How much does it cost?

From CHF 1,388 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,702 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes. The price includes the AVE high-speed train journey in 2nd class from Barcelona to Madrid, Seville, Córdoba (as a day excursion) and Valencia, and back to Barcelona.

Is it escorted or independent?

It's independent. The tour is described as an 'Independent rail holiday' with individual arrival on day 1 and an individual return journey on day 11.

Which trains are used?

The AVE high-speed train, used in 2nd class for every intercity leg, including the day trip from Seville to Córdoba.

What hotels are included?

Hotel Rialto in Barcelona (3 star), Petit Palace Puerta del Sol in Madrid (3 star), AC Hotel Ciudad de Sevilla by Marriott (4 star), and AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott (4 star), all in a standard double room with breakfast.

What is not included?

The included list covers train travel and breakfast only; other meals mentioned in the itinerary, such as tapas dinners, are not listed as included.

railtour suisse · Individual rail journey

Grand Tour of Spain

Independent rail tour of Spain's cities by AVE high-speed train

railtour suisse runs this 11-day independent rail holiday around Spain, starting and finishing in Barcelona with stops in Madrid, Seville and Valencia along the way. Travellers move between cities on the AVE high-speed train, spending two nights in Barcelona, two in Madrid, three in Seville, including a day trip to Córdoba to see the Mezquita, and two in Valencia before returning to Barcelona for a final night. Each day mixes train travel with time to explore, such as a walk along Las Ramblas and through the Gothic Quarter on arrival, and evenings built around regional food, from tapas bars in Madrid to paella in Valencia. Because arrivals, sightseeing and onward travel are left to the traveller rather than a guide, this suits independent explorers who prefer to set their own pace, and travellers with an interest in Spanish history and food who don't need a group itinerary to enjoy the cities.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has held at CHF 1,388 every time.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 2 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

What to know before you look closer

No departure dates or best-month guidance are given for this tour; confirm scheduling and seasonal availability with railtour suisse before booking.
The operator notes that 'itinerary and duration can be individually adjusted', so the exact route or day count you book may differ from the plan described here.
Only breakfast is listed as included at the hotels; other meals described in the day-by-day itinerary, such as tapas dinners and paella, are not stated as included.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Barcelona
Barcelona
Individual arrival in Barcelona. Discover the city on a walk along Las Ramblas and through the Gothic Quarter. Dinner in a traditional tapas restaurant. Accommodation in Barcelona for 2 nights.
Day 2overnight: Barcelona
Barcelona
Start with the imposing Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's famous masterpiece. A stroll along the elegant Passeig de Gràcia reveals further architectural gems. In the afternoon, visit the colourful Park Güell or relax on the city beach. Round off the day with dinner in the lively atmosphere of El Born.
Day 3railovernight: Madrid
Barcelona – Madrid
The AVE train takes you to Madrid in around 2.5 hours in the morning. Stroll through the lively city centre, past Puerta del Sol and the historic Plaza Mayor, and enjoy your first impressions of the Spanish capital. In the evening, tapas bars or the bustling Gran Vía invite you to enjoy culinary delights and an atmospheric start to your stay. Accommodation in Madrid for 2 nights.
Day 4overnight: Madrid
Madrid
The day begins in one of the famous museums, such as the Prado or the Reina Sofía, followed by a stroll in the green Retiro Park. In the afternoon, it is worth visiting the magnificent Palacio Real or strolling through the charming La Latina district. The evening offers the opportunity to enjoy traditional specialities in a cosy restaurant.
Day 5railovernight: Seville
Madrid – Seville
The AVE high-speed train will take you to Seville, the heart of Andalusia, in around 2.5 hours. Stroll through the narrow streets of the Barrio Santa Cruz, admire the cathedral from the outside and enjoy the Guadalquivir river promenade. In the evening, tapas and regional wine await you in the lively bars. Accommodation in Seville for 3 nights.
Day 6overnight: Seville
Seville
One highlight is the magnificent Alcázar with its gardens. Afterwards, the Metropol Parasol or the Mercado de Triana offer exciting impressions of the city. In the afternoon, small galleries, boutiques or a relaxing stroll along the riverbank invite you to linger.
Day 7overnight: Seville
Seville – Excursion to Cordoba
Córdoba is only 45 minutes away by AVE. Visit the impressive Mezquita, explore the Jewish quarter with its courtyards and discover small craft shops. Return to Seville in the late afternoon for a relaxing evening.
Day 8overnight: Valencia
Seville – Valencia
The AVE takes you to Valencia in around 4 hours. Upon arrival, the old town entices visitors with its historic squares and colourful façades. A visit to the Mercado Central offers culinary insights. In the evening, you can enjoy the Turia Gardens or dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodation in Valencia for 2 nights.
Day 9overnight: Valencia
Valencia
Start at the futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències before taking a relaxing stroll along the Malvarrosa beach promenade. The historic El Carmen district offers winding alleys, street art and small boutiques. Round off the day with a plate of paella Valenciana and a stroll through the illuminated squares.
Day 10overnight: Barcelona
Valencia – Barcelona
Return journey to Barcelona on the AVE in approx. 3 hours. Spend the afternoon strolling along the beaches or browsing the boutiques and cafés. Enjoy a Mediterranean dinner in the evening. Accommodation in Barcelona for 1 night.
Day 11
Barcelona
Enjoy one last breakfast in Barcelona before setting off on your individual return journey. A final opportunity to soak up the atmosphere of the city.

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2The day starts with 'the imposing Sagrada Familia, Gaudí's famous masterpiece' before a stroll along Passeig de Gràcia and a visit to Park Güell.
Day 6In Seville, 'one highlight is the magnificent Alcázar with its gardens', followed by the Metropol Parasol and the Mercado de Triana.
Day 7A day trip on the AVE takes travellers to Córdoba, just 45 minutes away, to visit 'the impressive Mezquita' and the Jewish quarter.
Day 9In Valencia, the day starts at 'the futuristic Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències' before a stroll along the Malvarrosa beach promenade.

Included

Train journey in 2nd class from/to Barcelona
Accommodation in a standard double room with breakfast
2 nights in Barcelona, Hotel Rialto***
2 nights in Madrid, Petit Palace Puerta del Sol***
3 nights in Seville, AC Hotel Ciudad de Sevilla by Marriott****
2 nights in Valencia, AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott****
1 night in Barcelona, Hotel Rialto***

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From CHF 1,388 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $1,702 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes. The price includes the AVE high-speed train journey in 2nd class from Barcelona to Madrid, Seville, Córdoba (as a day excursion) and Valencia, and back to Barcelona.
Is it escorted or independent?: It's independent. The tour is described as an 'Independent rail holiday' with individual arrival on day 1 and an individual return journey on day 11.
Which trains are used?: The AVE high-speed train, used in 2nd class for every intercity leg, including the day trip from Seville to Córdoba.
What hotels are included?: Hotel Rialto in Barcelona (3 star), Petit Palace Puerta del Sol in Madrid (3 star), AC Hotel Ciudad de Sevilla by Marriott (4 star), and AC Hotel Valencia by Marriott (4 star), all in a standard double room with breakfast.
What is not included?: The included list covers train travel and breakfast only; other meals mentioned in the itinerary, such as tapas dinners, are not listed as included.