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Enchanting Festive Breaks
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Little Trains of the Basque Country
Explore the rail highlights of the unique Basque Country of Spain, comprising both the Bay of Biscay and encompassing the western foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains. Experience the funiculars of the Hanging Bridge and Artxanda in Bilbao, the Monte Igueldo Funicular with panoramic views of San Sebastián, and a 19th-century steam train journey!
Tour Includes
- 8 nights hotel with continental breakfast
- 6 evening meals
- Overnight ferry crossing from Portsmouth/Plymouth to Santander (meals at extra cost)
- Regional joining points
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Itinerary
Please choose your preferred 10 day itinerary
Regional departure by coach or Door-to-Door service, then to Plymouth for the overnight crossing to Santander in a two-berth cabin.
Please note: When you board the ferry at Portsmouth/Plymouth, you will require a small overnight bag containing any essential items such as medication. Please note that this small bag (no larger than a small rucksack) is counted as part of your overall luggage allowance.
Arrival in Santander, then travel to the outskirts of San Sebastián to arrive at Hotel Palacio de Aiete for a six-night stay.
Includes Dinner
We set off for a guided tour of the hugely cosmopolitan city of San Sebastián. It is renowned for its cuisine, award-winning urban beaches, and Parisian-inspired architecture. We include a ride on the Monte Igueldo Funicular. Reaching the highest point of the city, we will enjoy wonderful panoramic views over the city and the bay.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Travel inland to firstly visit the Azpeitia Basque Railway Museum, home to one of the most outstanding railway collections in Europe, featuring steam, diesel and electric locomotives, railcars, and a selection of carriages and wagons. Afterwards we will take an hours’ ride on a 19th-century Azpeitia Steam Train. On our way back to the hotel, we will stop at a family run Taxacolí winery for a guided visit and tasting of their unique Basque white wine.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today our trip will take us to Hendaye in France, where we experience a journey on the rack rail train La Rhune. In the town of Sara, 10 km from Saint Jean de Luz, this authentic vintage rack railway, dating back to 1924, takes you up to heights of 905 metres above sea level to reach the mythical peak of the Basque Country in just 35 minutes. After our ride on the train, we continue to Hendaye for a visit of the Castle Abbadie (the Downton Abbey of Hendaye!).
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today we head to Bilbao where we will visit the city centre, passing by the Gugenheim Museum, and hop aboard the historical Cliff Railway Larreineta, built in 1926 and the funicular of Artxanda, taking us up to one of the highest points of the city for a spectacular panoramic view of Bilbao.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
A day at leisure to venture back into the heart of San Sebastián or to take a leisurely stroll down to the coast and admire the views of the bay of La Concha Beach.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
We depart and travel to the Bordeaux. We enjoy some time at leisure to explore this elegant and romantic city.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
To the Paris area for an overnight stay.
Includes Breakfast
Return home.
Includes Breakfast
Accommodation
You will stay for six nights at the 4-star Hotel Palacio de Aiete, situated on the outskirts of San Sebastián.
Overnight stays in France will be in city-style hotels.
On the overnight ferry sailing, accommodation with Brittany Ferries will be in a two-berth en suite inside cabin (meals at extra cost).
Good tidings we bring!
Fully escorted breaks
throughout the festive season
