Highlights of Spain by Rail
Highlights of Spain by Rail
Highlights of Spain by Rail
8 Days Starting in Barcelona, Spain and ending in Malaga, Spain
Visiting: Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Malaga
Tour operator:
Tour code:
ASM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
6 - 16
Age range:
16-99
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain's most iconic cities with the "Highlights of Spain by Rail" tour. This adventure begins in the vibrant city of Barcelona, where you'll explore Gaudi's masterpieces and the bustling La Boqueria market. Travel by train to Madrid, where you'll dive into the city's soul with guided tours and a delightful tapas crawl. Experience the passion of flamenco in Seville, the birthplace of this captivating art form, and marvel at the architectural wonders of the Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral. Discover the historic charm of Cordoba, with its stunning Great Mosque and picturesque courtyards. The tour concludes in Malaga, offering a perfect blend of cultural exploration and scenic train journeys. Enjoy all breakfasts, comfortable accommodations, and airport transfers, while immersing yourself in Spain's rich cultural tapestry.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start In Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia
It’s hola to Barcelona, where our adventure kicks off.
The excitement builds with an orientation walk, a chance to see some of the city landmarks. The tour leader can then organise a group dinner, in which we can chat, quiz our tour leader on the local lingo and customs, and learn more about our host country and each other in a relaxed setting.
If you’d prefer a little time to ease into the adventure, speak to your sales representative about booking pre-tour accommodation.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
Day 2 : Explore Barcelona On Foot
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Barcelona today, first exploring the fresh produce of La Boqueria, a bustling market filled with fresh produce. After lunch, we walk to Parque Güell, a city green space created by Catalan architect and designer, Antoni Gaudí.
This World Heritage site is an open-air gallery, displaying work packed with religious and political symbolism, while also offering beautiful views over the city and pleasant gardens in which to stroll. Return to the hotel by public transport.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)
Day 3 : Train To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gran Legazpi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Head to Barcelona-Sants railway station, either on foot or by public transport (additional cost), for our first train ride of the adventure. Arriving in Madrid, we take a 30-minute metro to the hotel for check-in.
We then hop back on the metro to travel to the city centre for a two-hour walking tour of the capital’s highlights, including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real.
The day ends with a tapas crawl, dipping into different establishments to taste their fine dishes and eating like a local. After, we return to the hotel by metro.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Day 4 : Museum Visits; Free Time To Explore
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Hotel Gran Legazpi
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin today at the Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum. This historic establishment houses one of the finest European art collections in the world, including pieces by Goya, El Greco, Rubens and plenty more. Then head to the Museo Reina Sofia, where we can see Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, which represents the horrors of war.
The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. There’s plenty to discover and a great selection of historic tapas bars to sample; of course, your tour leader is happy to make recommendations.
Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)
Day 5 : Train To Seville
Location: Seville
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Giralda
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy our second train ride of the trip today, taking the 2hr 50min train to Seville station. Upon arrival, either walk to the hotel (25 minutes) or go by public transport (additional cost).
We then check into our hotel before an exploration of the city. Walk through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets towards River Guadalquivir, where we can see the Triana neighbourhood and Torre del Oro where gold-filled boats arrived from the American colonies during the Spanish empire.
This evening, we have dinner in the centre and attend a flamenco show in one of the popular tablaos – an establishment in which the artform is performed.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Day 6 : Highlights Of Seville Tour
Location: Seville
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Giralda
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)
Day 7 : Train To Cordoba
Location: Cordoba
Accommodation Name: Hotel Sercotel Cordoba Medina Azahara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy the 45-minute train journey to the historic city of Cordoba, the capital of the Muslim kingdom that reigned Spain for centuries. Here, we visit the Jewish Quarter, the emblematic flowery courtyards, and the Great Mosque of Córdoba, which was converted into a Catholic cathedral but maintains its very special Muslim heritage. The sightseeing takes four hours in total today.
Accommodation: Hotel Sercotel Cordoba Medina Azahara (or similar)
Day 8 : Cordoba To Malaga; Adventure Ends
Location: Malaga
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take your last train journey after breakfast, travelling to Malaga. On arrival at Malaga train station, a transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flights. If you’d like a little more time to explore Spain, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
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All breakfasts
All breakfasts are included in the tour package.
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All accommodation
All accommodation during the tour is included.
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Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included in the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.
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Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.
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Local taxes
Local taxes are not included in the tour package.
Food
All breakfasts and one tapas dinner 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 are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.
Mode of Transport
Travel through Spain's iconic cities using the efficient train network, with journeys from Barcelona to Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, and Malaga. Public transport and metro rides are also utilized for city exploration, ensuring a seamless travel experience.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, Hotel Gran Legazpi, and Hotel Catalonia Giralda, offering a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. Enjoy the convenience of well-located accommodations in vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour primarily uses Spain's excellent train network to travel between cities, with public transport options available within cities.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts and one tapas dinner are included in the tour package.
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Is there a flamenco show included in the itinerary?
Yes, the itinerary includes attending a flamenco show in Seville, which is known as the birthplace of the artform.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes hotel accommodations, such as Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Hotel Gran Legazpi in Madrid, and similar standard hotels in other cities.
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Is there an opportunity to explore local cuisine during the tour?
Yes, there is a tapas crawl in Madrid where you can taste local dishes, and there are recommendations for historic tapas bars to explore during free time.
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What are some of the cultural highlights of the tour?
Cultural highlights include visiting Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona, exploring the Royal Alcazar palace and Seville Cathedral, and seeing the Great Mosque of Córdoba.
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Is there any free time allocated during the tour?
Yes, there is free time allocated in Madrid for personal exploration and to sample local tapas bars.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
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Free Date Changes
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of 55% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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