Paris to Madrid by Rail

Price
From NZD $4,331
Meals
7 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Transportation
Train, Public bus, Metro, Taxi
Accomodation
Hotel (7 nights)
Destinations
Spain, France
Theme
Explorer, Rail
Minimum Age
15
Trip Type
Group Tours

Overview

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!).

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 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.

Day 01 :

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

Dinner

Special information

If you’re travelling from or through the United Kingdom, you can add an optional train journey from London to Paris to kick off your journey, making for one epic carbon-friendly and flight-free adventure. Speak with your booking agent to find out more.

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Day 02 :

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.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast

Included activities

Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure

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 - EUR17
Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25

Special information

If you are interested in visiting the Eiffel Tower, we strongly suggest planning your visit for today afternoon and pre-booking your tickets at https://ticket.toureiffel.paris/fr

Day 03 :

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

Breakfast

Optional activities

La Maison Carrée (Roman Temple) - EUR6
Roman Amphitheatre of Nîmes - EUR10

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Day 04 :

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.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast

Included activities

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

Optional activities

Pont du Gard Kayaking - EUR13

Day 05 :

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

Breakfast
Dinner

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Day 06 :

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.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast

Included activities

Sagrada Familia Admission

Optional activities

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

Day 07 :

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.

Accommodation

Hotel (1 night)

Meals

Breakfast

Included activities

Churros Stop

Special information

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Day 08 :

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

Breakfast

Optional activities

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

FAQs

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Is this trip right for you?

Please keep your luggage as small and light as possible. You’ll be travelling on public transport where storage space is limited. You’ll need to be able to lift your luggage into storage racks, walk across cobblestone streets with it and carry it up and down stairs.
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.

Visas

Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The “Add connection” feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights)

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.

Joining point

Hôtel André Latin
50 Rue Gay-Lussac Paris 75005 FRANCE

Description

Located between the Luxembourg Gardens and the Pantheon, the majestic Hôtel André Latin is set amid the picturesque streets and universities in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, recognized as the oldest area in the capital. After months of study and renovations, André Latin unveils its new world and opens the doors to its dandyish hotel in honor of André, grandfather of the owners and 19th century dandy. The hotel features 24hr reception, luggage storage, a bar, and free & unlimited WiFi. Each room features a retro-chic look bathroom with shower or bathtub, double glazed windows, thick and blackout velvet curtains, and high quality bedding and are equipped with Air conditioning or heating depending on the season, a hair dryer, USB Plug, Organic toiletries and 100% cotton bed linen.

Instructions

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The hotel is easily accessible by public transport, being a 7 min walk from the nearby Luxembourg Train Station or an 11 min walk from the Port-Royal station (both on the RER Line B line).
If arriving by Eurostar from London into Paris’ Gare du Nord station take RER line B (Saint-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse) 3 stops/approx. 7 mins to Luxembourg Train Station. Walk south on Blvd Saint-Michel (approx 100m), then turn left onto Rue de l’Abbe de l’Epee (approx. 300m) then turn right onto Rue Gay-Lussac. The hotel is on the right hand side just past the intersection.
If arriving from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport you can take RER B Line directly from the airport to Luxembourg Train Station, then follow the instructions above to walk to the hotel. If arriving from Orly Airport, take the Orlybus to
Denfert-Rochereau – Métro-RER (approx. 28 mins), take Bus 38 (direction La Chapelle – Arena) 5 min (4 stops) then alight at Auguste Comte bus stop. the hotel is an approx. 5 min, 350 m walk from there.

The closest Metro station is Cluny-La Sorbonne (Metro Line 10), a 15 min walk from the hotel.

TAXI
Taxis are usually available from all main Paris stations but driving times vary dramatically depending on the tine of day. Estimated travel times from the main stations are as follows: Gare de l’Est – 20 mins, Gare de Lyon – 20 mins, Gare de d’Austerlitz – 15 mins, Gare de Nord – 20 mins, Gare Montparnasse – 10 mins, Gare Saint Lazare – 20 mins. Taxis to Aéroport Charles de Gaulle are approximately 45 min, and Aéroport Orly approx. 25 min.

Alternate joining point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.
23 May 2026 (BMSP260523)

Hôtel Paris Lafayette
23 rue des Messageries Paris 75010 FRANCE

Description

Hotel Paris La Fayette is a 3-star hotel located in the heart of Paris. Nestled on the peaceful Rue des Messageries, it offers a perfect base for exploring the city. Start your day with a French breakfast featuring artisanal jams and pure Arabica coffee, enjoyed in a bright, glass-roofed room. Recently renovated, the hotel features natural materials and plant-inspired designs, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Instructions

23 Rue des Messageries, 75010 Paris, Francia +33 1 48 00 00 11

Physical rating

This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness. Some trips may have individual inclusions that may be of a higher physical rating compared to the overall rating of the trip. Please read the day-to-day itinerary carefully to find out more details on each day’s activities, and whether they are suitable for you. Activities can be opted out of if you don’t want to participate.

EXPLORING EUROPEAN CITIES
One of the pleasures of travelling in Europe is the ease at which cities can be explored on foot. On most trips, our leader will take you on frequent orientation walks, and you will be able to further explore in your own time. We recommend you pack comfortable walking shoes for this trip. Many of our customers are surprised at how much they end up walking, however this is entirely up to you, and public transport to take you back to our accommodation is never far away.

Tis trips features a high proportion of public transport, and as such you will be expected to be able to carry your bags unaided on and off vehicles, trains, etc.

Problems and emergency contact information

While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid’s Local Operator: +34 960 25 61 55