San Sebastian by First Class rail

Beautifully nestled between the shores of the Bay of Biscay and the western Pyrenees, San Sebastian welcomes you with year-round sunshine, stylish Art Nouveau architecture and wonderful views of the sea and mountains. Stroll along the delightful Playa de la Concha promenade with picturesque views of Isla de Santa Clara, wander among the tempting boutiques and shops and discover some of the world renowned restaurants up the winding streets of the lovely Old Town.

This 6 night / 7 day holiday by First Class rail also includes stays in the beautiful UNESCO-listed city of Bordeaux and one of the most famous cities of them all – iconic Paris.

Day 1 – London to Paris

Your holiday starts in the heart of London at the magnificent St. Pancras International station. Be sure to admire the beautiful architecture and the impressive curved glass trainshed, before you join the Eurostar service for the high-speed journey to Paris in little over two hours. Sit back and relax in your spacious Standard Premier Class seat (Eurostar’s First Class for leisure travellers) and make the most of the light meal and drinks. On arrival in Paris your private taxi transfer takes you to your hotel for tonight, the well-regarded boutique Hotel Le Six (4 star). This evening perhaps find a cosy bistro or gourmet restaurant for dinner.

Day 2 – Paris to San Sebastian

This morning after breakfast why not make a whistle stop tour of Paris’ top attractions including the Louvre, the River Seine, Left Bank and Arc de Triomphe before making your own way to Paris Gare Montparnasse to continue your journey to San Sebastian? You travel south on the TGV through France to Hendaye on the Spanish border. Here you change trains and continue into Spain. Enjoy fabulous scenery as you look out onto the Bay of Biscay from the comfort of your seat as your train snakes its way along the coast to San Sebastian. On arrival make your own way to your hotel for the next four nights, the stylish, highly-rated Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra (4 star), perfectly located on La Concha bay.

Days 3 – 5 – Exploring San Sebastian

Enjoy three full days in the Basque Country and take the opportunity to visit the lovely Parte Vieja (old town) and stroll along the Playa de la Concha promenade. San Sebastian’s commercial and shopping district, the Centro Romántico, incorporates a handsome grid of late 19^th-century buildings which extends from behind Playa de la Concha to the banks of Río Urumea. Perhaps spend a day relaxing on the surfing beach of Playa de Gros or picturesque La Concha bay. Alternatively you could walk along one of the most beautiful and quiet avenues in the city, the Paseo Nuevo (New Promenade) taking in the views of the Cantabrian sea around the Urgull mount, from the Aquarium to the Old Town. Don’t miss the city’s flagship museum, El Museo de San Telmo, which exhibits the evolution of individuals in the Basque society, or the famous sculptures by Eduado Chillida – located at the end of the beach Ondarreta. For a different view of the Basque Country take a cable car to the top of El Monte Igueldo for spectacular views of the city.

Day 6 – San Sebastian to Bordeaux

This morning you have some time for last-minute shopping or a pleasant stroll, before you return to the station and take the train back into France. On arrival in Hendaye you connect with the high-speed service to Bordeaux. Sit back and relax as the train takes you northwards through the changing French countryside. After arriving in Bordeaux, you are making your own arrangements to your hotel for tonight, the Best Western Premier Bayonne Etche-Ona (4 star). After settling in, you are free to explore this exciting city at your own pace.

Day 7 – Bordeaux to London – homeward bound

Enjoy a morning to discover the delights of Bordeaux. Perhaps start by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage old town, which is renowned as being “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of the 18^th century. You could take a stroll along the Riverfront, now home to jaunty bars and cafes, to the impressive Pont de Pierre (Stone Bridge). From here you can experience spectacular views across the river and quayside.

Then make your way back to the station where you join the train to Paris. Watch the rolling hills flash past or reminisce on the wonders of the past few days. On arrival at Paris Gare Montparnasse you will be transferred by private taxi to the Gare du Nord for the last part of your journey. Let the train take the strain as you stretch out and relax over a light meal and drinks in your Standard Premier Class seat. At 186mph the landscape is a blur at times, though memories abide as you return to London St. Pancras International and the final leg of your journey home.