b'ClassicA first class holiday, showcasing the unique culture and cuisine of the glorious Basque Country, which we explore8 DAYS fromfrom our hotel in a restored 10th-century castle, the2,795 ppstunning Parador of Hondarribia.YOUR ITINERARYFROM/TOPARISDays 1-2. Hondarribia on the Basque Coast, pintxos in San Sebastin SanSt Jean We meet at London St Pancras, ready to board the Eurostar to Paris. Sebastin de la LuzTravelling in spacious Eurostar Plus we are served a light meal at our seats.Bilbao 7 HendayeCol de From Paris, we continue by First Class rail to the coastal French town ofHondarribia St IgnaceHendaye. Arriving early evening, we transfer by coach across the border toLa Rhune charming Hondarribia, our home for the next seven nights. Our fabulousMountain Railwayhotel is the four-star Parador de Hondarribia, a restored 10th-century Laguardia SPAINcastle where the La Marina neighbourhood has a great mix of eateries serving high-quality cuisine.CoachOn Day 2 we drive to the stunning city of San Sebastin. With its idyllic setting, overlooking the gorgeous La Concha Bay, the city is regarded as the culinary capital of Spain, and is celebrated for its pintxos, a Basque interpretation ofWHATS INCLUDED:tapas. After a guided walking tour of the citys sights we try some ourselves.Your afternoon is free to soak up the relaxed atmosphere of San Sebastin. 7 nights in 4-Star hotel We return to Hondarribia later and your evening is free to spend as you wish.accommodationEurostar Standard Premier/ Days 3-4. Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Train de La Rhune, cider house dinner Eurostar PlusAfter a leisurely morning, we drive across the border to the French Basque First Class rail travelfishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz, where you are free to look around and maybe walk along the seafront promenade. There is an inviting swimming All rail and coach travel throughout bay, and the town has highly rated cuisine, which you could try over lunch. your tourThis afternoon, we board the Petit Train de La Rhune for a journey to theExpertise of a UK Tour Manager summit of La Rhune. From our vintage carriages, we enjoy panoramic viewsfrom start to finishacross the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean. On our descent, we drive to anEurostar light mealsartisanal cider house for a tour, followed by an authentic Basque meal. ThisBreakfast each day, 2 lunches, features a variety of apple-based drinks and home-produced chorizo, tortilla,2 dinnerschargrilled ribs, sheeps cheese, nuts, Basque cake and apple brandies. All guided tours and excursionsDay 4 is free to continue exploring Hondarribia. Considered one of the most beautiful Basque Country towns, this colourful fishing village has plenty to offer.In the Old Town youll discover medieval streets, with a mix of churches, traditional Basque-style houses and Baroque buildings. Although smaller than San Sebastin, the town has an excellent reputation for cuisine.Days 5-7. Trip to Bilbao, La Rioja winelands lunch, free day in Hondarribia Tour Code: SEG| per person based onBilbao is our destination today, starting with the avant-garde Guggenheim2 sharing. Supplement for solo travellers from 450.Museum. Besides the work of contemporary artists, the museum itself is an architectural showpiece. After viewing art, youre free to explore Bilbao2025 Departures: independently. In the Old Town youll find many restaurants with temptingAPR, MAY, JUN, SEP, OCTpintxos or fresh seafood for lunch. Stroll through the Arenal Gardens, view the Baroque opera house, visit the cathedral, or walk down to the riverside and La Ribera market. Tonight we dine at a family-run restaurant in Hondarribia.Day 6 promises to be a highlight of our holiday. Setting out by coach we stopMobility 1 2 3 4at the medieval village of Laguardia, the gateway to the winelands, with timeRatingto explore. We then enjoy a guided wine tasting in a fascinating cellar. Our day continues with a drive into the winelands for lunch at a modern winery with beautiful views of the Rioja valley, where we enjoy a meal, creatively pairedSecure your place nowwith delicious local Rioja. Day 7 is an opportunity to explore locally. If youdwith a 525pp depositlike to see more of France, theres a ferry and a bus service to Hendaye, where there are direct trains to French Basque towns. Day 8 we transfer to Hendaye station, to begin our rail journey back to London St Pancras.Search greatrail.com/SEG25SPAIN 69'