Intrepid Travel · Escorted small group tour

Paris to Madrid by Rail

Paris to Madrid by Rail, a rail journey with Intrepid Travel

Take a flight-free trip through some of Europe's favourite cities – Paris, Nimes, Barcelona and Madrid on this train and bus-only journey from France to Spain.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Paris

    Paris

    Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights. Your trip kicks off with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm. After meeting your fellow travellers and trip leader, head out for an included welcome dinner at one of the very special restaurants. Afterwards, explore the surrounding neighbourhoods. Optional: Uncommon Paris Urban Adventure (must be prebooked, EUR 55). Note: If travelling from the UK, you can add an optional Eurostar train from London to Paris. Attend the welcome meeting as insurance and emergency contact details will be collected.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Paris

    Paris

    After breakfast, hop on local transport to Montmartre for an included Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure guided tour. Starting with a buttery croissant, your local guide takes you past the homes of Van Gogh and Picasso to a secret panoramic viewpoint, the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the last remaining vineyard in Paris. Optional lunch at a typical French brasserie. Free time in the afternoon to explore Paris – consider visiting the Louvre, Eiffel Tower or other iconic sites.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Nimes

    Nimes

    After breakfast, take a fast train (~4 hours) to Nimes in the south of France, known for its well-preserved Roman monuments. Enjoy free time to explore and find lunch, then join a leader-led walking tour. See the Arena of Nimes (Roman amphitheatre, 70 AD), Maison Carree (Roman temple), Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle, Nimes Cathedral, Jardins de la Fontaine and Place d'Assas.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4overnight: Nimes

    Nimes

    After breakfast, take a day trip by public bus to Pont du Gard – a magnificent Roman aqueduct bridge spanning the Gardon River. Walk across the bridge, explore the museum, swim in the Gardon River (designated areas), and optionally rent a kayak (EUR 13). Bring a picnic or snacks to enjoy by the riverside. Return by bus to Nimes in the afternoon for free time.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5railovernight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Take a fast train (~4 hours) to Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia. On arrival, head to a group dinner at a local tapas restaurant – enjoy an array of small plates including grilled chorizo, gazpacho and more, sharing dishes with your group and locals.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    After breakfast, join a leader-led walking tour of Barcelona including a visit to Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia Cathedral (admission included). Explore Gaudí's Catalan Modernista architecture around the city. Optional afternoon visits to Guell Palace, Casa Batllo, Parc Guell and the Gaudi House Museum. Tonight, enjoy a glass of red wine from a porro – a traditional glass pitcher.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7railovernight: Madrid

    Madrid

    After breakfast, take a train (~3 hours) to Madrid. On arrival, join an orientation walk covering Puerta del Sol (symbolic centre of Madrid), the iconic Tio Pepe sign, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, Plaza Mayor, Mercado de San Miguel, the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, and Gran Via. Try churros along the way. Tonight, ask your leader for the best dinner spots and join your group for a celebratory farewell dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8rail

    Madrid

    No more activities planned. Your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. Consider extending your journey and taking a train to another Spanish destination.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 2 dinners (welcome dinner Day 1, tapas dinner Day 5)
  • Hotel accommodation (7 nights)
  • Paris – Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure (included guided tour)
  • Visit to Pont du Gard (museum, bridge, swimming time and free time for lunch)
  • Sagrada Familia admission
  • Churros stop in Madrid
  • Local leader throughout
  • All transport by train, public bus, metro and taxi as per itinerary

Not included

  • International flights
  • Optional Eurostar transfer from London to Paris
  • Single supplement (available on request, from AUD $1,430)
  • Optional activities and entrance fees
  • Lunches (except where noted as free time)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas (where required)
  • Personal expenses

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