South West Europe: From London to Madrid

From USD4,619

Explore South West Europe on our 13-day rail tour from London to Madrid. Enjoy seamless travel and rich cultural experiences. Book your adventure now!

Trip Type

Self Guided
Activities

Architecture, Culture, Museums, Parks, Shopping
Group Size

2 Min - No size limit
Reviews

0 Reviews
Locations

Europe , France , Spain , United Kingdom
Trip Duration

13 Day(s) 12 Night(s)

Trip Enquiry

Trip code WT-CODE 4872

South West Europe: From London to Madrid

Embark on an unforgettable 13-day journey through Europe’s Cultural Capitals. Beginning with the cosmopolitan energy of London and Paris to the sun-drenched charm of Barcelona and Madrid, followed by the ancient Moorish wonders of Toledo – this rail tour immerses you in a kaleidoscope of art, architecture, cuisine and more.

We’ve crafted an experience that blends both bucket-list highlights with authentic local immersion. As you travel effortlessly between destinations aboard comfortable and efficient high-speed rail, we’ll handle all the logistics. You’re finally free to fully immerse yourself in the moment.

Imagine strolling London’s royal haunts and hip East End one day, then sipping cafe au lait on a Parisian boulevard the next. Discover Barcelona’s whimsical Gaudi creations and tapas culture before experiencing Madrid’s sweeping plazas and fervent nightlife. And in Toledo? Be transported back in time while wandering lanes lined with mosques, churches and Sephardic remnants.

What your itinerary will look like:

Day 1: Arrive in London
Day 2: Sights of Central London
Day 3: London Museums
Day 4: Travel to Paris
Day 5: The Louvre and Eiffel Tower
Day 6: Montmartre and the Left Bank
Day 7: Travel to Barcelona
Day 8: Barcelona's Architecture
Day 9: More of Barcelona
Day 10: Journey to Madrid
Day 11: Day Trip to Toledo
Day 12: Madrid's Museums and Parks
Day 13: Depart Madrid

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in London

Welcome to England's iconic capital! After checking into your hotel for three nights, get oriented by taking a walk through one of London's beautiful royal parks like Hyde Park or St. James's Park. In the evening, you could explore the lively Covent Garden area. [Night in London]

Day 2

Sights of Central London

Use a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see London's top attractions at your own pace. Be sure to hop off at Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Other highlights could include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. [Night in London]

Day 3

London Museums

With another day in London, devote some time to its world-class museums. Possibilities include the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, or any others that pique your interest based on the incredible collections. [Night in London]

Day 4

Travel to Paris

After breakfast, depart London and take the high-speed Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel to Paris. Upon arrival, check into your Paris hotel for three nights. Spend your afternoon strolling along the iconic Champs-Élysées and seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close. [Night in Paris]

Day 5

The Louvre and Eiffel Tower

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Start your day at the Louvre to admire legendary works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Then head to the Trocadéro for fantastic views of the Iron Lady herself. [Night in Paris]

Day 6Montmartre and the Left Bank

Your Plan

Spend the morning in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, strolling through Place du Tertre and seeing the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In the afternoon, cross to the Left Bank's Latin Quarter to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and browse the bouquiniste bookseller stalls. [Night in Paris]

Day 7

Travel to Barcelona

Leave Paris after breakfast and take a train to the Catalan city of Barcelona, Spain. After checking into your hotel for three nights, you could begin exploring by wandering down the iconic Las Ramblas pedestrian boulevard. [Night in Barcelona]

Day 8

Barcelona's Architecture

Today, experience the incredible architectural heritage of Barcelona by visiting some of the iconic works by Antoni Gaudí like the unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. You may also enjoy walking through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter. [Night in Barcelona]

Day 9

More of Barcelona

With another day in Barcelona, you can see other top sights like the hilltop castle of Montjuïc offering panoramic city views, the lively La Barceloneta beachfront neighborhood, or the whimsical architectural wonders of Casa Milà (La Pedrera). [Night in Barcelona]

Day 10

Journey to Madrid

Leave Barcelona after breakfast and take a high-speed train to the Spanish capital of Madrid. After arriving and checking into your hotel for three nights, set out to explore sights like the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol. [Night in Madrid]

Day 11

Day Trip to Toledo

Take a half-day excursion to the nearby historic city of Toledo, known as the "City of Three Cultures" for its harmonious blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences over the centuries. Be sure to see sights like the Toledo Cathedral and the El Greco Museum. [Night in Madrid]

Day 12

Madrid's Museums and Parks

Spend your final full day experiencing some of Madrid's incredible museums like the Prado Museum housing masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez and more. You could also stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park and explore the lively Malasaña neighborhood. [Night in Madrid]

Day 13

Depart Madrid

On your final morning in the Spanish capital, visit any sights you may have missed before departing. You could squeeze in some last-minute shopping or simply relax at a cafe while doing some prime people-watching.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes:

Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.

First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.

4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.

Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.

Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include:

International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.

Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.

Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.

Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.

Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.

Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.

Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.

Important Notes

Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler.

Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.

Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package.