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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

San Sebastian and Bilbao

Madrid, San Sebastian, and Bilbao independent rail loop in Spain

Illustration of San Sebastian and Bilbao

Railbookers operates this 9-day independent rail vacation as a loop from Madrid, running out to San Sebastian and Bilbao in Spain's Basque Country before returning to Madrid. A single night in Madrid opens the trip with time to stroll Buen Retiro Park, before day 2's train ride to the seaside resort of San Sebastian for three nights. Day 3 uses a hop-on hop-off pass to reach Miramar Palace and Playa de la Concha beach, and day 4 rides the funicular to Monte Igueldo before an evening of pintxos, left entirely at your own pace. A second train carries the trip to Bilbao for three more nights, where day 6 visits Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum and day 7 takes the elevator to the top of the UNESCO-listed Vizcaya Bridge. The trip closes with a train back to Madrid and a stop at the Temple of Debod on day 8. This suits independent-minded travelers who want rail transport and hotels arranged for them but prefer to explore each city on their own.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one guided activity is included on this trip, a hop-on hop-off tour in San Sebastian on day 3; the rest of each city stop is self-guided.
  • Madrid is visited twice for one night each, at the start and the end, rather than as a single longer stay.
  • No departure dates are listed in this evidence pack; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Madrid

    Your Journey Begins in Madrid

    Begin exploring with a stroll around the impressive Buen Retiro Park, one of the largest parks in all of Madrid, and a wonderful spot for people watching, architecture spotting and even boating on the shimmering lake. Later, you may wish to enjoy a drink along the Paseo de la Castellana or maybe visit the Gran Via, an elaborate and upmarket shopping street.

  2. Day 2railovernight: San Sebastian

    Madrid to San Sebastian

    Travel by train to the seaside resort of San Sebastian. Surrounded by rolling green hillsides and mountains and the gorgeous Bay of Biscay in Spain's Basque Country, it is a must-visit destination.

  3. Day 3overnight: San Sebastian

    San Sebastian

    Use your included hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour to explore the best of the city, such as Miramar Palace, Playa de la Concha beach, and much more! See Basque art at Museo de San Telmo the Combo of the Winds sculpture, and stroll through old town.

  4. Day 4railovernight: San Sebastian

    San Sebastian

    Why not ride the funicular railway to the top of Monte Igueldo on your own for sweeping views of the city and surrounding landscapes? Then, enjoy some pintxos (the Basque version of tapas) and continue exploring this beautiful town on your own.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Bilbao

    San Sebastian to Bilbao

    Travel by train from San Sebastian to Miranda de Ebro then Miranda de Ebro to Bilbao Abando station. Featuring beautiful architecture, world-class dining, and impressive landscapes just outside the city center, Bilbao is one Basque Country's treasures.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bilbao

    Bilbao

    Enjoy breakfast at your hotel this morning before venturing out to discover all the crowd-pleasing landmarks and attractions you came here for. Visit Frank Gehry's iconic Guggenheim museum, the Euksalduna Palace, bustling Plaza Ensanche, and much more. In Bilbao, you'll find Michelin-starred eateries as well as quaint pinxto bars and family-run restaurants.

  7. Day 7overnight: Bilbao

    Bilbao

    Continue exploring on your own today. Stroll around Casco Viejo (Old Town) and Parque de Doña Casilda de Iturrizar with its tree-lined paths and ornamental pond. Take an elevator to the top of Vizcaya Bridge, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With so much to see and experience, Bilbao will surprise you.

  8. Day 8overnight: Madrid

    Bilbao to Madrid

    Travel back to Madrid from Bilbao today and continue discovering the city. Why not visit the Plaza de Cibeles and admire the grand architecture of its buildings and be entertained by live musicians and street performers? There's even an Egyptian temple right in the heart of the city: the Temple of Debod. It was gifted to Madrid by Egypt in 1968.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Madrid

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3A hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of San Sebastian, taking in Miramar Palace, Playa de la Concha beach, and the Museo de San Telmo.
  • Day 4Riding the funicular railway to the top of Monte Igueldo for views over San Sebastian, followed by pintxos.
  • Day 6Visiting Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum and the Euskalduna Palace in Bilbao.
  • Day 7Taking the elevator to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage Vizcaya Bridge in Bilbao.
  • Day 8Visiting the Temple of Debod, an Egyptian temple gifted to Madrid in 1968.

Included

  • Rail travel as per itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Madrid
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in San Sebastian
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bilbao
  • Hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour in San Sebastian

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included on this trip?
Yes, rail travel with Renfe, Spain's national rail operator, is included as per the itinerary, connecting Madrid, San Sebastian, and Bilbao.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It's mostly independent; the only included guided activity is a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour in San Sebastian on day 3, and other days are self-guided, such as day 7's "continue exploring on your own" in Bilbao.
Which hotels are used?
The Hospes Puerta De Alcala in Madrid, the Hotel Maria Cristina in San Sebastian, and the Barcelo Bilbao Nervion in Bilbao.
Does this trip return to the starting city?
Yes, the itinerary loops back to Madrid for a final night on day 8 before departure on day 9.
What's included in the price?
Rail travel as per the itinerary, hotel breakfasts throughout (2 nights in Madrid, 3 in San Sebastian, 3 in Bilbao), and a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour in San Sebastian.

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