Classic Spain by Rail - What an exceptional way to see the country

Welcome to Madrid! On arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay and begin exploring this vibrant city. Perhaps take a stroll to the Plaza Mayor, where you can relax and people watch at one of the many cafes lining the square. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Bakery House, which dominates the area, or just soak in the lively atmosphere. (Overnight in Madrid)

After breakfast this morning, why not take advantage of your included skip-the-line tour of the Prado Museum. Skip the queues and head straight into the museum for a fascinating guided tour. Your guide will take you through this large collection of European art. Head to the Plaza Mayor after your tour where you will find plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy some refreshments and perhaps relax in the Casa del Campo for the rest of the day. Here you will find a large green oasis, a lake, zoo and a cable car offering fantastic views of the city. (Overnight in Madrid). Breakfast included.

Continue your exploration of the city today with your included hop-on, hop-off tour. There are 37 stops along two routes transporting you to the city's main sights, and onboard commentary. You can hop on and off the tour at any time and change between the routes enabling you to create your own itinerary at your own pace. Don't miss the Archaeological Museum or the beautiful Palacio de Cristal park. (Overnight in Madrid). Breakfast included.

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and then board the train for Seville. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Seville is a beautiful city, boasting ancient architecture and fragrant orange groves. Spend the afternoon discovering the city at your leisure, taking in the Moorish influenced architecture and the vibrant Andalusian culture. In the evening, be like a local and enjoy some local tapas at a pavement bar. (Overnight in Seville). Breakfast included.

Discover the best of Seville today with your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city’s top sights. The tour stops at 14 major attractions, including the Plaza de Espana, San Jacinto, Acuario de Sevilla. You’ll also receive free admission and discounts to the city’s top museums and attractions. Enjoy this special day touring Seville! (Overnight in Seville). Breakfast included.

Journey by train to Córdoba today, and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. A smaller city than its Andalucian neighbors of Seville and Granada, Córdoba makes up for its lack of size with history, charm and more than a few spectacular sights. Make your way to Córdoba’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, with its glorious Mezquita, and in the evening discover the Plaza de las Tendillas with its excellent bars and restaurants. (Overnight in Córdoba). Breakfast included.

Accommodation Options

Las Casas de la Juderia Cordoba

Hospes Palacio Del Bailio Cordoba

NH Collection Amistad Cordoba

After breakfast this morning, explore one of Spain’s most celebrated historic monuments on a guided tour of the Great Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba. Hear the fascinating history of this UNESCO World Heritage site from a local guide and marvel at the well-preserved architecture from many eras of Córdoban history. (Overnight in Córdoba). Breakfast included.

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, board the train for a scenic ride to Granada, which includes a transfer in the pretty city Andalucian city of Antequera. On arrival in Granada, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city of Granada and the surrounding Granada province is steeped in medieval history, and its fascinating Moorish architectural heritage draws thousands of visitors every year from around the world. Enjoy a meal of delicious tapas at a local bar, happen upon a spontaneous flamenco performance, or admire the street art that lines the narrow cobblestone boulevards. (Overnight in Granada). Breakfast included.

Immerse yourself in Spain’s Moorish past today with your included skip-the-line entrance to the Alhambra Palace, the most popular attraction in the city and one of the most beloved monuments in all of Spain. With construction starting in the 11th century, and numerous additions and revisions over hundreds of years, the palace is now a painstakingly restored love letter to Moorish architecture. (Overnight in Granada). Breakfast included.

Following breakfast, board a direct train for Málaga, the capital of Andalusia. When you arrive in the late afternoon, travel on your own to your hotel and check in. Then, step out and enjoy what the evening has to offer. The Spanish stay up late, so there is plenty to see and do! (Overnight in Málaga). Breakfast included.

On your second day in Málaga, enjoy your included breakfast then use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and Málaga experience card to discover the city. Included with your ticket, enjoy entry into the Automobile Museum, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, the House and Picasso Foundation, Tapas and Wine at the Pimpi Restaurant or Toro Restaurant, and much more. (Overnight in Málaga). Breakfast included.

Take the train from Málaga to Barcelona today and make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay. Once you've settled in, why not head down the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and mingle with the street performers and experience the colorful market stalls. And don't miss the chance to indulge in more tasty tapas for dinner! (Overnight in Barcelona). Breakfast included.

Spend a full day exploring Barcelona today. Combine sightseeing with traveling and create your very own city tour with your hop-on, hop-off tour. You'll be treated to panoramic views and running commentary onboard. You can hop on and off the bus at any time to explore the top attractions of the city on the three different routes. From the beaches to the myriad mosaics of the Parc Guell and the bohemian Gothic Quarter, enjoy discovering the highlights of the city at your own pace. (Overnight in Barcelona). Breakfast included.

After breakfast, spend another full day at your leisure in the city. In the morning, head to the Picasso Museum for some artistic indulgence and then in the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour by the famous Cathedral of the Sagrada Familia. Regardless of beliefs, this cathedral is striking for its architecture, art and history. During your tour, you will see the facades and the interior of the basilica, you will acquire essential knowledge that only your guide can give about the symbolism representing the Holy Family as an expression of Christian ideology and faith through the construction in stone. Don't forget to check out the views of the city when you ride the elevator to the top! (Overnight in Barcelona). Breakfast included.

Check out of your hotel today and continue with your travels. If you wish to extend your vacation with additional nights in a particular destination, or if you wish to enjoy this itinerary in reverse, one of our Rail Specialists can help with all the details. Breakfast included.