Spain by Rail

On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to the Catalonia Passeig de Gracia Hotel, ideally located in the heart of the city near Plaza Catalunya and Las Ramblas.

Your private sightseeing tour begins along elegant city boulevards like Passeig de Gracia where you’ll see Casa Battlló and Casa Milà – two extraordinary buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi more than 100 years ago. Then continue along Avenida Diagonal; designed in the mid 19^th century, it’s still one of the grandest thoroughfares in Barcelona. Travel through bustling and beautiful city squares like Placa de Francesc Macia, with its striking contemporary monument to the first President of the Generalitat de Catalunya, and ascend Montjuic Hill for glorious views of Barcelona and its port. Then tour La Sagrada Familia, Gaudi’s unfinished masterpiece. A guided walk along the inviting, cobblestone streets and lanes of the Gothic Quarter reveals medieval treasures like the Cathedral. End your sightseeing on a high note at a friendly local bar as you join your guide for a light snack of tapas - and a glass of fine Spanish wine. 
Meals B

This day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Take advantage of your hotel’s prime heart-of-it-all location to discover more of Barcelona at your own pace. You might take a stroll along the famous Las Ramblas with its boutiques, cafes and restaurants, meander again through the Gothic Quarter at your own leisurely pace, or visit the world-renowned Picasso Museum.
Meals B

Transfer to the station for your high-speed rail journey to Seville, enjoying the passing scenery from the comfort of your first class seat. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted by private car to the Hospes Las Casas Rey del Baeza. Our enchanting hotel is set in an elegant 18^th-century landmark just a 15-minute stroll from the Cathedral.  
Meals B

This morning’s privately guided tour begins with a chauffeured drive along the Guadalquivir River. With fascinating narrative from your personal expert guide, you’ll learn about the city’s rich history and culture as you admire important landmarks like the Maestranza Bullring and the Torre del Oro – an impressive military watchtower built 800 years ago during the Almohad Dynasty. A guided walk in the historic city center reveals charming residential districts, ancient cobblestone streets, fine town squares and, of course, the Seville Cathedral. For centuries, this was the largest religious monument in all of Christendom and today it is still one of the grandest Gothic buildings in all of Europe.
 
Then tour the Real Alcázar, one of the oldest royal residences on the Continent and hailed as a masterpiece of Mudéjar architecture – a style that reflects a unique blend of both Islamic and Christian influences. By special arrangement, our exclusive tour of a 16th- century convent offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional cloistered life here in this ancient and historic city.  Meals B

This entire day is yours to experience more of Seville’s charm and history at your own pace. Our hotel’s city-center location makes it easy to sightsee, shop, dine and just enjoy Seville’s delightful ambience. 
Meals B

Transfer to the station and travel by first class, high-speed rail to Madrid. On arrival, our private car and driver will escort you to the 5-star Hospes Puerta de Alcala. 
Meals B

Your private tour of Madrid showcases the grand history and vibrant modern pace of the Spanish capital. Drive through the historic Austrias district and old Moorish Quarter and admire the city’s elegant public plazas and University Campus. See Retiro Park and the striking Europe Gate at Castilla Square and then drive along Gran Via with its elegant architecture.
 
Walking with your guide in the historic heart of Madrid, you’ll see beautiful town squares like the Plaza San Miguel and historic landmarks including the Church of San Andrés. You’ll also enjoy a guided tour through the impressive Royal Palace. Built in the mid 1700’s, this is not the official residence of the King of Spain; rather, this handsome historic landmark is used for state ceremonies and other official functions. Then take a break from sightseeing to experience a traditional slice of life – joining your personal guide and city residents for churros and hot chocolate at one of the most historic chocolaterias in the city. 
Meals B

This entire day is yours to do as you wish in Spain’s inviting and cosmopolitan capital. 
Meals B

After breakfast, you’ll be chauffeured to the airport or rail station for your onward journey. 
Meals B