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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

A Relaxing Rail Holiday to Spain

11-day rail loop from Lille through Spain to Paris via Barcelona and Madrid

Illustration of A Relaxing Rail Holiday to Spain

Tailor Made Rail's 11-day Relaxing Rail Holiday to Spain takes you from Lille through France and Spain to Paris, with generous stops in Montpellier, Barcelona, Madrid, and Girona. This independent rail journey begins with a Eurostar crossing to Lille, continues south on a high-speed TGV through Lyon and Nimes to Montpellier near the Mediterranean, then carries you across the Spanish border to Barcelona for a 3-night stay. You have two free days there to visit the Barrio Gotico, the Picasso Museum, and the Sagrada Familia before a high-speed AVE train takes you to Madrid for another 3 nights, where you can explore the Royal Palace, the Prado, and tapas bars at your leisure. On day 9, you travel north to medieval Girona, then onward to Paris for your final night. The package includes Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations, 10 nights in handpicked three and four-star hotels with breakfast, and easy-to-follow travel documentation. With only one train journey per travel day and multiple nights in each major city, this holiday suits independent explorers and first-time rail travellers who value a relaxed pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 1,599 is based on best available fares; supplements may apply during peak periods or short-notice booking
  • Hotels listed are a mix of 3-star and 4-star properties; Grand Hotel du Midi in Montpellier is 4-star, others not specified
  • First Class rail upgrades available for an additional charge (from GBP 200 per person); the base price covers Standard Class

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Lille

    London to Lille

    Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille, a journey of just an hour and 20 minutes. Explore the historic city, once part of Flanders, including the Palais des Beaux Arts or La Piscine art gallery in Roubaix.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Montpellier

    Lille to Montpellier

    Direct high-speed TGV service south via Lyon and Nimes to Montpellier, close to the Mediterranean coast. Explore the old town around Place de la Comédie.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Barcelona

    Montpellier to Barcelona

    Free morning in Montpellier, perhaps visiting the Antigone District or Jardin des Plantes, before a direct train across the Spanish border to Barcelona. Arrive at Barcelona Sants and check in for a 3-night stay.

  4. Day 4overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Free day to explore the Barrio Gotico, the Picasso Museum, La Rambla, Mercado de la Boqueria and the Sagrada Familia.

  5. Day 5overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Second free day in Barcelona to continue exploring the city's attractions.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Madrid

    Barcelona to Madrid

    High-speed AVE train covering the 390-mile journey to Madrid in under 3 hours, with various departures through the day. Check in for a 3-night stay.

  7. Day 7overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Explore La Latina, the Plaza Mayor and Royal Palace, and the 'Golden Triangle' of art galleries including the Prado and Reina Sofia.

  8. Day 8overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Second free day in Madrid, perhaps visiting the botanical gardens or the bars and restaurants of Puerta del Sol.

  9. Day 9overnight: Girona

    Madrid to Girona

    Northbound journey to Girona, a charming Catalan city with an old town, castle and stretch of medieval city walls, and the Catedral de Girona.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Paris

    Girona to Paris

    Direct train service back into France and north to Paris, arriving in the early evening, within walking distance of the Gare du Nord.

  11. Day 11rail

    Paris to London

    Morning or afternoon Eurostar options back to London, depending on onward travel plans.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London St Pancras to Lille in 1 hour 20 minutes; explore the Palais des Beaux Arts or La Piscine art gallery in nearby Roubaix
  • Day 3Direct train across the Spanish border to Barcelona Sants, beginning a 3-night stay in the Catalan capital
  • Day 6High-speed AVE train covers the 390-mile journey from Barcelona to Madrid in under 3 hours
  • Day 9Train to medieval Girona with its old town, castle, and stretch of medieval city walls
  • Day 10Direct train north to Paris, arriving early evening within walking distance of Gare du Nord

Included

  • Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
  • 10 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Comprehensive directions to your hotels
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations is included on Eurostar, TGV, and AVE trains. First Class upgrades are available at additional cost.
Is this tour escorted or independent?
Tailor Made Rail offers this as an independent rail holiday. You receive comprehensive directions and travel documentation but travel at your own pace.
What is included in the price?
Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations, 10 nights in handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast, comprehensive directions, travel documentation, and ticket despatch.
What hotels are included?
The package includes Hotel Lille Euralille (1 night), Grand Hotel du Midi in Montpellier (1 night), Catalonia Born in Barcelona (3 nights), Vincci Centrum Hotel in Madrid (3 nights), Ciutat de Girona (1 night), and 25hours Hotel Terminus Nord in Paris (1 night). Optional upgrades are available.
How many free days are there?
You have 2 free days in Barcelona (days 4-5) and 2 free days in Madrid (days 7-8) to explore independently.
When does the trip depart?
The operator does not list specific departure dates in their package information. Contact Tailor Made Rail to check availability.

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