Enjoy scenes of vineyards, beaches, quaint villages, and vibrant cities with a journey by train from London to Bordeaux, San Sebastian, Pamplona and Madrid. Your 7 night vacation includes train travel from London and hotel stops in each destination so you have time to discover cultural and culinary delights along the way!
From $1,545 per person
Leave from London St Pancras International station and travel with the Eurostar to Paris, via the Channel Tunnel. On arrival in Paris, transfer to the Gare Montparnasse for an onward journey to Bordeaux. When you arrive in Bordeaux, check in at the Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa for a 2 night stay.
Bordeaux is an elegant city at the center of a region which has been producing wine since the 8th century. Once you have settled into your accommodations, head out to begin your exploration.
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Bordeaux, home to the longest shopping street in Europe and a number of significant historical buildings including the Saint-André Cathedral and Église Sainte-Croix (Church of the Holy Cross) both of which have connections with the famous pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
The city has also has a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its ‘outstanding urban and architectural ensemble’. Don’t miss seeing the 18th century Place de la Bourse when it is illuminated at night.
Leave Bordeaux this morning and travel by train to Irun on the French/ Spanish border. There is a local train running from here to San Sebastian for which you will need to buy a ticket locally (as these can’t be purchased outside Spain). On arrival in San Sebastian, check in at the Astoria 7 for a 2 night stay.
San Sebastian has two outstanding qualities; its stunning location on the Bay of Biscay and its food. Not only does the city boast a high concentration of Michelin stars, it also has more bars and restaurants per head than anywhere else in Spain. If you’re looking for informal dining, try some tasty pintxos (Basque tapas) in the Old Quarter. Elsewhere, check out some of the best urban beaches in Europe.
Travel from San Sebastian to Pamplona today by rail. On arrival in Pamplona, check in at the Palacio Guendulain Pamplona for an overnight stay.
Pamplona is the historic capital of the Navarre region, world famous its annual summer San Fermin festival, during which the encierro or ‘running of the bulls’ takes place through the streets of the city. Because of its position along the pilgrims’ road to Santiago, there are also plenty of great religious architecture as well as a beautiful medieval center. The Gothic Cathedral dates back the 14th century and has a fabulous Neo-Classical façade.
After breakfast this morning, head back to the station and catch a train to the Spanish capital Madrid aboard the Spanish Alaris service. On arrival, check in for 2 nights at the Tryp Atocha Madrid.
Madrid is situated in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula and is one of the most visited cities in Europe. Perhaps spend your first evening enjoying the city’s vibrant nightlife. Dinner is served late here, so you will find it hard to have a meal before 9pm! As an alternative, do as the locals do and enjoy some tapas in a pretty square like the Plaza de Santa Ana.
Spend a full day discovering the sights of Madrid. If art galleries are you thing you’ll be in your element here with the city’s ‘Museum Triangle’ comprising the Museo del Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofia. The Prado is one of the world’s finest art museums and the Reina Sofia is a fantastic modern art gallery, boasting amongst other famous works, Picasso’s huge canvas Guernica. Other attractions not to be missed are the Royal Palace and the Parque del Retiro where you can relax after a busy day of sightseeing.
Leave Madrid today for your onward journey. Perhaps extend your vacation with a rail journey south to Andalucia and the Costa del Sol?
Place de la Bourse, Bordeaux
Vineyards of Bordeaux
San Sebastian
San Sebastian
Pamplona
Madrid
Madrid
Madrid
Prefer to do the journey in reverse? Want to add extra nights or a couple more destinations? No problem! Call us on 1-888-829-3040 to tailor make your journey including tours, transfers or car hire.
London is one of the world’s most vibrant and multi-cultural cities with a huge amount of history and culture to offer. Cruise down the Thames from Royal Greenwich (birthplace of Elizabeth I and Henry VIII) to the Houses of Parliament. Take a tour of Westminster Abbey and then relax in St James’s Park, the oldest Royal Park in London before heading into the narrow thronging streets of the West End where you can take in a show or choose from a bewildering choice of restaurants and bars.
Bordeaux has been producing wine since the 8th century and is capital of the Aquitaine region of France. It is home to the longest shopping street in Europe and a number of historically important buildings such as the Saint-André Cathedral and Église Sainte-Croix, both of which are connected with the historic pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. Don’t leave without taking a wine-tasting tour of the Bordeaux vineyards or a ferry ride down the River Garonne.
San Sebastian is a gem of the northern Basque country. The city is home to three beautiful beaches (the most famous being Playa de la Concha) as well as host of sightseeing opportunities. Within the lovely old quarter are the Baroque Church of Santa Maria, the Gothic Church of San Vicente and the Museo de San Telemo as well as picturesque parks and bustling farmers markets. San Sebastian is also the cultural capital of Spain with more restaurants per head than anywhere else in the world!
Pamplona is world-renowned for one thing- the encierro or “running of the bulls”. Six bulls are let loose in the city center, whilst the ‘brave’ (or foolhardy) run away from them! Visit the Navarra Museum for historical treasures from the local area. Participate in one of the many fiestas throughout the year. Relax in one of the peaceful parks dotted through the city. At night, why not look out from the towers of San Cernin for one of the best views of Pamplona. Enjoy the strong culture and atmosphere from a city that has a lot to give.
Spain’s capital Madrid is a vibrant city with world class museums and a lively tapas fuelled nightlife. Visit the famous Prado Museum and the Museo Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, home to Picasso’s epic Guernica, people-watch from the cafés lining Plaza Mayor, or shop along Gran Via and in the fashionable Salamanca area. Madrid is a city with its own rhythms and a culture all its own. Don't expect to eat early (many restaurants don't even open their doors till gone 9pm) but do expect to eat well. You may even catch a performance of flamenco!
The Grand Hotel de Bordeaux & Spa is a luxury hotel with 150 guestrooms furnished in a 19th century style. The hotel offers a Michelin starred restaurant as well as a brasserie, a tea lounge, a bar and a chic nightclub. The design of the Bains de Léa spa is inspired by Roman baths of antiquity, and includes a fitness area, an outdoor swimming pool and a jacuzzi. The hotel is located in the center of downtown Bordeaux, opposite the Opéra National.
We cannot guarantee the availability of these facilities. Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
The Astoria 7 is a design hotel housed in a former cinema and marketed as 'a hotel with 102 stars' since each of its 102 rooms pays homage to a different actor or director who has visited during San Sebastian's International Film Festival. The hotel also features a restaurant where you can design your own meals as well as a tapas bar and fitness center. The Astoria 7 is located close to the main station and a 15 minute walk from downtown San Sebastian.
We cannot guarantee the availability of these facilities. Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
The Palacio Guendulain Pamplona is a hotel situated in a former 18th-century palace with 25 bedrooms and a garden which exhibits vintage cars. The hotel also features an elegant restaurant which is the perfect place to dine in after a busy day sightseeing. The Palacio Guendulain Pamplona Hotel is in the centre of Pamplona, close to the main sites.
We cannot guarantee the availability of these facilities. Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
The Tryp Atocha is a modern hotel located in a former 19th century palace, with 150 modern and comfortable guestrooms. As well as a contemporary style restaurant, there is also a lobby bar, serving cocktails and a range of tapas. The hotel is situated within easy walking distance of Madrid Atocha station, the city's 'Golden Triangle' of art galleries and the stunning Parque Buen del Retiro.
We cannot guarantee the availability of these facilities. Some facilities may be subject to an additional charge at the hotel.
This vacation includes:
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Add extra nights to your vacation, stop off en route, or book train travel from a European train station.
Call us on 1-888-829-3040, and let us help you plan your perfect vacation.
Price per person for 7 night vacation:
Vacations can be tailored to suit your exact requirements - for example adding extra nights, combining different cities, day trips and upgrading class of travel. Call us on 1-888-829-3040 to discuss your requirements.
Prices are subject to availability and are based on 2 people traveling and sharing a standard twin or double bedroom unless otherwise indicated.
Rail journeys are standard class unless otherwise stated and include any necessary seat reservations and booking fees.
Accommodation includes continental breakfast and all local taxes unless otherwise stated.
All journey times shown are approximate
All journey times shown are approximate
All journey times shown are approximate
All journey times shown are approximate