Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Others

Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure Visit Pont du Gard (Museum, Bridge and Swimming Time and Free Time for Lunch) Sagrada Familia Admission Churros Stop

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION: The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances. CHECK-IN TIME: Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination. PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION: If you’ve purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights. FACILITIES: Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don’t provide kettles or fridges. Hotel (7 nights)

Transport

TRANSPORT IN EUROPE: Half the fun of travel is the travelling itself, that’s why we like to travel the local way – whether that means mingling with commuters on a local train, watching the scenery roll by from the window of a long distance bus, arriving on a high speed train in the city centre of your next destination, or navigating each city’s public transport system. In Europe, you are guaranteed to travel by genuine local public transport wherever possible, which puts you right in the centre of the action. Train , Public bus , Metro , Taxi

Guide

All Intrepid group trips in Europe are accompanied by one of our local European group leaders. ’Local’ in this context means a leader who is European or lives in Europe. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader takes care of logistics, will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we also aim to support local guides in the individual cities or locations we travel to. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend an optional local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Paris - Palace of Versailles - EUR20 Paris - Louvre Museum - EUR15 Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR12 Paris - Musee d’Orsay - EUR14 Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR10 Paris - Napoleon’s Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR11 Paris - Eiffel Tower - EUR19 Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25 La Maison Carrée (Roman Temple) - EUR6 Roman Amphitheatre of Nîmes - EUR10 Pont du Gard Kayaking - EUR13 Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12 Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6 Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7 Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR14 Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR9 Barcelona - Andean-Amazonian Ethnographic Museum - Free Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR10 Barcelona - Casa Batllo - EUR24 Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12 Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR12 Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15 Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR10 Madrid - Museo Taurino - EUR15 Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6 Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR82 Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR11

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 2 Day 2: Paris
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 3 Day 3: Nimes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 4 Day 4: Nimes
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 5 Day 5: Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 6 Day 6: Barcelona
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 7 Day 7: Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.
Day 8 Day 8: Madrid
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

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.

8 days tour

Paris To Madrid By Rail

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Paris To Madrid By Rail

Day 1: Paris

Day 2: Paris

Day 3: Nimes

Day 4: Nimes

Day 5: Barcelona

Day 6: Barcelona

Day 7: Madrid

Day 8: Madrid

Experience Style

Accomodation level

Experience Type

Physical Rating

Age range

Who talk about us:

Best cities to travel to

America

Europe

Asia

Africa

Oceania