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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Iconic Cities of Spain: Barcelona to Madrid

Escorted Spain rail tour Barcelona to Seville via Valencia, Madrid, Granada

Illustration of Iconic Cities of Spain: Barcelona to Madrid

Vacations By Rail's famous Cities of Spain is an 11-day escorted journey through Spain's most celebrated destinations, departing from Barcelona and concluding in Seville. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, guiding visits to the Sagrada Família in Barcelona, the Alhambra palace in Granada, Córdoba's Mezquita mosque-cathedral, and Seville's Real Alcázar. The route uses First Class rail between major cities and coach for other segments, pairing each day's sightseeing with stays in 3 and 4-star hotels. Breakfasts are included daily along with select lunches and dinners, such as paella in Valencia, tapas in Madrid, and a flamenco performance with dinner in Seville. The pace is balanced, with some days offering free time alongside guided tours, and the activity level is moderately high due to walking through historic quarters and palace complexes. This tour suits first-time rail travellers who prefer structure and guidance, history enthusiasts drawn to UNESCO sites and Moorish heritage, and those seeking a mix of culture and regional cuisine.

What to know before you look closer

  • Flights and airport transfers are not included in the from-price; only the tour package from Barcelona onwards is covered
  • The itinerary includes one night in Seville (day 9) before returning by First Class rail to Madrid for day 10, so Seville is a brief stop
  • One reviewer noted that the Granada hotel required better room maintenance, though other hotels were praised as wonderful and clean

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barcelona

    Welcome to Barcelona

    Make your way independently to the hotel and meet the Tour Manager and group for a welcome drink. The rest of the day is free to explore.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Discovering Barcelona's sights and flavors

    A guided tour by coach and on foot taking in the exterior of the Sagrada Família, Las Ramblas and the Gothic Quarter. Free afternoon, then dinner at a 17th-century Catalan farmhouse restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Valencia

    To Valencia, a city of contrasts

    First Class rail travel to Valencia for a two-night stay, with scenic coastal views between Tarragona and Castellón. A welcome drink and canapes on arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast, Light Dinner

  4. Day 4overnight: Valencia

    Valencia sightseeing and paella dinner

    A guided tour taking in La Lonja de la Seda and Valencia Cathedral, with a tasting of horchata and fartons. Dinner features an authentic paella.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: Madrid

    Arriving in Spain's capital

    A free morning in Valencia, then First Class rail travel to Madrid. Dinner together at the hotel restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Madrid

    Exploring historic Madrid

    A guided sightseeing tour by coach and on foot taking in El Retiro park and the Palacio Real, concluding with a tapas lunch. Afternoon and evening at leisure.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  7. Day 7railovernight: Granada

    To Granada's Moorish Quarter – the Albaicín

    A train to Granada for a two-night stay, with a walking tour of the Albaicín Quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage site of narrow medieval streets.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8overnight: Granada

    Granada's impressive Alhambra

    A guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Alhambra palace complex and the 14th-century Generalife, followed by an authentic Andalucían dinner overlooking the illuminated Alhambra.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Seville

    A guided tour of Córdoba enroute to Seville

    Travel by coach to Seville via Córdoba, crossing the Roman Bridge and visiting the Mezquita mosque-cathedral. A flamenco show before dinner in Seville.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10railovernight: Madrid

    Uncovering Seville on a guided tour

    A guided tour of the Santa Cruz district, Seville Cathedral and the Real Alcázar of Seville, then return to Madrid by First Class rail for dinner at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11rail

    Traveling home

    After a final breakfast, you are free to continue exploring Madrid or transfer to the railway station or airport to begin your travels home.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Guided coach and walking tour of Barcelona taking in the exterior of the Sagrada Família and the Gothic Quarter
  • Day 3First Class rail journey to Valencia with scenic coastal views between Tarragona and Castellón
  • Day 4Guided tour of Valencia Cathedral and La Lonja de la Seda, with authentic paella dinner
  • Day 8Guided tour of the Alhambra palace complex and 14th-century Generalife, followed by dinner overlooking the illuminated palace
  • Day 9Coach journey to Seville via Córdoba with a visit to the Mezquita mosque-cathedral and a flamenco show before dinner

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 10 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • First Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout your tour
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between all hotels from Barcelona to Granada, Seville to Madrid
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes all First Class rail travel between Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, and Granada, as well as the return journey to Madrid on day 10. Coach transport is used for other legs, including the journey to Seville via Córdoba.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A Tour Manager from Vacations By Rail travels with the group from start to finish.
What meals are included?
Breakfast is provided every day. The tour includes 1 lunch (tapas in Madrid on day 6) and 7 dinners, including paella in Valencia, authentic Andalucían fare in Granada, and a flamenco dinner in Seville. Other meals are at your own cost.
Which hotels are used?
Hotel Catalonia Gracia in Barcelona, Meliá Plaza in Valencia, Hotel Catalonia Gran Via in Madrid, Palacio de Santa Ines in Granada, and Casa Romana Hotel Boutique in Seville. All are 3 or 4-star properties.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is rated Mobility Rating 3, indicating significant walking. This includes walking tours of Barcelona's Gothic Quarter, Granada's medieval Albaicín streets, and sightseeing on foot in Madrid and Seville.
What is not included?
Flights, airport transfers, and cancellation/travel insurance are not included. Only the 11-day tour package from Barcelona to Seville is covered in the from-price.

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