Charming Cities of Andalucia by First Class Rail

London to Marseille

Depart London St. Pancras International by Eurostar to Paris in Standard Premier with a light meal and drinks on board. Private taxi transfer to the Gare de Lyon, then high-speed TGV to Marseille. Overnight at the Grand Hotel Beauvau (4 star), just off the Vieux Port.

Marseille to Madrid

Return to the station and take the train into Spain, bound for Madrid. On arrival make your own way to the Hotel Liabeny (4 star). The afternoon is yours to relax or explore.

Madrid to Seville

Take the train further into Spain to the fabulous city of Seville, a lively, energetic city home to a myriad of historical layers and magnificent cultural landmarks. Your base for the next three nights is the Hotel Becquer (4 star).

At leisure in Seville

A full day to explore Seville: climb the Giralda bell tower, explore the Mudejár designs of the Royal Palace (Alcázar) and its gardens, visit the gothic cathedral where Christopher Columbus rests, or stroll the ancient Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz and finish the evening at a tapas bar.

At leisure in Seville

A second full day in Seville to make the most of the city's many and varied options, from the barrios across the River Guadalquivir to the courtyards and narrow alleys of Santa Cruz.

Eastwards across Andalucia to Granada

After breakfast, from Seville's Santa Justa station join the regional train (Standard Class) eastwards to Moorish-influenced Granada, arriving in the afternoon. Make your own way to the Hotel Aurea Catedral (4 star) for three nights. This evening, sample Granada's tapas bars or stroll the Albaycin for sunset views of the illuminated Alhambra.

Meals: breakfast

Exploring Granada

Start early to see the sun come up over the Alhambra Palace, then visit the stunning Moorish palace and its luscious gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most photographed sites in Andalucia.

Exploring Granada

A second full day to explore Granada's interesting quarters, take a trip to the pueblos blancos (white villages) of the Alpujarras, or head into the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Granada to Cordoba

Take the regional service (Standard Class) to Antequera, change trains and continue (Standard Class) to nearby Cordoba. Make your own way to Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star) for three nights. This afternoon, perhaps visit the Alcazar, palace of the Christian Kings, with its gardens of courtyards, fountains and water terraces.

Exploring Cordoba

A full day in compact Cordoba. Among many highlights is the world's third-largest mosque, the Mezquita, with stunning interiors including a 'forest' of more than eight hundred red and white striped columns and arches.

Exploring Cordoba

A second full day to explore Cordoba's countless plazas and courtyards hidden along narrow streets.

Cordoba to Girona

Take the high-speed rail service north to Barcelona, change trains and continue by high-speed rail to charming Girona. Check in to the Hotel Nord 1901 (4 star). This afternoon explore northern Catalonia's largest city: the walled medieval Barri Vell, the pastel-hued Cases de l'Onyar along the river, and one of Spain's best preserved medieval Jewish quarters.

Girona to London - Homeward bound

After breakfast board the high-speed TGV to Paris. Private taxi transfer from the Gare de Lyon to the Gare du Nord, then Eurostar back to London St. Pancras International with a light meal and drinks on board.

Meals: breakfast