Spain by Rail

Flying to Barcelona, you’ll be met at the airport and brought to your city-centre hotel. You might want to relax in this authentic gem nestled in the heart of the city dating back to 1881 and designed by Catalan architect Josep Oriol Mestres, or get out and explore, perhaps sampling some of the famed Catalonian cuisine, with spiced sausages and seafood salads among the highlights. The next day, a private walking tour will introduce you to the charms of the Catalan capital. While its great Gothic cathedral, extravagantly Baroque National Palace and medieval mansions that house Picasso’s masterpieces impress, it’s Gaudí’s icons that most excite. From the Sagrada Família’s twisted verticality to the Park Güell’s wild collection of colours and curves, these are the sites that inspired entire art movements.

Stay: Hotel 1898 La Rambla, Barcelona (Superior)

Catching the train south to Valencia, you’ll skirt the Costa del Azahar to take in the pretty coastal scenery before you check into your hotel, a luxurious 19th-century mansion. Often unfairly overshadowed by Barcelona and Madrid, Spain’s third largest city has carved out an identity all of its own. Discover how on your private walking tour; the city is leading the charge for modern architecture, with the sweeping curves of its City of Arts and Sciences matched only by those of its grand waterfront aquarium. Its innovation has even led to its often-flooded River Turia being diverted to leave a green, sculpture-dotted slash of welcoming parkland. In between, there’s plenty of heritage – from vibrant markets to a 13th-century mosque – to keep you occupied.

Stay: SH Ingles Boutique Hotel, Valencia (Superior)

Turning inland, your next rail trip will see you plunge through the Spanish countryside to arrive at the Spanish capital. While you’ll have indulged with Barcelona’s icons, Madrid’s charms are altogether more holistic. Wander its historic streets to discover medieval mansions, royal palaces and forgotten Belle Époque wonders before dipping into one of the city’s world-glass art galleries. Its museums host such big names as Picasso and Dalí. Madrid has also carved out an identity as a culinary capital, something you’ll discover on a private tour of its taverns and markets. It’s here that you’ll find all of the city’s gastronomic past and innovative present. Your personal driver will guide you through on a sightseeing tour.

Stay: Tryp Atocha Hotel, Madrid (Superior)

Swapping big-city grandeur for Andalucia’s rural scenery, catch a train south to the region’s charming capital – Seville. Competing for your attention, orange-tree-lined streets link Roman ruins with Moorish splendour and colonial charm. It’s probably best summed by the Alcázar, a great Moorish castle that has found a new lease of life as Europe’s oldest royal palace. There are also 17th-century frescoes that beautify Baroque mansions and Seville’s iconic cathedral, squatting on the site of a 12th-century mosque. Its Renaissance bell tower even exhibits all the Islamic beauty of its original calling – the mosque’s minaret. You’ll also experience the region’s cultural identity with a private guided tour of the city and Alcázar.

Stay: Hotel Casa 1800, Seville (Superior) 

Head back to the coast with your final train ride, arriving at Málaga to stay in the heart of the city. This nineteenth century property, equipped with roof-top pool is ideal for some end-of-trip relaxation, within easy reach of the cathedral and the waterfront. Quickly discover that Málaga is much more than beach good looks. The birthplace of one Pablo Picasso, much of the Spanish master’s works are exhibited in his hometown. There’s also a string of heritage sites that dare to rival Seville’s. The medieval Castillo de Gibralfaro watches over the city’s Roman ruins, Renaissance cathedral and a palace-fortress that combines Moorish severity with regal excess. 

Stay: Molina Lario, Malaga (Superior)

On your last day, transfer to the airport for your flight home.