Spain 2024 - Rail and Stay tour
Per person sharing
Spain 2024 Rail and Stay Tour will take you to cities with intriguing blends of cultures and traditions going back centuries. Whilst in Barcelona and Madrid, you are surrounded by incredible architecture and unbelievable cuisine.
Travel south to the Andalusian city of Seville, famous for its Flamenco dancing. See castles dating back to the Moorish Dynasty. Admire the Giralda where a minaret was converted into a bell tower. Board your comfortable train taking you to the Mediterranean coast port of Malaga. The sweet smell of subtropical plants and the gentle sea breeze will leave a long-lasting impression. Listen to the rhythm of the Spanish language all around you.
Malaga is ideally located for a perfect short stay. The city will enchant you as you walk through atmospheric little streets and squares. There is no shortfall of places to eat and drink. The Calle Larios is a good starting point.
At a glance
| Barcelona | 3 Nights at the Barcelo Raval Hotel or similar (Superiorroom) | ||
| Madrid | 2 Nights at the Liabeny Hotel or similar (Standard room) | ||
| Seville | 2 Nights at the Giralda Center Hotel or similar (Standard room) | ||
| Malaga | 3 Nights at the Soho Boutique Equitatina Hotel or similar (Standard room) | ||
| Accommodation | Double/Twin room | ||
| Meals | Breakfast daily | ||
| Other | 2nd Class rail ticket Barcelona-Madrid-Seville-Malaga |
Highlights
Barcelona Highlights
Visit the Las Ramblas and Gothic Quarter
Watch a sunset over the Mediterranean Sea
Taste the best ever Paella you have eaten
Go on a Free Walking Tour of the Old City (Pre-bookings must be made online)
Order a drink in certain bars and get a free Tapas (small Spanish savory dishes)
Madrid Highlights
Madrid has the best terraces, theatres, restaurants, rooftops and markets
Puerta del Sol is Madrid’s most famous spot
Take time to eat a Calamari Sandwich
Walk down the Calle Gran Via for an ultimate shopping experience
Seville Highlights
Visit Seville Cathedral and its Giralda (a former minaret converted into a bell tower)
Wander the cobbled streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz
Explore the palaces and gardens of the Real Alcazar
Malaga Highlights
Go to the Port which has been transformed into a fashionable promenade
Visit the Pablo Picasso Museum ( Malaga is Pablo’s birth town)
Hit the beach of Playa Malagueta stretching about a mile east of the Port
Buy a 24hr Hop-on Hop-off Bus ticket, a great way to take a glimpse into the culture and historical history of Malaga
Quick Contact
Itinerary
Seville (B)
- Plan your day well so that you the city's most impressive buildings and gardens
- Tonight you may want to attend a flamenco show
Seville - Malaga (B)
- Check-out of your hotel and make your way to the Station
- Board the train taking you to the Mediterranean coastal city of Malaga
- Make your way to your hotel and check-in for overnight
Malaga (B)
- The day is free to spend at the prt or visit the Pablo Picasso Museum and end your day at the beach
Inclusions
- Return Flights from Jo'burg on Qatar Airways (Specific & Limited Seats)
- Departure and Fuel Taxes (Subject to change)
- Accommodation as mentioned
- Meals as mentioned
- 2nd Class Rail travel as mentioned
Exclusions
- Personal expenses, meals and drinks unless otherwise specified
- Increases in Airfares, departure and Fuel taxes
- Travel Insurance
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Services not stated in the itinerary
- Seasonal, Weekend, Events and School Holidays supplements may be applicable
Validity
- Valid for travel between 01 to 30 June 2024
Contact us for alternative Travel dates
Country information
Best time to go
Spain has a perfect climate for anyone between April to May and again from September to October. During these months enjoy a mild climate and lesser crowds. Summer (June to end August) are the peak tourist months, where travelers flock to Spain to soak up the sun. Temperatures dip from November onwards and depending on where you travel, winter gear will be required.
Spain food & drink
Gastronomy in Spain is an adventure and changes from region to region. Each province claims its own unique flavour
A budget way to sample the local food is to order Menus del Dia (Menu of the day). It includes a bowl of soup, or a salad followed by a main course with a side dish. Dessert ends of your meal
Sangria is Spain’s most known drink: a fruit punch made of red wine with chopped fruit mixed with honey and orange juice
Culture and Language
Life in Spain has experienced swift changes in recent years. However, hospitality, chivalry and courtesy are still the basis of every Spaniard towards visitors and a handshake is a common way of greeting a person. Lunchtime is taken between 14:00 and 15:30 and evening meals between 21:00 and 23:00. So, plan your meals well. Spain has harshest anti-smoking laws in Europe.
The official language is Spanish (Castilian). English is widely spoken/understood in all major tourist destinations. Advisable is to learn some Spanish words/phrases, especially when traveling outside the main tourist areas.
Getting around
Domestic Air Travel in Spain is mostly inexpensive. Spain has an extensive bus and rail network and rates are very affordable. High-speed trains run between the most popular cities. Taxis are safe and easy to find in all the main cities. A surcharge will be levied is your journey starts/ends at an airport, bus Terminal or Rail station.
Tipping
VAT (IVA) of 10% is included in your bill. Restaurants & Bards, an additional 5% is normal. Most people leave small change when settling their bill.
Money
Although debit and credit cards are generally accepted throughout Spain, it’s always best to have some spare euros with you for emergencies. Cashpoint (ATM) machines take Visa, MasterCard, but a fee of between 1.5 and 2% is charged on every withdrawal. Cash can be exchanged at various places in the city, such as banks or bureaux de change (called “Cambio”). The latter operate longer opening hours, but their rates are not as good. And in shops, you can always pay with your Visa, MasterCard or American Express (Amex) card (the most widely accepted ones).
Traditional dishes
Paella: Spain’s most famous dish made of rice, seafood, green vegetables and lots of seasoning
Tapas: small bites served before dinner. A Popular Tapas dish is Patatas Bravas (Served with a spicy sauce)
Gazpacho: Cold vegetable food with a tomato base
Pollo al Ajillo: chicken sautéed or simmered in white wine or sherry served with potatoes and a salad
Churros con chocolate: deep-fried twisted pastries served with dark chocolate