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exodustravels.com · Guided Group

Highlights of Spain by Rail

Spain's major cities by train from Barcelona to Malaga in eight days

Illustration of Highlights of Spain by Rail

Exodus Travels operates this eight-day guided rail journey through Spain's cultural heartland, departing Barcelona and ending in Malaga. The trip connects four major cities using Spain's train network: you spend two nights each in Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, plus one night in Cordoba. Days combine expertly led walking tours of historic centres, museum visits including the Prado and the work of Picasso, a flamenco performance in Seville's dining room, and a tapas crawl through Madrid's establishments. An expert tour leader travels with the small group, handling logistics and timing so you focus on the art, architecture, and regional food of each stop. Breakfasts and one dinner are provided; other meals are at your discretion. The tour suits first-time rail travellers who want cultural immersion with structure, history lovers drawn to museums and monuments, and food-focused explorers keen on Spanish cuisine and regional flavours.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are listed as 'or similar'; your final accommodation depends on the tier and city you select when booking.
  • Flights to Barcelona and from Malaga are not included in the from-price.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia/Hotel Catalonia Atenas (or similar)

    Adventure starts in Barcelona

    Begin your adventure in Barcelona, a city bursting with art and architecture. The excitement builds with an orientation walk, a chance to see some of the city landmarks. Around 6pm, say hola to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead. This evening your tour leader ensures a big Spanish welcome over dinner. Want more time in Barcelona? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia/Hotel Catalonia Atenas (or similar)

    Explore Barcelona on foot

    Discover Barcelona today, first exploring the fresh produce of La Boqueria, a bustling market filled with fresh produce. After lunch, we walk to Parque Güell, a city green space created by Catalan architect and designer, Antoni Gaudí. This World Heritage site is an open-air gallery, displaying work packed with religious and political symbolism, while also offering beautiful views over the city and pleasant gardens in which to stroll. Return to the hotel by public transport.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

    Train to Madrid

    Head to Barcelona-Sants railway station by taxi for our first train ride of the adventure. Arriving in Madrid, we take a taxi to the hotel for check-in. We then hop back on the metro to travel to the city centre for a two-hour walking tour of the capital’s highlights, including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real. The day ends with a tapas crawl, dipping into different establishments to taste their fine dishes and eating like a local. After, we return to the hotel by metro.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

    Museum visits; free time to explore

    Begin today at the Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum. This historic establishment houses one of the finest European art collections in the world, including pieces by Goya, El Greco, Rubens and plenty more. Then head to the Museo Reina Sofia, where we can see Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, which represents the horrors of war. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

    Train to Seville

    Enjoy our second train ride of the trip today, reaching the station by taxi for our 2hr 50min train to Seville station. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the hotel for check-in before an exploration of the city. Walk through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets towards River Guadalquivir, where we can see the Triana neighbourhood and Torre del Oro. This evening, we have dinner in the centre and attend a flamenco show in one of the popular tablaos.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

    Highlights of Seville tour

    Venture into the capital of Andalucia today to visit the highlights, including the Royal Alcazar palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture and art in Spain. We also enter Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world. Finally, we head to Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Hotel Sercotel Cordoba Medina Azahara (or similar)

    Train to Cordoba

    After a taxi ride to the station, enjoy the 45-minute train journey to the historic city of Cordoba, the capital of the Muslim kingdom that reigned Spain for centuries. Upon arrival, take a taxi to the hotel for check-in, before we visit the Jewish Quarter, the emblematic flowery courtyards, and the Great Mosque of Córdoba.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8rail

    Cordoba to Malaga; adventure ends

    Enjoy your last train journey of this adventure after breakfast, taking a taxi to the station for our train ride to Malaga. On arrival at Malaga train station, a transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flights.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Walk through La Boqueria market in Barcelona, then explore Parque Güell, a World Heritage site designed by Antoni Gaudí.
  • Day 3Arrive in Madrid by train and walk the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real before a tapas crawl through the city centre.
  • Day 5Take the two-hour-fifty-minute train to Seville, then walk the Jewish Quarter and see the Triana neighbourhood and Torre del Oro.
  • Day 6Visit the Royal Alcazar palace, Seville Cathedral (the largest gothic church in the world), and Plaza de España.
  • Day 7Board the forty-five-minute train to Cordoba and explore the Jewish Quarter, flowery courtyards, and the Great Mosque.

Included

  • All accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
  • All breakfasts and one dinner
  • Immersive itinerary with all transport (travel between cities by train) and listed activities
  • Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
  • Group arrival and departure transfers available

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local tourist tax (paid locally)

Questions travellers ask

Is all train travel included?
Yes. Exodus Travels includes four trains: Barcelona to Madrid, Madrid to Seville (2hr 50min), Seville to Cordoba (45min), and Cordoba to Malaga. Seats are pre-booked.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. An expert tour leader accompanies the group throughout and manages the schedule.
What meals are included?
All breakfasts and one dinner are included. Other meals are on your own.
How much walking is involved?
Activity Level 3 (Moderate). This includes walking tours in each city, visits to markets and historic quarters, and exploration of landmarks.
What are the accommodation standards?
Seven nights in classic-tier hotels, described as three to four star, across Barcelona (2 nights), Madrid (2 nights), Seville (2 nights), and Cordoba (1 night).
When does this tour run?
Departures are scheduled in September and October 2026, and April, May, June, September and October 2027. Prices range from USD 3,600 to USD 4,950 depending on the departure date.

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