
Local knowledge from expert travellers
29/10/2025 · By Tim Hall
Enhance your holiday with Great Rail Journeys as expert Tour Manager Tim Hall discusses how to get the most out a trip and uncover the places locals love.
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Sun-drenched coastlines, flamenco dancing, mouthwatering tapas and world-class wine are just the tip of the iceberg in Spain. But beyond the beaches and bustling cities lies a land rich in tradition, history and unforgettable landscapes.
With over 50 years' experience crafting exceptional holidays, Great Rail Journeys are experts in showcasing the true highlights of Spain - whether it's exploring the Moorish architecture of the Alhambra in Granada, uncovering the works of renowned artist Salvador Dali or sampling traditional Basque pintxos in the gastronomic city of San Sebastián.
Now with our brand-new tours, you can immerse yourself in even more of Spain, staying in historic Parador hotels while exploring sights along the Camino de Santiago or embarking on an escorted walking tour to experience the joys of Catalonia.
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These unique hotels have been leading Spanish tourism for more than a century. In 1910, the Spanish Government created hotels in authentic accommodation, preserving historic sites. Now, they offer a luxurious insight into the country's culture and hospitality.
Journey by rail through Spain's most captivating regions - from the vineyard -covered hills of Rioja to the grand architecture of Córdoba and Seville. Explore charming rural villages, sip local wine in rustic taverns and discover the rich culture that makes Spain truly unforgettable.
Wherever you wish to explore in 2026, we have an expert-crafted Spanish holiday for you. Uncover Andalucía and the Camino de Santiago while staying in luxury Parador hotels, discover Catalonia by rail, soak up northern Spain's culture or walk the Catalan coast.





From the coastal town of Roses, discover the glistening Catalan coast and ride into the Pyrenees, taking in the stunning scenery of France and Spain on this relaxing holiday. Journey through peaceful landscapes on the Núria Valley Rack Railway and ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat in France's Pyrenean foothills. Explore...





Based in the attractive coastal town of Roses, explore the rugged Costa Brava and experience the region's cultural and gastronomic highlights. Cruise around the picturesque Cap de Creus peninsula to the fishing village of Cadaqués, savouring local flavours with lunch at a vineyard. Explore Barcelona, which showcases the fantastic...





Uncover the gems of Spain and France's Basque Country from a grand base, a fortified castle in medieval Hondarribia, a picturesque town with a global reputation for great food. This gastronomy-packed tour includes a tour of San Sebastián with a sampling of pintxos at lunchtime, as well as entry into the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Take a...





Explore the beautiful Basque coast of Spain and France from the seaside town of Hondarribia. Visit picturesque fishing towns and stylish cities, discovering the cuisine, art and culture of this fascinating region in San Sebastián and Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum. Board the nostalgic carriages of the Petit Train de la Rhune for a stunning...





Indulge in an exploration of the cuisine, history and culture of northern Spain, on an unforgettable journey featuring superb Paradores - each with a rich heritage - and excursions which capture the unique traditions and flavours of the region. Following the 9th-century Camino de Santiago, a major pilgrimage route of medieval Christianity,...





Flying in to Porto, set sail for a seven-night cruise along the Douro. Our floating hotel drifts past golden valleys, enchanting towns and wine estates as the route reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way. A showcase of culture, history and scenery in the Douro Valley, our journey takes us...





Follow the tracks of the ancient Moors from the shores of Spain to mystical Moroccan cities. Discover the diverse architecture of Barcelona and the treasures of Andalucía's capital, Seville, before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Soak up Morocco's flavours in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech, and experience its rich...





Discover the rich cultural heritage and artistry of Spain. On a journey through iconic cities, we travel from the capital of Madrid, into Moorish Andalucía and Barcelona. We explore Granada's World Heritage Alhambra palaces and gardens, Seville's vibrant landmarks including its historic cathedral, and wander through Córdoba's magnificent...





Embrace the spirit of exploration on an island-hopping journey which takes in the beauty, culture and immense history of the entrancing eastern Mediterranean. Journey by train to Barcelona for a tour of the city, before cruising the Mediterranean on the luxurious Celebrity Equinox to medieval Valletta on Malta. Encounter the iconic...





Fly to Lisbon and explore Sintra's palaces on a Portuguese voyage of discovery before embarking on a seven-night Douro cruise. Drifting through golden valleys and past enchanting towns and wine estates, our cruise reveals the best of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports enroute. We set sail from Porto, tracing the Douro's path.





Embark on an immersive exploration of Catalonia's ancient charm and stunning coasts during scenic hikes and visits to fascinating locations on this walking tour. Based in the picturesque towns of Roses and Calella, enjoy panoramic views while walking from a 10th-century hilltop monastery to an idyllic harbour town. Sail to Cadaqués to...





Experience two of Switzerland's most-famous rail journeys on a GRJ escorted tour, marvelling at breathtaking panoramas and enjoying stunning alpine landscapes from the celebrated Bernina Express and Glacier Express. Soak up Matterhorn views from Zermatt and enjoy a private aperitif at Spiez Castle before a cruise across Lake Thun. Travel ...
Uncover the country's history through the architecture of Andalucía. With elaborate Moorish influences showcased in Granada's Alhambra and Cordoba's Mezquita, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in spellbinding southern Spain.
A celebration of regional differences, Spain's cuisine offers something for every palate. From the celebrated wine region of La Rioja to the famed city of gastronomy, San Sebastian, the Basque Country shows off its culinary heritage like nowhere else.
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