Madrid to Barcelona Extension Questions

[mkerner]

We will be doing the Mediterranean Odyssey in October 2021. I was wondering if the train from Madrid to Barcelona at the end of the pre-cruise is a high-speed train?  Thanks.

[Squawkman]

21 minutes ago, mkerner said:

We will be doing the Mediterranean Odyssey in October 2021. I was wondering if the train from Madrid to Barcelona at the end of the pre-cruise is a high-speed train?  Thanks.

I assume you are taking the  Viking extension. Yes - high speed and first class including food, wine and beer, etc. 

Edited January 27, 2020 by Squawkman
Spelling

[mkerner]

2 hours ago, Squawkman said:

I assume you are taking the  Viking extension. Yes - high speed and first class including food, wine and beer, etc. 

Yes - we would be doing it through Viking.  Thank you..

[Peregrina651]

2 hours ago, mkerner said:

Yes - we would be doing it through Viking.  Thank you..

 

But they give you so little time to explore the city, the afternoon when you arrive and then one full day. I know that some people are happier letting Viking take care of everything and don't worry about these things, but if you have the time and you feel comfortable doing it, plan your own stay.

 

You can still use Viking Air for you flights; it will cost you an extra $150pp but even with this charge included you can do more nights for the same amount of money that Viking is charging is charging for 2.

 

[Cyber Kat]

3 hours ago, Peregrina651 said:

 

But they give you so little time to explore the city, the afternoon when you arrive and then one full day. I know that some people are happier letting Viking take care of everything and don't worry about these things, but if you have the time and you feel comfortable doing it, plan your own stay.

 

You can still use Viking Air for you flights; it will cost you an extra $150pp but even with this charge included you can do more nights for the same amount of money that Viking is charging is charging for 2.

 

LOL we are doing Barcelona to Madrid after our Trade Routes cruise specially for the train ride.  We’re rail fans who are quite happy letting Viking handle the details (and the luggage!) so we can enjoy the ride!

[Squawkman]

We did the Viking pre-cruise Madrid extension in November and it was perfect for us. One couple in this group booked an extra night or two at the same hotel (Intercontinental) before the rest of the group arrived. I have no idea how they arranged air travel and transfers, but they were with us from our first day in Madrid straight through embarkation in Barcelona. This might be an option to consider. I also want to mention the local guide we had for the walking tour and Prado (using whispers) was excellent as was the Viking tour director stationed at the hotel. He also escorted us to the train terminal where another Viking staff person went to Barcelona with us. 

[Peregrina651]

5 hours ago, Squawkman said:

I have no idea how they arranged air travel and transfers,

 

It is very easy to do. For air travel, pay the deviation fee to Viking and picked when you wanted to arrive. For transfers, it is easy enough to take a cab. It is a 20 minute ride.