Search

Marvellous Escapes · Tailor-made rail holiday

Spanish City Explorer

Five Spanish cities by rail from Barcelona to Malaga in 11 days

Illustration of Spanish City Explorer

Marvellous Escapes' Spanish City Explorer is an 11-day independent rail holiday linking Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Malaga. You spend two nights in each city, giving you time to settle in and explore without constant packing. Train travel on Renfe services connects each destination, and the package includes hotels with breakfast, guided walking tours at each stop, hop-on hop-off bus passes, museum entries, and 24-hour on-trip support. Your days are structured but flexible: in Barcelona you have a hop-on hop-off bus pass and two days to wander; in Valencia a local guide walks you through 2,000 years of heritage; in Madrid you use an included city card to visit the Prado or Royal Palace at your own pace; in Seville you choose from four walking tours plus a flamenco museum and aquarium; in Malaga a guide shows you the Old Town and Alcazaba, then you pick from eight activities including the Picasso Museum or a boat tour. This suits first-time rail travellers who want structure and support, couples seeking a leisurely pace, and independent explorers who value free time between guided moments.

What to know before you look closer

  • The from-price of GBP 2,299 covers the package, hotels, and rail fares; flights are included from London or a rail alternative is offered but may add cost or time.
  • Hotel standards are not specified in the operator's details; confirm accommodation quality and star ratings before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Welcome to Barcelona! After arriving, head to your hotel for a two-night stay. Get yourself acquainted with the city, and in the evening, you'll have plenty of choice for where to enjoy dinner, as Barcelona has many fantastic restaurants.

  2. Day 2overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Explore the city in all its glory today, visiting the sites you wish to explore with your included Hop-on Hop-off bus pass.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Valencia

    Valencia

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before boarding the train to Valencia. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay and start to explore the city at your leisure.

  4. Day 4overnight: Valencia

    Valencia

    Enjoy a walking tour of Valencia today with an authentic local Valencian guide, exploring over 2,000 years of rich heritage and stunning historical landmarks.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Travel north by train today to Spain's capital, vibrant Madrid and check into your hotel for a two-night stay. With your included Madrid City pass explore the city with ease, visiting the world-famous Prado Museum or the Royal Palace.

  6. Day 6overnight: Madrid

    Madrid

    Today, you'll have a full day to explore Madrid at your leisure. At the core of this magnificent city lie the Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor. Take a leisurely stroll along the Grand Via.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Seville

    Seville

    Board the high-speed Ave train bound for Seville today. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and use your Hop-on, Hop-off bus pass to experience sights such as the Metropol Parasol, or explore the vibrant Triana neighbourhood.

  8. Day 8overnight: Seville

    Seville

    Today, choose from 4 guided walking tours, or enjoy them all. Enjoy included admission to the Flamenco Dance Museum and the Seville Aquarium. In the evening, indulge in delightful cuisine by the river at the Mercado Lonja del Barranco.

  9. Day 9railovernight: Malaga

    Malaga

    Today, journey to the coast via a direct train to Malaga, where you'll check in for a two-night stay. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the beach or explore the charming Old Town and the Roman Amphitheatre.

  10. Day 10overnight: Malaga

    Malaga

    Discover the entire city today with your Hop-on-Hop-off bus pass. Ascend to the Alcazaba and the remains of the Moorish Gibralfaro, and take in an included walking tour, plus a choice of activities from a boat tour to a Flamenco show or the Picasso Museum.

  11. Day 11rail

    Return home

    Today you'll head to Malaga airport for your flight home. If you'd like to return via rail or spend longer exploring Spain or elsewhere on your journey, speak to our experts.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 4Walking tour of Valencia with a local guide exploring over 2,000 years of heritage and historical landmarks.
  • Day 5Arrival in Madrid with included city pass to visit the Prado Museum or the Royal Palace.
  • Day 7High-speed AVE train journey to Seville.
  • Day 8Choice of four guided walking tours in Seville plus included admission to the Flamenco Dance Museum and Seville Aquarium.
  • Day 9Direct train to Malaga and leisurely walk along the Mediterranean beach or exploration of the Old Town and Roman Amphitheatre.

Included

  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Barcelona with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Valencia with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Madrid with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Seville with breakfast included
  • 2-nights hotel accommodation in Malaga with breakfast included
  • Secure reservations for the Eurostar, TGV inOui & Renfe trains
  • Return flight to the UK (or a roundtrip train journey from London St. Pancras, with extra night in Barcelona)
  • Hop-on, hop-off bus tour in Barcelona, Seville & Malaga
  • Private walking tour in Valencia with local guide
  • Entrance to Prado Museum and included Madrid City Card
  • 4 guided walking tours in Seville, plus tickets to Seville Aquarium
  • Malaga walking tour plus 8 activities to choose from including Flamenco show, boat tour and more

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Marvellous Escapes reserves Renfe and Renfe AVE trains between Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Malaga.
Is this escorted or independent?
Independent. You travel between cities on your own and have free time to explore each destination. Guided walking tours are included in Valencia, Seville, and Malaga, and you have 24-hour on-trip support.
What is included in the price?
Hotels with breakfast in all five cities, train reservations, hop-on hop-off bus passes in Barcelona, Seville, and Malaga, walking tours, museum entries, and either a return flight to the UK or a rail alternative with an extra night in Barcelona.
How many nights in each city?
Two nights in each of the five cities: Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Malaga.
What activities are available?
Included activities range from the Prado Museum and Madrid City Card in the capital to flamenco shows, a boat tour, and the Picasso Museum in Malaga. Seville offers four guided walking tours and entry to the Aquarium. You also have leisure time to explore on foot or by hop-on hop-off bus.
How much walking is involved?
Walking tours are offered in Valencia, Seville, and Malaga with local guides. City exploration is mostly on foot or by hop-on hop-off bus; no strenuous hikes or high-altitude activity is involved.

Similar journeys