touring
THE BASQUE COUNTRY AND CATALONIA
Visit the Basque Country and Catalonia , both fascinating regions with a unique cultural identity . Travel by train from the UK to the French Basque Country , before crossing the border and staying in San Sebastián . The key attraction of the region is its proximity to both countryside and sea ; the coastline is spectacular , with sweeping sandy beaches , jagged cliffs and fishing villages , but only a short drive inland are rolling green hills and flower filled fields . You soon leave the greenness of the Basque Country behind and travel eastwards into Catalonia , where you stay in the region ’ s capital , Barcelona before returning home by train .
SUGGESTED ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Begin your touring holiday by leaving London at about 9am , changing in Paris for a fast train to St Jean de Luz , arriving in the evening . It is possible to break the journey in Paris or to continue straight to the small town in the French Basque Country . Spend two nights at the Grand Hotel , a five-star hotel in a prominent position on the town ’ s wide sandy beach .
DAY TWO
St Jean de Luz is well suited to exploration on foot , with numerous winding lanes , whitewashed houses and tiny shops to discover . Perhaps hire a car for the day to explore the surrounding villages , or relax at the hotel and indulge in the excellent thalassotherapy treatments which are available .
DAY THREE
Following your stay in St Jean de Luz , board a train early afternoon to travel to San Sebastián , changing on the French / Spanish border and arriving after just a few hours . Spend two nights at Hotel Villa Soro , a charming and homely hotel of typical Basque architecture .
DAY FOUR
San Sebastián is an elegant city in a beautiful setting on the bay of La Concha which boasts one of the best city beaches in Europe . It is also home to a vast selection of Michelinstarred restaurants and a number of cultural events throughout the year , such as the San Sebastián Jazz Festival and the International Film Festival .
DAY FIVE
Leave the Basque Country at about 7.30am , travelling eastwards across the drier centre of northern Spain . This train journey towards Barcelona passes through Pamplona , Zaragoza and Lleida , all interesting cities where you could break the journey . On arrival in the Catalan capital , take a taxi to the Grand Hotel Central Barcelona , a five-star hotel in a prime location which combines 1920s glamour with a modern style .
DAYS SIX AND SEVEN
Spend three nights in Barcelona , a cosmopolitan city set on a plain that rises up from the sea to wooded hills and has one of the highest concentrations of Gothic architecture in Europe . The city boasts unique architecture , a rich culture with art galleries and museums , gourmet restaurants , lively bars , designer boutiques , golden beaches , parks and gardens ; plenty to occupy visitors for a few days .
DAY EIGHT
Leave just after 9am on a train to Paris where you arrive mid-afternoon . Catch the Eurostar back to London at about 5pm , arriving into London at 6.30pm .
Aiguablava , Costa Brava
Basque country
Walking in the Pyrenees
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