14-Day Northern Spain and European Cities Train Journey from Cardiff to Barcelona without London Overnight Stay

Day 1: Cardiff to Paris

Cardiff to Paris, UK to France on April 23, 2025

12:00pm

Train from Cardiff to London Paddington

Take the direct Great Western Railway train from Cardiff Central to London Paddington (approx. 2 hours).
GBP40, 2h0m

2:30pm

Transfer from London Paddington to London St Pancras

Take the London Underground (Circle or Hammersmith & City line) or taxi to London St Pancras International station for Eurostar departure (approx. 30 minutes).
GBP5, 0h30m

3:30pm

Eurostar train to Paris Gare du Nord

Depart London St Pancras and travel under the English Channel to Paris Gare du Nord in approx. 2h20m.
GBP85, 2h20m

6:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Le 123 Sébastopol - Astotel

Modern hotel in central Paris close to Montmartre and Opera, ideal to settle in after your journey.
EUR180, N/A

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Comptoir du Relais

Enjoy classic French bistro dishes in a vibrant Saint-Germain setting. Open until 11:00pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Paris

Paris, France on April 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Café de Flore

Iconic Parisian café open from 7:00am with delicious pastries and coffee.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Louvre Museum

Explore the world-famous art collections; open 9am-6pm with late opening on Wednesdays and Fridays.
EUR17, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Le Fumoir

Chic bistro near the Louvre offering French cuisine, open until 10pm.
EUR35, 1h30m

3:30pm

Walk along the Seine and visit Notre-Dame exterior and Île de la Cité

Enjoy famous landmarks and Parisian scenery, free and accessible any time.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Relais de l’Entrecôte

Known for steak-frites in traditional Parisian atmosphere, open until midnight.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 3: Paris to Bordeaux

Paris to Bordeaux, France on April 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Begin the day with a convenient and refreshing breakfast before travel.
Included, 0h45m

9:30am

Train to Bordeaux

Depart from Paris Montparnasse station via TGV, approx 2h04m to Bordeaux Saint-Jean.
EUR45, 2h4m

12:00pm

Check-in at Yndo Hôtel

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

1:00pm

Lunch at La Tupina

Traditional Southwest French cuisine in rustic surroundings.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Explore Bordeaux Old Town and Place de la Bourse

Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning architecture and waterfront.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Le Quatrième Mur

Experience upscale French dining in a theatre-inspired setting, open until 10:30pm.
EUR50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Bordeaux to San Sebastián

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

7:30am

Breakfast at local boulangerie

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

9:30am

Train from Bordeaux to Hendaye then transfer to San Sebastián

Take regional train (~2h30m) to Hendaye, then Euskotren train (~30 minutes) to San Sebastián.
EUR30, 3h0m

1:00pm

Check-in at Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra

Seafront historic hotel offering stunning Playa de la Concha views.
EUR170, N/A

2:00pm

Lunch at Bar Nestor

Known for exquisite pintxos and famed tomato salad, open until mid-afternoon.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:30pm

Walk Playa de la Concha and Old Town

Relax at the iconic beach and explore charming Basque bars.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Arzak

Michelin 3-star Basque cuisine, reservation essential.
EUR160, 2h0m
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Day 5: San Sebastián Exploration

San Sebastián, Spain on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café de la Concha

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

9:30am

Monte Igueldo funicular

Take the funicular for panoramic city and bay views; operating from 10:00am.
EUR5, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Bodegón Alejandro

Traditional Basque dishes served in a friendly setting.
EUR35, 1h30m

2:00pm

San Telmo Museum

Explore Basque culture and history in this 16th century convent, open 10am to 8pm.
EUR5, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gandarias Jatetxea

Popular Old Town spot for pintxos and Basque fare, open till midnight.
EUR30, 1h30m
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Day 6: Travel to Barcelona

San Sebastián to Barcelona, Spain on April 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a leisurely morning with breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Train San Sebastián to Barcelona via Zaragoza

Train to Zaragoza (~3h30m) then transfer to high-speed AVE to Barcelona Sants (~1h30m).
EUR70, 5h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Hotel Praktik Rambla

Boutique hotel located on lively Rambla in Barceloneta area near beach.
EUR180, N/A

5:00pm

Evening stroll along La Rambla

Explore bustling pedestrian street with shops, performers, and cafés.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cervecería Catalana

Popular tapas bar serving a variety of pintxos and local dishes till midnight.
EUR25, 1h30m
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Day 7: Barcelona Architecture

Barcelona, Spain on April 29, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Granja Viader

Historic café famous for hot chocolate and Catalan pastries, opens 8:30am.
EUR12, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Sagrada Família

Gaudí’s iconic basilica; pre-book tickets. Open 9am to 6pm.
EUR26, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at La Paradeta Sagrada Familia

Self-service fresh seafood restaurant nearby.
EUR28, 1h15m

2:00pm

Park Güell

Colourful Gaudí park with panoramic views; tickets required. Open 8am to 9:30pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Can Culleretes

Oldest Barcelona restaurant serving traditional Catalan dishes till 11pm.
EUR35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Barcelona Beach & Markets

Barcelona, Spain on April 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Brunch & Cake

Healthy, artistic breakfast with fresh juices. Open 8am to 5pm.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:30am

Casa Batlló & Casa Milà (La Pedrera)

Visit Gaudí’s modernist masterpieces on Passeig de Gràcia. Open 9am - 7pm.
EUR25 (combined), 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at El Nacional

Grand multi-restaurant food hall showcasing regional Spanish cuisine.
EUR30, 1h30m

3:00pm

Relax at Barceloneta Beach

Spend the afternoon enjoying Barcelona's main urban beach with cafes and bars.
Free, 3h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Salamanca

Traditional seafood near the port with excellent paella, open till 11pm.
EUR40, 1h30m
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Day 9: Barcelona Museums & Markets

Barcelona, Spain on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Federal Café Barcelona

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

9:30am

Picasso Museum

Houses one of the largest collections by Picasso. Open 10am-7pm except Mondays.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

La Boqueria Market

Famous lively market with fresh produce and tapas bars, open until 8pm.
Free entry, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Pinotxo Bar inside La Boqueria

Try fresh Catalan pintxos at the popular market stall.
EUR20, 1h0m

3:00pm

National Art Museum of Catalonia (MNAC)

Extensive Catalan art collection, open 10am to 6pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tickets Bar

Creative tapas restaurant from the Adrià brothers. Reservation essential.
EUR80, 2h0m
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Day 10: Return via Toulouse

Barcelona to Toulouse, France on May 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy an energising breakfast before your journey.
Included, 0h45m

10:00am

Train to Toulouse via Zaragoza

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

4:00pm

Check-in at Hôtel Albert 1er Toulouse

Comfortable 4-star hotel centrally located near Capitole Square.
EUR150, N/A

5:30pm

Explore Capitole Square

Sunset walk around Toulouse’s pink terracotta buildings in the central square.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Bibent

Elegant brasserie serving classic French cuisine, open until 11pm.
EUR45, 1h30m
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Day 11: Return to Cardiff

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

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a convenient breakfast before departure.
Included, 0h45m

8:30am

Train from Toulouse to London via Bordeaux and Paris

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

5:00pm

Train from London to Cardiff

Great Western Railway from London Paddington to Cardiff Central (approx 2h).
GBP40, 2h0m

7:30pm

Arrive back in Cardiff

End of your exciting 14-day Northern Spain and European cities rail adventure.
N/A, N/A
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