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Travel via France into southern Spain by First Class rail

Charming Cities of Andalucia by First Class Rail

5/5

Discover the delightful cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba

1st class rail & 4 Star Accommodation throughout

3 nights each in Seville, Granada and Cordoba

12 nights / 13 days, departures available most days of the year

Take the opportunity to see the iconic Alhambra

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Charming Cities of Andalucia

Holiday Highlights

Situated in southern Spain, fabulous Andalucia is a treasure trove of cultural, architectural and natural beauty. 

Experience the fabulously diverse cities of Seville, Granada and Cordoba on this wonderful 12 night / 13 day tour of Andalucia.

Your journey takes you to sunny Seville, capital of flamenco and home to the heavenly Alcazar, before you continue to Granada, set against the dramatic setting of the Alhambra with the stunning backdrop of the Sierra Nevada. Your tour also takes in medieval Cordoba, with its magnificent Mezquita and charming bodegas.

Having travelled via the dynamic French city of Marseille and the wonderful Spanish city of Madrid, you return via Girona with its long row of picturesque pastel-hued houses, before your journey home to London on daytime trains.

12 night / 13 day holiday by First Class rail on daytime trains, from £1,695 per person (based on two people sharing and travelling in low season).

Seasonal pricing variations are as follows:

Mid-season – from £1,895 per person

High-season – from £2,095 per person

Your holiday itinerary

Day 1 – London to Marseille

Your holiday begins as you enter the beautifully restored London St. Pancras International Station; take the time to admire the stunning glass roof. Then sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar through France and onto Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in your Standard Premier service (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers).

On arrival in Paris, your private taxi will transfer you to the Gare de Lyon ahead of your high-speed journey by TGV to Marseille. On arrival in Marseille, make your own way on foot or by taxi to your overnight hotel, the stylish, highly-rated Grand Hotel Beauvau (4 star), a charming and smart hotel located in the heart of Marseille just off the fabulous Vieux Port.

Day 2 – Marseille to Madrid

Today you bid farewell to Marseille as you return to the station and take the train into Spain, bound for Madrid. On arrival in Madrid, make your own way to your hotel for the night, the welcoming Hotel Liabeny (4 star). The afternoon is yours to relax or explore. 

Day 3 – Madrid to Seville

Today you bid farewell to Madrid as you return to the station and take the train further into Spain, to the fabulous city of Seville.

Bathed in sunshine for much of the year, Seville is a lively, energetic city home to a myriad of historical layers and magnificent cultural landmarks. Your base for the next three nights is the welcoming, highly-rated Hotel Becquer (4 star).

Plaza de Espana, Seville

Days 4 & 5 – At leisure in Seville

With two full days to explore Seville, you will want to make the most of the many and varied options available to you in this delightful city.

Why not climb the Giralda (bell tower) and gaze down on the buzzing city beneath, taking in the barrios and the Seville of Bizet’s Carmen across the River Guadalquivir? Explore the elaborate Arabic designs and outrageous rococo ornamentation that make up the Mudejár Spanish mélange of Seville’s Royal Palace, or Alcázar, and be sure to visit the delightful gardens too. Then head for the awe-inspiring gothic cathedral which took a whole century to build, and is the final resting place of noted explorer Christopher Columbus.

You could also stroll through the characterful courtyards and narrow alleys of the ancient Jewish quarter of Santa Cruz, and round off your evenings at one of Seville’s wonderful tapas bars.

Day 6 – Eastwards across Andalucia to Granada

Today after breakfast make your way back to Seville’s Santa Justa station. Here you join the regional train (Standard Class) for the journey eastwards to the Moorish-influenced city of Granada where you arrive in the afternoon in time for a short siesta.

Make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights, the stylish and highly-rated Hotel Aurea Catedral (4 star). This evening why not head to one of Granada’s wonderful tapas bars and delight in the intoxicating atmosphere and taste some of the flavours of Spain? Or you may wish to take an early evening stroll through the meandering streets of the Albaycin, to see the view of the Alhambra Palace, which is most wonderful at sunset, when it takes on a warm, slightly reddish tone. Night-time views are also impressive, with the Alhambra completely illuminated. Musicians and vendors add to the liveliness of the scene.

Days 7 & 8 – Exploring Granada

You have two full days in Granada so why not start early to enjoy the spectacular view of the sun coming up over the Alhambra Palace? If you set off early you can make the most of your time to visit the stunning Moorish palace and its luscious gardens. Perhaps one of the most photographed sites in Andalucia, the Alhambra is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will also have time to explore some of the interesting quarters of Granada during your stay, or you may even want to take a trip to visit some of the beautiful pueblos blancos (white villages) in the surrounding Alpujarras area or head into the Sierra Nevada mountains.

Day 9 - Granada to Cordoba

Today you bid farewell to Granada, as you return to the station and take the regional service (Standard Class) to Antequera. Here you change trains and continue (in Standard Class) to nearby Cordoba. On arrival in Cordoba make your own way to your hotel for the next three nights, the comfortable and attractive Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star).

This afternoon you might like to visit the palace of the Christian Kings, the Alcazar, with its luxuriant gardens of courtyards, fountains and water terraces, combined with colourful flowers, palm trees and orange grove

Visit The Roman Bridge St Córdoba

Days 10 & 11 – Exploring Cordoba

You have two full days to explore the compact city of Cordoba. Among many highlights is the world’s 3rd largest mosque, the Mezquita, a mystical, beautiful building, with simply stunning interiors, including a ‘forest’ of more than eight hundred red and white striped columns and arches. Take time to explore Cordoba’s countless plazas and courtyards hidden along narrow streets.

Day 12 - Cordoba to Girona

Today you leave Cordoba and take the high-speed rail service north to Barcelona. Here you change trains and continue on another high-speed rail service to the charming city of Girona. 

On arrival in Girona, make your own way to the welcoming Hotel Nord 1901 (4 star). 

This afternoon, you may choose to discover more of this wonderful city. As northern Catalonia’s largest city, Girona is a jewellery box of museums, galleries and Gothic churches, strung around a web of cobbled lanes. The walled medieval quarter, the Barri Vell, is perched on a hill above the city and is well worth a visit. With its narrow cobbled alleyways, balconied houses and shady little plaças, it is a delight to explore.

Another highlight is the long row of picturesque pastel-hued houses, the Cases de l’Onyar (pictured), which cling to the banks of the Ríu Onyar, as it meanders through the centre of town. The city’s medieval Jewish quarter remains one of the best preserved in Spain.

Day 13 – Girona to London - Homeward bound

This morning after breakfast make your way back to the station and board your high-speed TGV to Paris.  On arrival at the Gare de Lyon, you will be transferred by private taxi to the Gare du Nord ahead of your Eurostar journey back to London.

Take time to reflect on the magnificent sights, sounds and tastes you have enjoyed on your holiday as you sit back and relax with a light meal and drinks before your arrival into London St. Pancras International for the final leg of your journey home.

Further information

Your recommended hotels

MARSEILLE

The Grand Hotel Beauvau (MGallery) hotel (4 star) is an elegant establishment in the centre of Marseille. The hotel’s Le Beauvau bar invites guests to enjoy a drink while looking out over Vieux Port and the Mediterranean Sea. Decorated with Provencal fabrics and Empire or Napoleon III furniture, the hotels 73 rooms are air-conditioned and offer satellite and cable TV. The room’s en suite bathrooms feature a bath and shower, a large mirror and offer a hairdryer, bathrobe, slippers and amenities. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s dining area or in the comfort of your room.

MADRID

The elegant and distinguished Hotel Liabeny (4 star) is ideally situated in the centre of Madrid, just 200 meters from Puerta del Sol – Madrid’s most famous and central square. The hotel offers modern facilities such as a gym with sauna, a bar and lounge area, and an excellent selection of Mediterranean and International cuisine served in the Restaurante Sensaciones (Sensations Restaurant). The dining room also serves a Buffet-Style breakfast, where guests can find a large selection of pastries, cold and hot dishes and the famous home-made churros. The hotels 220 large and functional bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning and central heating, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, a safe, free WiFi, and the bathroom features a vanity mirror, hair-dryer and toiletries. Many of Madrid’s attractions can be found a short walk from the hotel, with the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums less than 10 minutes away.

SEVILLE

Situated in the historic old town, the Hotel Bécquer (4 star) is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the impressive Cathedral, Alcázar Fortress and the River Guadalquívir. The hotel boasts a terrace overlooking the Giralda (bell tower) and cathedral and offers an outdoor pool, snack bar and tapas bar. Guests can also relax in the Bécquer’s spa, which includes Turkish Baths, a hot tub and sauna. Each of the hotel’s 134 air-conditioned rooms comes with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Laptops, iPads and DVD players are also available on request and subject to availability.

GRANADA

Across the street from the Renaissance-era Granada Cathedral, the stylish Hotel Aurea Catedral (4 star) is 1 km from Granada train station and 2 km from the iconic Alhambra. The warm, streamlined rooms with wood decor provide Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemakers. A breakfast buffet is complimentary. Other amenities consist of a sophisticated restaurant, a cafe/bar and a terrace.

CORDOBA

The charming Hotel Las Casas de la Juderia (4 star) is just metres from the Mezquita. It is made up of attractive 17th and 18th century houses with lovely gardens, fountains and patios. Located in the historic centre of Cordoba, this comfortable hotel combines modern facilities with historic buildings. There are many authentic, hand-made details. All of the hotel’s 64 en-suite rooms boast original features and modern comforts, such as air conditioning, television with cable channels and a mini bar. Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary internet connection available in public areas. Whilst staying at this friendly and welcoming hotel you can admire the architecture of El Siglo del Oro, relax at the outdoor swimming pool, unwind with a drink at the in-house bar or on the traditional patio. The hotel also benefits from its own restaurant.

GIRONA

Set on a narrow, cobblestone city street, the welcoming Hotel Nord 1901 (4 star) is a 7 minutes’ walk from Girona Cathedral, 8 minutes’ walk from the Girona Art Museum and 12 minutes’ walk from the Girona train station. The elegant rooms offer Wi-Fi & flat-screen TVs, plus minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. A breakfast buffet is served in the relaxed, airy restaurant or by the sleek outdoor pool. There’s also a garden bar with seating.

Departure dates

Throughout the year and tailor-made to suit your holiday needs

Holiday duration is 13 days

For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk

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