Grand Tour of Spain by First Class rail on daytime trains

Experience the magic of Spain and its fabulously diverse cities and culture on this wonderful 12 night / 13 day Grand Tour of Spain. Your holiday includes the vibrant Catalan capital, Barcelona, famous for stunning architecture and a delightful gastronomic heritage. Revel in the winding lanes of the Gothic quarter, stroll along the sandy beaches and swim in the sparkling Mediterranean. Then head south to the warmer climes of Andalucia to visit medieval Cordoba, with its magnificent Mezquita and charming bodegas, before you continue to the dramatic setting of Granada for ‘free tapas’ amidst the stunning backdrop of the Alhambra and the Sierra Nevada. Your journey takes you to sunny Seville, capital of flamenco and home to the heavenly Alcazar, captivating cathedral and beautiful bell tower, the Giralda. Your final destination is the fascinating Spanish capital, Madrid, with one of the finest art collections, a growing reputation for culinary excellence and an infectious energy and love of life.

12 night / 13 day holiday by First Class rail on daytime trains, including 3 nights in Barcelona and Madrid, and 2 nights in Cordoba, Granada and Seville, plus private taxi transfers in Paris from $2,399 per person (based on 2 people travelling together).

Day 1 – London to Barcelona via Paris

Your holiday begins as you enter to 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 service (Eurostar’s 1st class). On arrival in Paris your private taxi transfer will take you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France and 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 at the highly rated Grand Hotel Torre Catalunya (4 star) ideally close next to Barcelona Sants train station, within a short subway ride from the centre of the city.

Days 2 and 3 – Barcelona

You have 2 full days to explore this magical city and visit the most famous of its sights. Make sure you allow plenty of 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 20^th century painter’s artworks. During your stay perhaps head to Plaça de Sant Josep Oriol where the street musicians, fortune tellers and painters will entertain visitors, who are being tempted by the designer boutiques and handicraft shops. There are plenty of options for dinner from wonderful gastronomic restaurants to cosy bistros and tapas bars.

Day 4 – Barcelona to Cordoba

This morning after breakfast head back to Barcelona Sants station for the start of your First Class journey aboard the high-speed service south-west to Cordoba. On arrival in Cordoba make your own way to your hotel for the next 2 nights, the comfortable, centrally-located Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star). This afternoon you might like to visit the palace of the Christian Kings, the Alcazar, with its luxuriant gardens of courtyards, fountains and water terraces, combined with colourful flowers, palm trees and orange groves.

Day 5 – Cordoba

You have a full day to explore the compact city of Cordoba. Among many highlights is the world’s 3^rd largest mosque, the Mezquita, a mystical, beautiful building, with simply stunning interiors, including a ‘forest’ of more than eight hundred red and white striped columns and arches.Take time to explore Cordoba’s countless plazas and courtyards hidden along narrow streets.

Day 6 – Cordoba to Granada

This morning you return to the station to take the regional train (Standard Class) to the Moorish-influenced city of Granada where you arrive in the afternoon in time for a short siesta.  Make your own way to your hotel for the next 2 nights, the stylish and highly-rated Suites Gran Via 44 (4 star).  This evening why not head to one of Granada’s wonderful tapas bars and delight in the intoxicating atmosphere and taste some of the flavours of Spain? Or you may wish to take an early evening stroll through the meandering streets of the Albaycin, to see the view of the Alhambra Palace, which is most wonderful at sunset, when it takes on a warm, slightly reddish tone.  Night-time views are also impressive, with the Alhambra completely illuminated.  Musicians and vendors add to the liveliness of the scene.

Day 7 – Granada and the Alhambra Palace

You have a full day in Granada so why not start early so you can enjoy the spectacular view of the sun coming up over the Alhambra Palace?  If you set off early you can make the most of your time to visit the stunning Moorish palace and its luscious gardens. Perhaps one of the most photographed sites in Andalucia, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  You will also have time to explore some of the interesting quarters of Granada today or you may even want to take a trip to visit some of the beautiful pueblos blancos (white villages) in the surrounding Alpujarras area.

Day 8 – Granada to Seville

Today after breakfast make your way back to Granada station.  Here you join the regional train (Standard Class) for the journey westwards to Seville. On arrival in Seville make your own way to your hotel for the next 2 nights, the comfortable and centrally located Hotel Becquer (4 star). This afternoon you have time to start to explore the delightful city of Seville. Why not climb the Giralda (bell tower) and gaze down on the buzzing city beneath, taking in the barrios and the Seville of Bizet’s Carmen across the River Guadalquivir? Then stroll through the characterful courtyards and narrow alleys of the ancient Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz before rounding off your evening at one of Seville’s wonderful tapas bars.

Day 9 – Seville

You have a full day to discover the wonders of Seville.  Perhaps start with the elaborate Arabic designs and outrageous rococo ornamentation that make up the Mudejár mélange of Seville’s Royal Palace, or Alcázar, and be sure to visit the delightful gardens too.  Then head for the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral which took a whole century to build.

Day 10 – Seville to Madrid

This morning head back to Seville’s station for the high-speed journey back to Madrid. When you arrive in Madrid make your own way back to your hotel for the next 3 nights, the elegant Hotel Liabeny (4 star), ideally situated in the heart of the Spanish capital. This evening you may wish to sample one of the Madrid’s fine restaurants.

Days 11 and 12 – Madrid

You have two full days in Madrid to explore the wealth of experiences on offer. You might like to visit Madrid’s golden triangle of art: the Prado Museum (best for El Greco), the more intimate Reina Sofía Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (for 18th-20th century art), all located within striking distance of each other on the Paseo del Arte. Perhaps head down the Carrera de San Jerónimo, past the Parliament and onto Sol, in the heart of the city.  From here why not take Calle Mayor to the Plaza Mayor and the surrounding wonders of the old Madrid of the Asturias, capped by the opulent Royal Palace?

Day 13 – Madrid to London – Homeward bound

This morning after breakfast make your way back to Madrid Atocha station. Here you board the high-speed AVE service for the journey northwest to Barcelona. On arrival into Barcelona Sants station change trains to continue the journey by First Class rail 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 the past few days, 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.