Itinerary - 8 Night Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Bordeaux

Travel to Paris by Eurostar and connect with the TGV service from the Gare Montparnasse to Bordeaux. On arrival in Bordeaux in the early evening, check in at the Best Western Bordeaux Bayonne Etcha-Ona for an overnight stay.

Bordeaux is a lovely city with a UNESCO Heritage listed 18th century centre and a long history of wine production. Spend your evening exploring the elegant boulevards and squares with some time set aside for some local food and a glass of the local red.

Day 2

Bordeaux to San Sebastian

After a leisurely start this morning, leave for your onward journey to the Spanish border at Irun where you change onto a regional service to San Sebastian. Arrive into San Sebastian in the mid-afternoon and check in to the Astoria 7 for a 1 night stay.

Spend your first afternoon and evening exploring the sights of San Sebastian. If the weather is good, you may want to head to one of the city's beautiful beaches or simply take a stroll around the lovely Bay of La Concha.

In the evening, choose from an abundance of seafood restaurants and pintxos bars (Basque tapas) around the centre of town.

Day 3

San Sebastian to Coimbra Overnight

Spend a full day exploring San Sebastian. Wander through the Old Town and admire the grand architecture of Constitución Square. Take the region's oldest funicular railway up to Mount Igeldo for spectacular views of the bay or, for a different perspective you can catch a boat out to Santa Clara Island for swimming and a coffee with a view.

In the evening, head back to the station for the sleeper service to Coimbra. Settle into your private club class compartment as the train heads out of the city and through the Basque countryside towards Portugal.

Day 4

Coimbra

Enjoy breakfast on the restaurant car this morning before arriving into Coimbra-B station. On arrival, check in at the Villa Gale Coimbra for an overnight stay.

Coimbra is a fascinating city in a lovely location overlooking the Mondego River. The city's university was founded in 1290, making it the oldest university in Portugal. You can visit the ornately decorated halls, chapel and library and then enjoy the spectacular views of the city from outside.

There are many lovely parks here as well. The Dr Manuel Braja Park is one of the loveliest, designed in the 1920s with a grand bandstand and some beautiful sculptures.

Day 5

Coimbra to Porto

After breakfast this morning, take the train from Coimbra-B station for the hour long journey to Porto. On arrival in Porto, check in for a 2 night stay at the Hotel da Bolsa Porto.

Another historic city, Porto is located on the banks of the famous River Duoro, rising steeply into the hills on either side. You can avoid climbing the steep hills by taking the Funicular dos Guindais from the waterfront up to Bataha Square or the panoramic Ascensor da Ribeira which offers great views on the way up.

Day 6

Porto

Enjoy a full day at leisure in Porto. Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town, witness the colourful market hustle and bustle of the Mercado do Bolhão and don't miss a tour of the Fundação de Serralves, a contemporary art gallery housed in a beautiful Art Deco building with lovely gardens.

No visit to Porto would be complete without a tour around the Port Wine cellars. These are situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river by bridge from Ribeira. You can make your own way around or pick up a guided tour.

Day 7

Porto to Lisbon

This morning, take a train from Porto to Lisbon (journey time just over 2 and a half hours) and on arrival in Lisbon, check in at the Hotel Britania for a 2 night stay.

Portugal's historic capital city is draped over seven hills overlooking the mouth of the River Tagus. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and has a huge amount to explore from the narrow streets of the Barrio Alto to the majestic Praça do Comércio, the central square overlooking the wide river. Head up the impressive hilltop castle, the Castelo de São Jorge for spectacular views and an insight into the city's Moorish history.

Day 8

Lisbon

Enjoy another day in Lisbon.

Why not take a tram out to the Belém district of the city? Take a walk along the riverfront and visit the impressive Jerónimos Monastery, a fine example of Manuelian architecture, built at the turn of the 16th century. The emblematic Bélem Tower is also in this area and commands great views of the riverfront from its battlements.

Day 9

Lisbon to London

Spend another morning in Lisbon before making your way to the airport for your BA flight back to London.