Spain by Rail: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville - 10 Days

Highlights

• Feast on Spain's famous tapas and learn how to make paella 
• Go hiking, biking, and kayaking in Barcelona and the Costa Brava
• Tour the historic landmarks in Madrid and take a day trip to Toledo
• Discover Andalusian culture in Seville and the "White Villages"

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Barcelona, Tapas Tour

Hola, and welcome to Spain! You couldn't pick a better place to kick off a Spanish adventure than in the heart and capital of Catalonia: Barcelona. This city offers sun-kissed beaches, mind-blowing cuisine, great wine, world-class nightlife, a rich history, and some of the most unique architecture in the country. 

Upon arrival at the airport, a driver will pick you up at the terminal and transfer you to your hotel in the city. Don't get too comfortable, though, because when the sun goes down, you'll head out on a guided food tour to discover Spain's famous tapas culture. The word "tapas" literally translates to "tops" (or "caps"), and you can find these small plates (designed to be shared) at bars, bodegas, and tabernas (taverns) throughout the country.

Day 2: Barcelona Bike Tour, Free Time

Eat a hearty breakfast at your hotel because, in the morning, you'll meet a guide and embark on a whirlwind bicycle tour of Barcelona. During this three-hour excursion, you'll explore the city's most famous areas and landmarks on two wheels. These include the medieval Gothic Quarter, trendy Raval and El Born, and the grand Plaça Reial plaza. During the ride, your guide will point out historic highlights like Roman ruins and the 13th-century Barcelona Cathedral. Then, wind your way through Ciutadella Park to end the tour at Barceloneta Beach, the city's main urban beach. 

After the tour, you'll have the entire afternoon to relax on Barcelona's beaches. The best and most convenient option is right where the bicycle tour ends: Barceloneta Beach. This iconic playa stretches 1,384 feet (422 m) along the azure waters of the Mediterranean. If you like, spend a lazy day on the sun-kissed sands, swim, or stroll along the Costanera (waterfront promenade). Also, vendors on the beach offer activities like kayaking, standup paddleboarding, and a range of sunset cruise options if you so choose.

Day 3: Hiking & Kayaking in the Costa Brava

After breakfast, you'll take a full-day trip to the famous Costa Brava. This beautiful stretch of the Mediterranean north of Barcelona runs 125 miles (200 km) up the Catalan coast amid pine forests and golden beaches. Once you reach the medieval town of Palalmós, you'll leave the car and embark on a coastal hike along the scenic Camí de Ronda trail.

The walk will take you about 3 miles (5 km) to Sant Pol, a lovely beach where your kayak awaits. After an introductory course, you'll gear up and paddle along the coastal sandstone cliffs, learning about the area's marine ecosystems as you go. Upon reaching a protected cove with calm, clear water, park your kayak and dive in for snorkeling, cliff jumping, or cool off with a refreshing swim. At the end of the afternoon, you'll return to Barcelona.

Day 4: Train to Madrid, Segway Tour

In the morning, your driver will take you to the Barcelona Sants station, where you'll catch a three-hour train ride to Madrid. There's a lot of history in Spain's dynamic capital: it was founded around the ninth century by the Moors and became the nation's capital in the 16th century under the reign of King Phillip II, a member of the famous Habsburg dynasty of Europe. Much of this long and storied history remains visible in Madrid's parks, plazas, and palaces.

After checking into your hotel, you'll meet a guide and get acquainted with Madrid on a Segway tour. You'll hit the major highlights during this two-hour ride, including the Habsburg district. This is the city's historic heart, known in Spanish as El Madrid de Los Austrias. Here, you'll see the 18th-century Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, and the expansive Plaza Mayor, which dates to the 15th century.

Day 5: Market Visit & Paella Cooking Class

If there's one Spanish dish that is known the world over, it's paella. Originating in the eastern coastal region of Valencia, this saffron rice dish is so popular that there's even an official International Paella Day (Sep 20th). Today, you'll learn how to make this iconic dish with the help of a local expert chef.

The experience begins in the morning with a visit to one of the best markets in Madrid to browse fresh produce and gather your cooking ingredients. Then you'll head over to the class and get cooking. For an appetizer, you and your chef will prepare sangria and gazpacho before moving on to the main course: paella. During the experience, your chef will teach you crucial cooking techniques and impart fascinating info about the history and cultural significance of this dish that has conquered the world. Once everything is done, you'll sit down and enjoy your creation for lunch.

After lunch, you'll have the rest of the afternoon free. To continue the food theme, you can head over to Mercado de San Miguel, a food market in the heart of Madrid. It offers a wide variety of food stalls, from fresh seafood to charcuterie to desserts. Grab some delicious snacks, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and make sure to check out the caviar cart and oyster bar for special treats.

Day 6: Day Trip to Toledo

After breakfast, you'll meet your driver for the hourlong journey south to Toledo. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to Roman times and was the capital of Spain in the 16th century. Toledo's cluster of clay-roofed buildings, cobbled lanes, and church spires sit atop a hill overlooking the Tajo River and are encircled by stone walls with massive iron gates.

You'll meet a local guide upon arrival and embark on a city tour. Known in the Middle Ages as the "City of the Three Cultures," in Toledo, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities all peacefully coexisted. As such, the city is packed with religious buildings, including the 12th-century church, Iglesia de Santo Tomé, the Moorish Sinagoga de Santa María la Blanca (considered the oldest synagogue in Europe), and the grand 13th-century Toledo Cathedral. You'll also visit highlights like the Alcázar de Toledo, a former Roman palace perched atop the city's highest point.

Day 7: Train to Seville, Walking Tour

In the morning, you'll transfer to the station in Madrid and board a train for the three-hour ride south to Seville, the capital of Spain's southern Andalusia region. Known for its Moorish history and mind-blowing tapas scene, Seville epitomizes Andalusia's rich culture and beauty. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to your hotel in the city.

Then you'll meet your guide for a two-hour walking tour of the city. Beginning at the 16th-century City Hall, you'll visit the 15th-century Seville Cathedral, home to the tomb of Christopher Columbus. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the largest Gothic church in the world, and features La Giralda, the cathedral's looming bell tower. Then walk the fashionable Santa Cruz neighborhood, a colorful and well-preserved part of the historic center, with many cafés and tapas bars.

Another tour highlight is a visit to the Alcazar, Seville's Royal Palace, which began life as a Moorish fort in the 10th century. Comprised of palace buildings and expansive gardens, this exquisite estate is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an awe-inspiring synthesis of Christian and Muslim culture. The tour ends along the Guadalquivir River, whose scenic waterfront is the most picturesque pedestrian route in the city.

Day 8: Day Trip to an Olive Oil Estate & Carmona

In the morning, leave the city on a day trip to an olive oil estate in the lovely Andalusian countryside. Here, you'll witness the production process of one of Spain's most popular high-quality food exports. The estate has quite the history: It was here that Christopher Columbus' son Hernando began exporting olive oil to the New World. You'll tour the old manufacturing center and view the 16th-century olive-oil presses, learn about modern production methods in use today, and see gorgeous rolling hills carpeted in olive trees.

Afterward, you'll drive to Carmona. This beautiful little town in the province of Seville was once a stronghold in ancient Rome but thrived in the Middle Ages. Marvel at historic architecture in the form of the 13th-century Palace of King Don Pedro, the Moorish Alcázar, and the Seville Gate Palace. During this leisurely stroll around town, you'll see other monuments and landmarks as you follow in the footsteps of the Romans, Arabs, and Christian conquerors that passed through over the course of history. At the end of the day, you'll return to Seville.

Day 9: Day Trip to Ronda & the White Villages

This morning, you'll hit the road and embark on a full-day trip around Andalusia's famous Pueblos Blancos (White Villages). The official "Route of the White Villages" passes through 20 towns, stretching from Seville to Ronda, a storybook city offering incredible views from its historical bridges. Along the way, you'll stop in Grazalema and Zahara, where you can meander the narrow cobbled streets while marveling at the Moorish towers and castles. Also, there are many points from which you can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Andalusian countryside below.

Then continue driving amid olive groves, rolling meadows, cork forests, and mountains until you reach Ronda, arriving in the afternoon. This is one of Andalusia's most beautiful towns, and you'll have time to explore it on your own. One highlight here is the Plaza de Toros, the oldest bullring in Spain. Also, be sure to walk across Puente Nuevo, Ronda's most iconic bridge located right above El Tajo Gorge. After marveling at the views and snapping photos, you'll get back in the car and return to Seville.

Day 10: Depart Seville

Alas, the whirlwind tour through Spain has reached its final stop. At the appropriate time, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport in Seville, where you'll catch your flight home. Adiós!

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