SPANISH HOLIDAYS
®
WHY RAILBOOKERS? Railbookers offers expertly planned tailor made holidays, with an extensive range of holidays in the UK, across Europe, North America and beyond. Here we highlight some of our most popular Spanish holidays. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer stay, with Railbookers you can customise your trip in any number of ways. From the Moorish palaces and Baroque squares of Andalucia, to the vibrant, laid back atmosphere of Catalonia or the spectacular Mediterranean coast, all of these places are easy to reach and explore by rail!
The Alhambra Palace
RAIL EXPERT KNOWLEDGE
MAXIMUM FLEXIBILITY
We know rail; from the best routes to the best times ensuring you have the best holiday.
Any destination, any date for any length of time…simply put, if the train goes there, so do we.
BOOK AND TRAVEL FROM TODAY TO 2 YEARS AHEAD You can depart today or book your bucket-list trip 2 years ahead; either way, we have you covered.
7579
ABTA No.Y6401
Book with confidence. Railbookers is a member of ABTA Y6401 and ATOL 7579. Which means you have the benefit of ABTA’s assistance and Code of Conduct, as well as financial protection for your holiday. All packages inclusive of flights will be financially protected by the ATOL scheme.’
2 I To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent
CONTENTS Why Railbookers
2-3
SPAIN Andalucian Explorer
4-5
Madrid and Andalucia
6
Classic Spain
7
The Basque Explorer
8
Barcelona and Valencia
9
Grand Barcelona, Seville and Madrid
10-11
Valencia
LARGEST RAIL HOLIDAY SELECTION
NO RAIL TRIP IS TOO COMPLICATED FOR US
From luxurious, multi-country journeys to extending your cruise, or creating a tailor made rail itinerary, we have it all.
What is confusing is our easy and anything can be customised.
GOLD
TRUSTED MERCHANT
2015
Renfe
To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent I 3
ANDALUCIAN EXPLORER Malaga ➡ Granada ➡ Cordoba ➡ Seville ➡ Malaga
Bay of Biscay
SPAIN Spend 2 nights in Seville before returning to Malaga via Cordoba for your flight back to the UK
2
2 CORDOBA
SEVILLE North Atlantic Ocean
The Alcazabar, Madrid
2 GRANADA 2 MALAGA
Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Malaga
Mediterranean Sea
KEY
1
Nights stay Return flights The Mezquita, Cordoba
4 I To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent
The Alhambra Palace
9 DAYS FROM £1,659 per person
HOLIDAY INCLUDES: • Return flight from the UK to Malaga • Rail travel throughout • 8 nights hotel stay with breakfast in • Skip the line walking tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada, of Cordoba including the Mezquita and Alcázar and of Seville Cathedral and Alcazar
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Malaga - NH Malaga Granada - Hospes Palacio De Los Patos Cordoba - Hospes Palacio Del Bailio Seville - Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Why Not... Spending additional nights in any of the destinations on this holiday, to explore further?
Torre del Oro, Seville
DAY 1 - ARRIVE IN MALAGA Depart from the UK for your flight to Malaga, your gateway to Andalucia. Malaga is a vibrant, culturally rich city blessed with a delightfully restored historic centre featuring a range of modern and traditional bars as well as a plethora of family-owned and contemporary shops. Perhaps wander around the Alcazaba, an 11thcentury Moorish castle with ramparts overlooking the city, visit the Picasso Museum for works by the famous artist who was born here, or relax in the tranquil surroundings of La Conception Botanical and Historical Garden, also with stunning views over the city and the Mediterranean coast.
DAY 2 - MALAGA TO GRANADA After breakfast at your hotel this morning, board the train for a scenic ride to Granada, which includes a transfer to the pretty city Andalucian city of Antequera. On arrival in Granada, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city of Granada and the surrounding Granada province is steeped in medieval history, and its fascinating Moorish architectural heritage draws thousands of visitors every year from around the world.
DAY 3 - GRANADA After breakfast immerse yourself in Spain’s Moorish past with your included entrance to the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens, the most popular attraction in the city and one of the
most beloved monuments in all of Spain. With construction starting in the 11th century, and numerous additions and revisions over hundreds of years, the palace is now a painstakingly restored love letter to Moorish architecture.
DAY 4 - GRANADA TO CORDOBA Journey by train to Cordoba via Antequera today, and check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. A smaller city than its Andalucian neighbors of Seville and Granada, Cordoba makes up for its lack of size with history, charm and more than a few spectacular sights. Make your way to Cordoba Old Town, with its glorious Mezquita and in the evening, discover the Plaza de las Tendillas with its excellent bars and restaurants.
DAY 5 - CORDOBA After breakfast this morning, enjoy an additional day touring Cordoba. Discover Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, a site also called the Palace of the Christian Kings, built in the 14th century by Alfonso XI. Walk through the inside of the palace and see remarkable Arabian baths, Roman mosaics and a sarcophagus of marble from the 3rd century. Continue to El Zoco, a market where traditional artisans paint and flamenco dancers’ practice. This evening enjoy the ancient passions of Flamenco with a 2hr show included at Tablao Flamenco El Cardenal.
DAY 6 - CORDOBA TO SEVILLE Board the train from Cordoba to Seville today, and on arrival, check in at your hotel for a twonight stay. As the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, Seville is a historical masterpiece full of Islamic monuments, gardens and lively Flamenco festivals.
DAY 7 - SEVILLE After an early breakfast, miss the crowds with an early access tour of the spectacular Royal Palace of Alcázar and the magnificent Seville Cathedral - home to many riches of Spanish Colonialism as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Perhaps climb the steady slope to the top of La Giralda for an impressive view, or even atop thefuturist Metropol Parasol for a unique photo opportunity. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a meal of tapas and sample other local specialties at one of the many pavement bars around the city.
DAY 8 - SEVILLE TO MALAGA Return to Malaga by train today and enjoy a final night in the city. Perhaps visit some of the sights you missed at the beginning of the trip, or revisit some of your favourites.
DAY 9 - DEPART MALAGA After breakfast, this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way back to the airport in Malaga for your return flight to the UK.
To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent I 5
Seville
8 DAYS FROM £1,449 per person
MADRID AND ANDALUCIA
HOLIDAY INCLUDES: • Return flights between UK and Madrid • Onward rail travel • 7 nights hotel stay with breakfast • Skip the line walking tour of the Alhambra Palace and Generalife Gardens in Granada • Skip the line tour in Cordoba of the Mezquite and Alcázar • Skip the line tour of Seville Cathedral and Alcázar
UK ➡ Madrid ➡ Granada ➡ Cordoba ➡ Seville ➡ UK
Bay of Biscay
North Atlantic Ocean
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Madrid - NH Nacional Madrid Granada - Hospes Palacio De Los Patos Cordoba - NH Amistad Seville - H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel Spend 2 nights in Seville before returning to Madrid for your flight to the UK
MADRID 1
Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Madrid
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
SPAIN
SEVILLE 2
2 CORDOBA 2 GRANADA
KEY
1
Nights stay
Mediterranean Sea
Return flights
Old Town, Cordoba
DAY 1 - UK TO MADRID
DAY 5 - CORDOBA
Fly to Madrid. Head out to explore the vibrant capital of Spain. Marvel at the stunning architecture of the Bakery House, which dominates the area.
Spend time roaming the picturesque alleys of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, dominated by the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba with its colossal Roman columns and marvellous interior.
DAY 2 - MADRID TO GRANADA Travel to Granada and check in at your hotel. Madrid
DAY 3 - GRANADA Lose yourself in the exceptional Moorish architecture of the Alhambra or simply enjoy the panoramic view from the ‘palace city’, which dominates Granada’s cityscape. Explore the old cobbled Carrera del Darro, or admire the baroque Basilica de San Juan de Dios with its magnificent paintings and other breathtaking ornaments.
DAY 4 - GRANADA TO CORDOBA Journey through the striking countryside to Cordoba. The Alhambra Palace
DAY 6 - CORDOBA TO SEVILLE Continue to Andalucia by catching a train to Seville.
DAY 7 - SEVILLE Start your exploration in the Parque de María Luisa, one of the many green havens in Seville. Visit the Cathedral of Seville. The Gothic construction is one of the largest churches in the world and is especially renowned for its nave, the longest in Spain.
DAY 8 - DEPART SEVILLE After breakfast, board your train to Madrid and fly back to the UK.
6 I To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent
Malaga
15 DAYS FROM £2,475 per person
CLASSIC SPAIN UK ➡ Madrid ➡ Seville ➡ Cordoba ➡ Granada ➡ Malaga ➡ Barcelona ➡ London
LONDON
KEY
1
Nights stay Flight from the UK
Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Madrid
English Channel
PARIS North Atlantic Ocean
Travel from Paris to London direct on Eurostar
FRANCE
3 BARCELONA
MADRID 3 SPAIN 2 CORDOBA
MALAGA 2
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Madrid - NH Nacional Madrid Seville - H10 Corregidor Boutique Hotel Cordoba - NH Collection Amistad Granada - Hospes Palacio de Los Patos Malaga - NH Malaga Barcelona - NH Sants Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Bay of Biscay
SEVILLE 2
HOLIDAY INCLUDES:
• Flight from UK to Madrid • Rail travel in Standard class throughout • Paris Metro ticket • 14 nights hotel stay with breakfast • Sightseeing tours included in all cities • Skip the line: Alhambra Palace and Prado Museum
2 GRANADA
Mediterranean Sea Spend 3 nights in Barcelona before returning to London via Paris
Alhambra
DAY 1 - UK TO MADRID
DAY 7 - CÓRDOBA
DAY 11 - MÁLAGA
Fly from the UK to Madrid and check in at your hotel for a three-night stay.
After breakfast this morning, explore one of Spain’s most celebrated historic monuments on a guided tour of the Great Mosque Cathedral of Córdoba.
On your second day in Málaga, use your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour and Málaga experience card to discover the city.
DAY 2 & 3 - MADRID Take advantage of your included skip-the-line tour of the Prado Museum. Head to the Plaza Mayor or relax in the Casa del Campo.
DAY 4 - MADRID TO SEVILLE Board the train for Seville. Spend the afternoon discovering the city at your leisure, taking in the Moorish influenced architecture and the vibrant Andalusian culture
DAY 5 - SEVILLE Discover the best of Seville today with your hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour of the city’s top sights.
DAY 6 - SEVILLE TO CÓRDOBA Journey by train to Córdoba today for a two-night stay. Make your way to Córdoba’s UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, with its glorious Mezquita.
DAY 8 - CÓRDOBA TO GRANADA On arrival in Granada, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the city of Granada and the surrounding Granada province is steeped in medieval history.
DAY 9 - GRANADA Immerse yourself in Spain’s Moorish past today with your included skip-the-line entrance to the Alhambra Palace, the most popular attraction in the city and one of the most beloved monuments in all of Spain.
DAY 10 - GRANADA TO MÁLAGA
DAY 12 - MÁLAGA TO BARCELONA Take the train from Málaga to Barcelona today.
DAY 13 & 15 - BARCELONA Explore the top attractions of the city from the beaches to the myriad mosaics of the Parc Guell and the bohemian Gothic Quarter, enjoy discovering the highlights of the city at your own pace. A guided tour of the Sagrada Familia is also included.
DAY 15 - BARCELONA TO LONDON Check out of your hotel today and take the train to Paris. From Paris, transfer to the Eurostar for your journey back to London.
Following breakfast, board a direct train for Málaga, the capital of Andalusia.
To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent I 7
San Sebastian
10 DAYS FROM £1,699 per person
THE BASQUE EXPLORER Bordeaux ➡ San Sebastian ➡ Bilbao ➡ Madrid LONDON
KEY
1
Your journey begins in London
Nights stay
HOLIDAY INCLUDES: • Rail travel as per itinerary • 9 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast • 2-day Bordeaux Pass including entrance to Cité du Vin • 24hr Hop-on-Hop-off pass in San Sebastian • 24hr Hop-on-Hop-off pass in Bilbao
English Channel
Flight to UK
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
PARIS
Travel from London to Paris direct on Eurostar
North Atlantic Ocean
FRANCE Bay of Biscay
Bordeaux - Best Western Bayonne Etche Ona San Sebastian - Barcelo Costa Brava Bilbao - Barcelo Nervion Madrid - NH Nacional Madrid Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
2 BORDEAUX
BILBAO SPAIN
MADRID 1
3
3
SAN SEBASTIAN
Spend 1 night in Madrid before flying back to the UK
Mediterranean Sea
Bilbao
DAY 1 - BORDEAUX
DAY 4 - SAN SEBASTIAN
DAY 7 - BILBAO
Speed to Paris onboard the Eurostar, then change onto a highspeed TGV train to Bordeaux. Head to your hotel and check-in for a two-night stay.
Use your included Hop-on-Hop-off sightseeing tour to explore the best of the city, such as Miramar Palace, Playa de la Concha beach, and much more! Be sure to see Basque art at Museo de San Telmo and the iconic Combo of the Winds sculpture.
Venture out to the Vizcaya Bridge and take the escalator to the top for an impressive view of the Nervion river or stay in town and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Plaza Ensanche.
DAY 5 - SAN SEBASTIAN
Head over to the unmistakable Guggenheim museum today for your quota of breath-taking architecture and contemporary art. Enjoy a light lunch as this evening you’ll be taken on a gastronomic walking tour of Bilbao, where you’ll enjoy the best pintxos and miniature cuisine paired with local wines.
DAY 2 - BORDEAUX Take advantage of your two-day pass today, with access to all Bordeaux’s great museums and galleries. Make your way to the Cité du Vin before midday to skip the line and learn everything about the world of wine. In the evening make your way to the Place de la Bourse for a beautiful picture, then head for dinner in one of the city’s many great restaurants.
DAY 3 - SAN SEBASTIAN Continue to use your Sightseeing Pass today and some last bits of souvenir shopping before hoping onto the TGV to the border town of Hendaye, where you change onto the train to San Sebastian. After checking in at your hotel head out to the old town to enjoy some fresh seafood in one of San Sebastian’s fantastic restaurants.
Why not ride the funicular railway to the top of Monte Igueldo on your own for sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscapes? Then, enjoy some pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) and continue exploring this beautiful town on your own.
DAY 6 - BILBAO After breakfast take the train through the Basque countryside from San Sebastian to Miranda de Ebro then Miranda de Ebro to Bilbao Abando station. On arrival, make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay.
DAY 8 - BILBAO
DAY 9 - MADRID Depart Bilbao in the morning on the direct train to Madrid, then check-in for your final night. then enjoy some tapas off Puerta del Sol.
DAY 10 - END OF TOUR Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before heading to the airport for your flight home.
8 I To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent
Valencia
8 DAYS FROM £1,039 per person
BARCELONA AND VALENCIA Barcelona ➡ Valencia
1
Your journey begins in London
LONDON
KEY Nights stay Flight to UK
English Channel
PARIS
HOLIDAY INCLUDES: • Rail travel as per itinerary • 3 nights accommodation with breakfast in Barcelona • 4 nights accommodation with breakfast in Valencia • Tour of Sagrada Familia with Tower Access in Barcelona • Valencia Tourist Card
Travel from London to Paris direct on Eurostar
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
North Atlantic Ocean
FRANCE Bay of Biscay
Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
3 BARCELONA
SPAIN Spend 3 nights in Valencia before flying back to the UK
Barcelona - NH Sants Valencia - NH Las Artas
3 VALENCIA
Mediterranean Sea
Montjuic Palace, Barcelona
DAY 1 - BARCELONA Welcome to bustling Barcelona! Upon arrival, step out to explore the colorful city. We recommend basking in the sun amidst the mosaics of the Parc Guell, catch a boat out on the ocean, or ride the cable car to the top of Montjuïc hill, where you’ll be treated to delightful views over the city as well as a plethora of grand museums.
DAY 2 - BARCELONA Enjoy the morning on your own then take an afternoon tour of the Sagrada Familia with Tower Access. This iconic monument is one you won’t soon forget, and the architecture will make you marvel at its construction. Enjoy views of the city from above and check out Gaudi’s work behind the scenes.
DAY 3 - BARCELONA Today, enjoy breakfast before continuing to get to know this beautiful city. At your leisure, spend time wandering along the city’s most famous shopping street, Las Ramblas. This tree-lined
boulevard is packed with plenty of street artists, shops and great places to sit and people watch. Art lovers also won’t want to miss a visit to the Picasso Museum to view a huge collection of the famous artist’s work. After a busy day sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of locally made sangria and delicious tapas.
DAY 4 - BARCELONA TO VALENCIA
DAY 6 - VALENCIA Continue using your Valencia Tourist Card today. Visit Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, La Lonja de la Seda, Torres de Serranos, and Plaza de la Virgen. With so much to see and do in the city, there’s no telling what you’ll discover!
DAY 7 - VALENCIA
After breakfast, travel to the station for your direct train from Barcelona to Valencia. Known as one of the finest Mediterranean cities, it is also one of the most underrated. Check into your hotel and then start exploring!
Spend your free day immersing yourself in Valencia’s sunshine, great cuisine, beaches, and any attractions you didn’t get a chance to see yet.
DAY 5 - VALENCIA
Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.
Use your Valencia Tourist Card to explore the city on your own. The city is famous for its ceramics and tiles, which dates back to Moorish rule. Why not visit The Valencia Cathedral or spend the afternoon relaxing beside the shoreline? Malvarrosa Beach is a local favorite. In the evening, treat yourself to an authentic meal.
DAY 8 - YOUR JOURNEY ENDS IN VALENCIA
To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent I 9
GRAND BARCELONA, SEVILLE AND MADRID UK ➡ Barcelona ➡ Seville ➡ Madrid ➡ UK
Bay of Biscay North Atlantic Ocean Spend 3 nights in Madrid before flying back to the UK
3 BARCELONA
MADRID 3
Barcelona
Your journey begins with your flight from the UK to Barcelona
SPAIN
SEVILLE 2 KEY
Mediterranean Sea
1
Nights stay Return flights
Madrid
10 I To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent
Barcelona
9 DAYS FROM £2,249 per person
HOLIDAY INCLUDES: • Flights from UK to Barcelona, Madrid to UK • First class train travel as specified in the itinerary • 8 nights hotel stay with breakfast • Skip the Line: Barcelona Sagrada Familia Tour • Barcelona hop-on, hop-off pass • Hop-on, hop-off bus pass and choice of walking tours in Seville • Skip the Line: Alcazar Guided Tour in Seville • Tapas and Wine tasting tour in Madrid • And much more
FEATURED ACCOMMODATION
Barcelona - NH Collection Gran Hotel Calderon Seville - Hospes Las Casas Dek Rey De Baeza Madrid - Hospes Purta De Alcala Hotels are subject to availability. Alternatives may be used.
Seville
DAY 1 - LONDON TO BARCELONA
DAY 4 - BARCELONA TO SEVILLE
Take a flight from London to Barcelona and upon arrival, make your way to your hotel and check in for a three-night stay. Widely considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, there is so much to see and do in the Catalan capital. Take a sunny stroll through the colourful mosaics of the Parc Guell or a wander down Las Ramblas the city’s lively neighbourhood overflowing with interesting shops and boutiques. Why not take the cable car up to the top of Montjuic for impressive views over the city?
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and then take the high-speed AVE service to Seville. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Seville is a beautiful city, boasting ancient architecture and orange groves. Make use of your included City Card for free entry to many of the city’s attractions, and discounts on a plethora of others. The card also gives you discounted dining in plenty of the city’s top eateries as well as entry to cultural highlights such as flamenco shows - it’s the perfect pass to introduce you to sultry Seville!
DAY 2 - BARCELONA
DAY 5 – SEVILLE
A great way to easily get between the sights of the city is by your included City Sightseeing hopon, hop-off tour, valid for 48hrs. The open-top bus gives visitors panoramic views and running commentary on board. You can hop on and off the bus at any time to explore the top attractions of the city on the three different routes.
After an early breakfast, miss the crowds with an early access tour of the spectacular Royal Palace of Alcázar and the magnificent Seville Cathedral – home to many riches of Spanish Colonialism as well as the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Perhaps climb the steady slope to the top of La Giralda for an impressive view, or even atop the futurist Metropol Parasol for a unique photo opportunity, then see the rest of this amazing city in comfort with your Hop on Hop off pass.
DAY 3 - BARCELONA Today spend some time spotting Gaudi’s iconic architectural masterpieces throughout the city, then avoid the queues at his masterpiece the Sagrada Familia with a guided tour. Art lovers also won’t want to miss a visit to the Picasso Museum to view a huge collection of the famous artist’s work. After a busy day sightseeing, treat yourself to a glass of locally made Sangria and delicious tapas.
DAY 6 - SEVILLE TO MADRID After breakfast, ride the rails to Madrid aboard an AVE service direct from Seville. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for a three-night stay. Settle into your hotel and then why not head out to explore the city using your City Card. The
card gives you entry to more than fifty museums, discounts on shopping and a guided walking tour.
DAY 7 - MADRID After breakfast, why not take advantage of your included Skip the Line tour of the Prado Museum. Skip the queues and head straight into the museum for a 90-minute guided tour. Head to the Plaza Mayor after your tour where you will find plenty of bars and cafes to enjoy some refreshments and perhaps relax in the Casa del Campo for the rest of the day. Continue the culinary discovery this evening on a small group tour led by an expert local guide, who will lead you to some of the city’s finest eateries for 3 hours of delicious tapas and local wines.
DAY 8 - MADRID Continue your exploration of the city on your included open-top hop-on, hop-off tour. There are 37 stops along two routes transporting you to the city’s main sights with on-board commentary. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum or the beautiful Palacio de Cristal park.
DAY 9 - MADRID TO LONDON After breakfast this morning, check out of your hotel and make your way to the airport for your flight back to London. Prefer to travel home by train via Paris? One of our Rail Specialists would be happy to make these arrangements for you.
To book call us on 020 3780 2222, visit www.railbookers.co.uk or see your Travel Agent I 11
OUR RAIL PARTNERS
HOW TO BOOK Call 020 3780 2222 Visit www.railbookers.co.uk Call your local Travel Agent
7579
Y6401