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First Class Rail: Barcelona to Paris

 
You are viewing the 2027 itinerary. Select your departure year
20272028
Duration
10 days
From per person
$5,899 $5,499
Tour code
FAS27
Mobility Rating 2
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From Barcelona to Paris via the world-class wine regions of Bordeaux and La Rioja, this itinerary offers a beautifully curated experience of France and Spain. This tour blends First Class high-speed rail, scenic mountain routes and exceptional hotels - including the five-star Canfranc Estación

On a captivating journey from Barcelona to Paris, experience the culture, cuisine and famous sights of some of Spain and France's iconic cities and hidden gems.

Discover the world-famous landmarks of Barcelona before heading into the Pyrenees to stay in the remarkable Canfranc Estación, a luxurious Royal Hideaway hotel.

Sample authentic pintxos in Bilbao and admire the significant works of modern art at the Guggenheim Museum. Cruise through the center of Bordeaux, enjoy wine tastings in the renowned St Émilion and La Rioja regions and soak up the wonders of romantic Paris.

Unforgettable Experiences

Staying in the historic Canfranc Estación
Staying in the historic Canfranc Estación
Spend two nights at the five-star Canfranc Estación in the heart of the Pyrenees, a grand railway station now transformed into a luxurious hotel. Soak up its stunning architecture, opulent interiors and dramatic mountain setting.
Tasting the great wines of France and Spain
Tasting the great wines of France and Spain
Savor the flavors of two world-class wine regions with winery visits and tastings in both St Émilion and Rioja. Wander through vineyards and learn about winemaking traditions that define these iconic regions.
Exploring some of Europe’s greatest cities
Exploring some of Europe’s greatest cities
Soak up the key sights and local character of world-famous European cities, on a journey through Barcelona, Bilbao and Bordeaux to Paris.
Experiencing a memorable meal inside the Eiffel Tower
Experiencing a memorable meal inside the Eiffel Tower
Enjoy a panoramic dining experience on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, savoring refined cuisine with breathtaking views across the French capital.
Sampling the flavors of Bordeaux and Bilbao
Sampling the flavors of Bordeaux and Bilbao
Savor delicious pintxos in Bilbao before continuing to Bordeaux where artisanal cheeses and the city’s signature canelé await – alongside wine tastings in both Bordeaux and La Rioja’s wine regions.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arrival in historic Barcelona

Your vacation begins today as you arrive in the artistic city of Barcelona, making your way independently to our welcoming hotel, located in the city's business and shopping district.

Once checked in, a guided tour of Barcelona's iconic sights awaits this afternoon, and one name stands out when it comes to the city's unique architecture. Flowing curves and vibrant mosaics announce Antoni Gaudí's eye-catching style, with his most famous buildings including Casa Batlló and the jaw-dropping Sagrada Família. After viewing the magnificent exterior of this iconic basilica, we explore the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and end our tour among the labyrinth alleys of the Gothic Quarter.

Returning to our elegant hotel this evening, we enjoy a relaxing welcome drink together before a 3-course dinner at a local restaurant- a wonderful introduction to Barcelona. Overnight Barcelona.

Includes
  • Dinner
DAY2From historic Zaragoza to an Art Deco hotel

Leaving Barcelona after breakfast this morning, we transfer to the station and travel by train to Zaragoza, where we enjoy a guided tour of the historic Old Town. Highlights include the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, La Seo Cathedral - showcasing a stunning blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar styles - and the fascinating remnants of the Roman Forum beneath the city.

There's time to find lunch independently before we continue our journey by rail to the Pyrenean town of Canfranc, where we check in to our remarkable five-star Art Deco hotel, set in a unique location between two mountains.

Once the grand international railway station of Canfranc, this extraordinary building has been lovingly restored and is now recognized as an asset of cultural interest and a Royal Hideaway Hotel - a collection of special properties steeped in history and character. After checking in, we dine together in one of the hotel's magnificent restaurants this evening. Overnight Canfranc Estación.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3A journey back in time at Canfranc Estación

We discover the remarkable history of our hotel on a guided tour after breakfast this morning. With an Art Deco exterior nestled amid the Pyrenean foothills, the hotel dazzles with movie-star looks. Once one of Europe's grandest railway hubs, its vast halls, ornate details and intriguing past provide a fascinating insight into the golden age of travel. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, we learn about its significance as a major trade route, its role in wartime espionage and its eventual abandonment.

There is time at leisure after the insightful tour of our hotel. You might choose to explore the small town of Canfranc Pueblo, known for its charming mountain atmosphere and stunning Pyrenees scenery, with a choice of scenic walking trails. Alternatively, you might choose to make the most of the hotel's exceptional facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, spa, pool and a hydrotherapy area (all facilities and treatments are payable locally).

Dinner this evening is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to relax in the hotel or explore the local dining options at your own pace. Overnight Canfranc Estación.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4Wine tasting in Rioja & pintxos tour of Bilbao

Checking out of our hotel after breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to Logrono, the heart of La Rioja. On this scenic journey, watch as the views shift from the dramatic high Pyrenees to the lush landscapes of northern Spain.

On arrival, there is free time in Logrono for lunch. The historic center is located on the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrim route and is filled with inviting cafés, traditional pintxos bars and local restaurants - an ideal setting to savor regional flavors at leisure. Afterwards, we embark on a guided Rioja vineyard tour, discovering the region's rich heritage and sampling some of its popular wines.

We continue our journey into the Basque Country and arrive in Bilbao later this afternoon. After checking in to our hotel, we set out on an evening tour of the characterful Old Town, discovering its narrow medieval streets and local life. A highlight of our time in Bilbao, this guided walking pintxos tour immerses us in true Basque style, as we walk between traditional taverns, savoring these small, flavorful bites - a wonderful introduction to the region's celebrated food culture. Overnight Bilbao.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5Discovering modern art at Bilbao’s Guggenheim

After breakfast this morning, we take a short walk from our hotel to the avant-garde Guggenheim Museum. With its curvy, titanium-clad exterior designed by architect Frank Gehry, it has become one of the world's most recognizable buildings. With entry to this contemporary gallery included, we enjoy a private guided tour and you can admire famed modern works by artists including Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois at leisure.

Leaving the museum, we embark on a guided tour of the city, exploring the Old Town's charming lanes and visiting the colorful Ribera Market, a lively riverside hall brimming with fresh local flavors. The tour ends here and the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours to enjoy at leisure. You might choose to sample some of the produce at one of the many tempting stalls and eateries serving fresh Basque specialties or visit another one of Bilbao's excellent galleries.

Dinner this evening can be enjoyed independently, providing another opportunity to sample the region's superb cuisine. Overnight Bilbao.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY6Belle Époque Biarritz & scenic cruise through Bordeaux

Leaving Bilbao after breakfast, we travel by coach towards the coast to Biarritz. Once the favorite summer retreat of European royalty, this refined seaside town still exudes the charm of its Belle Époque past. We stop for lunch and there's time to soak up Biarritz's atmosphere, perhaps strolling along the sweeping Grand Plage, admiring the elegant architecture or simply relaxing as the waves break along the shore.

This afternoon, we continue our journey by rail to Bordeaux. As the world's largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site, Bordeaux boasts diverse architecture, welcoming boulevards and a quaint Old Town, along with being the heart of one of the world's most renowned wine regions. On arrival, we view this picturesque city from the water during a scenic cruise along the Garonne, soaking up the architecture and discovering the bridges of Bordeaux, including the Pont de Pierre and Pont d'Aquitaine. Onboard, we also taste the city's signature canelé - a small, caramelized cake with a soft custard-like center.

After the cruise, we check in to our hotel and the rest of the evening is free to continue exploring and dine independently. Overnight Bordeaux.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY7Bordeaux food tour & St Émilion wine tasting

Waking in Bordeaux, we savor a morning food tour of the city, offering a delicious insight into the region's culinary heritage. Along the way, we learn about the flavors and traditions that define Bordeaux's local cuisine, sampling a selection of local specialties, which may include freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses and cured meats.

There's free time over lunch before we travel by coach to the picturesque medieval village of St Émilion this afternoon, where world-famous wineries and beautiful historic architecture blend seamlessly. Set among rolling vineyards, we visit a local château to enjoy a wine-tasting, gaining insight into the production of some of the world's most renowned wines.

Returning to Bordeaux this evening, there's time to unwind before we dine together in a local restaurant. Overnight Bordeaux.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8To the French capital

Departing Bordeaux after breakfast this morning, we transfer to the station where we board a direct train to Paris. As we travel, enjoy views of the French countryside before the landscape gives way to the urban outskirts of the capital. On arrival, we make our way to our welcoming hotel located in the historic Marais district.

After checking in, there is free time for the rest of the day to begin exploring at your own pace. You might choose to discover the cobbled streets and small boutiques of the charming Marais district, walk along the pedestrianized riverbanks of the Seine or unwind with a glass of wine at a local café and soak up the unmistakable Parisian atmosphere.

Dining independently tonight, indulge in authentic French cuisine at one of the city's many inviting restaurants. Overnight Paris.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY9Sightseeing & a night above Paris

Brimming with history and iconic landmarks, we uncover Paris on a guided sightseeing tour after breakfast this morning. Winding through elegant boulevards, our route reveals lesser-known gems and hidden monuments, along with the city's world-famous highlights. We take in timeless sights including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the tree-lined Champs-Élysées, where the Arc de Triomphe sits beautifully at one end.

After the tour, there's free time to enjoy lunch and continue sightseeing independently. Perhaps spend the afternoon discovering some of Paris' celebrated museums and galleries, or explore some of the capital's elegant gardens - such as the Luxembourg Gardens or Tuileries Garden - both ideal for a leisurely stroll and a chance to experience a different side of the city.

This evening, we experience one of the trip's highlights - a memorable dinner at Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Savor fine French cuisine set high above the city as Paris begins to twinkle below, a special way to round off our stay in the French capital. Overnight Paris.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10Traveling home

On our exploration of Spain and France, we have traveled through some of Europe's most distinctive regions. Beginning in Barcelona, we discovered the sights of this artistic city and journeyed to the Pyrenees to stay in the remarkable Canfranc Estación, before continuing into the Basque Country to Bilbao. We discovered renowned wine regions in Bordeaux before concluding in the elegant city of Paris.

After breakfast this morning, your vacation comes to an end and you are free to transfer to Paris airport for your flight home or continue exploring independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Mercure Chateau Chartrons
Mercure Chateau Chartrons, Bordeaux
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Hotel Les Jardins du Marais, Paris
Hotel Les Jardins du Marais, Paris
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Hotel Canfranc-Estación, Canfranc-Estación
Hotel Canfranc-Estación, Canfranc-Estación
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AC Hotel Diagonal L'Illa, Barcelona
AC Hotel Diagonal L'Illa, Barcelona
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Catalonia Gran Via, Bilbao
Catalonia Gran Via, Bilbao
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Train Information

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TGV
TGV

Europe's first high-speed train and France's premier connection between more than 60 cities, the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) has served passengers with comfort and style for 40 years. Nearly 665 miles (1,070 kilometers) of interlinked track make up the TGV network, connecting Calais at the northernmost corner of France, just past the Channel Tunnel, with Marseille on the cusp of the Mediterranean Sea. In between these destinations, travelers may venture to Paris, Lille, Dijon, Lyon, Strasbourg, or any number of locales in either single or double-decker train cars that travel at speeds of up to 200 mph.

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Enhance your holiday

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.