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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Madrid & Paradors of Central Spain

Eleven-day escorted tour of central Spain by rail, staying in historic Paradors

Illustration of Madrid & Paradors of Central Spain

Great Rail Journeys operates this 11-day escorted journey through central Spain and the Basque Country, departing London and ending in the French Basque coastal town of Biarritz. The tour pairs first-class rail travel with stays in three historic four-star Parador hotels, properties that often occupy convents, palaces, or castles. You travel Eurostar Plus to Paris, then First Class rail across the Pyrenees to Spain, visiting Madrid's Royal Palace, UNESCO-listed cities including Segovia, Salamanca, Ávila, and Burgos, and heritage sites such as the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. A standout moment comes on Day 3, when you board the Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train), a fully restored 1920s heritage train, for the journey from Madrid to Aranjuez. The tour includes two guided city tours, a full-day olive oil tasting and mill visit near Toledo, and most meals throughout. A Tour Manager accompanies the group of up to 30 travellers from start to finish.

What to know before you look closer

  • The single supplement (GBP 4,699) is substantially higher than half the double rate (GBP 1,799.50), reflecting limited single accommodation among the Paradors.
  • Day 5 is a coach day to Burgos and back from La Granja with no overnight change; similarly Day 6 departs and returns to the same hotel.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: San Sebastián

    From London to San Sebastián

    Your Spanish holiday begins at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and travel group and board the Eurostar to Paris in Eurostar Plus class with a light meal served at your seat. From Paris, continue by First Class rail to Hendaye on the French-Spanish border. A coach transfers you to your hotel in the heart of San Sebastián, located on the Bay of Biscay in the Basque Country. Walk to a nearby restaurant for your first dinner in Spain.

    Meals: Eurostar Light Meal, Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Alcalá de Henares

    Exploring Madrid & the Parador de Alcalá de Henares

    After breakfast, a coach transfer takes you to the station for a First Class journey through Spain's countryside to Madrid, watching the Pyrenean foothills transform into sprawling plains. On arrival in the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Madrid's highlights including El Retiro park and the Palacio Real (Royal Palace). Afterwards, coach to the Parador de Alcalá de Henares, housed in three 17th-century convent buildings, birthplace of Don Quixote author Cervantes. Free time to unwind before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Alcalá de Henares

    Reliving railway history on the Strawberry Train

    Coach to Madrid to board the Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train), using fully restored 1920s train cars. Costumed hostesses welcome you aboard for an hour-long journey recreating the first rail route in Spain, travelling to Aranjuez, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aranjuez cultural landscape. A guided walking tour introduces the city's attractions, followed by free time to explore. Fresh strawberries from the Aranjuez region are served on the return journey. Coach back to the Parador de Alcalá de Henares for an evening at leisure. Note: on certain departures, the Strawberry Train may not be in operation and travel to/from Aranjuez will be by other means.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: La Granja de San Ildefonso

    Uncovering ancient Segovia & the scenic Parador de La Granja

    Head north of Madrid by train to Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage city backed by the Guadarrama mountains and featuring the 1st-century Aqueduct of Segovia and the 12th-century Alcázar. Arrive late morning with the day free to explore at your own pace, including the Plaza del Azoguejo and the Old Jewish Quarter. Local speciality cochinillo asado (roasted suckling pig) is recommended for lunch. In the afternoon, a short coach journey takes you to the Parador de La Granja, housed in the 18th-century Casa de los Infantes with three inner courtyards and mountain scenery. Free time before dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5railovernight: La Granja de San Ildefonso

    The Camino de Santiago city of Burgos

    Travel by First Class train into the Castile region, following the ancient Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route to Burgos, former capital of the unified kingdom of Castile and León for over 500 years. The city's UNESCO-listed cathedral (the only cathedral in Spain awarded this distinction) features a French Gothic façade with Renaissance and Baroque decorative elements. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and a free afternoon to explore the Old Town. Burgos is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, known for morcilla de Burgos and cured sheep's milk cheese. Return to the Parador in the afternoon for a relaxing evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

  6. Day 6railovernight: La Granja de San Ildefonso

    Discovering Salamanca's old-world charm and flavours

    Coach to Segovia's station and board the train to Salamanca, the UNESCO World Heritage 'Golden City', nicknamed for the honey-coloured glow of its sandstone buildings. A guided tour weaves past top attractions including the New and Old Cathedrals (built in the 16th and 12th centuries respectively), which connect into one breathtaking complex. Visit a local bakery to try a hornazo (Spanish meat pie), then free time to explore or lunch independently. Return to the Parador de La Granja in the late afternoon for group dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7overnight: Toledo

    To the walled city of Ávila & the Parador de Toledo

    Depart the mountains heading south towards Toledo, pausing in the UNESCO-listed city of Ávila, the 'City of Saints and Stones', birthplace of St Teresa. Founded in the 11th century, Ávila is surrounded by more than 2,500 metres of original stone walls with 82 towers and nine gates. Free afternoon to explore the Old Town, including the Monastery of St Thomas Aquinas. Transfer by coach to the Parador de Toledo, a Mudejar-inspired building on a hill overlooking Toledo's cathedral and Alcázar. Dinner together on arrival.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8overnight: Toledo

    Learning the art of olive oil-making at Finca La Pontezuela

    After breakfast, coach from the hilltop Parador into the rolling olive groves outside Toledo to Finca La Pontezuela, producing award-winning olive oil for over 50 years. A full-day guided tour includes a short history video, a virtual reality experience of Roman Toledo, a tour of the modern mill facility, and the Olive Grove Interpretation Centre. Taste the oils (which have accumulated more than 75 national and international awards) and enjoy lunch at the onsite restaurant. Return to Parador de Toledo for dinner, with time to relax on the terrace or take a dip in the pool.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  9. Day 9overnight: Toledo

    Spanish Renaissance history at San Lorenzo de El Escorial

    Coach to the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, dating to the 1560s and built as a retreat for Philip II and burial place for Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. A guided tour introduces the church, monastery, royal palace, college and library, featuring dazzling frescoes, exceptional art, centuries-old books and artefacts, surrounded by mountain views and gardens. Return to the Parador de Toledo by coach for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  10. Day 10railovernight: Biarritz

    Coastal San Sebastián and onwards to Biarritz

    Early breakfast at the Parador de Toledo before a coach transfer to Madrid, then First Class rail to San Sebastián. On arrival, time to wander the city centre before continuing by coach to Biarritz in the French Basque Country. Check in to the hotel and set out for the final dinner of the holiday at a local restaurant.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  11. Day 11rail

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, coach transfer to Biarritz station for the First Class morning train to Paris. Switch to the Eurostar in Paris, enjoying a light meal in Plus class, before arriving at London St Pancras.

    Meals: Breakfast, Eurostar Light Meal

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3Board the Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train), a fully restored 1920s heritage train, for a one-hour journey from Madrid to Aranjuez, Spain's first rail route.
  • Day 4Arrive in Segovia late morning to explore the 1st-century Aqueduct of Segovia and the 12th-century Alcázar against a backdrop of the Guadarrama mountains.
  • Day 8Spend a full day at Finca La Pontezuela olive grove outside Toledo, touring the mill facility, tasting award-winning oils, and experiencing a virtual reality tour of Roman Toledo.
  • Day 9Visit the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a 1560s palace and monastery complex built for Philip II, featuring frescoes, art collections, and mountain gardens.

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 10 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Eurostar Plus class travel
  • First Class rail travel throughout
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Eurostar light meals (outbound and return)
  • Breakfast each day
  • 2 lunches
  • 8 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Alcalá de Henares to La Granja
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The tour includes Eurostar Plus class to and from Paris and First Class rail travel throughout Spain, including the heritage Strawberry Train.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys provides a UK Tour Manager from London to Biarritz, plus guided tours in Madrid, Salamanca, and at San Lorenzo de El Escorial and Finca La Pontezuela.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar (London to Paris), TGV/SNCF (Paris to Hendaye and Biarritz to Paris), multiple Renfe First Class services in Spain, and the Tren de la Fresa (Strawberry Train) heritage service Madrid to Aranjuez.
What hotels are included?
An unnamed four-star hotel in San Sebastián (1 night), Parador de Alcalá de Henares (2 nights), Parador de La Granja (3 nights), Parador de Toledo (3 nights), and Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage, Handwritten Collection (1 night).
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily, two lunches, eight dinners, and light meals on Eurostar outbound and return. Lunch in San Sebastián on Day 1 is not included.
When does the tour depart?
Great Rail Journeys offers departures in May, June, September, and October 2027.

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