14-Day Northern Spain and European Cities Train Journey from Cardiff to Barcelona

Day 1: Cardiff to London

Cardiff to London, UK on April 23, 2025

12:00pm

Train from Cardiff to London

Take the direct Great Western Railway train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington, approximately 2 hours. Enjoy scenic views of the British countryside.
GBP40, 2h0m

3:00pm

Check-in at The Hoxton, Holborn

Stay at The Hoxton, Holborn, a stylish central London hotel with comfortable rooms and easy access to attractions like the British Museum.
GBP150, N/A

4:00pm

Visit British Museum

Enjoy the British Museum's vast collection spanning human history, culture and art. Open until 5:30pm daily, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dishoom Covent Garden

Dine on Indo-British dishes in a vibrant, vintage Bombay setting every day till 11:00pm.
GBP30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: London to Paris

London to Paris, UK to France on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Caravan King's Cross

Enjoy speciality coffee and a modern breakfast menu. Open from 7:00am.
GBP15, 1h0m

10:00am

Eurostar train to Paris Gare du Nord

Take the Eurostar high-speed train from London to Paris in approximately 2h20m, travelling under the English Channel.
GBP85, 2h20m

1:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Le 123 Sébastopol - Astotel

Modern hotel in central Paris close to Montmartre and Opera, excellent for exploring.
EUR180, N/A

2:00pm

Visit Louvre Museum

World renowned art museum with masterpieces including the Mona Lisa. Open until 6:00pm.
EUR17, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais

Classic French bistro cuisine in a cosy atmosphere in Saint-Germain. Open until 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Paris to Bordeaux

Paris to Bordeaux, France on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Historic Parisian café with classic French pastries and coffee, open from 7:30am.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Train to Bordeaux

Take the TGV high-speed train from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux Saint-Jean, around 2h04m.
EUR45, 2h4m

12:00pm

Check-in at Yndo Hôtel

Chic boutique hotel in Bordeaux city centre, blending contemporary design and comfort.
EUR160, N/A

1:00pm

Lunch at La Tupina

Traditional southwest French cuisine in a rustic setting, perfect for local specialities.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Bordeaux Old Town and Place de la Bourse

Walk through Bordeaux's UNESCO-listed historic centre and enjoy the beautiful river views and architecture.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Quatrième Mur

Upscale dining in a theatre-inspired setting with innovative French cuisine. Open till 10:30pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Bordeaux to San Sebastián

Bordeaux, France to San Sebastián, Spain on April 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at local boulangerie

Sample fresh French pastries and coffee before departure.
EUR8, 0h45m

9:30am

Train Bordeaux to Hendaye then transfer to San Sebastián

Take a regional train from Bordeaux to Hendaye (approx 2h30m), then connect to Spanish Euskotren commuter train to San Sebastián (approx 30m).
EUR30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Check-in at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

Historic hotel with beachfront views in San Sebastián, perfect for exploring Playa de la Concha.
EUR170, N/A

2:00pm

Lunch at Bar Nestor

Famous for its simple yet delicious pintxos and famed tomato salad, open until mid-afternoon.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk Playa de la Concha and Old Town

Relax on the iconic crescent beach and meander through the lively historic quarter with traditional Basque bars.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Arzak

Enjoy innovative Basque cuisine at 3 Michelin-starred Arzak, booking required.
EUR160, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: San Sebastián Discovery

San Sebastián, Spain on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de la Concha

Seafront café serving coffee and pastries with beautiful bay views, opens 7:30am.
EUR10, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Monte Igueldo

Take the funicular railway up to Monte Igueldo for panoramic views over the bay. Opens from 10:00am.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bodegón Alejandro

Traditional Basque cuisine in a welcoming setting, renowned for seasonal local ingredients.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

San Telmo Museum

Basque society museum housed in a 16th-century convent, open 10am-8pm, free on Sundays.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gandarias Jatetxea

Popular restaurant for pintxos and Basque dishes in Old Town open until midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Start Barcelona Stay

San Sebastián to Barcelona, Spain on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast overlooking the bay before heading to the train station.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Train to Barcelona via Zaragoza

Take the train from San Sebastián to Zaragoza (3h30m), then change for a high-speed train to Barcelona Sants (1h30m).
EUR70, 5h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Praktik Rambla

Stylish boutique hotel on Barceloneta's lively Rambla, close to the beach and city centre.
EUR180, N/A

5:00pm

Evening stroll on La Rambla

Explore Barcelona’s popular pedestrian street with street performers, markets and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Popular tapas bar known for a variety of pintxos, fresh seafood and local dishes, open until midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Barcelona Culture

Barcelona, Spain on April 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Family-run historic café famous for its hot chocolate and Catalan pastries, opens 8:30am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Sagrada Família

Antoni Gaudí’s iconic unfinished basilica. Pre-book tickets to avoid queues. Opens 9am to 6pm.
EUR26, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Paradeta Sagrada Familia

Self-service seafood restaurant offering fresh fish and shellfish, casual and tasty.
EUR28, 1h15m

2:00pm

Park Güell

Colourful park and architectural masterpiece designed by Gaudí. Tickets required, open 8am to 9:30pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Oldest restaurant in Barcelona famed for traditional Catalan dishes. Open from 1pm till 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Barcelona Architecture & Beach

Barcelona, Spain on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Healthy and artistic breakfast options with fresh juices, open 8am to 5pm weekdays.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Visit Gaudí’s colourful modernist buildings on Passeig de Gràcia. Both open 9am to 7pm.
EUR25 combined, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Stylish multi-restaurant food hall offering regional Spanish dishes in a grand setting.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Spend a leisurely afternoon on Barcelona’s most famous urban beach with cafes and bars.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Salamanca

Traditional seafood restaurant near the port, with excellent paella and fresh fish, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Barcelona Museums and Markets

Barcelona, Spain on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café Barcelona

Trendy café with great coffee and pastries, open from 8am weekdays.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Picasso Museum

Houses one of the largest collections of works by Pablo Picasso, open 10am to 7pm closed Mondays.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

La Boqueria Market

Barcelona’s famous market with fresh produce, meats and tapas bars. Open until 8pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pinotxo Bar inside La Boqueria

Try fresh and authentic Catalan pintxos at this popular market stall.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit MNAC – National Art Museum of Catalonia

Large museum with a wide collection of Catalan art, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Creative tapas restaurant with inventive dishes from the Adrià brothers; reservation essential.
EUR80, 2h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Departure via Toulouse

Barcelona to Toulouse, France on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a refreshing breakfast near the beach.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Train to Toulouse via Zaragoza

Take the AVE train from Barcelona to Zaragoza (1h30m), then transfer to a train to Toulouse Matabiau (3h40m).
EUR80, 5h30m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hôtel Albert 1er Toulouse

Comfortable 4-star hotel with central location close to Capitole Square.
EUR150, N/A

5:30pm

Explore Capitole Square and nearby streets

Enjoy an evening stroll around Toulouse’s famous square, known for its pink terracotta buildings.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bibent

Elegant brasserie serving classic French cuisine in a 19th-century decor, open until 11pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Toulouse to Cardiff

Toulouse, France to Cardiff, UK on May 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast before the long journey back.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Train to London via Bordeaux and Paris

Take the train from Toulouse to Bordeaux (2h), then TGV to Paris (2h), then Eurostar to London (2h20m).
EUR110, 6h30m

5:00pm

Train from London to Cardiff

Great Western Railway connects London Paddington to Cardiff Central in about 2 hours.
GBP40, 2h0m

7:30pm

Arrive back in Cardiff

End of a memorable 14-day Northern Spain and European cities rail journey.
N/A, N/A
View Hotel Availability