5 High-Speed Trains in Spain Worth the Ticket

1.Toledo Private Tour with Cathedral & High Speed Train from Madrid

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 218 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $314Our pick

Travel from Madrid to Toledo by fast, comfortable train, then explore the Jewish Quarter, convent district, old town, and Gothic cathedral with a private English-speaking guide. Guides such as Diana, Diego, Eduardo, Javier, Laura, and Natalia have been praised for clear history, good organization, and helpful Madrid tips. Expect hills, cobbled streets, and a brisk half-day pace.

“Germany (sorry, I think that was his name) was very informative. He did a great job of getting our group to the train station and on to Toledo. There was quite a bit of walking and some uphill. We were given a little over an hour of free time which was appreciated.”

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2.Segovia with Alcazar Guided Tour by High-Speed Train from Madrid

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $362

Travel from Madrid to Segovia by high-speed train, then explore the Roman aqueduct, Alcazar, Gothic cathedral, Jewish Quarter, and medieval streets with a private guide. Guides such as Laura, Cristina, and Antonio are praised for clear, lively touring. Allow for steep steps, a brisk pace, and a strict meeting time at Chamartin.

“Antonio was an INCREDIBLE guide! He was passionate about the history, and constantly asked the group how he could taylor the information to the groups interest- whether we wanted more info or less. He went above and beyond! Personally, we would have loved to spend more time at the castle and in the town Segovia rather than the hike, but all in all we loved the tour.”

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3.Barcelona Day Tour by High-Speed Train from Madrid.

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 71 reviews · 13 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $414

Travel from Madrid to Barcelona by high-speed train for a tightly packed day of Gaudí architecture, the Gothic Quarter, El Born, MUHBA, Arc de Triomf, and an exterior view of Sagrada Familia. Guides such as Lucas, Mateo, Mirko, and Jimena lead the Barcelona walks. The tour is limited to 10 people, but you must buy your own Sagrada Familia entry.

“We had such a wonderful time on this tour. Luca was phenomenal as our guide. We had a family of five and he was so patient and kind with everyone. He’s a gem! I would recommend this tour to anyone.”

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4.Girona Private Guided Tour by High Speed Train from Barcelona

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 62 reviews · 5 hours 15 minutes (approx.) · from $289

Travel from Barcelona to Girona in about 35 minutes on Spain’s high-speed AVE train, then explore the medieval quarter with a private English-speaking guide. See the Eiffel Bridge, Arab Baths, cathedral, Jewish quarter, city walls, and Game of Thrones filming locations, with one hour of free time before returning.

“Definitely a highlight on our Barcelona trip! We didn't realize that it would be completely private! ( Just my husband, myself, and our tour guide, Mateo.) He was our favorite guide of all the various activities we did on our Spain trip! He was extremely knowledgeable which we very much appreciate, and his passion for history was very apparent. The bullet train to Girona was as easy as a train ride could be, we arrived in about 35 minutes! Everything we saw was so beautiful and full of history. If you're a Game of Thrones fan, it's definitely a plus as we were about to see multiple filming locations! We…”

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5.Cordoba and Mosque Day Trip by High-Speed Train

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 33 reviews · 11 hours · from $199Best value

Travel from Madrid to Cordoba by high-speed train, then tour the Roman Bridge, Jewish Quarter, courtyards, synagogue, and Mosque-Cathedral with a local English or Spanish-speaking guide. Tickets are included, but food, drinks, and your own return walk or transfer to the station are not.

“I had an amazing tour. The tour guides were excellent really love the city. I definitely recommend.”

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