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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Lisbon by First Class Rail & return by air

London to Lisbon via Paris, Spain by First Class rail, return by air

Illustration of Lisbon by First Class Rail & return by air

Planet Rail's tailor-made 8-day rail journey departs London St. Pancras and travels First Class through four countries to Portugal's capital. The trip begins on Eurostar, which carries you from London to Paris at up to 186mph with light meals and drinks served in Standard Premier Class. A private taxi then transfers you across Paris to Montparnasse, where the TGV carries you through France and into Spain. Overnight stops in San Sebastian, Madrid, and Vigo follow, each a night in a 4-star hotel, before you cross into Portugal and settle into Lisbon for four nights at the Hotel Britania Art Deco. The itinerary gives you three full unguided days to explore Lisbon's districts, historic cathedrals, plazas, and museums before you return to London by scheduled British Airways flight. All accommodation, rail travel (except the Hendaye-to-San Sebastian local train), and the return flight are included. This trip suits repeat rail travellers seeking premium comfort and couples seeking independence within a well-coordinated multi-country route.

What to know before you look closer

  • The local train from Hendaye to San Sebastian is not included and must be paid locally.
  • Days 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 are largely unguided; you arrange your own transfers from stations to hotels and choose your own meals and activities.
  • Hotel Britania Art Deco is the sole named accommodation in Lisbon; confirm the San Sebastian, Madrid, and Vigo hotels match your preference with Planet Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: San Sebastian

    By rail to Spain

    Your holiday begins at London St. Pancras station. Travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph, enjoying a light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class. On arrival at Gare du Nord, a private taxi transfer takes you across Paris to Montparnasse station to continue by TGV through France and into Spain. Travel through the Spanish countryside to Hendaye, then take a local train (payable locally) to San Sebastian.

    Meals: Lunch/snacks on Eurostar

  2. Day 2railovernight: Madrid

    San Sebastian to Madrid

    After breakfast, return to the railway station for your First Class journey south from San Sebastian to Madrid. On arrival, make your own way to the Hotel Liabeny, ideally situated in the heart of the Spanish capital. This evening you may wish to sample one of Madrid's many fine restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 3railovernight: Vigo

    Madrid to Vigo

    After a leisurely breakfast you may have time to further explore Madrid. Then make your way to Madrid Chamartín railway station for your First Class journey west to Vigo. On arrival at Vigo Urzaiz railway station, make your own way to the NH Collection Hotel Vigo. After settling in, you may choose to explore the port or sample one of the wonderful restaurants for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Lisbon

    Through Spain and into Portugal

    After an early breakfast, make your way to Vigo Guixar railway station for the short journey (standard class only) from Vigo to Porto, Portugal's second largest city. On arrival in Porto, board your final train of the day to Lisbon. Make your own arrangements to the Hotel Britania Art Deco. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Lisbon

    Discovering Lisbon

    A full day to discover the delights of Lisbon. Stroll through the Baixa and Alfama districts, visit the Rossio and Praça do Comércio plazas, the 12th-century Sé Cathedral and Lisbon Castle with panoramic views. Alternatively, visit the Belém district or the UNESCO World Heritage site Torre de Belém.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Lisbon

    Discovering Lisbon

    Another full day to explore Lisbon at your leisure. Choose from the city's many attractions, districts and restaurants.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Lisbon

    Discovering Lisbon

    A third full day to explore Lisbon. In the evenings, choose from a range of restaurants Lisbon has to offer for dining options.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8

    Lisbon to London by air – Homeward bound

    After a final breakfast at your hotel and some last-minute sightseeing, head to the airport and board your scheduled British Airways flight back to London.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar departs London St. Pancras at speeds up to 186mph, with light meals and drinks served in Standard Premier Class before arriving at Paris Gare du Nord.
  • Day 1Private taxi transfer connects Paris Gare du Nord to Montparnasse station; TGV continues through French countryside into Spain.
  • Day 4Regional train crosses from Vigo, Spain into Porto, Portugal; final rail leg travels to Lisbon.
  • Day 5First full day in Lisbon to explore the Baixa and Alfama districts, Rossio and Praça do Comércio plazas, the 12th-century Sé Cathedral, and Lisbon Castle.

Included

  • Eurostar travel London St. Pancras to Paris (Standard Premier Class)
  • Private taxi transfer Paris Gare du Nord to Montparnasse
  • TGV rail travel Paris to Hendaye
  • First Class rail travel San Sebastian to Madrid
  • First Class rail travel Madrid to Vigo
  • Rail travel Vigo to Porto (standard class only)
  • Rail travel Porto to Lisbon
  • 1 night 4-star accommodation in San Sebastian (Hotel Room Mate Gorka)
  • 1 night 4-star accommodation in Madrid (Hotel Liabeny)
  • 1 night 4-star accommodation in Vigo (NH Collection Hotel Vigo)
  • 4 nights 4-star accommodation in Lisbon (Hotel Britania Art Deco)
  • Scheduled British Airways flight Lisbon to London

Not included

  • Local train Hendaye to San Sebastian (payable locally)
  • Meals (unless specified)
  • Personal transfers on arrival/departure (except Paris taxi)
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions and activities

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included?
Most rail is included: Eurostar London to Paris (Standard Premier Class), TGV Paris to Hendaye, Spanish intercity trains San Sebastian to Madrid and Madrid to Vigo (both First Class), regional train Vigo to Porto, and Portuguese intercity rail Porto to Lisbon (First Class where available). The local train from Hendaye to San Sebastian is payable locally.
Which hotels are used?
Hotel Room Mate Gorka in San Sebastian (1 night), Hotel Liabeny in Madrid (1 night), NH Collection Hotel Vigo (1 night), and Hotel Britania Art Deco in Lisbon (4 nights). All are 4-star.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. Planet Rail arranges the trains, hotels, and return flight, but the days are largely unguided. You make your own way to hotels, choose your own meals (except breakfast, which is included), and organize your own activities.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast at your hotels, light meals and drinks on the Eurostar, and lunch or snacks on the Eurostar. Other meals are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Days 5, 6, and 7 in Lisbon include strolling through neighborhoods and visiting historic sites including cathedral visits and castle climbing. Days 1-4 involve standard station transfers and minimal walking.
When does this trip run?
Departures are available throughout the year at a fixed price of GBP 1,495 from-price (USD 1,997).

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