Spain by Rail: Madrid & Barcelona
Stress-free vacation through Spain's top cities
Experience Spain’s highlights on an exciting rail journey from Madrid to Barcelona. Explore Madrid’s iconic landmarks, then enjoy a scenic train ride through the picturesque countryside. In Barcelona, admire Gaudí’s masterpieces, stroll the Gothic Quarter, and unwind on sandy beaches. With culture, cuisine, and stunning sights, this rail adventure is the perfect way to experience Spain.
What's Included
- Roundtrip airfare into Madrid (MAD), out of Barcelona (BCN)
- 2 nights in Madrid at Hotel Muralto Madrid Princesa, or similar
- One-way, economy-class rail from Madrid to Barcelona
- 3 nights in Barcelona at Hotel Condado, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Great Ways to Explore
Visit Madrid’s renowned Golden Triangle of Art.
- Become mesmerized by a live Flamenco performance.
Explore Barcelona’s Gaudí treasures, like Sagrada Familia.
Savor the flavors of authentic Spanish cuisine.
Stroll through picturesque parks in both cities.
Start your adventure in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in culture with visits to iconic museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía, and take in the grandeur of the Royal Palace. Wander through the historic Plaza Mayor, soak up the lively energy of Gran Vía, and treat yourself to traditional tapas before witnessing an unforgettable flamenco performance.
Next, unwind as you journey by train from Madrid to Barcelona. Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes.
The second part of this vacation brings you to Barcelona. Be awestruck by Gaudí’s extraordinary creations, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Explore the Gothic Quarter’s maze-like streets, sample fresh delights at La Boqueria market, and bask in the sun on Barcelona’s beautiful beaches.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip airfare into Madrid (MAD), out of Barcelona (BCN)
- 2 nights in Madrid at Hotel Muralto Madrid Princesa, or similar
- One-way, economy-class rail from Madrid to Barcelona
- 3 nights in Barcelona at Hotel Condado, or similar
- Breakfast daily
Visit Madrid’s renowned Golden Triangle of Art.
- Become mesmerized by a live Flamenco performance.
Explore Barcelona’s Gaudí treasures, like Sagrada Familia.
Savor the flavors of authentic Spanish cuisine.
Stroll through picturesque parks in both cities.
Start your adventure in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. Immerse yourself in culture with visits to iconic museums such as the Prado and Reina Sofía, and take in the grandeur of the Royal Palace. Wander through the historic Plaza Mayor, soak up the lively energy of Gran Vía, and treat yourself to traditional tapas before witnessing an unforgettable flamenco performance.
Next, unwind as you journey by train from Madrid to Barcelona. Sit back and enjoy the breathtaking scenery of rolling hills, charming villages, and picturesque landscapes.
The second part of this vacation brings you to Barcelona. Be awestruck by Gaudí’s extraordinary creations, including the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Explore the Gothic Quarter’s maze-like streets, sample fresh delights at La Boqueria market, and bask in the sun on Barcelona’s beautiful beaches.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Enhance your vacation with:
- 4-star hotels in both cities!
Day 1. Welcome to Spain!
Feel the excitement as you land in Madrid and settle into your hotel. When you're ready, head out to explore! Venture around the historic Plaza Mayor, visit the iconic Puerta del Sol, and enjoy dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant.
Hotel Muralto Madrid Princesa offers a welcoming and convenient stay in the heart of Madrid, perfect for both business and leisure travelers. Excellent public transport links nearby make it easy to visit iconic landmarks such as the Prado Museum and Retiro Park.
After a day of sightseeing, unwind in the hotel’s relaxing lounge areas or enjoy the variety of nearby dining and shopping options.
The modern, spacious rooms feature amenities like free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchenettes, and flat-screen TVs, providing a comfortable home-away-from-home experience.
Guests can start their day with a hearty buffet breakfast before heading out to explore the city. Located in the lively Princesa district, the hotel is just a short walk from popular attractions like the Royal Palace, Plaza de España, and Gran VÃa.
Hotel Porcel Ganivet offers a comfortable and convenient stay in Madrid. Located in the lively La Latina neighborhood, the hotel is just a short stroll from iconic landmarks like Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and the bustling El Rastro market. Excellent transport links, including nearby metro stations, make accessing attractions such as the Prado Museum and Retiro Park easy.
The hotel features spacious, air-conditioned rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms, ensuring a relaxing retreat after a day of exploration.
Guests can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet each morning and unwind at the seasonal rooftop terrace with a refreshing plunge pool and stunning city views.
Surrounded by traditional tapas bars and vibrant nightlife, the hotel is ideal for those wanting to experience Madrid’s authentic charm.Â
Enjoy comfort and convenience at the fully-renovated hotel Leonardo Boutique Hotel Madrid. Enjoy easy access to the city's main sights as the hotel is located a 2-minute walk from the Gran Via, the historical main street of Madrid. Enjoy easy access to public transport as well as a some of Madrid's most coveted highlights: the royal palace, official residence of the Spanish royal Family; the Puerta del Sol, a worldwide known monument full of history; the Plaza de España and its tribute to the Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes.Â
Each of the hotel's 75 guest rooms are tastefully decorated with the perfect mix of classic and contemporary design, and are all outward-facing. Start your days off with a relaxing breakfast;Â the hotel breakfast buffet allows you to choose from a sumptuous spread of pastries, breads, cold cuts, fresh fruit, juices, and more.
Day 2. Madrid
Enjoy some of the best things to do in Madrid today! Visit the Prado Museum to see masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and El Greco. Then, stroll through the beautiful Retiro Park and visit the Crystal Palace.
Alternatively, you can consider taking a day trip to the historic city of Toledo. Explore Toledo's medieval streets, visit the Toledo Cathedral, and see El Greco’s famous painting, "The Burial of the Count of Orgaz." Return to Madrid later and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Enjoy a flamenco show tonight at a local tablao and savor a tapas dinner.
El Retiro Park in Madrid
Day 3. Madrid - Barcelona
Board the train from Madrid to Barcelona, enjoying the picturesque Spanish countryside during your journey. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and get settled before venturing back out. Take a leisurely stroll down Las Ramblas and dine at a local tapas bar.
Rail to Barcelona
The Hotel Condado offers a convenient location for exploring the city, and is a 15-minute walk to Barcelona's Diagonal Avenue.
Guests can enjoy a delicious daily breakfast, or simply relax with room service. Comfortable guest rooms are fully soundproofed and have blackout curtains to ensure a good night's rest. Other amenities include a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a TV, air-conditioning, a desk, phone, safe, and free Wi-Fi.Â
Diagonal Metro Station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Sant Miquel Beach is within a 20-minute drive, while Casa Batllo and Passieg de Gracia Avenue are both within an 8-minute drive from the hotel.
Located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, Hotel HCC Montblanc offers the perfect base to explore the city’s cultural treasures. Just steps from Plaça Catalunya and Las Ramblas, the hotel’s prime location ensures easy access to Barcelona’s top attractions, shops, and dining. Guests can also enjoy nearby public transport links, making trips to landmarks like the Sagrada Familia or Park Güell a breeze.
This modern hotel boasts spacious, well-appointed rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV for a comfortable stay.
Start your day with a delicious buffet breakfast, and unwind by the outdoor pool or on the sun terrace after sightseeing. The on-site restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, while the lobby bar is ideal for relaxing with a cocktail.
You'll be just a 15 minutes' walk from the famous Sagrada Familia at the Leonardo Boutique Hotel in Barcelona. Gaze up at the 38-story skyscraper "Torre Agbar" and shop until you drop at Encants Vells, both within walking distance. Excellent transport connections from Clot Metro Station allow you to reach the city center in only 10 minutes.
The hotel features 69 comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and non-allergic floors. Aside from their functionality, each room has been thoughtfully decorated with beautiful photographs donated by students. Hotel amenities include a tour desk, laundry service, breakfast buffet and a rooftop terrace from which you may enjoy a refreshing drink with panoramic views of the city!
Day 4. Barcelona
Explore more of the Gothic Quarter today, visiting the Barcelona Cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Later, relax at Barceloneta Beach or take a walk along the waterfront. Top off your day by savoring seafood paella at a beachfront restaurant.
Barcelona beach
Day 5. Barcelona
Make the most of your last full day in Barcelona! Explore Montjuïc Hill, including the Magic Fountain, the National Art Museum of Catalonia, and the Olympic Stadium. Do some last-minute shopping at Passeig de Grà cia, known for its high-end boutiques and modernist buildings like Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. Indulge in one last Spanish dinner before getting ready for tomorrow's departure.
Barcelona
Day 6. Depart Spain
Your incredible vacation in Spain has unfortunately come to an end. Have one last breakfast at the hotel before departing for the airport and boarding your flight home.