Search

Cox & Kings · Tailor-Made Journey

London to Madrid by Rail

10-day all-rail tailor-made journey from London across Spain

Illustration of London to Madrid by Rail

Cox & Kings runs this 10-day, 9-night tailor-made rail journey across Spain, traveling entirely by train from London to Girona, Madrid, Burgos, and San Sebastian and back. Day 1 is a full-day rail journey via Paris into Girona, a walled medieval city where day 2 is spent exploring the Girona Cathedral and Jewish quarter. Three nights in Madrid follow, with a day at leisure for the Prado and Retiro Park, plus a private-driver day to Aranjuez or El Escorial. The trip then continues by train to Burgos, where the gothic cathedral holds the tomb of El Cid, and finishes in the coastal Basque city of San Sebastian, known for its old town, La Concha Beach, and pintxos. Most days are unstructured, giving travelers freedom to set their own pace between the scheduled train transfers. This suits travelers who want to see Spain by rail without a flight, moving between historic cities on their own schedule rather than a fixed group tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Most days are unguided free time to explore independently; only day 5 in Madrid includes a private driver for excursions to Aranjuez or El Escorial.
  • Pricing varies notably by season, from £2,195 per person for a February departure to £2,795 for a May departure.
  • The legs to and from London on day 1 and day 10 are long full-day train journeys via Paris; the rest of the trip is by train within Spain.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Girona

    Arrive in Girona, Spain.

    Travel by rail from London to Girona, Spain, via Paris, France. Check in at Hotel Historic for 2 nights.

  2. Day 2overnight: Girona

    Girona

    Enjoy a day at leisure to explore Girona. The city has an ancient history, changing hands from the Iberians to the Romans to the Visigoths. Historic landmarks include the walkable city walls; the Girona Cathedral; and the attractive Jewish quarter.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Transfer by rail from Girona to Madrid, then check in at Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Sol for 3 nights.

  4. Day 4overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Your day is at leisure to explore Madrid, the capital of Spain. You may wish to amble through the lush, leafy Parque del Retiro, admire the imposing Royal Palace, sample local produce at the San Miguel Market, and browse centuries-old masterpieces in the Museo del Prado.

  5. Day 5overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Enjoy a day exploring the Madrid region with a private driver. Perhaps journey south to Aranjuez with its UNESCO-listed old town, or northwest to El Escorial monastery, the largest Renaissance building in the world.

  6. Day 6overnight: Burgos

    Burgos

    Journey from Madrid to Burgos and check in at NH Burgos Palacio for 2 nights.

  7. Day 7overnight: Burgos

    Burgos

    Enjoy a day at leisure in Burgos, part of the autonomous Castile and León region. You may wish to visit the royal hunting lodge-turned-monastery of Miraflores, Burgos Cathedral and its dazzling Chapel of the Constables.

  8. Day 8railovernight: San Sebastián

    San Sebastian

    Travel from Burgos to San Sebastian by train, then check in at Villa Soro for 2 nights.

  9. Day 9overnight: San Sebastián

    San Sebastián

    Your day is at leisure to explore San Sebastián in the Basque region. You could tour the historic old town, venture down to the gold sands of La Concha Beach, or gain insight into Basque culture at the San Telmo Museum.

  10. Day 10rail

    Depart San Sebastián.

    Transfer from San Sebastian to Hendaye, then take the train to London via Paris.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A day exploring Girona's historic city walls, Girona Cathedral, and the Jewish quarter, in a city that has changed hands from the Iberians to the Romans to the Visigoths.
  • Day 4A day in Madrid to explore the Parque del Retiro, the Royal Palace, the San Miguel Market, and the Museo del Prado.
  • Day 5A day exploring the Madrid region with a private driver, with the option to visit Aranjuez's UNESCO-listed old town or the El Escorial monastery, the largest Renaissance building in the world.
  • Day 7A day in Burgos with the option to visit the Miraflores monastery, Burgos Cathedral, and its Chapel of the Constables, where El Cid is entombed.
  • Day 9A day in San Sebastian to explore the old town, La Concha Beach, or the San Telmo Museum of Basque culture.

Included

  • Accommodation, itinerary & meal basis as described
  • International standard class train tickets to/from London and domestic rail travel
  • Local guides & entrance fees where applicable
  • Local Transfers in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle, where applicable

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes, this trip is entirely by rail: international standard class trains to and from London, plus rail travel within Spain between Girona, Madrid, Burgos, and San Sebastian.
Is it escorted or independent?
It is a tailor-made journey. Most days are at leisure to explore independently; day 5 in Madrid includes a private driver for regional excursions.
Which cities does it visit?
London, Girona, Madrid, Burgos, and San Sebastian.
What hotels are included?
Hotel Historic in Girona, Hotel Catalonia Puerta del Sol in Madrid, NH Burgos Palacio, and Hotel Villa Soro in San Sebastian.
When does it run?
The trip is priced for February (from £2,195) and May (from £2,795) departures.
How much walking is involved?
The operator rates the trip's activity level as Moderate, with walking in Girona's historic old town and central Madrid.

Similar journeys