The 5 Best 4-Day Tours in Madrid
Madrid is a fantastic hub for exploring beyond its city limits. Its strategic location makes it easy to access a variety of fascinating destinations—from historic Portuguese cities to the scenic north of Spain, and the lively Andalucia region. Whether you want to learn about Portugal’s pilgrimage sites, explore the lesser-known gems of Northern Spain, or soak up Andalusian culture, there’s a tour for you. We especially like the 4-Day Portugal Tour from Madrid: Lisbon and Fatima for its blend of history, religious sites, and optional day trips, offering a well-rounded experience. And for those seeking a luxurious guided journey through Spain’s north, the 4-Day Guided Tour Green Spain from Madrid impresses with its comfort and detailed itinerary.
Madrid’s well-connected location lets travelers efficiently visit diverse regions, making it an ideal starting point for multi-day tours. These trips are perfect for travelers looking to maximize their time, whether they prefer structured guided excursions or more flexible self-led adventures. From historic cities to scenic coastal towns, the list below offers options that fit different interests, budgets, and travel styles.
1. 4-Day Portugal Tour from Madrid: Lisbon and Fatima
This tour provides a comprehensive glimpse into Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, and its most revered religious site, Fatima. The itinerary begins with a visit to Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods, where you can wander through historic streets and learn about the Age of Discoveries at Belem. The trip also includes a stop at the famous Fatima pilgrimage site, known for its miraculous appearance of the Virgin Mary, offering insight into Portuguese religious culture. En route, you’ll explore the medieval walled city of Caceres with its remaining Islamic towers and enjoy a visit to Trujillo, a town renowned for its Spanish conquistadors’ origins.
One of the highlights is the optional trip to Sintra, a fairy-tale town with palaces and castles that seem straight out of a storybook. You’ll also have the chance to experience a traditional fado show—a soulful Portuguese music style, if you choose. The tour is priced at $596 per person for 4 days, offering a good balance of culture and manageable logistics. Reviews praise the smooth organization and interesting stops, making it an excellent choice for history and culture lovers.
Bottom line: This trip is ideal if you want a balanced mix of religious, historic, and scenic sights with optional extensions to nearby towns like Sintra and Cascais. It’s perfect for travelers eager to explore Portugal’s highlights in a short time.
2. 4-Day Guided Tour Green Spain from Madrid
Rating: 5.0/5 (1 review)
Price: $680.18 per person
Duration: 4 days
This luxurious multi-day trip takes you through Basque Country, a region known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and unique culture. Starting from Madrid, you’ll head to San Sebastian, famous for its remarkable pintxos and seaside charm, then continue to Bilbao to see the iconic Guggenheim Museum. Along the way, you’ll explore Santillana del Mar, a well-preserved medieval village designated as a National Monument, and visit Covadonga, home to the sacred shrine and breathtaking natural scenery. The tour includes door-to-door transfers in a WIFI-equipped private van, stays at high-end hotels, and regional meals.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on comfort, flexibility, and regional cuisine. Guests have ample free time for shopping, strolling, or relaxing. The guide’s expert knowledge helps you understand each city’s significance, from the architectural marvels of Bilbao to the historic ambiance of Oviedo and Salamanca. An added advantage is the personalized experience and all-inclusive setup, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a hassle-free, premium experience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a relaxed pace, top-tier accommodations, and an immersive, yet comfortable, exploration of Northern Spain’s best spots.
3. 4-Day Northern Spain Guided Tour from Madrid
Rating: 4.0/5 (5 reviews)
Price: $657.41 per person
Duration: 4 days
This guided bus tour covers some of Spain’s most scenic and culturally rich towns, including San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Santiago de Compostela, and Oviedo. It’s designed for travelers who want to see a lot without rushing. Starting from Madrid, you’ll head toward Zaragoza and then to the coast for San Sebastian, where you can enjoy famous pintxos and seaside walks. Afterward, the itinerary includes a stop at Bilbao to admire its iconic Guggenheim Museum. The tour then swings inland through Santillana del Mar, visiting its medieval streets, and continues to Covadonga with time for the shrine visit. The final days include exploring Salamanca’s beautiful Plaza Mayor before returning to Madrid.
Reviews note the knowledgeable guide and well-chosen hotels, with travelers appreciating the balance between sightseeing and free time. A highlight is the chance to see both historic sites and modern architecture, like the Guggenheim. The price includes travel insurance, multilingual guide, and WIFI-enabled private transport, making it a convenient choice for those who want a thorough overview of northern Spain.
Bottom line: This trip is suited for travelers eager to see a broad slice of northern Spain’s sights at a relaxed pace, with a mix of cultural highlights and scenic drives.
4. 4-Day Guided Tour Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Toledo from Madrid
Rating: 3.5/5 (16 reviews)
Price: $753.10 per person
Duration: 4 days
If you’re drawn to Andalucia’s warm climate and historic cities, this tour covers Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Toledo—a rich tapestry of Moorish palaces, cathedrals, and lively street life. The journey starts with a visit to the stunning Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, a highlight that’s included with an admission ticket. In Seville, you’ll explore the Royal Alcázar, the Giralda Tower, and the vibrant Santa Cruz district. The next day features the Alhambra in Granada and local tapas tastings. Finally, you’ll visit Toledo, a city famed for its medieval architecture and artisan crafts.
This tour offers a half-board package, so you’ll get a taste of Andalusian cuisine along the way. Reviewers mention the excellent itinerary and hotels, with many noting that getting to visit sites like the Alhambra and Mosque-Cathedral makes it worthwhile. The tour is more intensive and suited for travelers interested in history and architecture, willing to cover some distances daily.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers eager to explore iconic Andalusian cities in a structured way, with a focus on Moorish and Christian architectural marvels.
5. 4 Day Portugal & Fatima Escorted Tour from Madrid
Rating: 3.5/5 (4 reviews)
Price: $632.99 per person
Duration: 4 days
This tour offers a combination of religious pilgrimage and cultural sightseeing. Starting from Madrid, you’ll cross into Portugal to visit Trujillo, birthplace of Spanish conquistadors, then continue to Lisbon, where you’ll explore landmarks like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. The highlights include the Shrines of Fatima, a key pilgrimage destination, and free time to explore Lisbon’s old neighborhoods. The itinerary combines sightseeing, history, and religious sites, making it suitable for travelers interested in spiritual history or Portuguese culture.
For $632.99, it includes lodging, transport, tours, and daily breakfast. Reviewers mention the guide’s knowledge and the well-planned stops. An optional Fado show adds a cultural touch to the evenings. The tour is good for those who want a historical and religious focus, with enough free time to explore on your own.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers interested in pilgrimage sites and Portuguese history, particularly those looking for a compact, meaningful experience.
How to Choose
When selecting your ideal 4-day tour from Madrid, consider your budget, interests, and travel style. If Portugal’s rich religious and historic sites appeal, the Lisbon and Fatima trip offers a balanced mix of cultural and spiritual experiences. For a luxurious, relaxed exploration of Northern Spain, the Green Spain tour is perfect. Those wanting a comprehensive northern Spain experience with more sightseeing and less structured time might prefer the Northern Spain Guided Tour. Meanwhile, history enthusiasts drawn to Andalucia’s Moorish and Christian architecture** will find the Cordoba, Seville, Granada, and Toledo tour hard to beat. Lastly, for a spiritual journey combined with Portuguese culture, the Portugal & Fatima tour hits the mark.
Think about your fitness level and pace preference—some tours involve long drives and many sites, while others allow more leisure. Booking early is recommended, especially for popular dates and to secure preferred accommodations.
Final Thoughts
Madrid’s location makes it an excellent base for a variety of 4-day excursions. Whether you’re after Portugal’s historic pilgrimage sites, Northern Spain’s scenic cities, or Andalucia’s vibrant culture, there’s an option tailored to your interests. The 4-Day Portugal Tour from Madrid offers a compact yet rich experience, while the Green Spain tour provides comfort and flexibility.
For those who want a deep dive into Iberian history and architecture, the Andalucian tour is a standout, and for religious pilgrims or those curious about Portuguese traditions, the Fatima trip fits the bill. Whichever you choose, booking early ensures you get the best accommodations and availability. Happy travels!
