Exploring Spain’s Hidden Gems by Train: A Luxurious 5-Day Adventure

Icon Share

SHARE

Advisor - Marc Scholnick
Curated By

Marc Scholnick

  • Spain

  • Arts & Culture

  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel

  • Road Trip Travel

  • Sightseeing

  • Local Culture

  • History

An ancient cathedral building during the daytime
Curator’s statement

Exploring the heart of Spain by Train; while Madrid, Barcelona, San Sebastián, and Seville captivate with their landmarks and rich culture, venturing off the beaten path offers a unique allure. This five-day train itinerary is for those who want to uncover Spain's hidden gems, journeying through quaint towns and lesser-known destinations that embody the country's heart and soul. In this segment, we step away from the well-known tourist routes and delve into authentic experiences and scenic landscapes connected by Spain’s high-speed trains (AVE). While our blog covers the major cities in other sections, here we present an adventure that dives deeper into Spain’s culture and history, from the medieval charm of Segovia and Burgos to the Moorish influences in Córdoba and the breathtaking vistas of Ronda.

The Fora Difference

Book with Marc to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

[object Object]
Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

[object Object]
Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

[object Object]
Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Hospes Palacio del Bailío

Nestled in the heart of Córdoba, Hospes Palacio del Bailío offers a luxurious retreat in a beautifully restored 16th-century palace, blending historical elegance with modern comfort.

Fora Perks
  • ★

    Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability

  • ★

    Breakfast daily

  • ★

    Extended check-in/out whenever possible

Áurea Convento Capuchinos

Located in a restored 16th-century convent, this luxury hotel blends historical charm with modern amenities.

Hotel NH Collection Palacio de Burgos

Set in a historic building next to the Arlanzón River, this elegant hotel offers spacious rooms with modern comforts.

Parador de León

Housed in a beautifully restored 16th-century monastery, this luxury hotel offers a unique historical ambiance combined with modern amenities.

Parador de Ronda

Perched on the edge of the dramatic El Tajo Gorge, this hotel offers breathtaking views and luxurious accommodations.

Unlock perks by contacting Marc to book your trip.

Day 1: Madrid to Segovia

White high speed train.

Morning: Depart from Madrid to Segovia via high-speed AVE train (approximately 30 minutes).

Activities:

  • Visit the iconic Roman Aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Explore the Alcázar of Segovia, a fairy-tale castle with stunning views

  • Stroll through the old town, visiting the Segovia Cathedral

  • Local Interaction: dine at a traditional Castilian restaurant, Restaurante José María. Renowned for its cochinillo (roast suckling pig), this traditional restaurant offers an authentic taste of Castilian cuisine in a warm, rustic setting.

Day 2: Segovia to Burgos

An ancient cathedral building under a blue sky

Morning: Travel from Segovia to Burgos via high-speed train (approximately two-and-a-half hours).

Activities:

  • Visit the Burgos Cathedral, another UNESCO World Heritage Site

  • Explore the Monasterio de las Huelgas, a historic Cistercian monastery

  • Walk along the picturesque Paseo del Espolón by the Arlanzón River

  • Local Interaction: Enjoy tapas at a local bar in the lively Plaza Mayor or dine at
    Casa Ojeda, a historic restaurant known for its refined Castilian dishes, including the famous morcilla de Burgos (blood sausage), served in an elegant, old-world atmosphere.

Day 3: Burgos to León

A train track with a train moving toward the camera

Morning: Take a high-speed train from Burgos to León (approximately one-and-a-half hours).

Activities:

  • Visit the León Cathedral, famous for its stunning stained glass windows

  • Explore the Basilica of San Isidoro and its impressive frescoes

  • Wander through the Barrio Húmedo, known for its vibrant nightlife and tapas bars

  • Local Interaction: Participate in a local wine tasting session featuring wines from the nearby Bierzo region.

  • Dine at Cocinandos, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative Leonese cuisine with a modern twist, featuring a seasonal tasting menu that highlights local ingredients.

Day 4: León to Córdoba

A street between buildings with a red and yellow painted staircase in the middle

Morning: Travel from León to Córdoba via high-speed train with a change in Madrid (total approximately four-and-a-half hours).

Activities:

  • Visit the Mezquita-Catedral, a unique blend of Islamic and Christian architecture

  • Explore the historic Jewish Quarter and the beautiful Calleja de las Flores

  • Discover the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos and its lush gardens

  • Local Interaction: Engage with locals at a traditional Andalusian flamenco show in the evening.

  • Dine at Casa Pepe de la Judería. Located in the heart of the Jewish Quarter, this restaurant offers traditional Andalusian dishes and an inviting rooftop terrace with stunning views of the Mezquita.

Day 5: Córdoba to Ronda

An indoor marketplace.

Morning: Travel from Córdoba to Ronda via high-speed train to Málaga and then a regional train to Ronda (total approximately three-and-a-half hours).

Activities:

  • Visit the Puente Nuevo, a stunning bridge spanning the El Tajo Gorge

  • Explore the historic bullring of Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest in Spain

  • Wander through the old town, discovering charming plazas and white-washed buildings

  • Local Interaction: Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the gorge, chatting with locals about the history and culture of the region.

  • Dine at Restaurante Bardal. A Michelin-starred gem, Bardal offers a creative tasting menu that combines local ingredients with avant-garde techniques in an intimate and sophisticated setting.

Need to know

Key Points for Train Travel in Spain

  • Renfe AVE: Spain’s high-speed trains (AVE) are known for their punctuality, comfort, and speed, connecting major cities and towns efficiently.

  • Booking: Tickets can be booked online through the Renfe website or at train stations. It’s advisable to book in advance for the best prices and availability.

  • Classes: AVE trains offer multiple classes, including Turista (standard), Preferente (first class), and Club (premium first class).

  • Scenic Routes: The trains often pass through scenic landscapes, offering views of Spain’s diverse geography, from rolling plains to rugged mountains.

  • Consult with a Travel Advisor: Expert Assistance: If the planning process seems daunting, seek help from a travel advisor. Marc Scholnick, a travel advisor from Fora, can assist in crafting the perfect adventure, ensuring every detail is taken care of. Contact Marc to make your dream trip to Spain a reality, so you can focus on enjoying the journey without any hassle.

Advisor - Marc Scholnick

Travel Advisor

Marc Scholnick

Get in touch with Marc

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

You can normally expect a response from Marc within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Spain. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Exploring South America: A Guide to Small Ship Cruising.