12 Day European Corners By Train (Barcelona, Madrid, London and Edinburgh.)

After breakfast, you'll have the day free to continue exploring Barcelona at your own pace. Barcelona is a city where living well comes naturally. It's a cosmopolitan city ranked among the best in the world for quality of life, safety, and equity. It's a vibrant and captivating city located on the northeast coast of Spain, serving as the capital of Catalonia. Here, you'll encounter impressive architecture, particularly the masterpieces of Antoni Gaudí, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, Casa Batlló, and Casa Milà (also known as La Pedrera). These structures are emblematic and reflect the Catalan modernist style. Barcelona is a culinary paradise, offering a wide range of traditional Catalan dishes, as well as a modern and creative culinary scene. Markets like La Boquería are excellent places to sample tapas and savor the freshness of local produce. The city boasts beautiful beaches like Barceloneta, where locals and visitors alike enjoy the sun and the Mediterranean Sea. Moreover, the nightlife is lively, with numerous bars, clubs, and venues to enjoy throughout the night. Barcelona is a dynamic city that combines cultural richness, a fascinating history, impressive architecture, and a vibrant urban life, making it an incredibly attractive tourist destination. Tip: Don't miss the chance to try the "coca," a delicious and diverse dish that represents Catalan cuisine. The coca features a bread base made with flour, lard, sugar, and eggs, topped with an array of mouthwatering ingredients. It's a culinary delight that shouldn't be overlooked during your time in Barcelona!

After a delicious breakfast, you can visit the city aboard the double-decker tourist bus (including an audio guide). The tourist bus offers two different routes to explore and see everything that Barcelona has to offer. With the freedom to hop on and off at any stop, we can explore this bustling and cosmopolitan city at our own pace. Red Route You'll tour many of the city center's tourist spots. You'll start in the heart of Barcelona at Plaza de Cataluña, a lively square and the meeting point between the old and new parts of the city. From here, you'll continue along Paseo de Gracia. This elegant boulevard is filled with luxurious boutiques, stunning architecture, and gastronomic establishments. You'll then pass through some of the most important sites of the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at Montjuïc. This picturesque tree-covered hill is one of the city's most famous landmarks. At the top, you'll find fantastic views, the spectacular Montjuïc Castle, and the National Art Museum of Catalonia, known for housing the world's best collection of Romanesque art. The tour continues through the Medieval Gothic Quarter, the Plaça de Rei, where, according to legend, Columbus met with King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella upon his return from the New World. Blue Route You'll explore the northern part of the city, where we'll find Antoni Gaudí's most famous works. One can't speak of Barcelona without mentioning the incomparable Sagrada Familia. The blue route continues through Park Güell, where you can admire Gaudí's recognizable and inimitable architectural style, full of color, twists, and curves. Tip: You can add the tickets to visit the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia to step 1 of the reservation process.

After breakfast and at the indicated time, we will make our way on our own to the train station in Barcelona to board our AVE train bound for Madrid. This modern and luxurious train will take you to your destination in just under 3 hours. Once in Madrid, we will head to the hotel (on our own) and then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore and start getting acquainted with this city. Madrid, lively and awake at all hours, is famous for being an open city where people of all kinds from everywhere blend in. In addition to its renowned museums, bustling avenues with all sorts of shops, world cuisine restaurants, and unparalleled nightlife, Madrid surprises with tranquil historic corners full of charming places to stroll, age-old family-owned taverns where friends meet for a drink, neighborhoods of all styles, and alternative cultural centers beyond the more touristy circuits. Simultaneously, this city possesses an authenticity that's hard to match. It's hospitable, diverse, and undoubtedly one of the most intriguing in Europe. Tip: Being a large city, Madrid's center boasts a diverse array of gastronomic establishments to suit all tastes, from various tapas to marinated anchovies.

After breakfast, we can comfortably explore the city aboard a double-decker tourist bus. We will discover every detail of the city with a single ticket. We can hop on and off the bus as many times as we wish to enjoy Madrid at our own pace. Route 1 (blue) will take us to discover Historic Madrid. This circular route covers a comprehensive historical, artistic, and monumental circuit where we will visit the city's landmarks. We will stroll through the beautiful tree-lined Paseo del Prado and admire the magnificent architectural gems of the Habsburg legacy. We will approach Madrid's Art Triangle and take the opportunity to explore some of its museums in depth. Furthermore, we will enjoy the views from the Royal Palace to the Temple of Debod. Route 2 (green) covers Modern Madrid. We will discover the city beyond the historical points of interest and royal monuments. From Atocha Station to Nuevos Ministerios and from the iconic Puerta de Alcalá to Puerta del Sol, we will admire the most contemporary architectural works in the capital of Spain on a tourist itinerary that will bring us closer to the imposing KIO Towers, allow us to contemplate the modern sculptures of the Public Art Museum, and visit the Real Madrid stadium, Santiago Bernabéu. On this route, we can discover the life, art, and new customs of Madrid. Depending on the time of year, the frequency of stops ranges from 30 to 40 minutes. Each route lasts approximately 70 to 90 minutes. Tip: Take advantage of the Plaza Mayor stop and enjoy the gastronomy at the San Miguel Market.

After breakfast, you will have the day free to enjoy Madrid at your own pace. Having a free day in Madrid allows you to explore and enjoy many of the attractions and activities the capital of Spain has to offer. Madrid hosts world-renowned art museums such as the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía Museum, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. These institutions showcase an extensive collection of masterpieces, including works by Goya, Velázquez, Picasso, Dalí, and many others. Moreover, the city exhibits an intriguing blend of historic and modern landmarks. The Royal Palace of Madrid, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Retiro Park are just a few examples of emblematic sites that highlight Madrid's historical significance. The culinary scene in this beautiful city is diverse and lively, offering a plethora of traditional Spanish cuisine, including tapas, cocido madrileño (a hearty stew), and bocadillos de calamares (fried squid sandwiches). The city is filled with traditional taverns, markets like Mercado de San Miguel, and contemporary restaurants. The city's energy is palpable, especially in neighborhoods like Malasaña, Chueca, and La Latina, known for their eclectic mix of modern bars, restaurants, and cultural centers. Tip: If you prefer not to go on excursions and want to explore Madrid at your own pace, you can walk along Gran Vía, one of the city's most famous avenues, where you can find shops, restaurants, and establishments for all tastes.

We will enjoy breakfast and, at the specified time, we will be transferred to Madrid-Barajas Airport to board our flight destined for the city of London. Upon our arrival, they will be waiting to transfer us to the hotel, thus beginning our exploration of this incredible city. The city of London is renowned as one of the most significant tourist destinations on the planet, where its monuments, buildings, and attractions played a role in shaping the world as we know it today. From the neo-Gothic grandeur of the United Kingdom's Parliament to the sleek lines of the skyscraper The Shard, the expansive green spaces like Hyde Park, and the array of cultural, artistic, and gastronomic offerings, London provides options to suit all preferences. Tip: London is the largest city in Europe and one of the largest in the world. It boasts a population of 8.1 million inhabitants in the urban area and over 14 million in the metropolitan area.

After a tasty breakfast, you can enjoy a panoramic bus ride through the City of London. You will be able to explore the city and stop at the most interesting places thanks to the hop-on hop-off bus. Also, you will have the possibility of accompanying the tour with an audio guide, available in five languages, including English, to find out the most interesting facts about the city. There are two routes to choose between. Red Route Shows the most famous places and monuments of the city, from the exclusive Belgravia in the west to the Tower Bridge in the east. Blue Route In addition to sharing the stops with the red route, covers the western part of the city in detail. Going through areas like Notting Hill and the famous Paddington station to Kensington Palace and the bustling Harrods. The ticket also includes a cruise on the River Thames for a completely different view of the city and its most important attractions. Tip: In 1957, the River Thames was declared dead due to its high levels of contamination. It was thanks to new infrastructure and controls that it was recovered, and today we can find some marine fauna in it.

After a delightful breakfast, you'll have the day free to explore this incredible city. For a century and a half, London was the capital of an empire that spanned 40% of the inhabited world, leaving behind a cultural and institutional legacy that serves as a model for modern democracy. It is an incredibly diverse city, home to people from various cultures and nationalities. This diversity is evident in its food, music, festivals, and daily life. Despite being a bustling metropolis, London boasts beautiful parks such as Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and Greenwich Park, providing a peaceful escape from urban life. It is a multicultural city with a wide range of ethnic communities and a vibrant cultural scene. From theaters in the West End to a diverse gastronomic offering and an influential music scene, London is known for its cultural diversity. It houses some of the world's most famous museums, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern. These museums exhibit a wide range of art, from antiquities to modern and contemporary art. Moreover, the city is marked by its impressive architecture, blending historic buildings with modern iconic structures such as the London Eye, the Shard, and the Gherkin. Each area of London has its own personality and charm, making exploration an exciting and diverse experience. It's a city that has something for everyone, and as Dr. Samuel Johnson said in the 1700s: "He who is tired of London is tired of life." This is perhaps even more valid today than it was back then. Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to attend a play, especially a musical.

After a full breakfast, make your way to the designated train station in London to board a train bound for Edinburgh. Upon arrival in the Scottish capital, proceed to the hotel on your own. The rest of the day is free. Edinburgh, in addition to being the capital of Scotland since 1437, is one of the most visited cities in the United Kingdom and also holds the title of the second-largest city in Scotland (with Glasgow being the first). Its beauty and historical legacy make it an excellent year-round destination to visit. This beautiful Scottish city, brimming with history and curiosities, allows us to take a journey back to the Middle Ages, thanks to its intriguing streets of architectural value, numerous buildings dating from this historical period, and its impressive 16th-century monuments. Tip: The Royal Mile is the historical backbone of Edinburgh, blending historical architecture with traditional shops, restaurants, and pubs. It runs from Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

After breakfast, you will have free time to tour this wonderful city and its castle. The wonderful Edinburgh Castle was built at the beginning of the 12th century in memory of Queen Margaret. Due to its geographical and strategic position, as the gateway to Scotland from England, it has been used on several occasions as the object of strong military disputes throughout its history. Edinburgh Castle is built on top of an impressive 700 million-year-old extinct volcano on Castle Rock Hill. This hill has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, around 850 BC, and a royal castle has existed on the site since at least the 12th century. It dates from the early twelfth century in memory of Queen Margaret. The queen is said to have died of heartache in 1093 when she received news of the death of her husband, King Malcolm III. Over the centuries the castle has been used as a royal residence, prison, and army garrison. It is the most important castle in Scotland and has been at the center of numerous wars, having been attacked and besieged many times. Tip: Edinburgh Castle is home to the Mons Meg cannon, one of the oldest and largest siege cannons in Europe, dating back to the 15th century. It is a "bombard" or large caliber cannon intended for the siege of fortifications, weighing more than 16 tons and launching granite stones weighing more than 150 kilograms.

After breakfast and spending some fantastic days, we hope to see you again to enjoy some wonderful moments that will remain forever in your memory.