Portuguese Explorer
- 16 Days
- From £1,799
- Portugal
- Train travel to Portugal with a night in San Sebastian & Vigo en route to Portugal
- Porto and Coimbra, historic cities in a stunning setting
- Lisbon, the Portuguese capital majestically draped over seven hills overlooking the Tagus Estuary
- Medieval Faro, capital of the Algarve
- Return via lovely Seville and Girona in Catalonia
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 15 nights’ handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, hotel vouchers and other documentation
- Complimentary delivery of your travel documents
Suggested Itinerary
Board a morning Eurostar service today, bound for Paris. In Paris, cross to the Gare Montparnasse and take a direct TGV service to Hendaye on the Spanish border. Here, make your way to the Eusko Tren terminal (just outside the main SNCF station) where you’ll catch a regional train (payable locally) across to San Sebastian. On arrival in San Sebastian, check in at the Zinema7 Hotel (or similar) for an overnight stay.
If you have time, you might prefer to break your journey to San Sebastian today, either in Hendaye or Bordeaux.
You have a free morning in San Sebastian today to explore this beautiful beachfront city with its world-renowned restaurants. At lunchtime, return to the station for a Spanish service to Vitoria/Gasteiz. Here, change onto a service which takes you across to Spain’s northwest coast and the city of Vigo. On arrival, check in for an overnight stay at the NH Collection Vigo (or similar). Again, if you have time, we would recommend breaking your journey from San Sebastian to Vigo in Santiago de Compostela or Leon.
A short journey by regional train today takes you across the On arrival, check into the Eurostars das Artes (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Straddling the Douro River, Porto is an important maritime city, one of the oldest European centres which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site since the 1960s. Port is also well-known as the home of port wine. Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine-cellars are a must-visit (and must-taste!). Also well worth a visit is São Bento station in the centre of town. Your train journeys don’t start or finish here, but the ornately tiled interior makes it worth a detour.
Just a short rail journey will bring you to Coimbra, where your home for the next 2 nights will be the Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas (or similar).
Coimbra is a picturesque riverside city with a UNESCO World Heritage listed university and a fascinating history going back to Roman times. Coimbra also boasts a wonderful collection of impressive churches, serene monasteries, and vibrant cultural institutions and a tantalising choice of restaurants and cafés.
Another short rail journey today takes you into Lisbon’s Santa Apolonia station. From here, make your way to the Heritage Avenida Liberdade (or similar) for a 3-night stay.
Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal’s capital is built on seven hills, watched over by the medieval Castelo de Sao Jorge. Lisbon enchants visitors with its limestone buildings, picturesque alleyways, and an easy-going appeal that makes it a favoured destination all year round. Don’t miss a tram ride up to the old Alfama district for stunning city views with a glass of Ginja.
It’s time to continue your journey south to Faro, the capital of the Algarve. Check in for 3 nights at the Hotel Faro and Beach Club (or similar).
Faro boasts a beautiful walled old town and is the gateway to the Ria Formosa Nature Park, with its tranquil islands and unspoilt beaches. Inside the city walls, you can go up to the Sé (gothic cathedral), Paco Episcopal Palace and the convent of Nossa Senhora. You can also easily access other parts of the Algarve coastline whilst you are in Faro. Popular destinations such as Portimao, Lagos and Albufeira are a short train ride away.
It’s time to return northwards today with a journey by air-conditioned coach to Seville. You’ll arrive in time for a late lunch and check in at the Catalonia Santa Justa (or similar), within easy walking distance of the station.
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure exploring Seville’s orange-tree lined streets and spectacular landmarks, including La Giralda Cathedral, the beautiful Alcazar and the ornately decorated Plaza de España.
After breakfast this morning, return to the station for a rail journey by high-speed AVE to Zaragoza. Here, transfer onto a connecting service taking you to the Catalan city of Girona where you check in for an overnight stay at the Cuitat de Girona Hotel (or similar).
Spend the rest of the afternoon discovering this historic city with its medieval walled Old Town, which has been used as a set for many films and TV productions including Game of Thrones and Killing Eve.
There’s time for a leisurely breakfast today before you return to the station for a service through France to Paris. On arrival, transfer to the Gare du Nord for your return Eurostar back to London. Alternatively, why not extend your holiday with another night in Girona or a stop in Paris on your way home? Please call us for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
San Sebastian
The Zinema7 is themed around cinema and the San Sebastian Film Festival. Each room offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV’s and is dedicated to an actor or director who has visited the city. The stylish, sound-proofed rooms feature contemporary décor.
Vigo
The NH Collection Vigo occupies a historic building in the centre of the Vigo, close to the Modern Art Museum and the port. Modern, classically furnished bedrooms are all furnished with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. For your comfort, a pillow menu is also available. Enjoy late night tapas in the hotel’s café-bar or Galician specialities in the on-site restaurant Irati.
Porto
The Eurostar das Artes occupies adjoining buildings, one modern, one an historic palace, in the centre of Porto. The bedrooms are designed in a contemporary style with hardwood floors and air-conditioning. Breakfast is served daily in the hotel’s restaurant, using seasonal ingredients and in the evening there is a bar and garden area where guests can enjoy a glass of port.
Coimbra
One of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Quinta das Lagrimas occupies an 18th century palace surrounded by 12 hectares of botanic gardens. Guests can enjoy a choice of two restaurants, a state-of-the-art spa and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool.
Lisbon
Located on Lisbon’s main avenue, Avenida da Liberdade, this stunning hotel occupies a 18th century townhouse is designed by the Portuguese architect Miguel Cancio Martins. Guestrooms feature DVD players and Molton Brown bathroom amenities. There is also a welcoming bar, a library and a fitness centre.
Faro
Located in the centre of Faro, just a 5-minute walk from the train station, this modern hotel overlooks the old town, marina and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. All bedrooms are air-conditioned with complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. The hotel also boasts a rooftop restaurant and swimming pool.
Seville
The modern Catalonia Santa Justa hotel is conveniently situated within walking distance of Santa Justa train station. Bedrooms feature parquet floors and modern décor with satellite TV and Wi-Fi internet access. Other facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, sun terrace and hot tub. Enjoy a drink in the hotel bar or dinner at the restaurant with its covered Andalucian-style patio.
Girona
The Hotel Ciutat de Girona is located a 10-minute walk from Girona’s main station in the centre of the city. Classically furnished bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi internet access, a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a safe. There is a restaurant on-site, offering a menu made from locally sourced ingredients and the hotel also features a professional spinning room.
