SPAIN AND PORTUGAL BY RAIL
2023-2024
2023-2024
Explore Spain and discover Moorish palaces and Baroque squares in Andalucia, colorful Gaudí creations in Catalonia, the tiled terraces of Park Guell, and the incredible Alhambra in Granada. In Portugal, explore the cobbled streets, grand cathedrals and river views of places such as Lisbon and Porto. Taking the train makes it easy to combine any number of these fantastic destinations in one amazing vacation.
Your vacation begins in Barcelona. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled into your hotel, spend the afternoon exploring. Perhaps wander down the tree-lined Las Ramblas, the most famous street in the city that overflows with buskers, dancers, living statues and mime artists.
Today spend some time spotting Gaudi’s iconic architectural masterpieces throughout the city, then avoid the queues at his masterpiece the Sagrada Familia with a guided tour. Art lovers also won’t want to miss a visit to the Picasso Museum to view a huge collection of the famous artist’s work. After a busy day sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of locally made Sangria and delicious tapas.
Travel from Barcelona to Madrid on the high-speed AVE train and upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend two days sightseeing in this energetic capital. Madrid has three world renowned art galleries, all within close walking distance of each other in the cities so called ‘Golden Triangle of Art’. The most famous of these is the Prado Museum offering one of the world’s finest collections of European works.
VACATION INCLUDES:
• 10 nights hotel stay with breakfast
• Rail travel in standard class throughout
• Skip the Line: Sagrada Familia Tour in Barcelona
• Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Madrid
• Small-group tour of Seville including skip the line
Royal Alcazar and Seville Cathedral
• Walking tour of Lisbon
• 6 bridges cruise in Porto (March-November only)
Barcelona - NH Sants Barcelona
Madrid - NH Collection Madrid Suecia
Seville - H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel
Lisbon - Hotel Marques de Pombal
Porto - NH Collection Porto Batalha
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
After breakfast explorer the city to its fullest with your Hop-on-Hop-off Pass. Why not head to the contemporary Museo Reina Sofía with its fascinating installations and impressive collection of works by Picasso and Dali. Alternatively, take a break in the Parque del Retiro or enjoy some retail therapy along the Gran Via.
Make your way to Atocha station and take the train to Seville for a 2-night stay. Once settled in take a stroll along the riverside perhaps, or head to the top of the Metropol Parasol for a unique view of this great city.
This morning join a small group tour of the absolute highlights of Seville, including the impressive Plaza de España, San Telmo Palace, Royal Alcázar, huge Cathedral, and see the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Enjoy a siesta in the afternoon, before an evening of tapas and Flamenco perhaps!
Take the scenic coach ride from Seville to Lisbon and here check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Visit the city’s most iconic sights such as the impressive medieval castle of Sao Jorge, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Estrela Basilica, one of Lisbon’s most fascinating churches.
Portugal’s historic capital city is draped over seven hills overlooking the mouth of the River Tagus. As one of the oldest cities in the world it has a huge amount to explore from the narrow streets of the Barrio Alto to the majestic Praça do Comércio, the central square overlooking the wide river. Your guided walking tour included is the best way to enjoy these and more, including a stop for one of Lisbon’s delicious Pasteis de Nata.
After breakfast, travel from Lisbon to Porto by train. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Once settled at the hotel, why not take a cruise along the River Duoro and marvel at the beautiful scenery from the water.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Porto. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, enjoy your 1hr river cruise included at a time of your choosing, and don’t miss a tour of the Fundação de Serralves, a contemporary art gallery housed in a beautiful Art Deco building with lovely gardens. No visit to Porto would be complete without a tour around the Port Wine cellars. These are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river by bridge from Ribeira. You can make your own way around or pick up a guided tour.
8 DAYS CLICK
VACATION INCLUDES:
• 7 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast
• Barcelona Hop on Hop off pass and Sagrada Familia tour
• Flamenco show with tapas
• Alhambra Palace + Generalife gardens group tour in Granada
• Seville tour including Seville Cathedral and Alcazar Palace entrance
• Wine tasting and tapas tour in Madrid
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Barcelona - NH Sants
Granada - Hospes Palacio De Los Patos
Seville - H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel
Madrid - NH Collection Madrid Suecia Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Columbus. Perhaps take a cooling cruise on the river in the afternoon?
DAY 7 - MADRID
Board the highspeed Ave train to Madrid this morning, then check-in at your hotel for your final nights stay. In the afternoon perhaps pop your head into the famous Prado museum or enjoy the hustle and bustle of the heart of Madrid on the Puerta del Sol. This evening enjoy a very small group tapas and wine tour led by a local and discover some of the best bars and restaurants in Madrid.
DAY 8 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN MADRID
Welcome to Barcelona! On arrival make your way to the hotel for a two-night stay, then head out to explore the city with your Hop-on Hop-off pass.
Beat the crowds this morning on a small group tour of the Sagrada Familia, then continue to get to know this great city better with your Hop-on Hopoff pass.
Take the train to Granada today, and head to your hotel for a two-night stay. This evening you are escorted to the caves of the Sacromonte quarter for an authentic Flamenco show including tapas and drinks.
Enjoy exploring the narrow streets of Granada independently today, but also tour one of the treasures of the world in the Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens.
DAY
After breakfast at your hotel take the direct train to Seville and settle into your hotel for a two-night stay. Take a stroll down to the river perhaps or admire the impressive Metropol Parasol.
This morning embark on a tour of the absolute highlights of Seville, including the impressive Plaza de España, San Telmo Palace, Royal Alcázar and huge Cathedral and see the tomb of Christopher
Check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight home, or speak to any of our Rail Experts about extending your travels elsewhere.
Barcelona ➡ Seville ➡ Madrid
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TRIP
VACATION INCLUDES:
• First class train travel as specified in the itinerary
• 8 nights hotel stay with breakfast
• Skip the Line: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour
• Barcelona hop-on, hop-off tour
• Hop-on, hop-off bus pass and choice of walking tours in Seville
Arrive in Barcelona for a 3 night stay
• Skip the Line: Alcazar Guided Tour in Seville
• Tapas and Wine tasting tour in Madrid and much more
Your journey ends
Arrive in Barcelona for a three-night stay. Once you’ve settled in, head down the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and mingle with the street performers and peruse the market stalls.
Create your very own city tour today with your hopon, hop-off passes, included with your vacation. From the beaches to the myriad mosaics of the Parc Guell and the bohemian Gothic Quarter, discover the highlights of the city at your own pace.
Be sure to visit Gaudi’s iconic Sagrada Familia, one of the city’s most famous attractions. Included in your vacation is a Priority Access Sagrada Familia Tour.
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and then take the high-speed AVE service to beautiful Seville, boasting ancient architecture and fragrant orange groves. Make use of your included City Card for free entry to many of the city’s attractions.
When in Seville, the Royal Alcazar Palace is simply a must-do! Avoid waiting with your included Skip the Line tour. You also have a three-hour walking tour with a knowledgeable local guide included in your vacation.
After breakfast, ride the rails to Madrid aboard an AVE service directly from Seville. Settle into your hotel and then head out to explore the city using
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Barcelona - NH Sants Barcelona
Seville - H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel
Madrid - NH Collection Madrid Suecia Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
your City Card. The card gives you entry to more than fifty museums, discounts on shopping and a guided walking tour.
DAY 7 - MADRID
Take advantage of your included skip-the-line tour of the Prado Museum. Your guide will take you through this large collection of European art.
DAY 8 - MADRID
Continue your exploration of the city on your included open-top, hop-on, hop off tour, featuring 37 stops along two routes transporting you to the city’s main sights with onboard commentary.
DAY 9 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN MADRID
Check out of your hotel after breakfast and depart Madrid.
Welcome to Madrid! On arrival make your way to your hotel and check-in for one-night. Perhaps pop into the Prado museum to see one of the world’s best art collections?
Take the direct train to Granada and head to your hotel. Explore the winding narrow streets and in the evening perhaps wander up to the Mirador de San Nicolas for a breath-taking view of the Alhambra Palace at dusk.
Today discover the iconic Alhambra Palace and Generalife gardens on your included tour, then in the evening enjoy Flamenco and Tapas in the Sacromonte neighbourhood, the home of Flamenco.
Depart Granada on the direct train to Cordoba where you will be staying for three-nights. Take a stroll around the city and in the evening head to Plaza de la Corredera for some delicious tapas in the most unique and breath-taking surroundings!
Enjoy a walking tour today taking in the gems of this ancient city. The famous arches of the MosqueCathedral are mesmeric, whilst the old Jewish
VACATION INCLUDES:
• 14 nights hotel accommodations with breakfast
• Rail travel as per the itinerary
• Alhambra Palace guided tour
• Flamenco show and dinner in Granada
• Half day walking tour in Cordoba including skip the line tickets to Mesquita, and the Alcazar
• Jaen day trip with guided tour
• Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Cadiz
• Small group tour of Seville including the Alcazar and cathedral
• Small group full day tour to Ronda
• Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Malaga
• Walking tour of Lisbon
• 6 bridges cruise in Porto (March-November only)
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Madrid - NH Collection Madri Suecia
Granada - Hospes Palacio De Los Patos
Cordoba - NH Collection Amistad
Cadiz - Occidental Cadiz
Seville - H10 Corregidor Boutique
Malaga - NH Malaga
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Board the train to Seville today and make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay. Its vast history steeped in Spain’s colonial riches and Islamic heritage make the city an artistic and cultural centre of southern Spain, with a very comfortable climate.
Discover the key sights of this great city today with a small group tour, including entrance to the Royal Alcázar, cathedral and towering Giralda. You also get to experience the grand Plaza de Espana and the evocative Jewish quarter. Later, the Mercado Lonja del Barranco is an easy fix for dinner by the river.
Quarter and the Alcazar are rich in stories. Enjoy an ice cream whilst crossing the ancient Roman bridge, or just relax and soak up the history of this great city.
Take the scenic rail line to Jaen, where you will be met by a guide who will show you all you might need to know in this secret Andalusian highlight. Renowned for its Olive oil production and beautiful architecture, a visit to the cathedral and vast Arab baths are a must! Take the train back to Cordoba for your final night here.
After breakfast hop onto the train again, and head south to Cadiz, one of the oldest cities in the world inhabited since around 1100 BC. The city is surrounded by water so the seafood here is the freshest there could be and dinner on the beach is a lovely way to spend the evening.
Tour the city today with your included Hop-onHop-off pass, learning about the 1000’s of years of history in these romantic, windy streets. Be sure to check out the Museo de Cadiz for an amazing selection of ancient artefacts, and the recently refurbished Roman theatre.
Embark on a fascinating day trip today to one of Spain’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Ronda. On the way explore Andalucía’s White Villages and wonderful wildlife, sample local olive oil before learning all about the amazing mountain top location and its incredible impressive Bull ring. Return to Seville and enjoy your final night here.
Head to the coast today for two-nights in Malaga and settle in to enjoy the beautiful beaches and rich layers of history.
Enjoy learning about this great destination today with your Hop-on-Hop-off pass. Head up to the Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro to discover its Moorish history and be sure to check out the impressive Roman Amphitheatre. In the evening wander through the old town and take your pick of the local tavernas for some local wine and tapas.
After breakfast take the train to Madrid for a one-night stay in the Spanish capital. Take a stroll through the picturesque Puerta del Sol and stop by the impressive Royal Palace.
Make your way to the airport for your flight home.
Welcome to Lisbon! On arrival make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay, then head out to enjoy this great city.
You’ll be collected from your hotel this morning by your own personal English-speaking driver, who will give you a two-hour tour of the city’s highlights and the opportunity to stop and explore at any stage. In the afternoon enjoy exploring the city at your own speed. Visit the impressive Belem Tower perhaps or ride the classic trams through the steep streets of Alfama and admire the views from Sao Jorge Castle. Whatever you do, be sure to sample the true Pasteis de Nata.
VACATION INCLUDES:
• Train travel as per the itinerary
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Lisbon
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Porto
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Santiago de Compostela
• 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid
• Private city tours by car and English-speaking guide in Lisbon and Madrid
• Douro river 3 bridges cruise in Porto
• Private walking tour of Santiago de Compostela Old Town
Lisbon - Hotel Marques de Pombal
Porto - NH Collection Porto Batalha
Santiago de Compostela - NH Collection Santiago
Madrid - NH Nacional Madrid
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Take the train to Madrid for a two-night stay, and once checked in why not enjoy a stroll along the magnificent Grand Via. In the evening visit any of the city’s traditional tavernas for a fine selection of delicious tapas.
DAY 8 - MADRID
Following breakfast, you will be collected by your own personal driver for a two-hour tour of the city. Pay a visit to the vast Royal Palace perhaps, then in the afternoon why not spend some time with some of the worlds masterpieces at the world-famous Prado Museum?
DAY 9 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN MADRID
Make your way to the station for your highspeed train north to Porto. Once checked in why not take a stroll through the atmospheric Ribeira district to the riverside for dinner with a view.
Porto is a hilly but very walkable city, with a fascinating church, beautiful mural, or historic Palace, or Monument around every corner. The famous azulejos tiles can be found everywhere, but Porto Sao Bento train station boasts perhaps the most impressive and elaborate. Enjoy a short cruise along the Douro for a different view of the city.
Continue travelling north this morning with a train to Vigo. A lovely place to add a night if you have time, otherwise its an easy change of train for a direct connection to your next stop, Santiago de Compostela.
Today enjoy a private walking tour of the city’s ancient old town, then visit the famous Cathedral – the reputed burial site of St James, and the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.
Today is the end of your tour, so make your way to the airport for your flight home or do speak to any of our Travel Consultants about perhaps extending your travels elsewhere.