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Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday

Porto by First Class Rail & return by air

London to Porto via first-class rail through France and Spain

Illustration of Porto by First Class Rail & return by air

Planet Rail's Porto by First Class Rail and Return by Air is an 8-day, 7-night tailor-made journey for two travellers departing from London St. Pancras. The trip combines first-class rail travel across four countries, starting with Eurostar to Paris, then TGV through France and into Spain, with overnight stays in San Sebastian, Madrid, and Vigo before arriving in historic Porto for four nights. The itinerary emphasizes comfort and independence: a private taxi carries you across Paris between stations, and at each destination you arrange your own hotel transfers and choose how to spend your time. Days in Madrid, Vigo, and Porto are unguided, allowing exploration of the UNESCO-listed medieval centre, wine cellars, cathedrals, and local restaurants. The return to London is by scheduled British Airways flight. This trip suits repeat rail travellers and couples who want first-class comfort, independent decision-making on meals and activities, and a deeper stay in Portugal's historic port wine capital.

What to know before you look closer

  • The local train between Hendaye and San Sebastian (Day 1) is not included and must be paid locally.
  • Most meals are not included; only light refreshment is provided on Eurostar. You arrange restaurants in San Sebastian, Madrid, Vigo and Porto.
  • On Days 2, 3 and 4, you make your own way from the railway station to your hotel; no guided arrival transfers are provided.
  • The Vigo to Porto rail segment uses only standard class, not first class.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: San Sebastian

    By rail to Spain

    Your holiday begins as you stroll into the beautifully restored 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 the Gare du Nord, a private taxi transfer takes you across Paris to Montparnasse station to continue by TGV through France and into Spain. You travel through the Spanish countryside before arriving in Hendaye, where you change trains and take a local train (payable locally) to San Sebastian.

    Meals: Lunch/snack 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 your hotel 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 your hotel. After settling in, you may choose to explore the port or sample one of the wonderful restaurants for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast

  4. Day 4railovernight: Porto

    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. On arrival at Porto's Campanha railway station, make your own arrangements to your highly-rated 4-star hotel for the next four nights. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore.

    Meals: Breakfast

  5. Day 5overnight: Porto

    Discovering Porto (Day 1)

    Enjoy a full day to explore Porto. Perhaps visit the imposing Sé Cathedral and admire the panoramic view from its terrace over the Douro below. Other popular options include the Pálacio de Cristal gardens, the striking Pálacio de Bolsa, and the many wine cellars in the city.

    Meals: Breakfast

  6. Day 6overnight: Porto

    Discovering Porto (Day 2)

    Another full day to explore Porto at your leisure, visiting its UNESCO-listed medieval centre, wine cellars, gardens and museums.

    Meals: Breakfast

  7. Day 7overnight: Porto

    Discovering Porto (Day 3)

    A final full day to explore Porto, sampling the famous local port wine or revisiting favourite sights.

    Meals: Breakfast

  8. Day 8

    Porto to London by air – Homeward bound

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

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Travel by Eurostar from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord at speeds up to 186mph, with light meal and drinks served in Standard Premier Class.
  • Day 1Private taxi transfer across Paris from Gare du Nord to Montparnasse station, then continue by TGV through France into Spain.
  • Day 2First Class rail journey from San Sebastian south to Madrid through Spanish countryside.
  • Day 4Arrive at Porto's Campanha railway station after a short regional rail journey from Vigo, beginning four nights in the UNESCO-listed medieval centre.

Included

  • Eurostar travel London St. Pancras to Paris in Standard Premier Class (1st class for leisure travellers) including light meal and drinks
  • Private taxi transfer across Paris (Gare du Nord to Montparnasse)
  • TGV journey Paris to Hendaye (First Class where available)
  • First Class rail San Sebastian to Madrid
  • First Class rail Madrid to Vigo
  • Standard class rail Vigo to Porto
  • 4-star hotel accommodation throughout (7 nights)
  • Scheduled British Airways flight Porto to London

Not included

  • Local train Hendaye to San Sebastian (payable locally)
  • Meals (except where stated on board Eurostar)
  • Personal transfers at destination (own arrangements)
  • Travel insurance

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are included?
Eurostar London St. Pancras to Paris in Standard Premier Class (1st class for leisure), TGV Paris to Hendaye in first class where available, AVE first class from San Sebastian to Madrid, AVE first class from Madrid to Vigo, and regional rail from Vigo to Porto in standard class. The local train Hendaye to San Sebastian is payable locally.
Is this an escorted or independent tour?
Independent. You receive a private taxi transfer across Paris, but at destinations you make your own way from the station to your hotel and choose which restaurants and attractions to visit.
What accommodation is included?
Four 4-star hotels: one night each in San Sebastian (Hotel Room Mate Gorka), Madrid (Hotel Liabeny), and Vigo (NH Collection Hotel Vigo), and four nights in Porto (Hotel Exe Almada).
When does this trip run?
Departures are available throughout the year.
What is the from-price and what does it include?
From GBP 1,395 per person (based on two travellers in low season). Included are all rail tickets, 4-star hotels, the Paris transfer, and the return British Airways flight. Meals (except Eurostar refreshment), local train Hendaye to San Sebastian, personal transfers at destinations, and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
The tour is low-activity; most days are spent on trains or at leisure in hotels. You walk to stations and explore cities at your own pace, including visits to Porto's cathedral and gardens.

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