Perfect for those seeking an introduction to Spain’s iconic cities, inspiring architecture and rich culture. Travel from Barcelona through Valencia and Madrid into Moorish Andalucía, visiting renowned landmarks like the Alhambra palace in Granada and Córdoba’s Mezquita 

 Your Spanish holiday begins today at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and your fellow travellers before boarding the Eurostar to Paris. Taking our Plus class seats, we enjoy a light meal before arriving in the French capital.

From Paris, we continue our journey by First Class rail to the Catalan city of Barcelona. Our route takes us south through the heart of the French countryside before tracing the coast of the Balearic Sea towards our destination. Arriving in Barcelona late this evening, we check in to our central hotel and enjoy a welcome drink with the group before settling in for the night.

 A guided tour of Barcelona by coach and on foot awaits after breakfast.  Taking in the exterior of the Sagrada Família, we continue along the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and end our tour among the attractive and labyrinthine alleys of the Gothic Quarter.    

If you would like to visit the interior of Sagrada Família, you could do so independently with this afternoon's free time. Elsewhere, several neighbourhoods sit along Barcelona's coast, including former fishing villages, such as Poblenou, which can be reached by metro. Alternatively, the 18th-century residential area of Barceloneta exudes Catalan coastal charm, with leafy squares surrounded by wine shops. Other areas of the city to visit include the expansive hilltop park, where you'll find the Montjüic Castle, and the Boqueria Market, just off Las Ramblas, where you can sample Catalan tapas.      

This evening, we head to an authentic 17th-century Catalan farmhouse, just outside Barcelona. Now transformed into a stately restaurant, we enjoy an excellent dinner of traditional dishes in a private room. 

 After a leisurely breakfast, we transfer to the station and leave Barcelona behind as we board the train in First Class to Valencia for a two-night stay. Along the way, we enjoy scenic coastal views, particularly between Tarragona and Castellón, where the train runs close to the Mediterranean shoreline.   

Set on Spain's sunny Mediterranean coast, Valencia is a city of striking contrasts, combining over two thousand years of history with futuristic architecture and golden beaches. From the winding streets of the old town to the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, there's a wealth of culture and character to discover.    

On arrival, we walk from the train station to our hotel, where we check in and enjoy a welcome drink and a selection of canapes, offering a taste of the region. 

 This morning, we set out on a tour of Valencia led by a local guide. Alongside hidden corners and elegant plazas, we visit the impressive La Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece which was once the heart of Valencia's silk trade.   

Continuing through the historic centre, we head to the uniquely beautiful Valencia Cathedral, built on the site of a former mosque and Roman temple. The cathedral is also home to a chalice of polished agate believed to be the Holy Grail, which can be viewed in its lavish golden setting. To round off our tour, we stop to sample a traditional Valencian delicacy: horchata and  fartons. Horchata is a sweet, refreshing drink made from tiger nuts and pairs perfectly with fartons, a spongy pastry treat.    

  After the tour, there's free time to continue exploring the city's sights, and you might choose to stroll through the leafy Turia Gardens or venture towards the striking City of Arts and Sciences. We reconvene this evening for dinner in a local restaurant to savour an authentic paella, Valencia's famous culinary creation. 

 A free morning allows you to continue soaking up the sights at your own pace. Valencia is a wonderfully walkable city, and you might choose to wander through the atmospheric streets of the Old Town, browse the colourful stalls of the Central Market of Valencia or pause for a coffee in one of its sunlit squares.

We regroup around midday and transfer by coach to the station, where we board the train in First Class for a journey inland to the Spanish capital, Madrid. Watch the scenery shift from the Mediterranean coastline to rolling plains as we travel towards the heart of the country.

On arrival later this afternoon, we transfer to our hotel, and there's time to settle in and familiarise yourself with your surroundings. Madrid's grand boulevards, elegant squares and lively cafés offer a memorable first impression of a city that blends history with modern energy. We dine together this evening at the hotel restaurant.

 This morning, we are taken on a guided sightseeing tour by coach and on foot to discover Madrid's main sights, historical buildings and the city's vast green park, El Retiro. These beautiful gardens were built for Spain's royal family in the 1500s, but now, the park is a public space used by residents and tourists alike. 

Our tour takes us past the magnificent Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, still used for official state functions and filled with impressive paintings, sculptures and antiques, before we conclude with a tapas lunch, sampling a selection of traditional Spanish dishes.

With an afternoon and evening at leisure, you could walk along the wide boulevard of El Paseo del Prado to discover the famous Prado Gallery (booking in advance is recommended) or visit one of the city's other museums. If you want to return to El Retiro, it offers a peaceful contrast to Madrid's lively streets, providing an oasis at the heart of the city. The park has a boating lake, and around that area are often street entertainers, from puppet shows to folk musicians. 

 Our day begins with breakfast and a coach transfer to Madrid's station, where we board a train to the Moorish city of Granada for a two-night stay. The city is dominated by the Alhambra, which dates to the 13th and 14th centuries.  

This breathtaking palace and fortress complex is one of the world's most important and well-preserved examples of Moorish architecture, set against the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains. We begin our explorations with a walking tour in the Albaicín Quarter. Once the Moorish quarters of the city, the area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that retains the narrow, winding streets of its medieval past.    

After our tour, you are at leisure to continue exploring at your own pace. In the older streets, you will find Moroccan-style tea gardens, bohemian bars and craft shops. A must-visit area is the Mirador de San Nicolas, a wide, terraced area with fantastic views of the Alhambra and a popular spot to see flamenco players or artists selling their work. This evening, you are free to dine independently. 

 Following a relaxed morning, we visit the UNESCO-listed Alhambra on a guided tour.    

Once the residence of the Moorish leaders of Granada, this spectacular palace complex sits on a plateau overlooking the city with the fairytale Sierra Nevada mountains as its backdrop. The Alhambra is listed as a World Heritage site for its outstanding aesthetic value as the world's only preserved palatine city of the Islamic period and the best example of its architecture. Our excursion takes us through the series of palaces with intricate carved wooden ceilings, colourful mosaics and astonishing plasterwork. We also enter the beautiful 14th-century Generalife, once a summer palace and country estate of the sultans.      

Afterwards, we are transferred back to our hotel with time to relax before this evening's authentic Andalucían dinner at a traditional restaurant overlooking the illuminated Alhambra. 

 We leave Granada after breakfast and travel by coach towards Seville, pausing enroute to visit the historic city of Córdoba. The third of Spain's great Moorish cities, this was once the largest metropolis in Western Europe and is another outstanding UNESCO World Heritage site.

Entering the Old Town area, we cross the Roman Bridge, passing the 14th-century Calahorra Tower before continuing to the Mezquita - a mosque-cathedral considered one of the world's greatest remaining works of Islamic architecture. From its Moorish origins, the tower was transformed over the centuries after Andalucía was reclaimed by the Spanish crown. Today, its interior includes dozens of chapels and several Christian icons. 

Continuing to Seville by coach, we arrive later this afternoon and check in to our hotel for the night. This evening, we experience a captivating flamenco show before dinner - a wonderful way to experience one of Spain's most iconic traditions.

 Setting out on a guided tour after breakfast, we get to know Seville with a knowledgeable local guide, who brings the city to life.

We wander through the city's historic Santa Cruz district, a maze of winding lanes and flower-filled squares, before we admire Seville Cathedral, an impressive Gothic masterpiece at the centre of the Old Town. The largest Gothic building in Europe, it was built on the site of a former mosque and features medieval stained-glass windows and the Patio de los Naranjos - part of the original structure. Continuing our exploration, we visit the Real Alcázar of Seville. This UNESCO-listed palace is a masterpiece of Moorish, Mudejar and Christian architecture, and we explore the elaborate patios, tranquil gardens and intricate tilework at leisure.

Later, we transfer to the station and return to Madrid in First Class, where there's time to relax after checking in before we enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

 Today takes us from the Spanish capital to the beautiful Basque Country, a historic region in the western Pyrenees mountains that spans the border of Spain and France. Leaving Madrid by First Class train this morning, we can watch as Madrid's skyline fades into the distance and the sprawling plains and lush foothills come into view upon entering the Spanish Basque Country. Our destination here is San Sebastián, and after about an hour at leisure in its city centre, our travels continue by coach to the French city of Biarritz.

We arrive at our hotel this evening, and upon checking in for the night, there is time to soak up the views of the ocean from the hotel's lounge area, before we walk to a local restaurant for the final dinner of our incredible holiday.

Please note that while every departure of this tour will feature the same excursions, the order may differ from that shown above.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

AVE is Spain's flagship high-speed service, connecting Madrid, Cordoba and Seville across dedicated high-speed tracks. AVE trains are based on the French TGV and Thalys, and the speed and comfort offered are similar. We travel on AVE Comfort Class (formerly known as Preferente) which offers reclining seats with power sockets for laptops and mobile phones.

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

Eurostar's Standard Class coaches feature two seats on either side of the central aisle, most of which are arranged in an 'airline' seating configuration with drop-down tray tables. There are two tables for four per carriage. Passengers travelling in Eurostar Standard Class coaches can take advantage of the Bar-Buffet which sells a range of snacks, meals, and hot and cold drinks - including Champagne!

The highest class of Eurostar travel available for leisure customers is Plus class. In your dedicated Plus carriage you'll find a less dense seat configuration, meaning the seats are larger and you have ample space to relax and stretch out. As part of the service, you'll enjoy complimentary drinks and refreshments, served at your seat by friendly, helpful waiting staff.

For the class of travel used on your chosen tour, please refer to the 'What's Included' section of the tour page.

Introduced in 1981, France's TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) was the original European high-speed train. Linking Paris with Lyon, the new service revolutionised train travel and meant that travelling by air over medium and short distances was no longer seen as the best option, even for business travel.

The network has expanded rapidly and today these sleek, stylish trains offer links to over 60 destinations throughout France. Operated by SNCF, the French national rail operator, TGV trains travel over specially constructed high-speed lines. The trains can achieve speeds of up to 186mph (300km/h) on most long-distance routes and 200mph (320km/h) on the new TGV Est line, which links Paris with Strasbourg, Luxembourg and Basel. With the exception of shorter journeys, TGVs almost always have an on-board buffet car, serving a selection of drinks and light refreshments.

This superb 4-Star hotel is a short distance from the grand La Sagrada Família, Gaudi's renowned unfinished work. You can easily access the local shops and trendy district of Passeig de Gràcia, Barcelona's main shopping boulevard. The hotel has a rooftop pool, where you can enjoy views of this wonderful city. Air-conditioned guest rooms are spacious and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

 Set in the centre of Biarritz, with views of both the beach and Biarritz's landmark casino, the 4-Star Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage-Handwritten Collection offers a fantastic combination of convenience and elegance. The building's Art Deco flair is complemented by contemporary designs, and guests can enjoy the contrasts in the lounge area or the bar. The bright and airy guest rooms feature beautiful views and amenities like free Wi-Fi, TVs with Chromecast, safes, tea kettles, Nespresso machines, hairdryers and complimentary toiletries.

Set on the banks of the Guadalquivir River, this 4-Star hotel boasts scenic views across some of Cordoba's famous landmarks, including La Mezquita, a mosque which dates back to 784 AD. The centre of Cordoba is easily accessible by foot, across the Roman Bridge. Guests can unwind in the hotel's seasonal rooftop pool or on the sundeck. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

This converted 16th-century palace is a traditional 3-Star hotel, close to many of Granada's most popular attractions and set in the UNESCO World Heritage Albaicín district. Featuring an authentic Andalucían courtyard with a cooling water fountain, ornamental tiles and original frescoes, the hotel has plenty of bright open spaces, marble flooring and an authentic Mudéjar-panelled roof. The air-conditioned bedrooms feature antique furniture and are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Centrally located on the Gran Vía, this elegant 4-Star hotel is close to the Prado Museum and the Thyssen Gallery. On-site, there is a restaurant and bar, and leisure facilities include a gym and wellness centre. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, kettle, minibar and hairdryer.

This 4-Star hotel has a fantastic location in the Regina area of the city, close to the centre and many of Seville's most popular tourist spots. On the roof terrace of the hotel is a wonderful cocktail bar with views of the Seville skyline. Air-conditioned guest rooms are stylishly decorated and come equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, ironing equipment, coffee machine, minibar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Conveniently set in Seville's old town, near the Plaza Nueva Square, this 4-Star hotel features a restaurant, a bar, and a seasonal rooftop terrace with a swimming pool, offering views across the city skyline. Seville's Baroque Cathedral and its Alcázar palace and gardens are each a short distance away. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities and hairdryer.

Near Atocha railway station, this elegant 4-Star hotel offers a furnished roof terrace with a seasonal plunge pool, bar and wonderful views of the city, a restaurant and a snack bar. The hotel is also close to the Reina Sofia and Prado Museums. The lively tapas bars of La Latina are a 10-minute walk away and the nearest metro station is just 50 metres from the hotel. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, tea * coffee-making facilities, minibar and hairdryer.

Ideally located in Madrid's city centre, this 4-Star hotel is just a short distance from Gran Vía, one of the city's fashionable streets, plus the Royal Palace and its grounds. Other nearby attractions include Madrid's Plaza Mayor and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safe, minibar, tea & coffee-making facilities, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.