Itinerary - 9 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Madrid

Travel by Eurostar from London to Paris, on arrival transfer from Gare du Nord to Gare d’Austerlitz to pick up the Elipsos sleeper train to Madrid. As the sun sets and you leave the French capital behind, begin your holiday with a meal in the restaurant car before retiring for the night to your comfortable private compartment. Awake to a complimentary breakfast onboard before arriving into Madrid Chamartin station.

Day 2

Madrid

On arrival in Madrid check-in at the boutique luxury 5* Hospes Madrid for your overnight stay located just a short walk from the major attractions of Madrid and featuring its own gourmet restaurant.

Spend your afternoon sightseeing in this energetic capital. Visit the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, filled with some of the most beautiful Spanish Art. Wander through the city enjoying Madrid's finest attractions such the Prado Museum before relaxing in Parque del Retiro, the city's largest and most impressive park. During the evening, have dinner in one of the many traditional tapas bars, decorated "Belle Epoque" style and sip a Cava or Rioja in Gran Via or the ultra-trendy Paseo de la Castellana.

Days 3 to 5

Granada

Depart from Madrid Atocha station to Granada (journey time approximately 5 hours). Check-in at the beautiful 5* Hospes Palacio de los Patos for your 2 night stay located in the heart of beautiful Granada. Enjoy a refreshing welcome drink upon arrival and sample some delicious Andalucian cuisine in the classic Senzone restaurant.

As the last Muslim city to fall to the Christians in 1492, Granada is a fantastic combination of Spanish tradition and Moorish character. Mint tea flows from exotic Moroccan style tea-houses whilst tapas are served with every drink in the typical Andalucian fashion.

Included in the price is a private guided tour of the fascinating structure of the Alhambra. Built under the Nazari Dynasty in the 14th Century, this impressive palace features beautiful gardens and significant religious artefacts with fabulous views of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. The visit includes the Royal Palaces, Generalife Gardens and Carlos V's Palace along with private transfers to and from the hotel.

Days 5 and 7

Cordoba

Travel from Granada to Cordoba (journey time 2 hours 30 minutes). Enjoy the views of the Andalucian fields and villages all from the comfort of your seat before arriving in Cordoba.

Check-in at the stylish 5* Hospes Palacio del Bailío for your 2 night stay. This historic 17th Century hotel features spacious rooms, a relaxing spa and Senzone restaurant.

Founded by the Romans and famous as the centre for shipping classic Spanish goods such as olive oil and wine, Cordoba is a city of great importance. Cordoba contains many treasures such as the Alcazar, or Fortress, built by the Christians in 1328; the Calahorra Fort, originally built by the Arabs, which guards the Roman Bridge.

Included in the price are entrance tickets to the Mosque of Cordoba, the “Mezquita”, the largest mosque in all of Islam and the most important Islamic monument in Western Europe. It is classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and offers spectacular views over the city.

Days 7 to 9

Seville

Take the high speed AVE train from Cordoba to Seville (approximately 45 minutes). Check-in at the beautiful boutique 4* Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza for your 2 night stay. Relax with your welcome drink, take a swim in the impressive pool or enjoy the delights of the beautiful Spa.

Spend two days exploring Seville’s winding cobbled streets, fascinating history and great cuisine (most notably the paella!). Located on the banks of the river Guadalquivir, Seville is famous for its historic religious architecture such as La Giralda, one of the largest cathedrals in the world and said to hold the remains of Christopher Columbus. Pass by the beautiful hotel Alfonso VIII, before visiting the inspiring Alcazar with marvellous gardens and Renaissance artworks.

Included in the price is a 2 hour city tour to some of the best sights of Seville, the chance to witness the art of Iberian Ham Cutting and an opportunity to see a some fabulous, authentic flamenco dancing in its rightful home.

Days 9 and 10

Seville to London

Take the train from Seville to Madrid (approximately 2 hours 30 minutes), where you transfer onto the overnight train back to Paris. Sit back and relax as you travel back through the Spanish countryside and enjoy a well deserved rest before arriving in Paris Gare d'Austerlitz the next morning and transferring onto your Eurostar back to London.

If you prefer to fly one way, please do not hesitate to ask one of our Travel Consultants for a price.