Rail to Ride: Barcelona - Andorra - Zaragoza - Madrid

Barcelona, the old Roman Barcino, is Spain's second city, always on the biting edge of fashion, architecture, food, style, music and good times. Walk its narrow streets and wonderful plazas, or along the Ramblas, stretching from Plaza de Cataluna to the Harbor, encompassing the magic of the city: stalls full of books, birds and flowers. The city's most powerful monuments open a window onto its history: the intricately carved edifices that comprise the medieval Gothic Quarter; the curvilinear modernism (Catalan Art Nouveau) that inspired Gaudi's Sagrada Familia; and the seminal surrealist works of Picasso and Miró, found in museums that peg Barcelona as a crucial incubator for 20th-century art. The recent restoration of the port area began with the development of a harbor for the Olympic Games of 1992. New modern squares, designed by leading artists such as Miro and Barcelo have created a new style alongside Gaudi's modernist buildings. Now the city is ready to show every visitor how it has been transformed into one of the most moderns and active cities in Europe.

Explore The Sagrada Familia, Picasso Museum, La Rambla, Barri Gotic, Park Guell, modernist buildings, Montjuic Hill, Barceloneta and so much more!

The beautiful capital of Andorra, Andorra la Vella, is the highest capital city in Europe at 3,300 feet above sea level. It is situated in the Pyrenees Mountains and the Gran Valira river valley. Stone streets and buildings comprise the charming Old Town, with the Esglesia de Sant Esteve being a symbol for the city. With 400 duty-free shops, Andorra la Vella is well-known for its luxury shopping. It is also a jumping-off point to explore popular ski resorts Vallnord and Grandvalira.

Visit Esglesia de Sant Esteve, Casa de la Vall, Ski Andorra (Vallnord, Grandvalira), Lake Engolasters, The Nobility of Time by Salvador Dali, Museo Carmen Thyssen Andorra, Paris Bridge, Caldea Spa, and so much more!

Zaragoza is the provincial capital of Aragon, once a kingdom it its own right. A prosperous city, Zaragoza was founded 2,000 years ago and like may other cities in Spain bears the marks of Roman, Goth, and Arabic civilizations. The city has not one, but two cathedrals, and it used to be a major pilgrimage center, as the legend states that St James, the protector saint of Spain, had a vision of Virgin Mary here. It is one of the greatest centers of the Marian cult in Spain. A monumental city of wide avenues and arcades, Zaragoza is also a lively student center.

Visit and explore the Basilica de Nuestra Senora del Pilar, Aljaferia Palace, Plaza del Pilar, Catedral del Salvador de Zaragoza, Aquarium River of Zaragoza, Goya Museum and much more.

In the last few years, Madrid has gained the reputation of being one of Europe's most active and attractive cities for its nightlife and cultural activities. Capital of Spain since 1562, Madrid's museums host, among others, Dalis, Miros and Picasso's Guernica. Madrid is a city of great contrasts: the Old City, the Madrid of the Hapsburgs, the Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala, the Retiro Park. At night, the city changes gears with its famous Madrid nightlife. The city's endless energy is hard to resist, and its sociable style invites you to jump right in.

Visit Palacio Real, Plaza Mayor, Prado Museum, Puerta del Sol, Puerta de Alcala, Plaza de Cibeles, Gran Via, Madrid Cathedral, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofia Museums and so much more!