Grand Rail Tour of Spain & Portugal
- Travel by train to Spain with a stop en route in Montpellier
- Visit Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Andalucia, Salamanca and San Sebastian
- In Portugal, take in the Algarve from Faro and then head up to Lisbon and Porto
- Cross back into France and spend a night in Bordeaux before heading for home
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade your hotels
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- All rail journeys, in standard class
- Seat reservations where required
- 28 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email
- Proactive rerouting in case of strikes or disruptions
Suggested Itinerary
Catch a train from your local station to London St Pancras, where you’ll board the Eurostar, heading for Paris. Once here, make your way to the Gare de Lyon for a high-speed TGV service to Montpellier in the south of France.
Arriving into Montpellier Saint-Roch station, make your way to the Grand Hotel du Midi (or similar) where you have an overnight stay.
Take a direct train from Montpellier to Barcelona and check in for 3 nights at the Catalonia Born (or similar).
Welcome to the vibrant Catalan capital! Enjoy plenty of time at leisure to marvel at Gaudí’s extraordinary Sagrada Família, head up to Park Güell for views and colourful architecture, stroll along Las Ramblas and explore the winding streets of the Gothic Quarter. Round off your days with fresh seafood, authentic tapas and a glass of local Cava.
It’s a quick journey south from Barcelona to Valencia, where you check in at the Vincci Mercat Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Valencia is a city where historic landmarks sit alongside striking modern architecture. Wander through the charming Old Town, visit the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences and relax in the beautiful Turia Gardens, created in a former riverbed. This is also the birthplace of paella, so don’t miss the opportunity to try some before you leave.
Speed across Spain to Madrid and check in for a 3-night stay at the H10 Villa de la Reina (or similar).
Experience Spain’s elegant capital. Admire masterpieces at the city’s famous ‘Golden Triangle’ of art galleries, including the Prado Museum, stroll through the magnificent Plaza Mayor, relax in the grand Retiro Park and soak up the lively atmosphere of Puerta del Sol. As evening falls, you might like to discover Madrid’s renowned tapas bars. Madrileños never eat before 9pm, so embrace the local nightlife!
A 2-hour rail journey takes you from Madrid to Corboba, where you have 2 nights at the Soho Boutique Hotel Capuchinos (or similar) to explore.
Top of the list of landmarks to visit is the magnificent Mezquita, where centuries of Islamic and Christian history come together. You can also discover the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos with its beautiful gardens and fountains, or wander the flower-filled lanes of the Jewish Quarter.
Your Andalucian discovery continues as you take a quick rail journey to Seville for a 3-night stay at the Dona Maria Hotel (or similar).
Discover the passion and beauty of Seville during your stay here. Explore the magnificent Alcázar Palace, marvel at the world’s largest Gothic cathedral and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views across the city. Wander the charming Santa Cruz district, enjoy authentic tapas and perhaps experience the drama and emotion of a traditional flamenco performance.
Your journey into Portugal starts by bus as you travel from Seville to Faro, the capital of the Algarve.
Enjoy the change of pace here as you wander the cobbled lanes of the Old Town, admire the impressive cathedral and enjoy views across the beautiful Ria Formosa Natural Park. Relax at a waterfront café, sample freshly caught seafood and soak up the laid-back Portuguese atmosphere.
Take your first Portuguese domestic train north towards home. Your first stop en route is capital Lisbon, where you have a 3-night stay at the Heritage Avenida Liberdade (or similar).
This beautiful city is spread out over seven hills and you have plenty of time to discover its colourful neighbourhoods, historic trams and spectacular viewpoints. Explore the atmospheric Alfama district, visit Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery and ride one of the city’s iconic yellow trams through its steep streets. Round off each day with delicious Portuguese cuisine and perhaps a traditional Fado performance.
Continuing north, your next rail journey takes to you Porto where you have 3 nights at the Eurostar das Artes (or similar).
Spend your time here wandering through the historic Ribeira district or cross the striking Dom Luís I Bridge and visit one of the famous port wine cellars lining the banks of the Douro. Cruise along the river or simply relax with local food and a glass of port as the sun sets over the city.
Today you leave Porto for a scenic rail journey which takes you along the banks of the River Douro to Pinhau, a village known for its rolling vineyards which produce port wine. You have time for a leisurely lunch here before you meet your transfer driver back at the station. He or she will take directly to your hotel in Salamanca, the Catalonia Plaza Mayor (or similar) where you have a 2-night stay.
Enjoy a full day in the beautiful university city of Salamanca, renowned for its honey-coloured sandstone buildings and rich history. Admire the magnificent Plaza Mayor, explore the city’s two cathedrals and wander the elegant streets that have welcomed scholars for centuries. As evening falls, the illuminated architecture creates an unforgettable setting for dinner in one of the city’s traditional restaurants.
Continue north by regional train to San Sebastian on the north coast of Spain. You have 3 nights at the Zinema7 Hotel (or similar).
This is one of Europe’s finest culinary destinations with one of the highest concentrations of Michelin starred restaurants per capita in Europe. It’s also a great place to relax with some fine city beaches like La Concha and a charming Old Town. Why not ride the funicular to Monte Igueldo for spectacular coastal views?
It’s time to leave Spain today as you take the Eusko Tren (payable locally) across the border at Hendaye and then transfer onto a French service to Bordeaux. Here, check in for an overnight stay at the Mercure Bordeaux Gare Atlantique (or similar).
At the end of your Grand Tour, catch a TGV service back to Paris and then cross to the Gare du Nord for a journey back to London.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Montpellier
The Grand Hotel du Midi occupies a historic building in the centre of Montpellier, opposite the opera house on Place de la Comédie. All the bedrooms feature complimentary Wi-Fi internet access along with the usual amenities that you would expect from a 4* hotel. There is also a bar with outdoor seating, where you can relax with a drink.
Barcelona
Occupying a 19th century residence in the El Born district of Barcelona, the Catalonia Born offers comfortable accommodation within easy reach of the city’s main attractions. The hotel features a rooftop swimming pool and a snack bar where you can enjoy free snacks and drinks during the afternoon and evening. Bedrooms are decorated in a classic style with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi access.
Valencia
The modern Vincci Mercat Hotel is located in the heart of Valencia, bear to the city’s colourful Mercat Central or Central Market. All bedrooms are air-conditioned with flatscreen TVs, parquet flooring, a safe and a minibar. You can also enjoy a drink or a swim in the pool on the rooftop terrace which offers panoramic city views. The reception is open 24 hours a day and are happy to offer advice for your sightseeing.
Cordoba
With its great location in the heart of Cordoba’s Old Town area, this hotel provides the perfect base for exploring the city’s many attractions. Modern bedrooms are all fitted with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access and a flat-screen TV. Enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar or a refreshing treatment in the wellness area, which also features a hot tub and sauna.
Seville
The Dona Maria Hotel is situated in the historic centre of Seville, with easy access to the Alcazar, Cathedral and all other attractions. With an outdoor swimming pool, stylish bar and free Wi-Fi access, the hotel has all the amenities guests need to unwind and relax. Bedrooms are decorated in a modern, classic style and come equipped with a TV, a safe, and a minibar.
Faro
Located in the centre of Faro, just a 5-minute walk from the train station, this modern hotel overlooks the old town, marina and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. All bedrooms are air-conditioned with complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel also boasts a rooftop restaurant and swimming pool.
Lisbon
Located on Lisbon’s main avenue, Avenida da Liberdade, this stunning hotel occupies a 18th century townhouse is designed by the Portuguese architect Miguel Cancio Martins. Guestrooms feature DVD players and Molton Brown bathroom amenities. There is also a welcoming bar, a library and a fitness centre.
Porto
The Eurostar das Artes occupies adjoining buildings, one modern, one an historic palace, in the centre of Porto. The bedrooms are designed in a contemporary style with hardwood floors and air-conditioning. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s restaurant, using seasonal ingredients and in the evening there is a bar and garden area where guests can enjoy a glass of port.
Salamanca
The Catalonia is ideally located next to the
San Sebastian
The Zinema7 is themed around cinema and the San Sebastian Film Festival. Each room offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV’s and is dedicated to an actor or director who has visited the city. The stylish, sound-proofed rooms feature contemporary décor.
Bordeaux
Mercure Bordeaux Gare Atlantic is located within easy reach of the Gare St Jean. The hotel offers modern bedrooms with free Wi-Fi internet access, air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, tea & coffee making facilities and an en suite bathroom. There is also an on-site restaurant and a bar where you can enjoy local wines.
