touring
BARCELONA , LA RIOJA AND BILBAO
Travel by train from the UK to the capital of Catalonia , the vineyards of La Rioja and the Basque city of Bilbao . Enjoy relaxing and scenic journeys as you travel through France and Spain , passing forested hills and picturesque towns as you head from the Mediterranean towards the Atlantic Ocean . Following your time in Bilbao , you can take a flight back to the UK or continue your journey of Spain by rail .
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Start your rail holiday by leaving London St Pancras at around 9am , travelling on the Eurostar to Paris Gare du Nord . Transfer to Paris Lyon station to catch the daytime train to Barcelona , where you arrive just before 9pm . Your hotel for three nights is Grand Hotel Central Barcelona , a stylish and elegant hotel in a central location .
DAYS TWO AND THREE
Spend two days exploring the city . There are a huge number of must-see attractions in Barcelona ; discover the modernista architecture of Gaudi and his contemporaries including the iconic Sagrada Familia Cathedral , walk along the famous ‘ La Rambla ’ street and sample the Catalan cuisine . Perhaps take a day trip to one of the towns and cities nearby such as Girona , Vic or Figueres .
DAY FOUR
From Barcelona board a train at about 2pm , which will take you north-west across northern Spain , passing Lleida and Zaragoza in the Ebro valley on the way to Logrono arriving just before 6pm . 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 longestablished winery .
DAYS FIVE AND SIX
You have three nights to spend in La Rioja , which will provide plenty of time to relax , explore the countryside and visit the nearby towns and villages . Your hotel , Marques de Riscal , is around 15 miles from Logrono in the town of Elciego , where it is surrounded by vineyards and wineries of this famous region producing wine mainly from the Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes .
DAY SEVEN
Return your hire-car to Logrono station to catch a mid-morning train northwards to Bilbao , a journey of around two and a half hours . Stay at the Hotel Carlton for two nights , a stylish hotel in a privileged location just a short walk from the Guggenheim Museum .
DAY EIGHT
Take time to explore the Basque city ’ s sights , perhaps starting with a visit to the Guggenheim Museum . Designed by Frank Gehry , the futuristic building , with its shimmering curves of titanium and glass , is home to a permanent collection of contemporary art and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions . Also worth a visit is the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum , which houses an extensive collection ranging from 12th Century sculptures to 20th Century paintings . The city has a vibrant evening scene with bars and restaurants .
DAY NINE
Take a taxi back to Bilbao airport for your flight back to the UK .
PRICES Prices from £ 2,490 per person for first class rail travel based on two people sharing Prices from £ 2,330 per person for second class rail travel based on two people sharing .
Bilbao Square of the Constitution
Fishermen in the port of Getaria
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