Rome to Barcelona by Train | Classic | 2026
Rome to Barcelona by Train | Classic | 2026
$2545
Rome to Barcelona by Train | Classic | 2026
9 Days Starting in Rome and ending in Barcelona
Visiting: Rome, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Nice, Monaco City, Marseille, Barcelona
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BBRBA26
Specialist Group:
18-30 Somethings
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
18-35
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Tour Overview
This trip makes tracks through Europe's coolest cities, taking the train from Rome to Barcelona and stopping off at La Spezia, Marseille and Nice along the way. Your days will be spent discovering Barcelona's beach-side beauty, hiking the dreamy pastel villages of Cinque Terre, uncovering historical monuments in Rome and taking bike tours through the glitzy French Riviera. Your mode of transport is the most classic way to experience Europe, as you enjoy scenic train rides from destination to destination
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Start Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Hotel Genova (or similar)
Meals Included: Dinner
Welcome to Rome, where historical ruins, renaissance masterpieces, vibrant street life and a romantic perception of life all collide. After meeting our new friends at our hotel, we'll bond over a 3-course Roman dinner. Then, we'll head out for a sightseeing tour, checking out iconic sites on the way.
Day 2: Rome To La Spezia
Location: Rome, La Spezia
Accommodation Name: AllegroItalia La Spezia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
After uncovering a bit more of Rome, we'll catch a train to the Liguria Region, a gateway to the famed Italian Riviera, admiring Italy's rugged west coast along the way. Tonight, you’ll have a free night to explore La Spezia with your travel buds.
Day 3: La Spezia And Cinque Terre
Location: La Spezia, Cinque Terre, La Spezia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Venezia (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we're headed to the enchanting coastline of the Cinque Terre. There's lots to see here in the '5 Lands', but we've made it easy for you to explore with an unlimited train-and-hike travel card (included in the price of your trip.) This evening, you'll have the chance to join a boat cruise and watch the sumptuous sunset from out at sea. Does it get better than this? Really though? Back in La Spezia for the evening, you get one last night here to really get to know the charming landscapes and locals before we head off to Nice in the morning. Make the most of it!
Day 4: La Spezia To Nice
Location: La Spezia, Nice
Accommodation Name: Monsigny Nice (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arrivederci Italy and a big Bonjour to France! We're headed from the Italian Riviera to the French Riviera, and the ridiculously scenic coastal train ride alone makes the journey worth it. We'll enjoy two nights in this playground of the rich and famous. Year round sunshine, beautiful beaches, boulevards and a buzzing street life makes Nice a stand-out in the French Riviera. And with an included dinner, you’re sure to start your stay in style.
Day 5: Nice
Location: Nice, Monaco City
Accommodation Name: Monsigny Nice (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Wake up, you're in the French Riviera. Nice! This morning you'll have free time to soak up some rays on one of those iconic blue chairs along the glorious waterfront. Glamorous and culturally fascinating, as you walk along the harbour and soak up the designer bars and couture shops you'll have the swagger of an A-list celeb. Or grab a chance to join a bike ride across Nice. To keep the glamour vibes going, why not opt to head to Monte Carlo casino in Monaco tonight, where you can roll the dice and live the life of the rich and famous?
Day 6: Nice To Marseille
Location: Nice, Marseille
Accommodation Name: Greet Hotel Marseille Centre Saint Charles (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
A short train ride to the edgy Riviera town of Marseille on the Mediterranean coast - enjoy time to look around & breathe in the sites.
Day 7: Marseille To Barcelona
Location: Marseille, Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Fira Congress (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
See ya France, we're headed to another magical country this morning – but not before breakfast. After falling in love with yet more scenery, we’ll reach one of the world's most uniquely beautiful cities: Barcelona. This evening, head to our optional flamenco show, where you'll experience this passionate dance up close, before feasting on some local tapas.
Day 8: Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Fira Congress (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
They say this city sizzles and we couldn't agree more. Today it's all yours to explore! For a taste of what you can do, here's just a start of the never-ending list: channel Gaudi at Sagrada Familia, his greatest masterpiece, started in 1882. This labour of love is still not compete, but is still a worthy memory and insta upload. Parc Guell could be next on the list - or maybe take to the backstreets for some endless tapas and paella, washed down with sangria. Fancy cooling down? Head to the golden sands of Barcelona's beach, the cherry on top this incredible city. This evening, it’s time to MAKE TRAVEL MATTER ® in the tastiest way possible – through food of course. You’ll try your hand at cooking, and have dinner at Espai Mescladis, a non-profit whose restaurant is working to foster social cohesion within the city.
Day 9: End Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning our adventure sadly finishes after breakfast, but if you're hungry for more Spanish sun, why not join us for our epic Ibiza & Beyond? See you on the beach?
What's Included
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Meals
2 dinners and 8 breakfasts are included in the tour.
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Accommodation
Accommodation is provided at various hotels including Hotel Genova, AllegroItalia La Spezia, Hotel Venezia, Monsigny Nice, Greet Hotel Marseille Centre Saint Charles, and Fira Congress.
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Rail Pass
A rail pass for unlimited train and hike travel in Cinque Terre is included.
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Sightseeing
Sightseeing tours in Rome, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Nice, Marseille, and Barcelona are included.
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Transport
Travel conveniently by train from Rome to La Spezia, La Spezia to Nice, Nice to Marseille, and Marseille to Barcelona, enjoying scenic coastal views and comfortable rail journeys.
What's Not Included
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Optional Activities
Optional activities such as a boat cruise in Cinque Terre, a bike ride in Nice, and a flamenco show in Barcelona are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel conveniently by train from Rome to La Spezia, La Spezia to Nice, Nice to Marseille, and Marseille to Barcelona, enjoying scenic coastal views and comfortable rail journeys.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at Hotel Genova in Rome, AllegroItalia La Spezia in La Spezia, Hotel Venezia in Cinque Terre, Monsigny Nice in Nice, Greet Hotel Marseille Centre Saint Charles in Marseille, and Fira Congress in Barcelona, or similar accommodations throughout the tour.
Dining Summary
- 2 Dinner (D)
- 8 Breakfast (B)
Foodie
- Rome: Get together with the Contiki crew and enjoy a traditional three-course meal with local specialties. Pasta la vista baby!
Included Experience
- Rome: Stroll around the Italian capital, ticking off some sights on your bucket list!
- Rome: Get together with the Contiki crew and enjoy a traditional three-course meal with local specialties. Pasta la vista baby!
- Cinque Terre National Park: We’ll take care of your rail pass, so you can just zip around the iconic clifftop villages and focus on the Insta stories.
- Monaco City: Walk in the footsteps of Grace Kelly at the Royal Palace and see the Monte Carlo Casino (where the car park looks like a Fast & Furious set).
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour primarily uses trains for transportation, offering scenic coastal views and comfortable rail journeys from Rome to La Spezia, La Spezia to Nice, Nice to Marseille, and Marseille to Barcelona.
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What kind of accommodations can I expect on this tour?
You will stay in comfort at various hotels including Hotel Genova in Rome, AllegroItalia La Spezia in La Spezia, Hotel Venezia in Cinque Terre, Monsigny Nice in Nice, Greet Hotel Marseille Centre Saint Charles in Marseille, and Fira Congress in Barcelona, or similar accommodations throughout the tour.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 2 dinners and 8 breakfasts.
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Is there a rail pass included in the tour?
Yes, a rail pass for unlimited train and hike travel in Cinque Terre is included.
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What sightseeing opportunities are included in the tour?
Sightseeing tours in Rome, La Spezia, Cinque Terre, Nice, Marseille, and Barcelona are included.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, optional activities such as a boat cruise in Cinque Terre, a bike ride in Nice, and a flamenco show in Barcelona are available but not included in the tour price.
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What personal expenses are not included in the tour?
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Is travel insurance included in the tour package?
No, travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Are flights included in the tour package?
No, flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour in Rome?
On the first day in Rome, you will meet your new friends at the hotel, bond over a 3-course Roman dinner, and then head out for a sightseeing tour to check out iconic sites.
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What activities are planned for the day in Cinque Terre?
In Cinque Terre, you will have an unlimited train-and-hike travel card to explore the '5 Lands'. In the evening, you have the option to join a boat cruise to watch the sunset from the sea.
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What can I do during the free time in Nice?
During your free time in Nice, you can soak up some rays on the waterfront, walk along the harbour, explore designer bars and couture shops, or join a bike ride across Nice. You also have the option to visit Monte Carlo casino in Monaco.
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What is the final activity of the tour in Barcelona?
The final activity in Barcelona includes a cooking class and dinner at Espai Mescladis, a non-profit restaurant working to foster social cohesion within the city.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 200 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.
At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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