The Majesty of Spain by Train 2012 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board. We cross the city and spend tonight at the Mercure Gare de Lyon Hotel. Your evening is free to explore the wonderful French capital city and to dine out in one of the many restaurants close to the hotel. On Day 2 we board the train at Paris Gare de Lyon, travelling more than 500 miles (804km) in First Class southwards through France. The journey takes us to the Mediterranean, where we cross the border into Spain, with the Pyrenees visible from the right hand side of the train. We change trains in Figueres and continue to beautiful Barcelona, the fascinating capital of Catalonia - a city of architecture and style, art and culture, street life and parks, sun and sea. We spend the next three nights at the Hotel Tryp Apolo. This evening we enjoy one of the highlights of our holiday when dinner is served at Can Travi Nou restaurant, located in an idyllic 17th century farmhouse on the outskirts of Barcelona. (Day 1-E; Day 2-B,D)

Today begins with a city tour of Barcelona, including highlights such as Montjuïc, the hill close to the centre of the city whose attractions include Montjuïc castle. We visit the Olympic Stadium and Las Ramblas, the wonderful tree-lined boulevard that is regarded as the beating heart of the city, running through the centre from the Plaza de Catalunya to the waterfront. Las Ramblas is packed with interesting shops and pavement cafés, while street performers keep the crowds entertained. We also pay tribute to the most celebrated Catalan architect, Gaudí, visiting two of his most famous buildings. We visit the Park Güell, and his peculiar, unfinished masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, probably the most famous building in Spain (entrance is included at both). This afternoon you are free to explore at your leisure. Perhaps take a walk through the Gothic quarter (Barri Gotic), or discover bustling Port Vell, literally 'Old Harbour'. You could visit the Picasso Museum, housing a collection of the renowned artist's finest work, or wander down Las Ramblas soaking up the bustling atmosphere. Alternatively, explore Gaudí's distinctive architecture, dotted around the city, and visit Casa Batlló, one of the most unique houses in Barcelona. (B)

Today we take a coach excursion to Montserrat, (meaning 'jagged mountain' in Catalan), which can be seen from miles around. At Montserrat there is a beautiful nature reserve and religious sanctuary. The unusual rock formation of the mountain makes Montserrat a spectacular and easily recognisable sight. The Caribbean island of Monserrat was named after the mountain. We travel to Montserrat on both the St Joan and Santa Cova funicular railways, a fascinating journey which stops at the Basilica and Cambril of the Virgin along the way. During today's excursion we pause for lunch at a local restaurant. (B,L)

Today we travel on Spain's high-speed AVE rail network, to Madrid, the bustling and dynamic capital city, much transformed over the years and home to a delightful mix of old and new architecture, as well as three world class galleries. We enjoy lunch in the hotel before an afternoon tour of the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest collections of European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. We spend three nights at the Naçional Hotel. (B,L)

This morning we continue exploring Madrid, seeing the awe-inspiring architecture of the 'Las Ventas' bull ring and the beautiful Royal Palace (entrances to both are included). After lunch at Los Galayos restaurant, superbly situated on the Plaza Mayor you are free to explore this vibrant city at your own pace and discover its stunning architecture, lively plazas and grand boulevards. The city comes to life at night as Madrid's residents head to the bars and tapas restaurants which remain open and lively well into the early hours. (B,L)

After breakfast we travel by coach to Toledo. The capital of Spain during the Middle Ages, Toledo shows strong Roman and Moorish influences with a rich history of sword-making and well preserved fortifications. We take an orientation tour of this stunning city, which includes entrance to both the Cathedral and El Conde de Orgaz, before spending the rest of the day at leisure. We dine together in the early evening at a local restaurant before returning to Madrid by coach. (B,D)

We leave Madrid and travel by coach to Segovia, one of the jewels of northern Spain. The city is a taste of 'real Spain' - a truly lived-in city that feels like it belongs to the locals. Segovia is steeped in history and tradition; the fantastic aqueduct in the old quarter of Segovia has World Heritage status and is one of the finest examples of Roman engineering found in Spain. The city sights include its great Gothic cathedral and the fabulous Alcázar - a fairytale castle of narrow towers and soaring turrets. After time to explore Segovia at your leisure, we continue to Salamanca by coach. We spend two nights in Salamanca at the Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor located in the heart of the city. (B,D)

Today we begin with an orientation tour of Salamanca, strolling around this historic city - sightseeing includes the 15th century Cathedral and the University, which dates back to 1218. Salamanca is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is known as 'La Dorada', the golden city, because of the mellow glow of its sandstone buildings. The rest of your day is free to explore. Perhaps visit the Plaza Mayor, around which you will find most of the major sights of Salamanca. Alternatively, the unusual Casa de las Conchas, with shells carved out of stone on its façade, is well worth a visit. (B)

We travel by train (Standard Class) to the Atlantic town of San Sebastián, considered to be one of the most elegant resorts in Spain with an irresistible blend of Paris-inspired architecture and Basque charm. We spend two nights at the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, located on the seafront with fabulous views over the Atlantic. (B,D)

A coach journey takes us through the Basque countryside to Bilbao. Here we visit the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, with its impressive art collection. We return to San Sebastián and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. You may like to wander around the charming Old Quarter, discovering the historical buildings, or relax on the superb sandy beach. (B)

After a short coach journey across the border to Hendaye in France, we board the high-speed TGV to Paris, travelling in First Class. After crossing the city by coach we connect with the Eurostar service to London, enjoying a light meal and drinks before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)
 
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday