Tour by train: Barcelona, Zaragoza & Madrid

Barcelona

Day 1: Arrival in Barcelona

Arrival at the airport and transfer by public transport or taxi to your hotel (not included).

Evening at leisure, we recommend a stroll along Las Ramblas to soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful coastal city. Take a look at the Columbus statue then pop into the fabulous La Boquería market. Cast your gaze down to see the Joan Miró mural on the floor then indulge in a nibble or two as you browse the speciality stalls and eateries.

Barcelona

Day 2: Discovering Barcelona

After breakfast, head out to explore the city a little more.

We suggest the Barcelona Bus Tour as a great option for discovering the different neighbourhoods. You’ll be able to hop on and off as many times as you like and can cover a lot of ground in one day. Contemplate the buildings, monuments and places of interest from your seat while listening to a comprehensive audio guide that will explain everything you need to enjoy your visit. Of course, you must disembark at La Sagrada Familia Cathedral - one of the wonders of the world and a World Heritage Site. You can then continue up to the magical Parc Güell, another of Gaudí's finest works in Barcelona that also offers a superb vantage point over the city.

Barcelona

Day 3: Walking tour & flamenco show

After breakfast at your hotel, set off on a private walking tour with an English-speaking local guide.

We'll start the tour in the Gothic Quarter to learn about the origins of the city as we wander through the Plaza de Sant Jaume and the remains of El Call, the old Jewish quarter. Leaving the Gothic Quarter, we immerse ourselves in modernist Barcelona, the world of Gaudi and the other architects who shaped the identity of Catalonia's beautiful capital. In the afternoon, you could choose to visit some of the city's many museums.

An optional evening activity could be attending a flamenco show, which could be accompanied by a drink, a tasting menu or a guided visit to Barcelona's tapas bars after the show.

Barcelona

Day 4: Boat cruise & train to Zaragoza

After breakfast today we propose a unique excursion. We'll head to the harbour and climb aboard L'hirondelle, a boat that will take you out for a good time in the sea breeze cruising along Barcelona's coastline. Enjoy the views and soak up the Mediterranean flavour. In the afternoon, take the Barcelona - Zaragoza high-speed train (approximately a 2-hour journey) enjoying views of the passing countryside. Upon arrival, check-in at your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in this new city.

Zaragoza

Day 5: Zaragoza city tour

Zaragoza is famous for its ancient heritage inherited from the Romans and Moors, who successively occupied Spain until the twelfth century. The Roman remains here include the forum and surrounding wall, the Aljafería Palace and the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Pilar, but they are far from the only evidence of the city's rich past.

Today you will take an in-depth guided tour of Zaragoza with your private English-speaking guide. Discover the city's most famous buildings and visit its most important museums. This three-hour tour will take you through the architectural, cultural and social history of the Aragonese capital. The itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to suit your interests.

Madrid

Day 6: Train to Madrid

After breakfast hop on the high-speed train to Madrid and check in at your hotel.

The afternoon is left free for you to stroll through some of the most authentic neighbourhoods of Madrid, such as Malasaña or Chueca... Madrid pulsates with life and there is any number of fashionable bars and cafes to stop off at to enjoy drinks, snacks and people-watching.

Madrid

Day 7: Madrid walking tour

After breakfast, discover Madrid on a walking tour with your English-speaking guide. They will stroll with you through the historic centre and tell you all about the Madrid of the Austrians. Visit the Puerta del Sol, the Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace as you fall in love with the city’s rich history and exciting present. In the afternoon, you'll be free to stroll around the neighbourhoods of La Latina or Lavapies. Walk along the Gran Vía to Cibeles and the Castellana and soak up the atmosphere of this dynamic capital.  

Madrid

Day 8: Sunset Segway tour

Today you could visit the famous Prado Museum independently. If you have time, the nearby Royal Botanic Garden of Madrid is very much worth a visit. With more than 265 years of history, it has also been an important research centre since 1939. In the evening take a bike or Segway tour to see the city at sunset. Spend a few hours touring Madrid on an electric bike or Segway with a local guide. Admire the sunset over local landmarks, such as the Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa and Plaza de Oriente.

Madrid

Day 9: Guided tapas tour

In the morning we suggest an independent visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid. This is the largest palace in Western Europe and one of the biggest in the world. Covering an area of more than 135,000 square metres and with 3,418 it has witnessed centuries of Spanish history. It is one of the few official residences of the Heads of State that is open to the public. Almost 2 million visitors come every year to discover its unique treasures. After a full day, relax under the guidance of a local and visit the best tapas bars in the old town. Enjoy vermouth, wine and sangria alongside tasty tapas nibbles. Chat with your guide to get personalised recommendations and learn more about the city's rich history.

Toledo

Day 10: Daytrip to Segovia, Ávila & Toledo

Today, we visit the three World Heritage cities of Segovia, Ávila and Toledo on a guided day trip from Madrid.

You'll discover ancient city walls, an imposing cathedral, a historic monastery and much more. Coordinated visits and transport allow you to make the most of your travel time to cover more ground without having to rush. Travelling with a guide allows you to visit the sights of all three incredible cities directly.

This will be a busy full-day tour arriving back at your hotel in Madrid in the evening.

Madrid

Day 11: Homeward bound

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before departure for your onward journey. Return by plane from Madrid airport or by high-speed train to Barcelona, where you can catch your return flight.