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Eurailing Packages · Self-guided rail holiday

Spirit of Europe

Self-guided rail journey through Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid

Illustration of Spirit of Europe

Spirit of Europe is a self-guided 11-day rail journey operated by Eurailing Packages through four Western European capitals: Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. The trip connects these cities on three high-speed trains: the Thalys from Amsterdam to Paris, the TGV from Paris to Barcelona, and Spain's AVE from Barcelona to Madrid. Your accommodation and all rail tickets are pre-arranged. You navigate each destination independently, supported by a dedicated app and 24/7 phone support. The base package includes a hostel dorm bed; hotel upgrades are available. This trip suits independent-minded first-time rail travellers and budget-conscious explorers who want the structure of booked trains and rooms without a tour group. You'll have free time to cycle Amsterdam's canals, visit the Eiffel Tower, explore Gaudí's architecture, and experience Madrid's cultural scene at your own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The base package includes hostel dorm accommodation; hotel and private room upgrades cost extra (from £150 to £250 per person).
  • No day-by-day itinerary is published; confirm how many nights you spend in each city and what included activities, if any, are offered before booking.
  • Self-guided means no organized tours or local hosts; you arrange your own sightseeing in each destination.

Included

  • Rail tickets for journeys throughout Netherlands, France & Spain
  • High-speed rail connections named on this itinerary: Thalys (Amsterdam-Paris), TGV (Paris-Barcelona), Spain's AVE (Barcelona-Madrid)
  • Pre-arranged mandatory seat/cabin reservations
  • Quality accommodation each night (style selected at booking; hostel dorm is the base/included option)
  • Round-the-clock (24/7) professional travel support
  • Dedicated EurailingPackages travel app (itinerary, tickets, guides, offline access)
  • Digital check-in services and accommodation directions via the app
  • Secure luggage storage access
  • Complimentary WiFi at accommodations
  • ABTOT financial protection

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The package includes all rail tickets and pre-arranged seat reservations on the Thalys (Amsterdam to Paris), TGV (Paris to Barcelona), and AVE (Barcelona to Madrid) high-speed trains.
Is this an escorted or self-guided tour?
Self-guided. Eurailing Packages provides 24/7 phone and app support, an offline itinerary guide, and luggage storage access, but no tour manager or local host accompanies you.
What accommodation is included?
The base price includes a hostel dorm bed each night. You can upgrade to a private hostel room (from £150 per person) or a 3 to 4-star hotel (from £250 per person) at booking.
What is not included?
Meals are not mentioned in the package. Optional activities such as the Eiffel Tower ascent and Gaudí tours are not included and cost extra.
When does this trip run?
The operator does not specify departure dates or seasons. Contact Eurailing Packages directly to check availability.
What support is available while traveling?
Round-the-clock professional travel support via phone and the dedicated Eurailing Packages app, which includes offline access to your itinerary, tickets, guides, and accommodation directions.

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