Inspiration for your own tailor-made trip
Spain - San Sebastian
100% customisable for you
Your London to San Sebastian train trip begins today with an early morning Eurostar train from London St. Pancras International to Paris Gare du Nord, which takes approximately two-and-a-half hours. When you arrive, make your way to Gare Montparnasse station by metro, stopping for a hot coffee and croissant en route (you are in Paris, after all).
From here, you'll be riding the rails to the southwestern town of Hendaye, close to the border with Spain. You'll be on the train for four hours and 45 minutes so sit back, relax and look out over the French countryside as it speeds by.
Then, it’s a final 40-minute metro train ride to the Spanish Basque capital of San Sebastian. After checking into your hotel, where you’ll be staying for the next four nights, it's time for dinner.
San Sebastian has more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere on the planet, so don’t hesitate to contact our Concierge for restaurant recommendations, whether you fancy a leisurely sit-down meal or a pintxos (Basque tapas) crawl around the old town.
After filling up on a tasty al fresco breakfast, it’s time to explore the city on a private tour. Alongside a friendly guide, wind your way along the Old Town's narrow streets and learn about San Sebastian's history, architecture and famous food culture, passing iconic landmarks, ancient churches, pretty plazas and buzzing bars.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy lunch with one of the secretive gastronomic societies that San Sebastian is famous for. The quality of the produce available and the innately competitive nature of these Basque societies are arguably the two reasons the cuisine has reached such heights.
Come evening, take a tour of the city's most famous pintxos bars to sample these sublime stick-skewered snacks. Feast on everything from fresh prawns to perfectly charred steak, all washed down with local wines, then do as the locals do and toss your napkin on the ground – the sign of any good tapas bar is how much of the floor is still visible by the end of the night.
After your indulgent foodie day yesterday, head out for a surf lesson on Zurriola beach, San Sebastian's liveliest stretch of sand and one of the country's top surf beaches. The two-hour surf lesson will introduce you to all the fundamentals, showing you how to perfect your paddling technique, pop up on your board and duck-dive waves.
After your lesson, return to your hotel for a hot shower to rinse off the saltwater and then spend the afternoon as you please. Perhaps you're in the mood for more Old Town strolling, or you may choose to head on a hilltop hike up Monte Igueldo for a panoramic view over the city.
Enjoy dinner in the city and then get an early night ready for a busy day tomorrow.
Kick today off with a visit to the stunning Urdaibai Biosphere Reserve, one of the most beautiful areas in the Basque Country. After a tasty breakfast, you’ll be privately transferred to the reserve, where a knowledgeable guide will be waiting to whisk you on a tour of the region.
Along the way, soak up the reserve’s breathtaking coastal landscapes, dramatic cliffs and traditional Basque scenery. You’ll also have the chance to stop at the spectacular Laga and Laida beaches and the Urdaibai Bird Centre, where you’ll learn about the importance of the protected reserve for migratory bird species.
Then, it’s another private transfer to Guernica, an hour west of San Sebastian. Enjoy a tasty lunch before setting off on a historical walking tour of the town, learning about the Spanish Civil War and the tragic bombing of the city in 1937 – an event immortalised by Pablo Picasso in his world-famous painting Guernica.
Finally, you’ll be whisked to Bermeo, a charming fishing village, for an amble through its historic centre and harbour, before heading back to your hotel, ready for a relaxed final evening.
Sadly all great trips must come to an end. After breakfast at your hotel, pack your bags and make your way to the station for the early morning train to Hendaye.
Following the same route as on your outbound journey, you’ll be spending four hours and 45 minutes on the train to Paris Montparnasse, arriving in the French capital in the early evening. The final leg of your journey is aboard the Eurostar from Gare du Nord to London St. Pancras, a journey that takes approximately two-and-a-half hours.
Use the time to unwind and slow down. Gaze out the window at the changing scenery, read a good book and reminisce over the success of your San Sebastian trip.
Each of our trips is entirely tailor-made with originality, quality and cultural immersion in mind. Our team of destination specialists will craft itineraries based on your tastes, using their first-hand knowledge and the help of our in-country team of Concierges and guides. All trips are accompanied by a wide range of additional services, including a 24-hour helpline, the Original Travel app, fast-track airport services and much more.
Enquire now
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from checking you in for your flights to our network of local Concierges
