Days 1-2 - London to Bilbao by First Class rail
We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar for
Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and
drinks served on board. We cross the city by coach and connect with
the train for the onward journey to the glamorous town of Biarritz
on the Atlantic Coast. Tonight we stay at either the Radisson Blu
Biarritz or the Mercure Biarritz Centre Plaza, depending upon
departure date (see below). On Day 2 we continue
by coach to Irun, just across the Spanish border. Here we join the
rail service travelling via Mirando de Ebro to Bilbao. As the
largest city in the autonomous Basque Country, Bilbao is one of the
largest and busiest cities in northern Spain, neatly framed by the
backdrop of the green hills in the Vizcaya province further inland.
On arrival we transfer to the Hesperia Bilbao Hotel for a two-night
stay. After settling in, you are free to begin exploring this
exciting city ahead of dinner. (Day 1-E,D; Day 2
-B,D)
Day 3 - Bilbao and the Guggenheim
Having developed as a trading port in the 14th century, today
Bilbao has emerged as a fantastic destination, packed with
interesting sights and a rich display of Basque culture. This
morning we enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic centre,
including Las Siete Calles, the original seven streets of the Old
Town, which lead down to the city's wharves. Later we continue to
the city's most famous attraction, the iconic Guggenheim Museum.
Packed with an impressive collection of contemporary and futuristic
art, the museum is a joy to explore. Following our visit the rest
of your day is at leisure, and tonight you are free for dinner - a
great chance to venture into the heart of Bilbao and sample one of
the many tempting bars or restaurants on offer.
(B)
Day 4 - Joining La Robla
After a leisurely morning, we transfer to Bilbao Concordia station
- the starting point for our adventure on board El Expreso de
la Robla. We spend the next three nights exploring the rugged,
mountainous coastline of northern Spain on board our hotel train,
the sister train of the El Transcantabrico, Spain's most
famous train-cruise service. We enjoy a passengers' reception at
the station before settling in to our comfortable, en suite cabins.
Later our journey begins as we head west to Carranza. Here we enjoy
a visit to the Fauna Theme Park, a fantastic conservation sanctuary
that provides a refuge for many different wild animals. After time
to explore the park and its Colonial House, we return to the train
and continue to charming Torrelavega, where we stay overnight.
(B,D)
Day 5 - Into the Cantabrian Mountains
After enjoying breakfast on board, this morning we arrive in
Unquera, a remote village in Cantabria. Here we are met by a coach
for a magnificent excursion through the awe-inspiring ravine of La
Hermida to the wild, untouched beauty of the Liébana Valley. During
the trip we visit Potes, a pretty town with an array of classic
Spanish architecture and inviting plazas. We also travel to Fuente
Dé at the head of the valley - admiring the dramatic mountain views
en route - and the Monastery of Santo Toribio, an impressive
building isolated on the hillside. Following lunch in a local
restaurant, we return to the train for a scenic journey along the
coast to the seaside town of Ribadesella. We remain here for the
night. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Gijón and Asturias
This morning we enjoy breakfast on board as we travel in to the
Asturias region. We arrive in Gijón, a picturesque town famous for
its coastline and pretty Old Town. Here we enjoy a guided tour,
before visiting the popular Cider Museum in nearby Nava. Cider is
the official drink of Asturias and following our tour, we
experience more of the region's gastronomy during lunch in a local
'Llagar'. In the afternoon we rejoin the train for the journey to
the beautiful town of Llames, set on scenic cliffs and framed by a
backdrop of mountains. Here the train spends the night.
(B,L,D)
Day 7 - Santoña, Laredo and San Sebastián
We travel back into Cantabria this morning, as we make our way to
the port of Santander. From here we travel by coach to Santoña, a
delightful town set in a graceful, curving bay. Admire the
colourful buildings of the Old Town before continuing to Santoña's
cannery - which has long played a vital part in the history of this
authentic fishing community. Later we take to the water, sailing
through the beautiful bay to the attractive town of Laredo, where
we take a tour of the 'Puebla Vieja' historic quarter. Following
lunch in a local restaurant, we head back to the train for our
final journey back to Bilbao. On arrival we disembark and transfer
to San Sebastián for three nights at the Hotel de Londres y de
Inglaterra. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - At leisure exploring San Sebastian
Today is free for you to spend exploring San Sebastián, widely
considered to be one of Spain's most elegant resorts, at your
leisure. You may like to wander around the Old Quarter discovering
the historical buildings, or visit the Miramar Palace, a grand
structure dating back to the 19th century. Otherwise, you could
make the most of your time by the sea, relaxing on the promenade or
on one of the three beaches. (B)
Day 9 - Le Petit Train de la Rhune
On today's excursion we travel to Col de St-Ignace, across the
border in France, where we join Le Petit Train de la
Rhune. We enjoy a journey by classic rack and pinion mountain
railway, travelling in vintage 1920s wooden carriages, to the
summit of La Rhune. At nearly 3,000 feet (914m), we can enjoy
tremendous views, with a magnificent panorama over both the Bay of
Biscay and the Basque Pyrenees. (B,D)
Please note
Please note that the tour departing on 1 July (SSJ301) will
spend the first night at the Radisson Blu Biarritz, whilst the
tours departing on 12 August (SSJ303) and 26 August (SSJ304) will
spend the first night at the Mercure Biarritz Centre Plaza.
Day 10 - To Paris and London by First Class rail
After a short coach journey across the border to Hendaye in
France, we travel by TGV to Paris and connect with the
Eurostar service to London. A light meal and drinks are
served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International.
(B,E)
E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D =
Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your
holiday
