Portuguese Explorer

London to San Sebastian

Board a morning Eurostar to Paris, cross to Gare Montparnasse for a direct TGV to Hendaye on the Spanish border, then a regional train (payable locally) from the Eusko Tren terminal to San Sebastian. Check in at the Zinema7 Hotel (or similar). The journey can optionally be broken in Hendaye or Bordeaux.

San Sebastian to Vigo

A free morning in San Sebastian, a beachfront city with world-renowned restaurants. At lunchtime, take a Spanish service to Vitoria/Gasteiz, then change onto a service across to Spain's northwest coast city of Vigo. Check in at the NH Collection Vigo (or similar). The journey can optionally be broken in Santiago de Compostela or Leon.

Vigo to Porto

A short journey by regional train takes you across the border into Portugal. On arrival, check into the Eurostars das Artes (or similar) for a 3-night stay. Straddling the Douro River, Porto is an important maritime city and UNESCO World Heritage site since the 1960s, known as the home of port wine; Vila Nova de Gaia's wine cellars and São Bento station are worth visiting.

Porto

Porto

Porto to Coimbra

A short rail journey brings you to Coimbra for a 2-night stay at the Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas (or similar). Coimbra is a picturesque riverside city with a UNESCO World Heritage listed university and a history going back to Roman times, with impressive churches, monasteries and cultural institutions.

Coimbra

Coimbra to Lisbon

Another short rail journey takes you into Lisbon's Santa Apolonia station, then on to the Heritage Avenida Liberdade (or similar) for a 3-night stay. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Lisbon is built on seven hills, watched over by the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge, with limestone buildings and picturesque alleyways. A tram ride up to the old Alfama district gives stunning city views.

Lisbon

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Lisbon is built on seven hills, watched over by the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge, with limestone buildings and picturesque alleyways. A tram ride up to the old Alfama district gives stunning city views with a glass of Ginja.

Lisbon

Perched on the edge of the Atlantic, Lisbon is built on seven hills, watched over by the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge, with limestone buildings and picturesque alleyways. A tram ride up to the old Alfama district gives stunning city views with a glass of Ginja.

Lisbon to Faro

Continue south to Faro, capital of the Algarve, for 3 nights at the Hotel Faro and Beach Club (or similar). Faro has a beautiful walled old town and is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Nature Park; inside the walls are the Sé (gothic cathedral), Paco Episcopal Palace and the convent of Nossa Senhora. Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira are a short train ride away.

Faro

Faro has a beautiful walled old town and is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Nature Park, with tranquil islands and unspoilt beaches; inside the walls are the Sé (gothic cathedral), Paco Episcopal Palace and the convent of Nossa Senhora. Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira are a short train ride away.

Faro

Faro has a beautiful walled old town and is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Nature Park, with tranquil islands and unspoilt beaches; inside the walls are the Sé (gothic cathedral), Paco Episcopal Palace and the convent of Nossa Senhora. Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira are a short train ride away.

Faro to Seville

An air-conditioned coach journey north to Seville, arriving in time for a late lunch. Check in at the Catalonia Santa Justa (or similar), within walking distance of the station, then an afternoon exploring Seville's orange-tree lined streets, La Giralda Cathedral, the Alcazar and the Plaza de España.

Seville to Girona

A rail journey by high-speed AVE to Zaragoza, then a connecting service to the Catalan city of Girona. Check in at the Ciutat de Girona Hotel (or similar) and spend the afternoon in the historic, medieval walled Old Town, used as a set for Game of Thrones and Killing Eve.

Girona to London

A leisurely breakfast before returning to the station for a service through France to Paris, transferring to Gare du Nord for the return Eurostar to London. The holiday can optionally be extended with another night in Girona or a stop in Paris.