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 H10 Tribeca, or similar
- One-way, economy-class rail from Madrid to Barcelona
- 3 nights in Barcelona at H10 Itaca, 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 H10 Tribeca, or similar
- One-way, economy-class rail from Madrid to Barcelona
- 3 nights in Barcelona at H10 Itaca, 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:
- Superior 4-star hotels in both cities!
Number of Nights:
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.
This NYC-inspired hotel is the definition of trendy. Boasting an industrial-chic style, much like the Tribeca neighborhood of Manhattan, this eclectic hotel is a feast for the eyes. Check-in with the friendly reception team and admire the amazing library-like lobby, beaming with high ceilings, natural light, and artistic furniture.
Open the door to your elegant room and find sophisticated decor, plush beds, free Wi-Fi, and all the amenities you'll need to feel right at home. When you get hungry, head to the upscale, modern Soho Restaurant, where renowned chefs serve up mouthwatering Mediterranean dishes. Spend your evening unwinding with a drink in the buzzing lobby bar, or cozy up and order room service!
Stay at the Catalonia Atocha hotel, located in the vibrant Las Letras neighborhood, one of Madrid's most iconic and Instagram-worthy areas. Recently expanded and renovated in January 2024, the hotel offers the perfect blend of convenience and luxury. Its prime location provides easy access to public transport, just minutes from Puerta de Atocha station and AVE high-speed train services.
Enjoy spectacular city views from the rooftop pool or unwind in the newly designed wellness area with a spa. Stay active in the state-of-the-art gym, or host your next event in one of the hotel's three modern meeting rooms.
Start your day with an indulgent breakfast buffet, featuring a live cooking station, and throughout the day, enjoy a selection of dishes and drinks at the Gastrobar.
The hotel’s air-conditioned rooms feature elegant décor with wooden floors, minibars, safes, and large showers in the bathrooms. Each room is equipped with a smart TV and Chromecast for ultimate convenience.
Centrally located, the Catalonia Atocha is just a 15-minute walk from Puerta de Atocha and a short 10-minute stroll to the Art Triangle, home to Madrid’s most famous museums, including the Reina Sofía, Prado, CaixaForum, and Thyssen-Bornemisza.
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
Located in Barcelona’s Eixample district, H10 Itaca offers a stylish and convenient base just a short walk from Sants Train Station, Plaça Espanya, and the Fira Barcelona exhibition center.
Combining contemporary design with a warm, welcoming atmosphere, the hotel features bright, modern rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, minibars, work desks, and premium bathroom amenities. Its excellent location provides easy access to Barcelona’s top attractions, with the city center, Passeig de Gràcia, and Camp Nou all within easy reach by metro.
Guests can unwind on the hotel's inviting El Jardí Terrace, complete with a plunge pool, sun loungers, and comfortable lounge seating, perfect for enjoying a drink after a day of sightseeing or business meetings. Additional facilities include a fitness center, sauna, business corner, and meeting spaces, while the De Blanc Restaurant serves creative cuisine in an elegant setting. From a complimentary welcome glass of cava to thoughtful amenities throughout, H10 Itaca delivers a comfortable and well-connected Barcelona stay.
Just steps from Barcelona’s beaches and the lively Olympic Port, H10 Marina Barcelona is a sleek four-star retreat where relaxation meets vibrant city energy.
Recently renovated, the hotel features bright, modern rooms with parquet floors, satellite TV, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can start their day with a lavish breakfast at the elegant Dionissos Restaurant, unwind at the Despacio Spa with its sauna, steam baths, and indoor pool, or sip cocktails at the rooftop Skyline Terrace while soaking in panoramic views of the city and sea.
The hotel also offers a well-equipped gym, and easy access to central Barcelona via the nearby Bogatell Metro. After exploring the beaches and vibrant dining scene, guests can return to H10 Marina to enjoy tapas, fine wines, and sunset cocktails by the rooftop pool. Nearby attractions include the Barcelona Aquarium, Ciutadella Park, Picasso Museum, and more.
Barcelona is a bustling city - be in the center of it all in this 4-star boutique hotel built in a restored 18th-century building. You'll be just steps from Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla!
The comfortable rooms at the H10 Casanova have very modern and functional decor and are equipped with all the amenities needed to ensure a pleasant stay including Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and minibars.
Guests can choose to dine at the luxurious on-site restaurant with spectacular views of Gran Via or grab a quick snack at the lounge bar. One of the most appealing aspects of this hotel is the seasonal Sky Bar Terrace where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy views of the entire city of Barcelona! Dive into the plunge pool, relax in the spa enter, and relax in elegant rooms.
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 Gràcia, 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.