Planet Rail
Costa Verde Express & Spain by First Class Rail
Luxury rail journey through Spain via Eurostar and the Costa Verde Express
11 daysfrom $7,472
82% rail
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Grand Tour of Spain by First Class rail
Discover Spain's finest cities on a first-class rail journey, from Barcelona to Seville and Madrid, experiencing stunning scenery and rich heritage.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Barcelona
London to Barcelona
From St. Pancras International travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, with a light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier service. Your private taxi transfer takes you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon for the direct TGV through France and into Spain, arriving in Barcelona in time for dinner or tapas. Settle into the H10 Urquinaona Plaza for 3 nights.
- Day 2overnight: Barcelona
Barcelona
A full day to explore this magical city, from the lively Ramblas to the smart shops of Passeig de Gracia. Head towards the cathedral and the older parts of town with wonderful examples of Gaudi architecture. Don't miss the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, or the Picasso Museum.
- Day 3overnight: Barcelona
Barcelona
Another full day in Barcelona. Perhaps head to Placa de Sant Josep Oriol where street musicians, fortune tellers and painters entertain visitors amid designer boutiques and handicraft shops. Dinner options range from gastronomic restaurants to cosy bistros and tapas bars.
- Day 4overnight: Cordoba
Barcelona to Cordoba
From Barcelona Sants begin your First Class journey aboard the high-speed service south-west to Cordoba. Check in for 2 nights at the centrally located Las Casas de la Juderia. This afternoon visit the palace of the Christian Kings, the Alcazar, with its luxuriant gardens of courtyards, fountains and water terraces.
- Day 5overnight: Cordoba
Cordoba
A full day to explore the compact city of Cordoba. Among many highlights is the world's third largest mosque, the Mezquita, with its forest of more than eight hundred red and white striped columns and arches. Explore Cordoba's countless plazas and courtyards hidden along narrow streets.
- Day 6railovernight: Granada
Cordoba to Granada
Take the regional train to the Moorish-influenced city of Granada, arriving in the afternoon. Check in to the Hotel Aurea Catedral for 2 nights. This evening head to one of Granada's tapas bars, or stroll the meandering streets of the Albaycin for the view of the Alhambra Palace at sunset.
- Day 7overnight: Granada
Granada & the Alhambra Palace
A full day in Granada. Start early to enjoy the sun coming up over the Alhambra Palace and make the most of your visit to the stunning Moorish palace and its luscious gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is also time to explore Granada's quarters or take a trip to the pueblos blancos (white villages) of the Alpujarras.
- Day 8railovernight: Seville
Granada to Seville
Join the regional train westwards to Seville and check in to the Hotel Becquer for 2 nights. This afternoon climb the Giralda bell tower to gaze down on the city, then stroll the characterful courtyards and narrow alleys of the ancient Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz before an evening at a tapas bar.
- Day 9overnight: Seville
Seville
A full day to discover Seville. Start with the elaborate Arabic designs and rococo ornamentation of the Royal Palace, or Alcazar, with its delightful gardens, then head for the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral which took a whole century to build.
- Day 10overnight: Madrid
Seville to Madrid
Take the high-speed journey to Madrid and check in to the elegant Hotel Liabeny, ideally situated in the heart of the Spanish capital, for 3 nights. This evening sample one of Madrid's fine restaurants.
- Day 11overnight: Madrid
Madrid
Explore Madrid's golden triangle of art: the Prado Museum, the more intimate Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, all within striking distance of each other on the Paseo del Arte.
- Day 12overnight: Madrid
Madrid
A second full day in Madrid. Head down the Carrera de San Jeronimo past the Parliament to Sol in the heart of the city, then take Calle Mayor to the Plaza Mayor and the old Madrid of the Asturias, capped by the opulent Royal Palace.
- Day 13overnight: Girona
Madrid to Girona
After a leisurely breakfast and time in Madrid, board the high-speed AVE northwards from Madrid Atocha to the charming city of Girona and the welcoming Hotel Nord 1901. Explore the walled medieval quarter, the Barri Vell, the pastel-hued Cases de l'Onyar along the Riu Onyar, and one of the best preserved medieval Jewish quarters in Spain.
- Day 14rail
Girona to London - Homeward bound
Board the high-speed TGV to Paris. On arrival at the Gare de Lyon you are transferred by private taxi to the Gare du Nord for the Eurostar back to London, with a light meal and drinks before arrival into London St. Pancras International.
Included
- First Class rail travel on daytime trains throughout (Eurostar in Standard Premier service)
- 13 nights 4 star accommodation: 3 nights Barcelona, 2 nights Cordoba, 2 nights Granada, 2 nights Seville, 3 nights Madrid, 1 night Girona
- Private taxi transfers in Paris
