Highlights of Spain by Rail

Highlights of Spain by Rail

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8 Days From

$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:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

ASM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

6 - 16

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3750 (USD)

NB: Prices correct on 30-Jan-2025 but subject to change.

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

  • Visit Spain’s greatest cities using the excellent train network

  • Discover Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona

  • Get to the soul of Madrid on two tours and a tapas crawl

  • Watch a flamenco show in Seville, the birthplace of the artform

  • Explore the landmarks in the historic city of Cordoba

  • Visit the Royal Alcazar palace and Seville Cathedral

  • Experience the vibrant atmosphere of La Boqueria market in Barcelona

Itinerary

Expand All

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

  • All breakfasts

    All breakfasts are included in the tour package.

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation during the tour is included.

  • Airport transfers

    Airport transfers are included in the tour package.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested at an additional cost.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    All breakfasts and one tapas dinner are included in the tour package.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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Prices last published on 30-Jan-2025

Book with Confidence

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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