• Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • Trip Excludes
  • Hotels

Western Europe Tour: Amsterdam to Paris and Madrid

Prepare for an unforgettable 11-day journey by rail through four of Europe’s most iconic cultural capitals with our Western Europe Tour. From the charming canals of Amsterdam to the timeless romance of Paris, the quirky artistic flair of Barcelona, and the soulful energy of Madrid – this carefully curated tour allows you to experience the unique magic of each city.

Imagine strolling through Amsterdam’s canal-lined streets and cozy brown cafes one day, then exploring the medieval quarters and chic boulevards of Paris the next. In Barcelona, the vivid Gaudi creations, buzzing tapas bars, and lively atmosphere will dazzle your senses before you experience Madrid’s stately plazas, passionate cultural traditions, and soulful culinary scene.

We’ve designed your adventure with a focus on authentic cultural immersion and luxurious comfort every step of the way. While your journey maintains a continuous and unimpeded flow between cities aboard comfortable high-speed rail, we’ll handle all the logistics. You’re free to fully immerse yourself in the cultural experiences that most inspire you.

What your itinerary will look like:

Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrive in Amsterdam

Welcome to the Netherlands! After checking into your hotel for two nights, get oriented in this picturesque Dutch city by joining a canal cruise that passes iconic 17th-century merchant houses and leaning gabled buildings. [Night in Amsterdam]

Day 2

Discover Amsterdam

Spend today experiencing the highlights of Amsterdam through its world-class museums like the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. Be sure to also wander through charming neighborhoods like the Jordaan and see lively Dam Square. [Night in Amsterdam]

Day 3

Travel to Paris

Leave Amsterdam after breakfast and take the train to Paris, France. After checking into your hotel for three nights, spend your afternoon strolling along the iconic Champs-Élysées and seeing the Arc de Triomphe up close. [Night in Paris]

Day 4

The Louvre and Eiffel Tower

No visit to Paris is complete without seeing the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower. Start your day at the Louvre to admire legendary works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. Then head to the Trocadéro for fantastic views of the Iron Lady herself. [Night in Paris]

Day 5

Montmartre and the Left Bank

Spend the morning in the charming Montmartre neighborhood, strolling through Place du Tertre and seeing the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. In the afternoon, cross to the Left Bank's Latin Quarter to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral and browse the bouquiniste bookseller stalls. [Night in Paris]

Day 6

Travel to Barcelona

Leave Paris after breakfast and take your train to the Catalan city of Barcelona. After checking into your hotel for two nights, you could begin exploring by wandering down the iconic Las Ramblas pedestrian boulevard. [Night in Barcelona]

Day 7

Barcelona's Architecture

Today, experience the incredible architectural heritage of Barcelona by visiting some of the iconic works by Antoni Gaudí like the unfinished Sagrada Familia basilica, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló. You may also enjoy walking through the atmospheric Gothic Quarter. [Night in Barcelona]

Day 8

Journey to Madrid

Leave Barcelona after breakfast and take a high-speed train to the Spanish capital of Madrid. After checking into your hotel for three nights, set out to explore sights like the Plaza Mayor and the Puerta del Sol in the evening. [Night in Madrid]

Day 9

Madrid's Art Museums

With a full day in Madrid, devote some time to its world-renowned art museums. Must-sees include the Prado Museum's masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, and more, as well as the modern greats at the Reina Sofía Museum. You could also stroll through the Retiro Park. [Night in Madrid]

Day 10

More of Madrid

On your second day in Madrid, experience other top attractions like the Royal Palace, seeing a traditional flamenco show, exploring the atmospheric La Latina neighborhood, or taking a food tour to sample Spain's incredible cuisine and drink scene. [Night in Madrid]

Day 11

Depart Madrid

On your final morning in the Spanish capital, visit any sights you may have missed or do some last-minute shopping and souvenir hunting before departing for your next destination. You could also squeeze in one final tapas crawl.

Your rail adventure and hotel package includes: 

  • Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey. 
  • First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating. 
  • 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience. 
  • Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options. 
  • Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience. 

Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include: 

  • International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights. 
  • Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs. 
  • Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility. 
  • Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.  
  • Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered. 
  • Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion. 
  • Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included. 

 

Important Notes 

  • Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler. 
  • Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.  
  • Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. 
  • Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package. 

All our hotel options have been carefully selected, conveniently located near the train station for your comfort.

Amsterdam

Our Included Favourite

NH City Centre

Family friendly

On-site fitness area

Popular Alternative

Hotel V Frederiksplein

Intimate, laid-back atmosphere

Family friendly

Luxe Alternative

WestCord City Centre Hotel Amsterdam

Rooms with City View

Sunny terrace

Paris

Our Included Favourite

Bloom House Hotel & SPA

Wellness area with spa, swimming pool and sauna

Lounge bar

Popular Alternative

Hotel Aida Marais Printania

Breakfast buffet

Quality awarded hotel

Luxe Alternative

25 hours Terminus Nord

As colourful as an African bazaar

Offers bike tours

Barcelona

Our Included Favourite

Bcn Urbany Hotels Gran Rosellon

Panoramic terraces

Rooftop with a pool

Popular Alternative

Hotel Catalonia Roma

Sunny terrace with pool

Breakfast buffet

Luxe Alternative

Park Hotel Barcelona

Rooftop pool

Award winning chef cousine

Madrid

Our Included Favourite

NH Collection Madrid Gran Vía

Soundproofed rooms

Sky Bar

Popular Alternative

NH Madrid Atocha

Breakfast buffet

Recently renovated rooms decked out in a pastel color scheme

Luxe Alternative

Hard Rock Hotel Madrid

Rooftop terrace

Rockstar experiences