Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Madrid

Speed under the Channel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer onto the overnight Ellipsos sleeper train to Madrid (in Club Class) leaving from the Gare d'Austerlitz. Relax on board with dinner in the restaurant car or tapas in the café bar and a glass of Spanish wine.

Days 2 and 3

Madrid

Awake and enjoy breakfast in the restaurant car before arriving into Madrid Chamartin station. On arrival check-in for your 2 night stay at the elegant Catalonia Las Cortes Hotel.

Located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid attracts visitors from every corner of the globe thanks to its love of art and enthusiasm for life. Wander through the city passing Madrid's finest monuments such as the Prado Museum before relaxing in Parque del Retiro, Madrid largest and most impressive park. Spend your evening enjoying Madrid's effervescent nightlife. 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.

Day 4

Madrid to Valencia

Depart from Madrid and journey on the AVE high speed train to Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station. Journey time is just under 2 hours. On arrival check-in for your 2 night stay at the Vincci Lys Hotel located in the heart of Valencia's old town.

Day 5

Valencia

Discover the fascinating city of Valencia at your own leisure. Visit one of the city's splendid art galleries to see outstanding works such from Goya and Velázquez, amongst others. The impressive and futuristic City of Arts and Sciences is a must see with striking images related to architecture, cosmology, art, music and more! Alternatively, visit Plaza del Mercado, home of the Silk Market, a gothic civil architecture monument and the striking Santos Juanes Church.

Burn some calories with a walk up the 155-foot high bell tower of the cathedral called "El Miguelete" before sampling Valencia's most prized possession, the "Paella Valenciana", in its most famous hotspot, "Barrio del Carmen", brimming with restaurants and bars.

Days 6 and 7

Valencia to Barcelona

After breakfast, travel from Valencia Joaquin Sorolla station to Barcelona aboard the Euromed (journey time approximately 3 hours). The train travels along the sparkling Mediterranean coast passing through Castello De La Plana and Tarragona on your way.

Arrive in Barcelona and check-in for your 2 night stay at the fantastically located Catalonia Ramblas.

Spend two days exploring this remarkable city. Ramble down Las Ramblas, the most famous tree-lined pedestrian boulevard in the world packed with buskers, dancers, living statues and mime artists. Stop in Mercat de la Boqueria for a fresh coconut juice or follow in the footsteps of Gaudi, visiting his architectural masterpieces such as the still unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral and the wacky and wonderful garden city of Park Güell. Alternatively, treat yourself to some relaxation and head to one of Barcelona's sandy beaches - its most famous being Barceloneta Beach.

During the evenings, whether it be appreciating the footwork of traditional Flamenco in the Gothic Quarter, listening to a musical performance at Palau De Musica Catalunya or dancing the night away in the clubs at the Olympic Village in Poble Nou, Barcelona has a never-ending wealth of options to enjoy a fantastic Spanish evening. Just remember to treat yourself to a traditional dish of Fideua - Barcelona's own paella!

Day 8

Barcelona to Montpellier

After breakfast, board the regional service to Figueres before transferring onto the new high speed TGV to Montpellier. Travel across the Spanish border and through the newly opened Perthus Tunnel to the picturesque city of Montpellier.

Check-in for your overnight night stay at the New Hotel Du Midi Montpellier.

Spend your afternoon in this elegant city in the heart of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, only a stone’s throw from the sun-kissed Mediterranean Sea. Its sunny climate provides a vibrant social scene full of artists and writers. Montpellier has plenty to offer when it comes to a tasty meal. Rue des Ecoles Laiques and nearby rue du Pila Saint Gely offer a variety of choices, including Italian, Moroccan, Turkish, Lebanese and of course French cuisine.

Day 9

Montpellier to London

Travel through France on the high speed TGV to Paris before hopping aboard the Eurostar home.