Spanish Discovery





















Vibrant Spanish cities and charming seaside towns

A 14-day holiday by rail through France to Spain, combining stunning scenery with visits to some of the country's best loved towns and cities.

Day 1 Friday - To Southern France
We depart from London Waterloo at about 0800 by Eurostar for Paris. After crossing the city by coach, we continue by TGV on a high-speed run over the new line to Montpellier. We arrive early evening for dinner and an overnight stay in the Holiday Inn (4 star), close to the station and main square.

Day 2 - Across the Pyrenees to Spain
Our morning departure by TALGO train takes us to the Spanish border, where we continue along the Costa Brava to arrive in Barcelona at lunchtime. This afternoon we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this stylish and exciting city. We stay three nights at the Tryp Apolo Hotel (4 star) and tonight, dinner is included.

Day 3 - Free day in Barcelona
The vibrant Catalan capital is crammed full of fantastic things to see and do. Explore the maze of narrow streets and the magnificent Gothic cathedral in the old town, take a stroll down the boulevards of Las Ramblas lined with bustling cafes, colourful markets and street artists, and be amazed at Gaudí's eccentric architecture.

Day 4 - To the Costa Brava
During a full day coach tour, we follow the scenic coast road north to Tossa de Mar and Calella de Palafrugell, an area of rocky coves and isolated beaches. We visit the beautiful botanical gardens and enjoy an excellent lunch of traditional paella before returning to Barcelona via the sleepy village of Pals, noted for its fine ceramics.

Day 5 - High speed to Seville
We leave Barcelona and travel over the new high-speed lines via Zaragoza and Madrid to Seville by TALGO with a meal on board, arriving in the evening for dinner and three nights in the Tryp Macarena Hotel (4 star).

Day 6 - Sightseeing in Seville
Our morning sightseeing tour includes Seville's royal palace, the spectacular gothic cathedral, the Plaza de España and the narrow, winding streets of the pretty Santa Cruz area. After a free afternoon to explore this charming city at your leisure, why not return to Santa Cruz in the evening and watch the world go by from a tapas bar or cosy restaurant, or enjoy a show of traditional flamenco dance?

Day 7 - Touring Andalucía
Today's full-day coach excursion takes us to Jerez de la Frontera where we taste local sherry during a tour of the historic Gonzalez Byass sherry bodega. After a lunch of traditional tapas, we continue to the hilltop town of Arcos de la Frontera for a tour of its winding cobbled streets. You have some free time here to enjoy the spectacular views before we return to Seville.

Day 8 - By train to Madrid
Our journey by AVE train covers the 300 miles to Madrid in just two and a half hours with a meal served on board. On arrival, we enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing which includes the Plaza Mayor, the bull ring and the magnificent Royal Palace. Our hotel for three nights is the Tryp Cibeles (4 star) located in the heart of Madrid on the Gran Vía. Tonight dinner is included at Los Galayos restaurant in the Plaza Mayor.

Day 9 - Free day in Madrid
Take time to explore Spain's bustling capital city, perhaps by taking a stroll in the medieval quarter and along the wide boulevards, enjoying the eclectic blend of old and modern architectural styles. Art lovers should visit the Prado Museum and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection, both within walking distance of the hotel, whilst those looking for excellent shopping should try Gran Vía and the Salamanca district.

Day 10 - To Toledo
A full-day excursion takes us south to Toledo, home of the painter El Greco. The walled city lies on the cliffs surrounding the Tagus River and boasts many synagogues and mosques as well as a magnificent Gothic cathedral. Lunch at Toledo's finest restaurant is included.

Day 11 - Madrid to San Sebastián
We travel by InterCity train north to the Costa Verde and the seaside town of San Sebastián, considered to be one of the most elegant resorts in Spain. We spend three nights at the Hotel Londres y de Inglaterra (4 star), and tonight, dinner is included.

Day 12 - Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
A coach excursion takes us through the Basque countryside to Bilbao. Here we visit the futuristic Guggenheim Museum with its impressive art collection and enjoy a walk around old Bilbao. You have the option to return by narrow gauge train on a journey which winds through steep valleys, quiet villages and along the coast.

Day 13 - Free day in San Sebastián
Your last day is free. Indulge in some last minute shopping, take a stroll along the promenade, or enjoy some delicious tapas washed down with a local wine in the narrow streets of the old town.

Day 14 Thursday - To Paris and London
After a short coach journey across the border to France, TGV takes us to Paris where we cross the city for the Eurostar service to London. A meal is served on board before our arrival in London early evening.

Meals

A buffet breakfast is included at all hotels, with dinner on five occasions. Lunch is included on three excursions. The Spanish tend to eat late and linger over meals, perhaps having some tapas before they sit down to dinner. This holiday is a great way to experience the Spanish way of life and we have chosen hotels located centrally so that you can enjoy a stroll in the evenings and, when dinner is not included, choose when and where you dine.