SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: London to Barcelona

Start your luxury rail holiday to Spain by leaving London St Pancras about 08.00 hrs and travelling on the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord. Then take a taxi to Paris Gare de Lyon station to catch the daytime train to Barcelona, where you arrive just before 21.00 hrs. You have a choice of centrally located hotels for three nights.

Days 2 & 3: In Barcelona

Spend two days exploring this vibrant and attractive city. There are many ‘must-see’ attractions in Barcelona, which make for a hugely exciting stay. Discover the Modernista architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries by visiting the Parc Güell in the Zona Alta, with its fluid mosaics and bright colours, the more reserved Palau Güell in El Raval and, of course, the iconic Sagrada Familia church which scores the Barcelonan skyline in the Eixample district. Its fairytale exterior gives way to a cavernous and captivating interior built in the shape of a traditional Latin cross.

Walk along the famous La Rambla to enjoy the quirky shops and street entertainment, and sample the Catalan cuisine. The La Boqueria Market is famed for its oysters. Spend a few hours one morning exploring the maze-like medieval Gothic Quarter, seeking out the enchanting squares, palaces and excellent shops that punctuate the winding pathways. Perhaps visit the museums of La Ribera, which were once the palaces of merchants, or the Romanesque monastery of Sant Pau in El Raval.

Pass the Modernista architecture that lines the Passeig de Gràcia on your way to the Sagrada Familia, or take in the sombre elegance of the Montjuic Castle. The Montjuic Quarter is also home to the minimalist Fundació Joan Miró, and the recently established Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya.

In the evenings, enjoy the best seafood in Barcelona in one of the chic restaurants that line the promenades on any one of the 6 Blue Flag beaches. Once you have got your fill of Barcelona, perhaps take an afternoon excursion to one of the towns and cities nearby such as Girona, Vic or Figueres, home of the Dali Museum.

Day 4: Barcelona to Logrono in La Rioja, by train

From Barcelona board a train at about 14.00 hrs, which will take you north-west across northern Spain, passing Lleida and Zaragoza in the Ebro valley on the way to Logrono, where you will arrive just before 18.00 hrs. On arrival in the capital of La Rioja, collect a hire car and continue to the Marques de Riscal, a strikingly modern hotel which forms part of a long-established winery, or the Hotel Viura, another striking hotel with a chaotic geometric façade that contrasts with the fluid metallic lines of the Marques. You spend three nights in La Rioja.

Days 5 & 6: In La Rioja

You have two full days to spend in La Rioja, which will provide plenty of time to relax, explore the countryside and visit the nearby towns and villages.

In the small village of Elciego, the main cultural attraction, aside from the vineyards, is the Parish Church of Elciego. Though it is unassuming from the outside, the inside is given a charming golden glow by the Retablo Mayor altarpiece. The Plaza Mayor in Elciego is a mysterious square far removed from the hustle and bustle of the larger nearby towns, with a feeling of peace and quiet.

You are perfectly placed to visit the Yuso and Suso Monasteries, which are atmospheric terracotta coloured buildings, set amidst the rolling green hills and valleys of a wine region famous since Roman times.

The nearby village of Santo Domingo de la Calzada, situated on the Saint James pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, has numerous quiet streets and peaceful plazas that make for a thoroughly relaxing few hours excursion.

For a taste of the more lively nearby towns, Logrono makes a very fulfilling day out. We recommend visiting the Concatedral de Santa Maria de la Redonda, whose main façade was designed to resemble an altarpiece. The two front towers, known as Las Gemelas, or ‘the twins,’ were built in the Baroque style, and inside, there is a painting of the crucifixion by Michelangelo. The Santo Sepulcro in one of the cathedral’s chapels is unusually detailed in tortoiseshell, silver and wood.

This three night stay in Elciego or Villabuena de Alava offers an insight into a pocket of culture that forms and maintains one of Spain’s most famous industries. The dynamic, contemporary design of both hotels and the large windows that open each room out onto the vineyards ensure the utmost comfort after you have dined in either the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Marques de Riscal or in the indulgent restaurant at Hotel Viura.

Day 7: Logrono in La Rioja to Bilbao

Return your hire car to Logrono station before catching a mid-morning train northwards to Bilbao, a journey of around two and a half hours. Stay at the Hotel Carlton or the Hotel Miro for two nights, both of which are stylish hotels in privileged locations, just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum.

Day 8: In Bilbao

Take time to explore this Basque city’s sights, perhaps starting with a visit to the Guggenheim itself, which will offer a valuable introduction to the city’s opulent heritage. Designed by Frank Gehry, this futuristic building with its shimmering curves of titanium and glass, is home to a permanent collection of contemporary art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions. Only a few minutes’ walk away from the hotel is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum, which houses an extensive collection ranging from 12th century sculptures to 20th century paintings and is a picturesque building in its own right.

Along the riverbank is Bilbao’s Old Town. Comprised of tightly-packed colourful houses and long steep stairways, this part of the city takes you back to a more traditional Spain. Also worth a visit is the Gothic Santiago Cathedral, which dates back to the 14th century. This building’s front-framed archway mirrors the beautiful criss-crossed arches of the ceiling within, and the circular window above the door lets in an ethereal light.

Head down towards the seafront to see the eclectic Mercado de la Ribera, the largest covered market in Europe. It was built in 1929 and still sources some of the best seafood in Bilbao.

The city has a vibrant evening scene, with bars and restaurants offering a more cosmopolitan vibe after your peaceful stay in La Rioja. After taking in the views across the river and in the squares, return to the grand and welcoming Hotel Carlton, which seamlessly blends the traditional and the contemporary aspects of Bilbao, or the ultra-modern and chic Hotel Miro.

Day 9: Bilbao to London by air

Perhaps enjoy breakfast in one of the city centre cafes, to make the most of your final morning in Bilbao. Then take a taxi to Bilbao airport for your flight back to London.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes standard class rail travel. First and standard premier on Eurostar is available at a supplement. Return flight to London is also included, with regional options on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.