Chic Spanish Trip by Train: Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia

Arrive in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. So, Benvingut! Barcelona, Gaudí's city and Spain’s artistic capital, is a vibrant place that offers everyone a unique experience. Rich in architecture with its Sagrada Família, a gastronomic destination, its beaches, and activities for everyone—Barcelona should be discovered with a local, off the beaten path. Forget the Ramblas and explore neighborhoods that are still authentic and welcoming. Being well accompanied is the key to a successful stay in Barcelona! For extra comfort, a private transfer from the airport to the hotel is arranged. Nights in a 4* boutique hotel with a view of La Pedrera.

Nothing beats discovering a city with a local who lives there and feels it. Barcelona is a city that has managed to keep—and above all, highlight—its identity, making it one of Europeans’ favorite destinations. Your guide knows every corner of the city so you can make the most of it and avoid getting caught in the tourist crowds. The tour is relaxed and adapts according to the participants’ wishes. An opportunity to chat with the local to plan the rest of your stay and share the city’s best dining addresses.

The city of Barcelona shares its history, but above all its renown, with Gaudí. An architect and revolutionary artist of his time, he is the reference artist when it comes to Catalan modernism and never ceases to fascinate. For a bit of trivia: Gaudí was Catalan and religious. In addition, he drew his inspiration from nature and its organic shapes. It is from these three pillars that he built more than a dozen works throughout Barcelona. Accompanied by a French-speaking guide, the tour includes the Palau Güell, Gaudí’s first work, and the Sagrada Família. Private transport included.

By train, travel from Barcelona to Madrid in 3 hours. Optional: tapas dinner in Madrid accompanied by a local. A saying goes that in Madrid you eat the best seafood and fish. This saying illustrates the fact that, despite its geographical location, Madrid is a concentration of the best Spanish cuisines. On the agenda: between 3 and 4 stops with tapas to share and a drink. Your local guide is also specialized in wines—a great opportunity to get familiar with Spanish wines, which are unfortunately too little known. An excellent chance to try typical dishes known to locals and to live like a Madrilenian! Night in a 4* boutique hotel.

In the 1980s, after Franco’s death, Madrid experienced an explosion of creativity known as La Movida. Director Pedro Almodóvar, twice awarded an Oscar, is the most well-known and universal artist of this unique era. From the streets of La Latina to the Malasaña neighborhood, the epicenter of La Movida, the route offered will let you discover some of the city’s most alternative spots. Tour accompanied by a French-speaking filmmaker. Skip-the-line ticket to explore the Prado Museum freely, home to works by Spanish and European masters such as Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Titian, Rubens, and Bosch. A must!

Free day before departure for Valencia. Take the chance to admire the sadly famous Guernica by Picasso at the Reina Sofia Museum, or stroll on Sunday morning at Spain’s largest flea market. Our favorite: take a walk in Retiro Park and don’t miss the Palacio de Cristal, or take a boat ride on the park’s lake. Arrival in Valencia, a city with a rich historic center, the capital of oranges and the famous Fallas celebrations. A city off the beaten path that is worth getting to know. It’s also the birthplace of the famous paella. An ideal stop to taste the best paella in the country. Night in a townhouse in the historic center.

Valence offers different neighborhoods that you can easily explore by bike. Discover Valence authentically with a guided bike tour led by a local. Your local guide will take you through the city’s emblematic neighborhoods, sharing stories and anecdotes about Valence. You will discover the historic center, the Turia Gardens, the beach, and the famous City of Arts and Sciences, designed by the renowned Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, who also designed the new World Trade Center station in New York.

Free day. To end your stay in style, nothing beats a seaside lunch to taste the best paëlla in the country, or the chance to visit the central market to bring back Spanish specialties. Valence’s beaches also offer a great option for a long walk with your feet in the sand, to play beach volleyball with locals, or to enjoy a refreshing swim. Optional: Visit to the Albufera Park and paëlla lunch, or an immersive visit to the century-old world of Valence oranges. Private transfer to the airport.