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A rail tour through four divergent Spanish cities reveals the enigmatic character of a country that draws millions of annual visitors. With stunning beaches, a rich heritage, and tantalising cuisine, it is a country teeming with irresistible things to see and do.
The tour we've put together gives travellers a rounded flavour of Spain's sublime appeal.
The journey passes along the Mediterranean coastline and through contrasting landscapes. Each stop of this Spanish rail odyssey is a compelling destination. Together in one trip, it is a holiday of a lifetime.
Already curious about your rail adventure? See the following video for your itinery!
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Itineraries
Day 1
Arival in Barcelona
Your adventure begins in the incomparable Catalonian capital, Barcelona. With three nights to soak up the colourful charms of a city shaped by the architecture of Gaudi and its irrepressibly individuality, it is the perfect start to any tour of Spain.
• Get checked in and head out to soak up Barcelona's energy at Las Ramblas, the animated thoroughfare that dissects the city.
• Stop for light lunch of pa amb tomàquet (tomato bread) and a refreshing glass of Estrella Damm.
• Or be lured by the seductive smells and flavours of the vivacious La Boqueria Market.
• Afterwards, enjoy a more laid-back side of Barcelona along the promenade at Barceloneta Beach.
• Watch the sunset over the Mediterranean Sea with dinner at a beachside terraza.
Day 2
Full day in Barcelona
The first full day in Barcelona is a chance to see its landmarks and experience its atypical Catalonian character.
• Start by heading to the architecturally striking Park Güell, boasting expansive views over the city.
• Be awed by the inimitable La Sagrada Familia cathedral, Gaudi’s unfinished masterwork.
• Stop to take photos at Gaudi’s home, La Pedrera-Casa Milà, and another of his eccentric creations, Casa Batlló.
• After sunset, see the light show of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
• Head back to the Gothic Quarter for tapas and a nightlife that springs to life after midnight.
Day 3
Full day in Barcelona
The last full day in Barcelona is a chance to sample art, culture, and the activities that make Barcelonians tick.
• Head out to Camp Nou, home to a museum celebrating the remarkable sporting legacy of Barcelona FC.
• If art interests you more, view Romanesque masterpieces at the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya
• Drop into the Picasso Museum, where you can get lost in the vast collection of cubist and impressionist art.
• Ride a funicular railway and enjoy dizzying views from a cable car en route to the historic Montjuïc Castle.
• End the day with dinner in the foodie haven Carrer del Parlament.
Day 4
Train ride along the coast to Valencia
It’s adiós to Barcelona and hola to Valencia, with two days to explore a city that blends modernity and history, not to mention some of Spain’s finest food.
• Start by stepping into Valencia’s past at the lively Plaça de la Verge.
• Grab a flavour of Valencian gastronomy at the eye-catching Central Market of Valencia.
• Marvel at the gothic La Lonja de la Seda, a 16th-century building and UNESCO World Heritage site.
• End the day with a plate of the ultimate Spanish dish, paella valenciana.
Day 5
Full day in Valencia
• Start your only full day in Valencia with contemporary highlights at the striking City of Arts and Sciences, one of the ‘12 Treasures of Spain’.
• See more natural sights at the nearby L'Oceanogràfic, a dazzling aquarium.
• Head back into the centre via the quirky Museu Faller de València, where papier-mâché models from Valencia’s legendary annual parades are preserved in a former hospital.
• Stop under the imposing towers of Torres de Serranos in the old town.
• Wrap up your time in Valencia with a bus ride out to Las Arenas beach, ideal for evening strolls and a plate of the freshest seafood.
Day 6
AVE ride to Madrid
The next stop on this epic Iberian rail journey takes you on slick AVE trains to Madrid. It's a short journey through Don Quixote's country, Castile-La Mancha. Restless, cosmopolitan, and exuding elegance, you’ll have three nights to absorb the energy and charisma of the Spanish capital.
• Start with a visit to royalty at the monarch’s official residence, the stately Royal Palace of Madrid.
• Explore the intoxicating streets of the adjacent La Latina neighbourhood. Madrid's oldest barrio grew from the site of a medieval fort, and its mazy streets are chock-full of monuments.
• Follow the effervescent Calle de Segovia across the giddying Segovia Viaduct to find cafés and restaurants.
• Reserve a table at the world’s oldest restaurant, Restaurante Botín. Or simply take photos and head to a nearby tapas bar.
Day 7
Full day in Madrid
Your first full day in Madrid offers a challenge: where to see the best of the city?
• Start the day by exciting your tastebuds at the buzzing San Miguel Market.
• Take your gourmet morsels for a picnic next to the boating lake in the delightful Retiro Park.
• From there, clear your afternoon to admire centuries of Spanish and European art at Spain’s most important museum, the Prado.
• Grab some retail therapy in the evening along the refined Calle Gran Vía, Madrid’s busiest shopping street.
• Join the Madrileños for late-night drinks and dinner in the spirited Chueca barrio, one of Marid’s liveliest neighbourhoods.
Day 8
Full day in Madrid
• Set yourself up for another busy day with sugary churros and a mug of thick hot chocolate.
• Stop in Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s main square and an unmissable sight.
• Understand Madrid's story at the diverting History Museum of Madrid.
• Head to the reconstructed Egyptian Temple of Debod to photograph bewitching sunsets through the ancient arches.
• Wrap the day up with Madrid’s signature bocadillos de calamares (fried calamari sandwich) and watch the streets around Plaza Mayor come to life for evening festivities.
Day 9
AVE ride to Malaga
The final leg of the rail tour whisks you to Malaga, the coastal haven in the heart of sun-kissed Andalusia. High-speed trains speed to the Costa del Sol through varied landscapes and around verdant national parks.
It’s not all sun, sea, and sangria in Malaga. One of the oldest cities in Europe was once an integral part of the Moorish Kingdom of Andalusia (Al-Andalus), boasting a medley of absorbing experiences.
• The beaches are the star attraction of the region. Why not start with a refreshing dip in the blue waters of Malagueta Beach during spring to autumn.
• Grab a bite to eat and a cooling drink at the easygoing chiringuitos overlooking the Mediterranean.
• Head into the city centre, stopping at the diverting modern art Centre Pompidou Malaga, an offshoot of the illustrious Parisian gallery.
• Finish the day at the treelined Plaza de la Merced, where tapas bars abound.
Day 10
Full day in Malaga
As your epic Spanish escapade nears its conclusion, make a day of exploring Andalusia’s rich history.
• Start a time-bending day in the Teatro Romano de Málaga, a Roman amphitheatre and Malaga’s oldest surviving structure.
• Move forward in time and visit one of the country’s best-preserved Moorish forts, Alcazaba of Malaga.
• After exploring the ruins and drinking in the panoramic views from Alcazaba, repeat the experience at the nearby Castillo de Gibralfaro, another arresting Moorish fortification.
• Jump forward a few centuries to the Renaissance-era Catedral de la Encarnación de Málaga.
• Arrive in the modern day and spend the evening dining on exquisitely fresh seafood and window-shopping for art in the hip Soho neighbourhood.
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