£15–22, book via cp.pt)
- →Coimbra University and Biblioteca Joanina (~£8–12, book timed entry online)
- →Walk the medieval upper town (Alta) and the Mondego riverfront (free)
- →Evening student Fado at a local café (free or small charge)
Train to Porto
Porto, Portugal
Take the CP Alfa Pendular or intercity train from Coimbra to Porto Campanhã (~1hr, ~£10–18, book via cp.pt), then connect to Porto São Bento by local train (5 min, ~£1.50) — São Bento station itself is a highlight, with stunning azulejo tile panels depicting Portuguese history. Walk to your accommodation and spend the afternoon on a self-guided tour of the city: the Clerigos Tower (~£5), Aliados Square and the Ribeira waterfront. Head to Miradouro do Jardim do Morro for sunset views over the Douro.
🚌CP intercity train Coimbra → Porto Campanhã, ~£10–18; local train to São Bento ~£1.50
🛏Gallery Hostel Porto or similar boutique hostel, ~£25–35/night
- →CP train Coimbra → Porto (~1hr, ~£10–18, book via cp.pt)
- →São Bento station azulejo tile panels (free to enter and admire)
- →Clerigos Tower panoramic views (~£5)
- →Self-guided walk: Aliados Square, Ribeira waterfront (free)
- →Sunset at Miradouro do Jardim do Morro (free)
Douro Valley River Cruise
Porto & Douro Valley, Portugal
Take the CP train from Porto to Régua along the stunning Douro Valley (~2hr, ~£10–14, book via cp.pt). This scenic rail journey alongside the river is one of Europe's most beautiful train rides. At Régua, board a boat cruise along the Douro (~£25–35 for a 3–4 hour cruise, book via GetYourGuide or directly with Douro Azul or similar). Admire terraced vineyards and stop at the wine town of Pinhão. Take the train back to Porto in the late afternoon and enjoy a final dinner in the Ribeira.
🚌CP train Porto ↔ Régua (~£10–14 each way); boat cruise ~£25–35
🛏Gallery Hostel Porto or similar boutique hostel, ~£25–35/night
- →Scenic CP train Porto → Régua along the Douro (~2hr, ~£10–14)
- →Douro River boat cruise from Régua to Pinhão and back (~£25–35, book via GetYourGuide)
- →Wine tasting in Pinhão or Régua (~£8–15)
- →Train back to Porto (~£10–14)
- →Farewell dinner in the Ribeira district (~£20–25)
Farewell Porto
Porto, Portugal
Your adventure ends in Porto after breakfast. If time allows before your flight, explore the Matosinhos seafront (one stop on Metro Line A, ~£2) for the best grilled fish in Porto, or visit the Livraria Lello bookshop (entry voucher ~£5, redeemable against a book purchase). Porto Airport (OPO) is well connected by Metro Line E (~£2.50, ~40 min). A perfect city to linger — consider adding an extra night.
🚌Metro Line E to Porto Airport (OPO), ~£2.50
🛏N/A — trip ends after breakfast
- →Final breakfast and last stroll through Porto
- →Optional: Livraria Lello bookshop (entry voucher ~£5)
- →Optional: Matosinhos seafront for lunch (grilled fish ~£12–18)
- →Metro Line E from Trindade to Porto Airport (~£2.50)
Self-launched vs. Exodus
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Exodus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£865 | £4,160 |
| Duration | 11 days | 11 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £3,295 per person (79%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Exodus-style trips? Check them out here.~£865
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail: Self-Launched Edition cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £865 per person for 11 days in Spain & Portugal. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Exodus?+
Yes — Exodus charges around £4,160 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £865 — a saving of roughly £3,295 (79%) per person.
How long is the Spain & Portugal trip?+
This itinerary runs 11 days, covering 11 day-by-day stops through Spain & Portugal.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a culture, city-breaks, slow-travel trip through Spain & Portugal, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
Drop your comment below — if you've done a similar route, tell us what worked, what you'd add, or what you'd skip.
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