Highlights of Spain by Rail

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8 Days Excluding Flights

0 Days from

USD 3750

Culture

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Culture

Group Size :

6 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

ASM

Backpack to the iconic cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cordoba using the excellent train network

Take the train and rediscover the joy of backpacking on this extra-special cultural adventure in Spain. Using the excellent rail network, we discover the highlights of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cordoba, getting to the heart of each on expertly led tours, a flamenco show in Seville and tapas tour in Madrid. With the train seats prebooked and an expert tour leader managing the schedule, you need only worry about soaking up the culture and sharing the adventure with your small group of like-minded travellers.

Highlights

Visit Spain’s greatest cities using the excellent train network
Discover Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona
Get to the soul of Madrid on two tours and a tapas crawl
Watch a flamenco show in Seville, the birthplace of the artform
Explore the landmarks in the historic city of Cordoba

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 Classic nights (hotels)
Group normally 6 to 16 plus leader. Minimum age: 16
Option to travel by train to your adventure

Countries visited: Spain

What's Included

All breakfasts
All accommodation
Airport transfers

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Local taxes

Sustainability and Impact

At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.

As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.

Learn more about our Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan, including our commitment to rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller
Read about the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation.
Find out how you can travel more sustainably here.

TRIP

ASM - Highlights of Spain by Rail

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Barcelona Malaga

It’s hola to Barcelona, where our adventure kicks off.

The excitement builds with an orientation walk, a chance to see some of the city landmarks. The tour leader can then organise a group dinner, in which we can chat, quiz our tour leader on the local lingo and customs, and learn more about our host country and each other in a relaxed setting.

If you’d prefer a little time to ease into the adventure, speak to your sales representative about booking pre-tour accommodation.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)

Discover Barcelona today, first exploring the fresh produce of La Boqueria, a bustling market filled with fresh produce. After lunch, we walk to Parque Güell, a city green space created by Catalan architect and designer, Antoni Gaudí.

This World Heritage site is an open-air gallery, displaying work packed with religious and political symbolism, while also offering beautiful views over the city and pleasant gardens in which to stroll. Return to the hotel by public transport.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Head to Barcelona-Sants railway station, either on foot or by public transport (additional cost), for our first train ride of the adventure. Arriving in Madrid, we take a 30-minute metro to the hotel for check-in.

We then hop back on the metro to travel to the city centre for a two-hour walking tour of the capital’s highlights, including the Plaza Mayor and Palacio Real.

The day ends with a tapas crawl, dipping into different establishments to taste their fine dishes and eating like a local. After, we return to the hotel by metro.

Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Begin today at the Museo del Prado, Spain’s national art museum. This historic establishment houses one of the finest European art collections in the world, including pieces by Goya, El Greco, Rubens and plenty more. Then head to the Museo Reina Sofia, where we can see Picasso’s masterpiece Guernica, which represents the horrors of war.

The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore the city. There’s plenty to discover and a great selection of historic tapas bars to sample; of course, your tour leader is happy to make recommendations.

Accommodation: Hotel Gran Legazpi (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy our second train ride of the trip today, taking the 2hr 50min train to Seville station. Upon arrival, either walk to the hotel (25 minutes) or go by public transport (additional cost).

We then check into our hotel before an exploration of the city. Walk through the Jewish Quarter with its narrow streets towards River Guadalquivir, where we can see the Triana neighbourhood and Torre del Oro where gold-filled boats arrived from the American colonies during the Spanish empire.

This evening, we have dinner in the centre and attend a flamenco show in one of the popular tablaos – an establishment in which the artform is performed.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Venture into the capital of Andalucia today to visit the highlights, including the Royal Alcazar palace, one of the most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture and art in Spain. We also enter Seville Cathedral, the largest gothic church in the world. Finally, we head to Plaza de España in Parque de María Luisa. Built in 1928 for the Ibero-American Exposition 1929, it displays a magnificent collection of architectural styles.

Accommodation: Hotel Catalonia Giralda (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy the 45-minute train journey to the historic city of Cordoba, the capital of the Muslim kingdom that reigned Spain for centuries. Here, we visit the Jewish Quarter, the emblematic flowery courtyards, and the Great Mosque of Córdoba, which was converted into a Catholic cathedral but maintains its very special Muslim heritage. The sightseeing takes four hours in total today.

Accommodation: Hotel Sercotel Cordoba Medina Azahara (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Take your last train journey after breakfast, travelling to Malaga. On arrival at Malaga train station, a transfer takes you to the airport for your onward flights. If you’d like a little more time to explore Spain, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Luggage: We highly recommend you bring a backpack for your main luggage rather than a suitcase as we will be getting on and off trains and walking to and from the hotels.

Itinerary: Due to variable train schedules, your tour leader may have to amend the timings of some activities.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Catalonia Sagrada Familia, C. d’Aragó, 08026 Barcelona, Spain
Phone: +34 932 45 89 05
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Barcelona Airport (BCN)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.

Catching your return flight

There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for those booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Barcelona
Location end: Malaga

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus and rabies. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.

Visa

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and one tapas dinner are included.

Vegetarians: While a meat-and-fish diet is the norm in Spain, many vegetarians have not experienced any problems here. However, the choice of vegetarian and vegan meals may not be as extensive as you are used to.

Mealtimes in Spain are later than in many other countries; dinner is usually taken between 9pm and 9.30pm.

Weather

Seasons are marked, with pleasant temperatures in the spring, summer and autumn. Heatwaves can hit between mid-June and September. In April and October, expect temperatures around 5C-25C (41F-77F). May, June and September are typically sunny and warm with temperatures of 10C-30C (50F-86F).

TRIP

ASM - Highlights of Spain by Rail

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

13 May 2025 13 May 2025

Tuesday Tuesday

20 May 2025 20 May 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1050

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

03 Jun 2025 03 Jun 2025

Tuesday Tuesday

10 Jun 2025 10 Jun 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1050

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

09 Sep 2025 09 Sep 2025

Tuesday Tuesday

16 Sep 2025 16 Sep 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3900 Book with USD 975 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1050

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

07 Oct 2025 07 Oct 2025

Tuesday Tuesday

14 Oct 2025 14 Oct 2025

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3750 Book with USD 937 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1050

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

14 Apr 2026 14 Apr 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

21 Apr 2026 21 Apr 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3975 Book with USD 993 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

12 May 2026 12 May 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

19 May 2026 19 May 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 3975 Book with USD 993 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

19 May 2026 19 May 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

26 May 2026 26 May 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4275 Book with USD 1068 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

02 Jun 2026 02 Jun 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

09 Jun 2026 09 Jun 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4275 Book with USD 1068 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

08 Sep 2026 08 Sep 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

15 Sep 2026 15 Sep 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4275 Book with USD 1068 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

15 Sep 2026 15 Sep 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

22 Sep 2026 22 Sep 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4275 Book with USD 1068 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

06 Oct 2026 06 Oct 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

13 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4425 Book with USD 1106 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

Tuesday Tuesday

13 Oct 2026 13 Oct 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

20 Oct 2026 20 Oct 2026

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price USD 4425 Book with USD 1106 deposit Book with USD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +USD 1103

Availability

View Trip Notes

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Highlights of Spain by Rail

8 Days Excluding Flights

0 Days from

USD 3750

Highlights of Spain by Rail

Backpack to the iconic cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cordoba using the excellent train network

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Barcelona Malaga

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

Visa

Spain

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

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Highlights of Spain by Rail

Backpack to the iconic cities of Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and Cordoba using the excellent train network

Sustainability and Impact

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Itinerary

Barcelona Malaga

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

Joining Instructions

Key information

Vaccinations and Health

Spain

Visa

Spain

Food & Drink

Weather

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Reviews

Would you like to include flights with your booking?

Looking to set your own pace on your next adventure?

You may also like

Discover Spain & Portugal by Rail

Highlights of Portugal

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The Adventure Begins Here

Highlights of Spain by Rail