Paris to Madrid by Rail

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Explorer Guided and Escorted

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Paris, France

Ends

Madrid, Spain

Highlights

Skip the airport queues on this railway journey through France and Spain, discovering iconic sites and local secrets via trains and public transport.

Explore Paris' Montmartre area – a favourite for artists for generations. See where Van Gogh and Picasso used to live and take hidden walkways to secret viewpoints that only locals know.

Indulge in buttery croissants in Paris, taste Spain’s favourite dessert (churros) in Madrid and enjoy a tapas dinner in Barcelona where you can rub shoulders with the locals and toast to a sense of community.

By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, Fonds de Dotation Les Extraordinaires, which promotes inclusive work environments for people with mental disabilities in France. Our partnership will support the operation of their inclusive restaurant in Paris, Le Reflet. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Itinerary

Let the rails whisk you through Europe’s cultural capitals on the 'Paris to Madrid by Rail' trip. Over 8 days, this guided explorer tour connects Paris, Nimes, Barcelona, and Madrid, offering a seamless journey free from airport hassle. With a local guide, uncover hidden viewpoints, savor croissants and tapas, and visit architectural marvels like Sagrada Familia and Puerta del Sol.

All transport is via public train, providing a unique, insider’s perspective on each city. Optional Eurostar transfer from London is available for those who want to extend the adventure. The unique selling point? Immersive, stress-free travel that lets you connect with the essence of France and Spain, one train ride at a time.

day 1 - Paris

Bonjour! Welcome to Paris, the City of Lights. Your trip kicks off with a welcome meeting at your hotel at 6 pm. After you meet your fellow travellers and trip leader, you’ll head out for included welcome dinner at one of the very special restaurants. Afterwards, explore the surrounding neighbourhoods and discover why this city is known for its romantic appeal.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Dinner

day 2 - Paris

This morning after breakfast, you’ll hop on local transport to Montmartre – one of the most romantic enclaves within Paris, over 2000 years old. Discover the squares, churches and why this district has been popular with artists for generations on an included Urban Adventure tour. Starting with a deliciously buttery croissant, your local guide will take you past the homes of Van Gogh and Picasso to a secret spot with awesome panoramic views. Discover the Sacre-Coeur Basilica from a unique perspective and the last remaining vineyard in Paris (maybe grab a glass of wine here if the mood calls). If you’d wish, end your walk by joining the locals for an optional lunch at a typical French brasserie that serves up all the delicious traditional specialities of the regions of France - sit back and enjoy the Parisian ambiance as well as the excellent food. This afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Paris as you wish. Maybe head to the iconic Louvre or climb the Eiffel Tower to tick some major sites off the bucket list.

included:Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 3 - Nimes

This morning, you’ll have some breakfast then leave Paris behind. Take a fast train to Nimes – a city in the south of France known for its well-preserved Roman monuments, left over from the Roman Empire. When you arrive, enjoy free time to explore and find some lunch and then head out on a leader-led walking tour. Marvel at the exterior of the Arena of Nimes – a magnificent Roman amphitheatre from 70 AD. Imagine the ancient spectacles that took place here and enjoy the panoramic views from the top, before heading to the Maison Carree – a remarkably well-preserved Roman temple. Admire the intricate facade and maybe visit the museum inside to learn more about its history. Continue to Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle – a lively square surrounded by beautiful buildings. This is a great spot to soak in the local atmosphere and people-watch. Walk past Nimes Cathedral, Jardins de la Fontaine and Place d'Assas – a charming square full of cafes and shops. Maybe find the perfect spot to sit and people-watch here, as you wait for sunset.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 4 - Nimes

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then head out on a day trip by public bus to Pont du Gard. This magnificent aqueduct bridge spans the Gardon River and is a marvel of Roman engineering. You can walk across the bridge and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Explore the site’s museum for an insight into the history of the aqueduct, explore the exhibits and learn about its significance during the Roman era. The Pont du Gard is located on the Gardon River, and there are designated areas where you can swim to cool off. If the weather calls for it, consider renting a kayak and seeing the bridge from a different perspective. Maybe bring along a picnic or some snacks to enjoy by the riverside. This afternoon, you’ll take the bus back to Nimes, where you can spend the rest of the day however you wish.

included:Visit Pont du Gard (Museum, Bridge and Swimming Time and Free Time for Lunch)

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 5 - Barcelona

Today morning, take a fast train to Barcelona – the capital and largest city of Catalonia in Spain. When you arrive, you’ll head to a group dinner at a local tapas restaurant. Enjoy an array of delectable small plates that represent the very heart of Spanish cuisine. From perfectly grilled chorizo to refreshing gazpacho, these dishes celebrate the diversity and the richness of local ingredients. Sharing dishes with your group and with the locals fosters a sense of community that lies at the centre of tapas culture. Raise your glass to the beauty of Spanish food and friendship as you get to know the locals and feast on endless delights.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner

day 6 - Barcelona

After breakfast this morning, you’ll head out on a leader-led walking tour of Barcelona. See some of the city's main sights, including a visit to Antonio Gaudi's incredible La Sagrada Familia Cathedral. The architect worked on this hugely ambitious project for decades until his death, and it remains in constant construction. Along with the Camp Nou football stadium, it’s possibly the city's most iconic landmark. Gaudi was the master of the unique Catalan Modernista architecture that Barcelona is known for, and his work is dotted all over the city. Maybe check out the Neo-Gothic mansion of Guell Palace, or the wave-inspired structure of Casa Batlo this afternoon. For more insight into the artist himself, head to the Gaudi House Museum inside Parc Guell, home to a long, mosaic-covered bench overlooking the city. Tonight, maybe finish the day with a sip of red wine from a porro – a traditional glass pitcher.

included:Sagrada Familia Admission

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 7 - Madrid

Have breakfast at your hotel and then hop on another train towards Madrid. When you arrive, head on an orientation walk that will introduce you to the city's most iconic landmarks. Discover the bustling Puerta del Sol – the symbolic centre of Madrid. Admire the iconic Tio Pepe sign, the statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree (the city's emblem) and the impressive Plaza Mayor – a historic square surrounded by stunning architecture. Take note of Mercado de San Miguel – a gourmet food market where you can sample tapas, fresh seafood and local delicacies – you might want to return here later! Try some delicious churros along the way and then continue to the Royal Palace – an architectural marvel and testament to Madrid's royal history – and the Almudena Cathedral. Maybe step inside for a moment of tranquillity and end in the bustling Gran Via. Tonight, maybe ask your leader for the best dinner spots and join your group for a celebratory farewell dinner.

included:Churros Stop

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

meals:1 Breakfast

day 8 - Madrid

With no more activities planned, your trip comes to an end after breakfast today. Maybe keep the journey going and take a train to another Spanish hotspot. If you’d like to stay on longer, just speak to your booking agent.

meals:1 Breakfast

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What's Included

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

Meals

7 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners

Transport

Train, Public bus, Metro, Taxi

Guide

An expert tour leader

Included Activities

Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban AdventureVisit Pont du Gard (Museum, Bridge and Swimming Time and Free Time for Lunch)Sagrada Familia AdmissionChurros Stop

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

Tour Availability

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Good to Know

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