Hidden Europe: unique experiences in Europe's cities
08/09/2020 · By Katie Shaw
Europe’s cities are treasure troves of culture, teeming with iconic, must-see sights to enthral even the most seasoned of tourists.
Read more2024 Tour code: POG24
About the tour
Flowing from Northern Spain to the Atlantic Ocean, the Douro River carves our route through a rolling landscape of vineyards and we explore the magnificent Douro Valley by rail. From Spain's golden city of Salamanca we discover Portugal's beautiful countryside and unique cuisine, the vibrant cities of Porto and Lisbon… our holiday ends in Spain's fabulous food capital, San Sebastián.
Unforgettable Experiences
What’s included
Itinerary
Our holiday starts at London St Pancras where we join the Eurostar service to Paris, travelling in Standard Premier class where we are served a light meal at our seats. From Paris we continue by First Class rail to stylish Biarritz in Southwestern France, not far from the Spanish border, where we spend the night. Overlooking the sweeping Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast, this historic spa town - a popular health resort since the 1850s - has an air of grandeur and Art Deco glamour. We enjoy our first dinner together as a group in a delightful local restaurant on the Grand Plage seafront.
Additional information
Hotels
Trains
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Upgrades
Reviews
4.2 / 5 · 69 reviews
David
Submitted 1/Jul
From first booking to replacing first class travel with standard and a terrible hotel in Valladolid this GRJ (our first) did not live up to expectation or indeed advertisement. Poor customer service, damaged and dirty transfer coaches and extremely poor organisation it seems GRJ prefer profit above all else. However, the destinations in themselves were good, Salamanca and San Sebastián were true highlights, hotels were good except the Recoletos in Valladolid... disgraceful. Other travellers had been many times with GRJ and said they have never experienced a holiday like it before, perhaps there has been a change of management? It has soured our thoughts of another trip with GRJ.
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Mr Purse
Submitted 30/Jun
Wonderful holiday made even better by Great Rails attention to detail and the wonderful tour manager
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D Carlyle
Submitted 30/Jun
holiday brilliant train journeys nightmare probably will not go trains again!
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C Barrass
Submitted 22/Jun
A good tour with good local guides. Hotels very good and staff helpful. Food excellent. More information about Sintra - timed tickets and transfer buses up the hill to the palace- would have helped the visit be more successful for some. Be prepared for a lot of travelling and walking, e.g. San Sebastian railway station is a building site. Note the 3 mobility rating! Overall a very enjoyable active holiday.
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Ian
Submitted 21/Jun
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David
Submitted 19/Jun
Good trip. Helpful that cases were moved by courier between hotels.
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Europe Holidays 2024
Rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning scenery await in Europe. Whether you want to reach new heights in the Swiss Alps, indulge in the culinary delights of Italy, or wander castles and vineyards in France, discover Europe’s best destinations.