Highlights of Spain by Rail
Highlights of Spain by Rail
$3750
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 vibrant Barcelona, where you'll explore Gaudi's masterpieces and the bustling La Boqueria market. Travel seamlessly by train to Madrid for a taste of its rich culture with guided tours and a tapas crawl. In Seville, witness a captivating flamenco show and visit the Royal Alcazar palace. Discover Cordoba's historic charm, including the Great Mosque, before concluding your journey in Malaga. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and included breakfasts, with airport transfers ensuring a hassle-free experience. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and architectural wonders, all while traveling efficiently by rail.
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: Barcelona, 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: Cordoba, 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.
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Train travel
Travel through Spain's iconic cities using the efficient train network.
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City exploration
Public transport and metro rides are utilized for city exploration.
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Tapas crawl
Experience a tapas crawl in Madrid, tasting fine dishes like a local.
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Flamenco show
Attend a flamenco show in Seville, the birthplace of the artform.
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Guided tours
Guided tours of major cities including Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, and Cordoba.
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.
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Public transport costs
Additional costs for public transport may apply for certain journeys.
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 efficient train network to travel between cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, and Malaga. Public transport and metro rides are also utilized for city exploration.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfortable hotels such as Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, Hotel Gran Legazpi, and Hotel Catalonia Giralda, which offer a cozy retreat after a day of exploration. These accommodations are well-located in vibrant cities like Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
All breakfasts are included in the tour package, along with one tapas dinner. However, other meals are not included, and you will have the opportunity to explore local dining options.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package and must be arranged separately by the participants.
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What are some of the key activities included in the tour?
The tour includes activities such as exploring Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona, a tapas crawl in Madrid, watching a flamenco show in Seville, and visiting the Royal Alcazar palace and Seville Cathedral. You will also explore the historic city of Cordoba and its landmarks.
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Is there an option for single accommodation?
Single accommodation is not included in the standard package but can be requested at an additional cost.
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What is the policy on airport transfers?
Airport transfers are included in the tour package, ensuring a seamless start and end to your journey.
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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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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Enquire for Extra Savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.