Planet Rail
Al-Andalus Luxury Train in southern Spain
11 daysfrom $10,677
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
Madrid, Valencia & Barcelona by First Class Rail
Travel by first-class rail to vibrant Valencia, where golden beaches, futuristic architecture and a rich culinary scene await your arrival.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Marseille
London to Marseille
Depart from London St. Pancras International by Eurostar in Standard Premier (Eurostar's 1st class for leisure travellers) with a light meal and drinks served on board, travelling at up to 186mph to Paris Gare du Nord. A private taxi transfers you to the Gare de Lyon for the high-speed journey south to Marseille. Overnight at the Grand Hotel Beauvau (4 star), just off the Vieux Port.
- Day 2railovernight: Madrid
Marseille to Madrid
Return to the station and take the train into Spain, bound for Madrid. On arrival make your way to the elegant Hotel Liabeny (4 star), ideally situated in the heart of the Spanish capital, for a three-night stay. This evening perhaps sample one of Madrid's fine restaurants.
- Day 3overnight: Madrid
Exploring Madrid
A full day to explore Madrid. Visit the golden triangle of art: the Prado Museum (best for El Greco), the more intimate Reina Sofia Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, all within striking distance of each other on the Paseo del Arte.
- Day 4overnight: Madrid
Exploring Madrid
A second full day in Madrid. Perhaps head down the Carrera de San Jeronimo, past the Parliament and onto Sol, then take Calle Mayor to the Plaza Mayor and the old Madrid of the Asturias, capped by the opulent Royal Palace.
- Day 5overnight: Valencia
Onward to Valencia
After breakfast, board your regional service south towards the coast, arriving in Valencia. Make your way to the highly rated Soho Boutique Turia (4 star) for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon getting to know your surroundings and finish with dinner at a local tapas bar.
- Day 6overnight: Valencia
Valencia
Explore the Old Town and the Central Market, a display of Valencia's modernist architecture dating back to 1914 with colourful ceramic tiles, and the Plaza de la Virgin. Valencia is perfect to discover on foot.
- Day 7overnight: Valencia
Valencia
Visit the Plaza de la Reina with the Cathedral and the Miguelete tower (climb the 207 steps for beautiful views), and the Silk Exchange, a World Heritage Site with its Patio de los Naranjos courtyard full of orange trees. Or stroll to the sea front with miles of golden sands, and enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Paella at a shoreside restaurant.
- Day 8railovernight: Barcelona
Valencia to Barcelona
Board your regional train from Valencia, skirting alongside the Mediterranean to the Catalan capital. From Barcelona Sants station make your way to the comfortable and welcoming H10 Urquinaona Plaza Hotel for a three-night stay.
- Day 9overnight: Barcelona
Barcelona
Soak up the city, from the lively Ramblas to the smart shops of Passeig de Gracia. Don't miss the Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudi's unfinished masterpiece, or the Picasso Museum with its extensive collection.
- Day 10railovernight: Barcelona
Barcelona
Take the funicular up to Montjuic for commanding views over the city, or venture further afield to Montserrat, the jagged mountain crowned by its monastery, reached by rack railway or cable car. Back in Barcelona, plenty of dinner options from gastronomic restaurants to tapas bars.
- Day 11rail
Barcelona to London - Homeward bound
After breakfast, from Barcelona Sants travel north on the superfast TGV to Paris, where a private transfer takes you to the Gare du Nord. Join the Eurostar home with a light meal and drinks before arrival into London St Pancras.
Included
- First class rail travel throughout
- Highly-rated 4-star hotels throughout
- Taxi transfers in Paris
