Original
Explorer
Rail
Paris to Madrid by Rail
8 days • 5
5
Excellent
6 reviews
8 days
Start
Paris, France
Finish
Madrid, Spain
Trip Code
BMSP
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Train, Public bus, Metro, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
From £1,747(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
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 Tuuur 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. Tuuur will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Tuuur Foundation.
Is this trip right for you?
If you love avoiding airport queues this is the trip for you however as public transport is the predominant form of transport on this trip we highly recommend packing as lightly as possible as you will be expected to carry your own bags of buses, trains, etc. as well as to and from your accommodation.
If travelling to Paris from London we highly recommend using the fast Eurostar train from London's St Pancras station. At under 2.5 hours travel time and with no airport queues, this is by far the most convenient travel option.
Itinerary
Discover France and Spain on a public transport-only adventure
Explore some of Europe’s highlights in Spain and France, without the hassle of airport queues or long driving days, with this rail-only eight-day trip from Paris to Madrid. Only using public transport, you’ll get a unique insight into Paris, Nimes, Barcelona and Madrid, with a local leader who knows all the best hidden spots. You’ll taste croissants, tapas and churros, wander through hidden walkways for excellent panoramic views only locals get to see and witness the interesting past of human creative genius with stops at popular landmarks like Sagrada Familia, and Puerta del Sol. Choose to extend your journey and start in the UK, with the optional Eurostar transfer from London to Paris (it only takes 2.5 hours!).
Inclusions
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transport
Train, Public bus, Metro, Taxi
Accommodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Included activities
Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure
Visit Pont du Gard (Museum, Bridge and Swimming Time and Free Time for Lunch)
Sagrada Familia Admission
Churros Stop
Optional activities
Paris - Palace of Versailles - EUR20
Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR16
Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR15
Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
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 - EUR11
Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR12
Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
Barcelona - Guell Palace - EUR12
Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13
Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR12
Madrid - Museo Taurino - EUR15
Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99
Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. On this trip we aim to use 'fast' and direct trains as much as possible (e.g. TGV) but there may be times when these services are unavailable, leading to the use of a slower alternative train/s.
2. A Single Supplement is available on this trip, please ask your booking agent for more information.
Reviews (6)
5 stars
6
Lisa
Apr 19, 2025
The trip was very close as described. Accommodations where clean and for the most part in central areas to allow walking. Public transportation (train, bus, and subway) is used for everything. It was great to see 4 different cities in 8 days. With a good mix of leader organized walking versus free time. I would recommend this trip for anyway wanting to explore several places in 1 trip.
Manuel
Apr 15, 2025
Maria
Apr 15, 2025
Jessica
Oct 19, 2024
If you want to see a lot in a short time, this trip is great! Excellent way to explore for a day or two in each location with a balanced amount of included activities and free time. Travel to every location is by public transport, so be ready to carry your bags on trains, metros, and buses (including up/down stairs at these stations).
Qinghong
Apr 20, 2024
As my 1st ever trip to Europe as a solo traveler, choosing Intrepid is the best decision I made! The experience was amazing beyond my imagination. Thanks to Intrepid, I’m now excited to explore the world with great anticipation and little fear.
David
Apr 20, 2024
An awesome rail trip visiting two of the grand capitals of Europe.
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