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Tailor Made Rail · Tailor-made independent rail holiday

Barcelona via the Pyrenees

Seven-day rail journey from London to Barcelona via Toulouse and the Pyrenees

Illustration of Barcelona via the Pyrenees

Tailor Made Rail's Barcelona via the Pyrenees is a 7-day independent rail holiday that combines high-speed rail from the UK with mountain scenery and Mediterranean culture. You depart London via Eurostar and TGV, arriving in Toulouse, the Pink City, for one night before boarding a regional train that winds through the Pyrenees toward the Spanish border at Latour de Carol. After crossing into Spain, you continue to Barcelona for four full nights at the Catalonia Born hotel, with a day trip to the Roman city of Tarragona included and a free day to explore on your own or visit the coastal town of Sitges. On your return, you travel by regional train through Cerbere back into France, stopping for a night in Avignon, the medieval papal city, before the final leg by TGV and Eurostar returns you to London. Standard Class rail, breakfast at each hotel, seat reservations, and travel documentation are included. This itinerary suits first-time rail travellers seeking a structured but independent journey, couples wanting cultural cities and unhurried time together, and experienced rail lovers who value the Pyrenees crossing and the blend of high-speed and regional services.

What to know before you look closer

  • The price from £1,099 applies in low season (November to March); high season (April to October) starts at £1,299
  • Single occupancy supplement is £350 (from £1,449 total), roughly 32 percent above the per-person double rate
  • Day 4 day trip to Tarragona is included, but the day trip to Sitges is listed as an alternative option; confirm what is covered
  • Direct Avignon-London Eurostar runs only on certain summer days; most return journeys require a connection in Paris or Lille

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Toulouse

    London to Toulouse

    Train to Paris Gare du Nord, cross to Gare Montparnasse for a TGV to Toulouse, the 'Pink City'. Check in at the Grand Hotel d'Orleans.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Barcelona

    Toulouse to Barcelona via the Pyrenees

    Regional service through mountainous scenery to Latour de Carol near the Spanish border, then a Spanish train through to Barcelona. Check in for a 4-night stay.

  3. Day 3overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Explore the Barrio Gotico, the Picasso Museum, La Rambla and the Sagrada Familia.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Free day, or a day trip by train to Tarragona (about 50 minutes away) or the coastal town of Sitges.

  5. Day 5overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Third full day at leisure in Barcelona.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Avignon

    Barcelona to Avignon

    Regional train across the French border to Cerbere, then a French service to Avignon, seat of popes for 400 years. Optional extra night available.

  7. Day 7rail

    Avignon to London

    High-speed TGV back to Lille or Paris, connecting to the Eurostar to the UK (direct Avignon-London services also run on certain summer days).

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Regional train climbs through the Pyrenees from Toulouse toward the Spanish border at Latour de Carol, then descends into Barcelona
  • Day 3Day in Barcelona: explore the Barrio Gotico, Picasso Museum, La Rambla, and the Sagrada Familia
  • Day 4Optional day trip by train to Tarragona (50 minutes) or the coastal town of Sitges
  • Day 6Regional train crosses the French border at Cerbere and continues to Avignon, the medieval seat of popes for 400 years

Included

  • All rail journeys, in standard class
  • Seat reservations where required
  • 6 nights' handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
  • Day return journey to Tarragona from Barcelona
  • Easy-to-follow travel documentation
  • Despatch of tickets by email
  • Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions

Questions travellers ask

Is all rail travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail journeys in Standard Class from London to Barcelona and back, including Eurostar, TGV, regional services through the Pyrenees, and seat reservations where required.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Tailor Made Rail operates this as an independent rail holiday. You travel on scheduled trains with hotel reservations and easy-to-follow documentation; there is no group guide.
How many nights are in Barcelona?
Four nights at the Catalonia Born hotel, with three full free days to explore the city or take optional day trips.
What happens if there is a strike or disruption?
Tailor Made Rail provides proactive rerouting support in case of strikes or rail disruptions.
Can I upgrade to First Class?
Yes. An upgrade to First Class across all rail journeys costs from £150 per person.
When does this trip run?
Year-round, with low season pricing November to March and high season April to October.

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