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Rail Escape

South West Europe: From London to Madrid

13-day rail journey London to Madrid via Paris and Barcelona

Illustration of South West Europe: From London to Madrid

Rail Escape's 13-day South West Europe tour departs London and ends in Toledo, traveling by first-class rail and staying three nights in each of four cities: London, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. The journey begins with three days exploring London's museums, royal parks, and central landmarks. Day 4 aboard Eurostar carries you through the Channel Tunnel to Paris, where you spend three nights visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre. The train then carries you to Barcelona for three nights among Gaudí's architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. A high-speed rail journey south brings you to Madrid for three nights, including a half-day excursion to Toledo, known as the City of Three Cultures for its blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim heritage. Four-star hotels near train stations, daily breakfast, and airport transfers are included; you spend your days at your own pace exploring museums, neighborhoods, and historic sites.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotel accommodations are listed as 4-star hotels, but optional upgrades (Popular and Luxe tier alternatives) are available at each stop; your final hotel depends on which tier you choose.
  • The from-price covers the rail package and hotel stays; international airfare, most meals, entrance fees, local transportation, and gratuities are separate.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: London

    Arrive in London

    Welcome to England's iconic capital! After checking into your hotel for three nights, get oriented by taking a walk through one of London's beautiful royal parks like Hyde Park or St. James's Park. In the evening, you could explore the lively Covent Garden area.

  2. Day 2overnight: London

    Sights of Central London

    Use a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see London's top attractions at your own pace. Be sure to hop off at Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guard ceremony. Other highlights could include the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square.

  3. Day 3overnight: London

    London Museums

    With another day in London, devote some time to its world-class museums. Possibilities include the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, or any others that pique your interest based on the incredible collections.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Paris

    Travel to Paris

    After breakfast, depart London and take the high-speed Eurostar train through the Channel Tunnel to Paris. Upon arrival, check into your Paris hotel for three nights. Spend your afternoon strolling along the iconic Champs-Élysées and seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close.

  5. Day 5overnight: Paris

    The Louvre and Eiffel Tower

    No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Start your day at the Louvre to admire legendary works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Then head to the Trocadéro for fantastic views of the Iron Lady herself.

  6. Day 6overnight: Paris

    Montmartre and the Left Bank

    Spend the morning in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, strolling through Place du Tertre and seeing the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In the afternoon, cross to the Left Bank's Latin Quarter to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and browse the bouquiniste bookseller stalls.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Barcelona

    Travel to Barcelona

    Leave Paris after breakfast and take a train to the Catalan city of Barcelona, Spain. After checking into your hotel for three nights, you could begin exploring by wandering down the iconic Las Ramblas pedestrian boulevard.

  8. Day 8overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona's Architecture

    Today, experience the incredible architectural heritage of Barcelona by visiting some of the iconic works by Antoni Gaudí like the unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. You may also enjoy walking through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter.

  9. Day 9overnight: Barcelona

    More of Barcelona

    With another day in Barcelona, you can see other top sights like the hilltop castle of Montjuïc offering panoramic city views, the lively La Barceloneta beachfront neighborhood, or the whimsical architectural wonders of Casa Milà (La Pedrera).

  10. Day 10railovernight: Madrid

    Journey to Madrid

    Leave Barcelona after breakfast and take a high-speed train to the Spanish capital of Madrid. After arriving and checking into your hotel for three nights, set out to explore sights like the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol.

  11. Day 11overnight: Madrid

    Day Trip to Toledo

    Take a half-day excursion to the nearby historic city of Toledo, known as the 'City of Three Cultures' for its harmonious blend of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences over the centuries. Be sure to see sights like the Toledo Cathedral and the El Greco Museum.

  12. Day 12overnight: Madrid

    Madrid's Museums and Parks

    Spend your final full day experiencing some of Madrid's incredible museums like the Prado Museum housing masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez and more. You could also stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park and explore the lively Malasaña neighborhood.

  13. Day 13

    Depart Madrid

    On your final morning in the Spanish capital, visit any sights you may have missed before departing. You could squeeze in some last-minute shopping or simply relax at a cafe while doing some prime people-watching.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Ride the Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel from London to Paris after breakfast, arriving to the Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
  • Day 5Visit the Louvre Museum to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, then view the Eiffel Tower from Trocadéro.
  • Day 8Explore Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia basilica, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló in Barcelona.
  • Day 10Travel by high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid; spend the afternoon at Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol.
  • Day 11Take a half-day excursion from Madrid to Toledo, known as the City of Three Cultures, visiting Toledo Cathedral and the El Greco Museum.

Included

  • Welcome Package with travel essentials and detailed itinerary information
  • First-Class Rail Travel throughout (some regional trains second-class only)
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation in all cities, near train stations
  • Daily Breakfast at all hotel accommodations
  • Airport Transfers on arrival and departure

Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Excursions, Activities and Entrance Fees
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast
  • Local taxes or fees (e.g. hotel tourism taxes)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Local Transportation

Questions travellers ask

Is rail travel included?
Yes, first-class rail travel is included throughout: Eurostar from London to Paris, regional and high-speed trains to Barcelona, and high-speed service to Madrid. Some regional trains operate in second class only.
Is this tour escorted?
The itinerary is designed for independent exploration. Rail Escape provides the package, hotels, and transfers; daily activities and excursions are your choice.
What is included in the price?
First-class rail travel, four-star hotel accommodation (three nights in each city), daily breakfast, airport transfers, and a welcome package with itinerary information.
What is not included?
International airfare, meals beyond breakfast, entrance fees and activities, local taxes or fees, personal expenses, tips and gratuities, and local transportation.
How many nights are spent in each city?
Three nights in London, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid respectively, allowing time to explore each destination at a relaxed pace.
Can I upgrade my hotel?
Yes, Rail Escape offers Popular and Luxe hotel upgrade options in London, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid.

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