Great Rail Journeys
Walk & Tour: Catalonia's Coast & Culture
8 daysfrom $2,670
Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour
Highlights of the Basque Country
Delve into the unique culture and landscapes of the beautiful Basque Country. Discover the sights of this hidden gem in Europe with Great Rail Journeys.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Hondarribia
From London to Hondarribia
Meeting the Tour Manager at London St Pancras, board the Eurostar to Paris. Continue by rail to Dax in southwest France, then transfer by coach across the estuary and the Spanish border to Hondarribia. Check in to the central hotel for seven nights and have dinner together.
Meals: Dinner
- Day 2overnight: Hondarribia
At leisure to explore Hondarribia
Free day to discover Hondarribia at your own pace. Explore La Marina neighbourhood, the port, the beach, the medieval old town (Casco Antiguo), the 16th-century castle and Plaza de Armas. Sample pintxos and local cuisine. Dinner at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 3overnight: Hondarribia
Excursion to San Sebastián
Travel by coach to San Sebastián for a guided walking tour of the historic sights, with a stop to see coastal mountain Jaizkibel en route. Free time in the afternoon to explore independently, visit the beach, take a boat trip to Santa Clara island, or visit San Telmo Museum. Return by coach for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 4overnight: Hondarribia
Free time in Hondarribia
At leisure to discover more of Hondarribia or the surrounding area. Enjoy the sandy beach, walk along the Bidasoa River estuary, or explore the town's restaurants and pintxo bars. Dinner at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 5railovernight: Hondarribia
St Jean de Luz and the Petit Train de la Rhune
Cross the French border by coach to the coastal fishing port of St Jean de Luz. Free time to explore and try local seafood for lunch. Afternoon trip on the authentic 1920s rack railway, the Petit Train de la Rhune, from Col de St Ignace to the summit of La Rhune (905m), with views of the Pyrenees, Atlantic Ocean and the Basque coast. Return to hotel for a three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 6overnight: Hondarribia
Discovering Hondarribia at your own pace
Another free day to explore at leisure. Walk along the Hondarribia seafront promenade and the Butrón Boardwalk, or follow the Bay Path (Camino de la Bahia). Optional bus to Hendaye or ferry across the Bidasoa River. Dinner at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
- Day 7overnight: Hondarribia
Exploring Bilbao and the Guggenheim Museum
Coach to Bilbao. Included entry to the Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry, featuring works by Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois. Free time to explore Bilbao's Old Town, Doña Casilda Iturrizar Park and Basque tapas restaurants. Coach back to Hondarribia for a final three-course dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Day 8rail
Homeward bound
Final breakfast at the hotel, then coach to Hendaye and rail to Paris. Change trains in Paris and join the Eurostar service to London St Pancras.
Meals: Breakfast
Included
- Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
- 7 nights' 3-star hotel accommodation
- Eurostar Standard Class rail travel
- All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
- Breakfast each day
- 4 dinners
- All guided tours and excursions
- Entry to the Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Not included
- Cancellation and travel insurance
