Review of the Year 2024
20/12/2024 · By Dave Riley, CEO
From all of us at Great Rail Journeys, we wish you a wonderful festive period. Take a look back at 2024 and get a glimpse at our new holidays for 2025.
Read moreGlorious beaches, flamenco dancing, mouthwatering tapas and refreshing sangria are just the tip of the iceberg in Spain. Look a little closer and you'll see a different side to this crowd-pleasing destination. Step back in time as we explore the Moorish architecture of the Alhambra, discover a new favourite dish in a rustic tavern, and gaze across the striking Pyrenees from scenic railways. Let Great Rail Journeys introduce you to a sun-kissed land that is bursting with passion, culture, history and natural beauty on a fabulous escorted rail tour of Spain.
Sit back and enjoy the view as we journey by train to the vineyards and villages of rural Spain. Admire the beauty of the Rioja region before sampling a glass of its famous produce in a rustic wine tavern. If the lure of the coast proves irresistible, join us on an excursion to the fishing village of Cadaques was a favourite retreat of Salvador Dali.
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Spain's cities offer a rich history with a modern allure. Barcelona, nestled on the northeastern coast, enchants with its iconic architecture, including Gaudi's Sagrada Familia. Madrid, the dynamic capital, pulsates with cultural energy, boasting world-class museums like the Prado. In the south, Seville captivates with its Moorish influence evident in the Alcazar and the Giralda tower. Each city beckons with unique charm, making Spain a mosaic of diverse experiences for every.
The beaches along Spain's diverse coastline are stunning, offering a mix of golden sands and crystalline waters. The Costa Brava, home to the charming town of Roses and picturesque Cadaqués village, captivates with rugged cliffs and hidden coves. Further north, San Sebastian showcases beautiful urban beaches, while the village of Gijon on the Asturian coast has a rugged seaside landscape. The blend of natural beauty and cultural richness makes Spain a beach lover's paradise.
Spanish architecture has a mix of influences reflecting its rich history. From the iconic Moorish Alhambra with its intricate Islamic designs to the well-preserved medieval structures in Besalú, Spain has a spectrum of styles. A standout is the Modernisme movement, exemplified by Antoni Gaudí's Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. The country's architecture seamlessly weaves together tradition and innovation, creating captivating towns and cities.
Known for its rich variety, Spain's cuisine features iconic dishes like paella, a savoury rice dish from Valencia, and tapas, small plates perfect for sharing. Olive oil, garlic, and fresh ingredients are staples, creating a Mediterranean charm. Culinary heritage celebrates seafood along its coasts, hearty stews inland, and an array of cured meats. If you have a sweet tooth, desserts like churros and flan are a delicious treat.
From the charming seaside town of Roses, discover the glistening Catalan coast and ride into the Pyrenees, taking in the stunning scenery of France and Spain on this relaxing holiday. Experience the delightful Núria Valley Rack Railway on a journey through a peaceful valley and ride the Little Red Train from Rivesaltes to Axat in France's...
Discover the rich and diverse cultural heritage and artistry of Spain. On a journey through iconic cities, we travel from the capital of Madrid, into Moorish Andalucía and Barcelona. We explore Granada's Alhambra, palaces and gardens, Seville's historic cathedral and Córdoba's Mezquita. On a sightseeing tour we see Barcelona's Sagrada Familia...
Based in the attractive coastal town of Roses, we explore the rugged Costa Brava and experience the region's cultural and gastronomic highlights. Cruise around the Cap de Creus peninsula to the fishing village of Cadaqués, savouring local flavours with lunch at a vineyard. Explore Barcelona, which showcases the fantastic architecture of Antoni...
Explore the beautiful Basque coast of Spain and France from the seaside town of Hondarribia, visiting coastal fishing towns and stylish cities, discovering the cuisine, art and culture of this fascinating region, and riding the Petit Train de La Rhune with its panoramic views across the Atlantic Ocean and the Pyrenees. This holiday is based in...
Experience the highlights of Andalucía on this spectacular holiday to the region's three main cities. With a local guide we tour the vibrant city of Seville - seeing the world's largest Gothic cathedral, and the Plaza de España. In Córdoba, we see the exterior of the glorious Mezquita, a unique mosque-cathedral, with free time to look around the...
Setting sail from Porto, enjoy a fantastic 7-night cruise along the golden Douro. After a convenient flight to our floating hotel, drift through golden valleys alongside enchanting towns and past regal wine estates. Our cruise reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along the way. Tracing the winding course...
Travel to sensational Lisbon and explore Sintra's palaces on a Portuguese voyage of discovery, before embarking on a fantastic 7-night cruise along the golden Douro. Drifting through golden valleys alongside enchanting towns and past regal wine estates, our cruise reveals the timeless beauty of this serene river, stopping at wonderful ports along...
Follow the path of the ancient Moors from the shores of Spain to mystical Moroccan cities. Discover the diverse architecture of Barcelona, including Gaudí's iconic church, and the Andalucían city of Seville before crossing the Strait of Gibraltar to Morocco. Soak up Morocco's flavours in Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Meknes and Marrakech, and...
From our grand base, the fabulous Parador of Hondarribia, a fortified castle in the medieval town of Hondarribia - which has a global reputation for great food - we uncover the gems of the beautiful Spanish and French Basque country. This gastronomy-packed tour includes visits to the cosmopolitan cities of San Sebastián and Bilbao, with tastings...
Take an unforgettable journey aboard the Al Andalus Express, as you embark on your Andalucian adventure and travel across this alluring region of Southern Spain in the style of the golden age of travel. Discover the jewels of Spain in the towns and cities that sweep you back through history and give you a taste of what it was like to live as kings...
Discover Northern Spain in luxury and style when you take the journey of a lifetime aboard El Transcantabrico, a train that whisks you away to a place of mystery and legends, and takes you back in time to the golden age of travel. Explore unspoilt beaches and historic towns and cities, when you visit jewels of Northern Spain like Santander, Gijon,...
Create everlasting memories on a journey of discovery through lush green landscapes, vibrant wine regions, and perfect beaches, as you travel on the historic and luxurious Costa Verde Express across Northen Spain. From busy Bilbao you'll travel through towns and villages enroute to Santiago de Compostela, visiting cathedrals and tasting tapas and...
Discover the fantastic railways of Spain. It should come as no surprise that we love railways and we know many of you do too! That's why our tours feature some of the most iconic railways and trains on the continent.