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18-Day All-Train Iberian Circuit: Wolverhampton to San Sebastián, Galicia, Portugal and Spain (April 13–30, 2026)

Viewed by 110 travelers

Day 1: Long rail day

Wolverhampton, UK -> San Sebastián, Spain on April 13, 2026

6:30am

Local train Wolverhampton -> London Euston

Depart Wolverhampton early to reach St Pancras International for Eurostar connections; allow time to transfer between Euston and St Pancras (approx 30–60 mins).
EUR30.00, 1h30m

9:30am

Eurostar London -> Paris (St Pancras -> Gare du Nord)

High-speed Eurostar to Paris; comfortable and fast compared with flying for city-centre arrival. Book seats in advance for best price.
EUR80.00, 2h15m

1:00pm

TGV Paris -> Hendaye / Irun

Long high-speed TGV across France down to the Basque border; scenic but full day of travel so relax onboard. Check specific TGV schedules — typical duration is long so expect to arrive late.
EUR100.00, 5h00m

7:30pm

Regional train Hendaye -> San Sebastián

Short regional run across the border into San Sebastián (Donostia); arrive in the evening and check into hotel.
EUR10.00, 40m

8:30pm

Dinner: Pintxos in Parte Vieja

Sample Basque pintxos on a bar crawl in the Old Town — lively and authentic. Most bars open evenings from about 7pm; expect a relaxed late dinner.
EUR30.00, 1h30m

Day 2: San Sebastián

San Sebastián, Spain on April 14, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast: Café near La Concha

Coffee and a croissant with sea views beside Playa de La Concha — a relaxed start before exploring the city.
EUR8.00, 45m

9:30am

Walk La Concha promenade & Ondarreta Park

Iconic bay walk with great photo ops and easy terrain; open all day and great in morning light.
EUR0.00, 1h30m

11:30am

Monte Igueldo funicular and viewpoint

Ride the historic funicular for panoramic views over the bay; typical opening around 10:00am — confirm seasonal hours.
EUR4.00, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch: Bar Nestor or La Viña—cheese & local txuleta

Taste Basque specialties such as grilled steak or local tuna; restaurants busy at peak times — book if possible.
EUR20.00, 1h15m

3:00pm

San Telmo Museum or Aquarium

San Telmo Museum (Basque culture) usually open ~10:00–20:00; Aquarium is family-friendly with local marine life.
EUR6.00, 1h30m

7:30pm

Evening pintxos crawl

Return to Parte Vieja for more pintxos and local cider or txakoli wine; bars are lively after 8pm.
EUR25.00, 2h

Day 3: Cross-country west

San Sebastián -> Santiago de Compostela, Spain on April 15, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & checkout

Early breakfast and check out to catch morning connections; buying snacks for the train is recommended.
EUR8.00, 45m

9:00am

RENFE/Regional trains San Sebastián -> Burgos / Vitoria (connections)

Multiple regional and intercity connections required westward across northern Spain; expect 1–2 changes en route to Santiago — book in advance.
EUR60.00, 6h30m

4:00pm

Intercity to Santiago de Compostela

Final leg into Galicia — arrival in the late afternoon to settle into your hotel.
EUR25.00, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner: Galician seafood

Santiago is famed for octopus (pulpo) and seafood; try a local taverna — many open evenings from 8pm.
EUR28.00, 1h30m

Day 4: Santiago exploration

Santiago de Compostela, Spain on April 16, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast near Praza do Obradoiro

Start your day with coffee and local pastries in the cathedral square area.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:00am

Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Historic pilgrimage cathedral with spectacular interior; the cathedral generally opens early (often ~7:00am) but cloister/museum areas open later — check times and book botafumeiro mass if desired.
EUR0.00, 1h

11:00am

Museo do Pobo Galego / Convent of San Martín Pinario

Learn Galician history and art; museums typically operate from ~10:00–19:00.
EUR5.00, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch: Pulperia / local tapas

Enjoy Galician octopus or seafood tapas in a local tavern near the old town.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Stroll Alameda Park & panoramic viewpoints

Lovely walks with views over the cathedral and city; parks open all day for a relaxed afternoon.
EUR0.00, 1h30m

7:30pm

Evening: sample local Albariño

Try a glass of Galician white wine at a relaxed bar; many bars open into late evening.
EUR10.00, 1h

Day 5: To Porto

Santiago de Compostela -> Porto, Portugal on April 17, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Light breakfast before boarding the morning train south across the Spanish–Portuguese border.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Train: Santiago -> Porto (via Vigo or direct intercity)

Journey typically 2.5–4 hours depending on connection — scenic coastal and river valleys, arrive in Porto midday or early afternoon.
EUR30.00, 3h30m

1:30pm

Check-in & lunch: Francesinha or fresh seafood

Taste Porto specialities such as francesinha sandwich or fresh seafood along the Ribeira by the Douro.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Ribeira riverside walk & Dom Luís I Bridge

Historic riverside quarter with iconic iron bridge; open all day and great late-afternoon light for photos.
EUR0.00, 1h30m

5:00pm

Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

Cellar tours and tastings typically run 10:00–18:00; book ahead for structured tastings.
EUR12.00, 1h30m

8:00pm

Dinner: Fado or riverside dining

Porto offers lively evening dining; some restaurants host live music nights — check opening times and reserve.
EUR28.00, 1h30m

Day 6: Porto day

Porto, Portugal on April 18, 2026

8:30am

Breakfast at a pastelaria

Try a pastel de nata and coffee before sightseeing; bakeries open early.
EUR5.00, 30m

9:30am

Livraria Lello & Clerigos Tower

Famed historic bookshop (timed entries 9:30–19:00) and nearby Clerigos Tower (9:00–19:00) — buy Lello tickets in advance to avoid queues.
EUR12.00, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch: Mercado do Bolhão

Vibrant market offering regional specialties and a lively atmosphere; many stalls open midday.
EUR15.00, 1h

2:00pm

Palácio da Bolsa or São Bento Station

Visit the ornate stock exchange palace or admire São Bento's tile panels; both typically open ~09:00–18:00.
EUR10.00, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset Douro cruise (optional)

Short river cruise for city views from the water; most operators run late-afternoon/evening trips (book ahead).
EUR18.00, 1h

8:30pm

Dinner in Ribeira

Finish with a relaxed dinner sampling grilled fish or Portuguese classics.
EUR25.00, 1h30m

Day 7: To Lisbon

Porto -> Lisbon, Portugal on April 19, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Quick breakfast and check out to catch the Alfa Pendular or Intercidades southbound to Lisbon.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Train Porto -> Lisbon (Alfa Pendular)

Fast intercity train linking Porto and Lisbon in about 2.5–3 hours — comfortable and frequent.
EUR30.00, 2h45m

1:30pm

Check-in & lunch in Baixa/Chiado

Lunch in Lisbon's downtown neighbourhoods with plenty of cafés and pastelarias.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Explore Alfama & São Jorge Castle

Wander the oldest quarter and visit the castle for sweeping city views; castle open typically 09:00–18:00.
EUR8.00, 1h45m

7:30pm

Dinner: Fado in Alfama or Bairro Alto

Experience live Fado music with traditional Portuguese cuisine; many houses have shows nightly but book in advance.
EUR35.00, 2h

Day 8: Lisbon highlights

Lisbon, Portugal on April 20, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast: Pastéis de Belém

Visit the original Pastéis de Belém shop (opens early) for the famous custard tarts — expect queues but fast turnover.
EUR5.00, 30m

9:30am

Belém: Jerónimos Monastery & Belém Tower

Monuments in Belém typically open ~10:00 (Mon–Sun); Jerónimos and the tower are UNESCO-listed — book tickets to avoid queues.
EUR16.00, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch: Time Out Market

Food hall with many stalls showcasing Portuguese and international cuisine — good for groups with varied tastes.
EUR15.00, 1h

2:30pm

Tram 28 ride & Chiado shopping

Iconic tram route through historic districts and a stroll around Chiado for boutiques and cafés; Trams run from early morning to evening.
EUR3.00, 1h30m

6:00pm

Sunset at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Popular viewpoint with a panoramic perspective over Lisbon's roofs and the castle.
EUR0.00, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner: seafood or modern Portuguese

Choose a restaurant in Bairro Alto or Cais do Sodré — dinner service typically 8pm onwards.
EUR30.00, 1h30m

Day 9: Algarve stop

Lisbon -> Faro, Portugal on April 21, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast and checkout

Pack for a short coastal rail journey; trains to Faro depart from Lisbon's Oriente or Entrecampos stations.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Train Lisbon -> Faro

Comfortable intercity train to the Algarve coast — journey about 2.5–3 hours depending on service.
EUR25.00, 3h00m

1:00pm

Check-in & lunch in Faro Old Town

Explore Faro's compact old town with its cathedral square and marina; many restaurants open midday.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Ria Formosa boat tour (check seasonal times)

Guided boat trips through the Ria Formosa lagoon are the best way to see the islands and birdlife; operators typically run tours in the morning and afternoon (book ahead).
EUR20.00, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner: Algarve seafood

Fresh grilled fish or cataplana in a relaxed coastal restaurant — prime seasonable produce.
EUR28.00, 1h30m

Day 10: To Seville

Faro -> Seville, Spain on April 22, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast & checkout

Early departure recommended for the cross-border train or combined bus+train to Seville; check current cross-border schedules.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:00am

Train/bus Faro -> Seville

Cross into Spain with an intercity service; journey time typically 2–3 hours depending on connections.
EUR25.00, 2h30m

12:30pm

Arrive & lunch in Seville

Tapas in the Santa Cruz quarter — ideal base for the afternoon’s sightseeing.
EUR18.00, 1h

2:30pm

Seville Cathedral & Giralda

One of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals with climbable Giralda tower; opening times commonly ~11:00–17:00 (check for services/closures).
EUR10.00, 1h30m

4:30pm

Real Alcázar

Moorish palace complex with gardens — ticketed entry and limited capacity, usually open 09:30–17:00; pre-book to avoid queues.
EUR13.00, 1h30m

8:00pm

Flamenco show & dinner

Experience authentic flamenco with a meal in Triana or Santa Cruz — many tablaos have evening shows beginning ~9pm; reserve ahead.
EUR35.00, 2h

Day 11: Cordoba stop

Seville -> Córdoba, Spain on April 23, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast and quick morning stroll

Enjoy a last coffee in Seville before boarding the short high-speed train to Córdoba.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Train Seville -> Córdoba (AVE/MD)

Fast connection (~45–50 minutes) leaving you plenty of time to sightsee in Córdoba.
EUR18.00, 50m

10:30am

Mezquita-Catedral de Córdoba

Unique mosque-cathedral complex; typically open ~10:00–18:00 but hours can vary — buy timed tickets to avoid long lines.
EUR12.00, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Judería (Jewish Quarter)

Historic quarter with narrow streets and patios — try salmorejo and local Andalusian dishes.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos & Roman Bridge

Walk the Roman bridge and visit the gardens and towers of the Alcázar; sites open roughly 10:00–18:00.
EUR5.00, 1h30m

7:30pm

Evening tapas & paseo

Relax with tapas and a stroll through the atmospheric streets as the evening cools.
EUR20.00, 1h30m

Day 12: Granada via train

Córdoba -> Granada, Spain on April 24, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Early start to make the direct or connecting train to Granada; check timetables as some routes require a change in Antequera or Málaga.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:15am

Train Córdoba -> Granada

Typical journey 2–3 hours with scenic stretches; arrive midday and check into your accommodation.
EUR25.00, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch in Albaicín or Plaza Nueva

Sample local Andalucían dishes with a view towards the Alhambra.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Albaicín walk & Mirador de San Nicolás

Historic Moorish quarter with famed viewpoints of the Alhambra — public, open all day.
EUR0.00, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner: tapas and local wine

Granada is known for free tapas with drinks in many bars; enjoy a relaxed evening exploring the tapas scene.
EUR20.00, 1h30m

Day 13: Alhambra visit

Granada, Spain on April 25, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & head to Alhambra

Arrive early at the Alhambra complex — tickets are timed and sell out, so pre-book a morning slot for the Nasrid Palaces (usually open from ~8:30).
EUR18.00, 30m

9:00am

Alhambra & Generalife Gardens

World-famous Moorish palace complex and gardens — allow 2–3 hours minimum; timed entry is essential for the Nasrid Palaces.
EUR18.00, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch in Realejo or near cathedral

Enjoy Andalusian flavours in a neighbourhood bodega after your Alhambra visit.
EUR18.00, 1h

2:30pm

Royal Chapel & Granada Cathedral

Renaissance cathedral and royal mausoleum; check opening times (commonly 10:00–18:00).
EUR5.00, 1h

6:00pm

Relaxed evening: Hammam or tapas

Consider an evening hammam experience (book ahead) or a tapas crawl — many options in Albaicín and city centre.
EUR30.00, 1h30m

Day 14: To Madrid

Granada -> Madrid, Spain on April 26, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Prepare for the train north to Madrid — there are direct AVE/MD services depending on schedule, or a change in Antequera/Málaga.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Train Granada -> Madrid

Day train to Madrid takes roughly 3–4 hours depending on service; arrive around lunchtime or early afternoon.
EUR40.00, 3h30m

1:30pm

Check-in & lunch in central Madrid

Classic Spanish lunch in the city centre — try a menu del día for value.
EUR18.00, 1h

3:00pm

Prado Museum (afternoon)

One of Europe's top art museums, typically open 10:00–20:00; late-afternoon is a good time but plan at least 1.5–2 hours.
EUR15.00, 2h00m

7:30pm

Dinner & evening in La Latina

Tapas district with lively evening atmosphere — great for sampling small plates and local wines.
EUR30.00, 1h30m

Day 15: Madrid to Valencia

Madrid -> Valencia, Spain on April 27, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast near hotel

Start with a relaxed breakfast before a short high-speed run east to Valencia.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

AVE/High-speed train Madrid -> Valencia

Fast connection (approx 1.5–2 hours) to the Mediterranean coast — arrive mid-morning and check into your hotel.
EUR25.00, 1h45m

12:30pm

Lunch: paella in Valencia

Valencia is the birthplace of paella — many local restaurants around the city serve authentic versions; lunchtime service from 13:00 onwards.
EUR20.00, 1h

2:30pm

City of Arts & Sciences (exterior & Oceanogràfic option)

Modern cultural complex; the Oceanogràfic (aquarium) opens typically 10:00–18:00 and the science museum has varying hours — allow 2–3 hours if entering.
EUR30.00, 2h30m

7:30pm

Evening stroll & dinner in Ruzafa

Trendy neighbourhood with tapas bars and inventive dining options open late.
EUR25.00, 1h30m

Day 16: Valencia -> Barcelona

Valencia -> Barcelona, Spain on April 28, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & checkout

Grab a morning coffee before catching the AVE/Euromed up the coast to Barcelona.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Train Valencia -> Barcelona (Euromed/AVE)

Coastal high-speed service lasting about 3 hours; arrive early afternoon in Barcelona.
EUR30.00, 3h00m

1:30pm

Check-in & lunch in El Born

Explore El Born’s cafés and tapas bars for a leisurely midday meal.
EUR20.00, 1h

3:00pm

Picasso Museum or Gothic Quarter walk

The Picasso Museum usually opens ~10:00–19:00 (hours vary); the Gothic Quarter is freely accessible and atmospheric.
EUR12.00, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner: Catalan cuisine

Try seafood or traditional Catalan plates — many restaurants serve dinner from 20:00 but earlier options exist.
EUR30.00, 1h30m

Day 17: Barcelona highlights

Barcelona, Spain on April 29, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & plan the day

Early start to beat the crowds at main attractions; buy tickets online for timed entry.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:00am

Sagrada Família (timed entry)

Antoni Gaudí's masterpiece — opens ~09:00 and timed tickets are essential to avoid long queues; allow 1–1.5 hours inside.
EUR26.00, 1h30m

11:30am

Park Güell (monumental zone)

Colourful Gaudí park with panoramic city views; the monument zone has timed entry — check opening hours (usually morning to evening).
EUR10.00, 1h15m

1:30pm

Lunch in Gràcia or Passeig de Gràcia

Enjoy Catalan dishes and tapas nearby — many lunch menus are value-driven midday options.
EUR20.00, 1h

3:30pm

Casa Batlló / La Pedrera (exterior & optional interior)

Two more Gaudí landmarks along Passeig de Gràcia; interior visits have set opening times (usually 09:00–20:00).
EUR24.00, 1h30m

8:00pm

Final evening: tapas & waterfront stroll

Finish your journey with a walk along Barceloneta and tapas in the Born or along the marina.
EUR30.00, 2h

Day 18: Departure / optional return

Barcelona, Spain -> Return by train (optional) on April 30, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast & final packing

Prepare for onward travel — last-minute shopping or a brief coffee near your accommodation.
EUR6.00, 30m

9:30am

Option: High-speed train Barcelona -> Paris

If returning to the UK by rail, take a TGV to Paris (approx 6.5–7h) and then Eurostar to London; this is a full travel day so plan connections carefully.
EUR120.00, 6h30m

6:30pm

Eurostar Paris -> London & onward to Wolverhampton

Connect in Paris (Gare du Nord) for Eurostar to London St Pancras, then domestic rail to Wolverhampton — end of rail circuit. Alternatively, spend extra time in Barcelona and fly home if preferred.
EUR80.00, 2h15m

10:30pm

Arrive Wolverhampton (estimated)

Estimated arrival depending on train connections; overnight segments may be required depending on ticketing and timing.
EUR0.00, —
0
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