Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
France – Spain – Bordeaux – Madrid – Seville – Barcelona – Lyon
100% customisable for you
Your 'gastrainomic' tour of Europe begins today with an early morning Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to Paris. Head to the station, grab a quick cup of coffee and hop aboard the train for the two-and-a-half-hour journey, arriving in France later this morning.
Once you’ve rolled into Paris Gare du Nord, you’ll be met and privately transferred 45 minutes to Montparnasse station, where you’ll board another two-and-a-half-hour train to Bordeaux. As you ride the rails, sit back and gaze out at the scenery, watching as city streets give way to rolling countryside and lush vineyards.
When you arrive, it’s another private transfer (lucky you) to your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next two nights. You’ll likely be tired after all that travelling, so spend the afternoon settling in before heading out for your first taste of French cuisine – our clued-up Concierge is on hand to recommend some of the swankiest spots in town.
If there’s anything Bordeaux’s famous for, it’s wine, so it would be criminal to dedicate today to anything but sampling the region’s finest varietals. After a tasty hotel breakfast (there’s nothing like a croissant to line the stomach), head out for a guided tour of the Cite du Vin, a lauded wine museum that showcases the best of Bordeaux.
Alongside an expert guide, explore this futuristic museum, learning all about Bordeaux’s wine-making history and how it compares with wine regions across the globe. Then, armed with your newfound knowledge, enjoy a tasting of local wines overlooking the city – sante to that.
Later, enjoy a lazy afternoon at your hotel or head out to explore the city at your own pace, before sampling some more fine wine over a delicious dinner.
Wave goodbye to Madrid this morning as you bundle your bags onto an early train bound for Madrid. With a short stopover in Narbonne, the journey to the Spanish capital will take around ten hours, so sit back with your holiday read or catch some sleep as you roll along.
After arriving in Madrid mid-afternoon, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, a 20-minute drive away. Spend the rest of the afternoon settling in after your long journey before heading out for a late dinner Spanish-style: think plenty of tapas and tinto de verano (a sangria-style red wine cocktail).
Dive straight into Madrid’s history and culture this morning on a tour of the city, led by a knowledgeable guide. A true melting pot of architectural styles, from austere Habsburg buildings and classical Bourbon structures to the modern Movida monuments, Madrid is a delight to explore on foot.
Your guide will tailor the tour entirely to your interests, so fill them in on your likes and dislikes as you wander along bustling streets and through narrow cobbled alleys. Along the way, stop at everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, learning about the city’s storied history (and picking up some local restaurant recommendations) as you go.
The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather continue exploring or head back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.
Yesterday’s tour was all about Madrid’s iconic landmarks; today’s focuses on its culinary scene. Alongside a foodie guide, head out to explore Barrio de Las Letras, a bohemian neighbourhood and literary hub home to charming alleyways and traditional taverns.
Begin at Calle Huertas and Plaza Santa Ana, the heart of the neighbourhood, before setting off through small squares and along picturesque streets. As you hop between several traditional abacerias (Spanish pubs), sampling tasty tapas and local tipples, your guide will fill you in on the lives and legacies of local literary legends, as well as the tavern culture that shapes the neighbourhood.
Suitably stuffed, spend your final afternoon in Madrid chilling at your hotel – perhaps with an afternoon siesta.
Another day, another train. After a leisurely morning, hop in a private transfer back to the station, where you’ll board the (comparatively) quick two-and-a-half-hour train to Seville.
When you arrive, you’ll be met and whisked to your hotel, your home for the next three nights. Drop your bags and spend the rest of the evening settling in – preferably with a cocktail in hand…
Set along the banks of the Guadalquivir River, Seville showcases the picturesque peace of southern Andalusia. Today, meet your private guide for a walking tour of this fascinating city, winding through the back streets, visiting charming shops and admiring the elegance of local Mudejar architecture.
Along the way, stop at some of Seville’s must-see spots, such as the Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed Gothic masterpiece, and the Royal Palace, one of the Spanish royal family’s official residences. Soak in the relaxed Iberian lifestyle as you learn some lesser-known facts about local customs and institutions – your guide knows the city like the back of their hand.
After the tour, the rest of the day is yours to spend as you wish, perhaps with a little more exploring and a spot of souvenir shopping.
Today is entirely dedicated to exploring Triana, a vibrant neighbourhood chock-full of sailors, artisans, bullfighters, flamenco dancers and singers. After a tasty breakfast, head out to meet your guide for a tour of this cultural hub, regarded as the birthplace of flamenco.
Stroll along colourful, flower-filled streets, leaning into the local charm that radiates from each shop and stall. Along the way, you’ll pass the famous cava de los gitanos (‘Gypsy Cave’), home to the Roma community that came up with Solea-style flamenco music, before finishing off at Triana Market, where you can sample some local delicacies.
Later, head back to your hotel for a lazy afternoon before donning your glad rags and heading out for one last Andalusian feast – we suspect tapas may feature…
Leave Seville behind today as you’re privately transferred to the station for the six-hour train to Barcelona – the next stop on your ‘gastrainomic’ tour.
Arrive in Barcelona this afternoon, where you’ll be picked up and whisked to your hotel. Drop your bags and head straight back out for a late lunch – this Catalan city boasts scores of stellar restaurants, so contact our Concierge for a few recommendations. Then spend the rest of the afternoon strolling the streets and getting acquainted with the third Spanish city of your trip.
Rise bright and early this morning for a private tour of Barcelona’s legendary Gothic Quarter. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, step back in time as you wander past everything from ancient Roman fortifications to iconic Gothic buildings, including Barcelona Cathedral and the City Hall.
This afternoon, it’s eyes on the prize as you turn your attention back to the main focus of this trip: food. Set off on a gourmet stroll with a local, hopping between traditional tapas bars to try everything from Iberian ham and squid to Spanish tortilla and croquettes. This is an opportunity to escape overcrowded tourist traps and do as the locals do – we hope you’re hungry…
This morning, say a final adios to Spain as you board the five-hour train to the French city of Lyon – conveniently arriving just in time for lunch.
After you’ve had your fill of French fare (and fine wine), you’ll be privately transferred to your hotel for the night. The rest of the day is yours for the taking, whether you’d rather explore the historic centre of Lyon – a UNESCO World Heritage site – or simply enjoy a lazy afternoon.
It’s sadly time to begin your rail journey home today, with a two-hour train back to Paris. You can't really pass through Paris on a foodie trip without stopping, so enjoy a last lunch in a lovely bistro beside the station before your final Eurostar train home. You’ll arrive in London two and a half hours later, armed with a camera roll full of Instagram-worthy food snaps and ready to dream up your next rail adventure.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
