Essential Cities of Spain
- 10 Days
- From $1,599
- Spain
- Stay in Barcelona, one of Europe’s best loved cities, for three nights and enjoy its vibrant café culture
- Visit Madrid and explore the palaces, museums and restaurants of Spain’s capital city
- Travel to Seville and be amazed by its medieval history and Moorish architecture
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- Standard Class train tickets with seat reservations
- 9 nights handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- All credit card surcharges and complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Since successfully hosting the Olympics in 1992, Barcelona has been transformed and the city on the Mediterranean coast is now considered one of Europe’s premiere destinations. You will stay at the Hotel Colon (or similar) for 3 nights. In addition to the famous cathedral, you might want to take a stroll along Las Ramblas, the city’s famous street full of cafés and street performers, visit the art galleries dedicated to Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró, or relax on one of Barcelona’s fantastic beaches. For sports fans, the world famous Camp Nou is a short trip from the city centre and stadium tours are available.
After three days exploring all that Barcelona has to offer, you will have a final morning to perhaps revisit your favourite café, or stroll through the Gothic quarter, before boarding a train to continue on to Madrid. The wonderful AVE high-speed train will whisk you through the Spanish countryside, arriving into the Spanish capital in under three hours. After disembarking, make your way to the city-centre Vincci Centrum Hotel (or similar), your home for the next 3 nights.
Whether you want to marvel at royal palaces, be astounded at world-famous works of art, indulge yourself with the best of Spanish cooking, or stay up into the small hours to sample the city’s famous nightlife, Madrid caters to everyone. The city’s museums and galleries rival those of any other European capital, with works by Picasso, Goya and Dalí on display at world famous institutions like the Museo del Prado. Once you’ve had your fill of art, Madrid’s warm, sunny climate means taking a stroll through its streets, enjoying its eye-catching architecture and metropolitan buzz, is a joy, and the perfect way to work up an appetite for an evening of delicious tapas.
Just as in Barcelona, you will have a final morning to explore Spain’s capital before your departure from Madrid Puerta de Atocha station, heading south to the historic city of Seville. A two and a half hour journey onboard the extremely fast and very comfortable high-speed train will ensure you arrive into the city’s Santa Justa station in the early afternoon, a short taxi ride from Hotel Dona Maria (or similar), where you will have a 3-night stay.
Seville is one of Spain’s major southern cities and every bit as enjoyable as its more famous and glamorous counterparts to the north. Founded as a Roman city in the 8th century, Seville then became a central part of the Moorish territories in Spain, before landing a starring role in Spain’s exploration of the world in the 16th century. As a result, modern Seville is a fascinating melting pot of history and architecture with the enormous Gothic cathedral in the city centre surrounded by grand Moorish homes and winding medieval lanes.
Whether you want to extend your stay in Seville, continue to explore other Andalucian cities like Cordoba and Granada or make your way back to Madrid for a flight home, we can help tailor make your holiday.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Barcelona
Situated across the road from Barcelona Cathedral, in the Gothic Quarter of the city, the Colon Hotel offers easy access to all Barcelona’s attractions. The classically designed bedrooms come with all the facilities you would expect from a 4* hotel, and some have a view over the cathedral façade. There is also a rooftop pool and lounge as well as a Catalonian restaurant.
Madrid
The Vincci Centrum is a boutique hotel close to the main street of Gran Via and the Puerta del Sol. Stylish bedrooms feature air-conditioning, Wi-Fi internet access and flat-screen TVs. There is also an onsite restaurant and tapas bar, as well as a lounge bar with international newspapers.
Seville
Located in the historic centre of Seville, this charming hotel makes a wonderful base from which to explore the city. With an outdoor swimming pool, excellent bar and free Wi-Fi, the hotel has all the amenities guests need to unwind and relax. Rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and come equipped with a TV, a safe, and a minibar.
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Barcelona
Hotel Arts Barcelona rises 44 stories above the seafront, making this Barcelona hotel’s façade of blue glass and exposed steel a true beacon of luxury. From a contemporary collection of art, to award-winning dining, this luxury Barcelona hotel provides guests with unparalleled access to all this vibrant destination has to offer.
Madrid
This converted 19th Century palace is a luxurious retreat from the bustle and heat of Madrid. Rooms are richly decorated whilst also providing a wide range of creature comforts including a safe, Wi-Fi and a pillow menu. The hotel offers guests three restaurants and two cocktail bars as well as a fitness centre, spa and a seasonal swimming pool overlooking the adjacent royal palace.
Seville
One of Spain’s most prestigious hotels, Hotel Alfonso XIII is located next to Seville’s Real Alcazares. It offers an outdoor swimming pool, gym and a typical garden courtyard with a fountain, and its elegant design includes Arabic-style arches and ceramic tiles. Rooms are individually decorated and feature air conditioning, a minibar, bathrobe and slippers.
