Iconic 18th-century square reflected in the world's largest reflecting pool
Cité du Vin
Spectacular wine museum and cultural centre in flowing contemporary architecture on the Garonne
winearchitectureUNESCO
More about Bordeaux
Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world, has been transformed from a soot-darkened port into one of France's most attractive cities. Bordeaux Saint-Jean station connects to Paris by TGV (2h04), Toulouse (2h05), and the wider French rail network. The high-speed line opened in 2017 put Bordeaux within easy day-trip reach of Paris.
One of the world's finest art collections with Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco masterpieces
Reina Sofía Museum
Home to Picasso's Guernica and outstanding modern and contemporary art
artfoodnightlife
More about Madrid
Madrid, Spain's capital, is a vibrant metropolis renowned for world-class art, lively nightlife, and passionate culture. Madrid Atocha station, with its iconic tropical garden hall, is the hub for AVE high-speed trains reaching Barcelona (2.5 hours), Seville (2.5 hours), Valencia, Málaga, and other Spanish cities at speeds up to 310 km/h. Madrid Chamartín handles trains to northern Spain and future connections to France.
Our own photograph
— Simon Harper, co-founder of Conductor Sam
5dayExplore
Barcelona
Spain
Sagrada Família
Gaudí's unfinished masterpiece basilica
Park Güell
Whimsical mosaic-covered park with city views
architectureartbeach
More about Barcelona
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, is a vibrant Mediterranean city perfectly suited for rail travelers. Arriving at the magnificent Barcelona Sants or França stations, you'll find yourself in a city that masterfully blends Gothic quarters with modernist architecture, pristine beaches with urban culture, and traditional tapas bars with cutting-edge cuisine. The compact, walkable city center and excellent metro system make it easy to explore without a car.
Iconic seafront boulevard curving along the Baie des Anges with belle-époque splendour
Vieux Nice (Old Town)
Baroque labyrinth of narrow streets with Cours Saleya flower and food market
beachartfood
More about Nice
Nice, the jewel of the French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), basks in Mediterranean sunshine between azure seas and the foothills of the Alps. Nice-Ville station connects to Paris via TGV (5h30), Marseille (2h30), Monaco (20 min by TER), Genoa and Milan, and the spectacular scenic Train des Merveilles to Tende in the Alpine hinterland.
Michelangelo's ceiling and vast papal art collections
ancientartarchitecture
More about Rome
Rome, the Eternal City and capital of Italy, stands as one of Europe's most magnificent rail destinations. Arriving at Roma Termini—Italy's largest and busiest railway station—you step directly into the heart of ancient history, with the Baths of Diocletian just across the square and the Colosseum a short walk away. The city's compact historic center makes it ideal for exploring on foot, while an efficient metro system connects major sites.
Links use each city’s main station where matched. Check the stations and any connections before booking. Unmatched sections are omitted; these are route searches, not confirmed direct trains. Partner links may earn us a commission.
Before you book: stations, trains and food
How a rail pass fits this trip
This outline has 10 days with travel or an excursion: day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4, day 5, day 6, day 7, day 8, day 9, day 10. That is a planning count, not a confirmed number of pass days. Optional excursions, uncovered transport and night-train departure times can change it.
A pass travel day can cover several participating trains. Compare the pass plus reservation fees with individual tickets for the dates you actually travel.
When to compare a Global Pass
A multi-country route is a useful starting point for comparing an Interrail or Eurail Global Pass. Check participating operators and your country of residence; Interrail’s home-country use is limited to an outbound and an inbound journey.
When individual tickets can help
Price the shorter hops separately. A cheap ticket can let you save a flexible pass day for a longer journey. Compare Sam’s tickets with Trainline and Omio, including their fees and refund conditions.
Check services and reservations for your dates before booking. We may earn commission from Trainline, Omio and Stay22 links. Passes and tickets bought through Sam have their own checkout terms.
Your route. Sam handles the details.
Conductor Sam is an agent for European rail. You name the places
you want to see; it works out the legs, the changes and the
awkward gaps, then prices the tickets against a pass.
We have been there
1 of the 9 destination postcards use photographs taken by our own co-founder, not bought from a stock library.
Written from a corpus we curate
The notes on each stop come from a rail knowledge base we research and maintain ourselves, so Sam answers from it rather than searching the web for you.
Save this route, choose your dates and let Sam help with trains, reservations and the right pass.
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