Barcelona by First Class rail on daytime trains

Catalan capital and a city of fascinating architecture from gothic to Gaudi, Barcelona revels in its fabulous setting. Sun-kissed and lapped by the Mediterranean, Barcelona offers gastronomy, culture and vibrant nightlife to its fortunate visitors.

3 night / 4 day holiday by First Class rail on daytime trains from $995 per person.

Day 1 – London to Barcelona by First Class rail on daytime trains

Your holiday begins as you enter the stunningly restored St. Pancras International station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of the magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers). On arrival at the Gare du Nord your taxi transfer will take you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France into Spain. You travel through the changing French landscape at high speed on this brand new direct train to the vibrant city of Barcelona.

You arrive in time for dinner or tapas before you settle into your hotel for 3 nights the comfortable, traditionally-styled and highly-rated Roger de Lluria Hotel (4 star), ideally located in the centre of the city.

Day 2 and 3 – Barcelona

Make sure you allow plenty to time to soak up all aspects of this remarkable city, from the lively Ramblas to the smart shops of Passeig de Gracia. Perhaps head towards the cathedral and older parts of town with wonderful examples of Gaudi architecture or visit one of the city’s museums. Don’t miss the Sagrada Familia Cathedral, Antoni Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece, or the Picasso Museum which houses one of the most extensive collections of the 20th-century painter’s artworks. You may also wish to take the funicular up to Montjuïc, a lively region set on a hill with commanding views over the city, in addition to a number of attractions and galleries. If you prefer to venture further afield, then why not visit Montserrat? This distinctive jagged mountain is crowned by its impressive monastery, and can be reached either by rack railway or cable car. Back in Barcelona, there are plenty of options for dinner from wonderful gastronomic restaurants to cosy bistros and tapas bars.

Day 4 – Barcelona to London – Homeward bound

This morning after breakfast make your way back to Barcelona Sants station for your First Class journey to London. You travel north on the superfast TGV as it speeds you onward to Paris. Your private transfer takes you across the city to the Gare du Nord and heralds the last leg of your journey. Here you join the Eurostar service and head for home. Take time to reflect on the magnificent sights, sounds and tastes you have enjoyed over your short break in Barcelona, as you sit back and relax with a light meal and drinks before your arrival into London St Pancras and the final leg of your journey home.