How much does it cost?

From A$3,171 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,274 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is this an escorted tour?

Yes. Intrepid Travel provides a local leader throughout the eight days, included guided tours in Paris and Barcelona, and group dinners on Days 1 and 5.

Which trains are used?

Paris to Nimes is by TGV or a fast train (approximately four hours); Nimes to Barcelona is by fast train (approximately four hours); Barcelona to Madrid is by fast train (approximately three hours). An optional Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris is also available.

What hotels are included?

Hôtel André Latin in Paris for two nights; unspecified hotels in Nimes (two nights), Barcelona (two nights), and Madrid (one night) are confirmed, though the operator does not name all properties in advance.

What meals are included?

Seven breakfasts, a welcome dinner in Paris on Day 1, and a group tapas dinner in Barcelona on Day 5 are included. Lunches are not included, though the itinerary includes free time to find meals in most cities.

Intrepid Travel · Escorted small group tour

Paris to Madrid by Rail

Eight-day Paris to Madrid by train and public transport through France and Spain

Intrepid Travel's eight-day Paris to Madrid tour is a flight-free escorted journey through France and Spain using only trains and public buses. A local leader accompanies the group throughout, guiding included walking tours in Montmartre, Barcelona, and Madrid, and leading free time exploration in Nimes and beyond. The route begins with two nights in Paris, where you'll meet fellow travellers at a welcome dinner and visit the homes and studios of Van Gogh and Picasso. From there, fast trains carry the group to Nimes to see Roman monuments and make a day trip to the Pont du Gard aqueduct for swimming or kayaking. Barcelona follows with a tour of Antoni Gaudí's still-unfinished Sagrada Familia cathedral and time to explore Catalan Modernista architecture. The journey concludes in Madrid with an orientation walk covering Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace, and stops for traditional churros. With seven included breakfasts and two group dinners featuring regional specialties, this tour suits first-time rail travellers, history enthusiasts, and food lovers seeking a structured, transport-focused introduction to Western Europe's major cities.

Price history

Across 4 checks, this price has fallen A$557 since 4 Jul, to A$3,171.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 1 of 4 point is a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

One reading is held out of the price above and this history: a unknown. We only price on the operator's package from-price, read from its own page.

What to know before you look closer

Single supplement is high: AUD $1,430 (over 38 percent of the double-occupancy price from AUD $3,728), making solo travel significantly more expensive.
Most lunches are not included; the itinerary lists free time to find lunch in Nimes and Barcelona, though a picnic is suggested for Pont du Gard.
Intrepid's published price is in AUD; USD equivalent is USD $2,587, and availability is limited to three departures in September and October 2026.

Day by day

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

The moments this trip is built around

Day 2Day 2: Hidden Montmartre guided tour with a local guide, starting with a buttery croissant and passing the homes of Van Gogh and Picasso to reach a secret panoramic viewpoint overlooking the Sacre-Coeur Basilica and the last remaining vineyard in Paris.
Day 4Day 4: Day trip by public bus to Pont du Gard, a Roman aqueduct bridge spanning the Gardon River. Walk across the bridge, explore the museum, and swim in designated areas of the river.
Day 6Day 6: Leader-led walking tour of Barcelona's Catalan Modernista architecture, including admission to Antoni Gaudí's La Sagrada Familia Cathedral.
Day 7Day 7: Orientation walk in Madrid covering Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, Gran Via, and a stop for churros.

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

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From A$3,171 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $2,274 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is this an escorted tour?: Yes. Intrepid Travel provides a local leader throughout the eight days, included guided tours in Paris and Barcelona, and group dinners on Days 1 and 5.
Which trains are used?: Paris to Nimes is by TGV or a fast train (approximately four hours); Nimes to Barcelona is by fast train (approximately four hours); Barcelona to Madrid is by fast train (approximately three hours). An optional Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris is also available.
What hotels are included?: Hôtel André Latin in Paris for two nights; unspecified hotels in Nimes (two nights), Barcelona (two nights), and Madrid (one night) are confirmed, though the operator does not name all properties in advance.
What meals are included?: Seven breakfasts, a welcome dinner in Paris on Day 1, and a group tapas dinner in Barcelona on Day 5 are included. Lunches are not included, though the itinerary includes free time to find meals in most cities.