DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: By Eurostar to Paris

Depart mid-morning from London St. Pancras, travelling by Eurostar train to Paris Nord station. Spend the night in this magnificent city.

Day 2: Paris to San Sebastian

This morning depart on a TGV service from Paris Montparnasse, travelling southwards to the Spanish border at Hendaye. Here change to the meter gauge train for the short journey to San Sebastian, a thriving coastal town. A late afternoon arrival allows for a trip to the beach, a walk through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town or a leisurely evening enjoying tapas at one of the many 'Pintxos' bars.

Day 3: San Sebastian to Bilbao

A scenic electrified meter gauge line links San Sebastian with Bilbao, where you will arrive around lunchtime. The afternoon is free to relax and explore this famous city where an excellent metro system makes getting about easy.

Note: The train ticket for this section cannot be purchased in advance and must be paid for at the station.

Day 4: At leisure to explore Bilbao

At leisure to explore this city that is the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown.

It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum. It houses prominent modern and contemporary works, but it’s the curvy, titanium-clad building that receives the most attention.

Day 5: Bilbao to Santander

The FEVE meter gauge rail network performs all the functions normally expected of a busy standard gauge main line – suburban lines around the cities, longer distance passenger routes and lots of freight. This morning travel from the splendid Bilbao Concordia station to Santander, with a free afternoon to explore this busy resort.

Day 6: Santander to Gijón

This morning depart from Santander, taking the train to Gijón and changing at the busy junction of El Barron. Arrive in the mid-afternoon, so you have time to walk in one of the parks and start exploring the city..

Day 7: Free Day in Gijón

This city is the capital of the ‘Green Coast’ and, having sprung from industrial roots, it is now vibrant and engaging, with plenty to offer the leisure traveller.

This city grew up around the fishing port and this history can still be seen in the marina and on Cimadevilla Peninsula. You can walk along San Lorenzo Beach and on to Santa Catalina Hill. Here you will find the Chillida sculpture Elogio del Horizonte (‘In Praise of the Horizon’) as well as panoramic views of the Cantabrian coast. The Atlantic Botanical Garden showcases plants from the north coast and there is also an aquarium.

The nearby city of Oviedo is renowned for its medieval Old Town and Gothic cathedral.

Day 8: Gijón to A Coruña

Today continue by local train to Pravia, where you change for to the train for Ferrol. En route enjoy more superb coastal scenery and fishing villages. Ferrol is the western extremity of FEVE, so from here a Renfe train takes you to A Coruña.

Day 9: Exploring A Coruña

A day at leisure to enjoy all that this diverse city has to offer. The centre is located on an isthmus, straddled by the port on its southeast side and the main ocean beaches on the northwest. You can walk to the harbour front and the medieval district, or hop on a local bus to the famous 'Tower of Hercules' lighthouse. You can also visit the Picasso Museum and the Gardens of Méndez Núñez.

Day 10: A Coruña to Leon

Take a cross-country mainline train from A Coruña to Leon today, arriving in the mid-afternoon.

Day 11: FEVE Train to Bilbao

There is just one train per day on this cross-country line, that travels through over 150 miles of wild moorland and mountain scenery. As the train doesn’t leave until early afternoon, in the morning you can relax and take in the sights of historic Leon.

Day 12: At Leisure in Bilbao

Another free day for sightseeing in this wonderful city. You can also explore some of the many railways which radiate from Bilbao.

Day 13: Bilbao to Saint-Jean-de-Luz

Today take the train from Bilbao, changing at Hendaye on the French border, before continuing to Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

The picturesque town has a central square and a traditional church with three balconies and a Baroque-style altar.

Day 14: At leisure

At leisure to relax and enjoy the small town of Saint-Jean-de-Luz.

Day 15: Journey Home

Depart on a TGV service to Paris Montparnasse, connecting with the Eurostar to London from Paris Nord (we suggest taking a taxi between stations). Arrive back at St. Pancras in the early evening.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis. This price includes standard class rail travel. First and standard premier on Eurostar is available at a supplement.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information, including full directions and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your trip.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.