Trip Highlights:

Travel overland from the UK to the Basque region - covering the whole length of France on the way.
Take to the waves: the area around Kontxa Hondartza (La Concha Beach) is littered with surf shops, and there are schools suitable for beginners and seasoned wave-riders alike.
Get out of the city and explore nearby nature reserves - the region is mountainous, perfect for hiking or exploring by MTB.
Indulge in the food scene: whether you prefer Pintxo-hopping alongside a customary vermouth, freshly-caught local seafood by the shore or Michelin-starred elegance there is something for foodies of all inclinations to enjoy.
Explore the port-city of Bilbao (1.5 hours by direct bus) - famed for its recent artistic revival, with the advent of the new Guggenheim museum - or take a ride out to the country to enjoy world class wines.

Trip Overview:

Spain's North-Western region is dominated by its Basque heritage. Traditions are upheld fiercely, food is distinctive and the green, mountainous landscape is captivating. San Sebastian - also known as Donostia - itself is a hub for surf culture and fine dining - the perfect escape for a few days by the sea.

A sight to behold, this sprawling Basque city extends from a hemi-sphere of soft, sandy beaches on its Atlantic side, to the lush green foothills of the Peñas de Aya on its other.

It's not a secret - visitors looking for great food, surf and sun have been coming here for years - but San Sebastian has kept its local culture alive despite its popularity. Visit on a celebration day and you'll spot gatherings of local people enjoying euskal dantza (a traditional folk dance) performances; visit anytime and you'll see pintxo bars full of patrons sampling the canape-like delights while standing - before moving on to another location.

Accomodation:

Enjoy accommodation in 4* hotels or equivalent with breakfast included wherever available. We look specifically for comfortable, independently owned accommodation that meets our sustainability criteria.

While the exact practices may vary from accommodation to accommodation, we prioritise finding places to stay which value their local environment, invest in local produce and generate local employment.

Location: Donostia-San Sebastian - Donostia-San Sebastian, Gipuzkoa, Spain

Itinerary

Day 1 London-San Sebastian:

Kick off your short break by rail with a morning Eurostar, departing around 8am. Enjoy a quick ride to Paris, taking around 2.5 hours and arriving just in time for a leisurely lunch.

Change stations in Paris (full details provided) to board your onward train towards Hendaye. The TGV covers the 800km in under 5 hours, zipping South West through the Loire Valley and onwards via Bordeaux's endless vineyards - finally reaching the very bottom of France, the Pyrenees and the sea at Hendaye. Take a 45 minute hop via the local metro over the border into Spain, to San Sebastian. You should arrive around 7pm - just in time to settle into your hotel before venturing out for dinner!

Day 2 & 3 San Sebastian:

We are always happy to arrange bespoke activities for you on the ground. San Sebastian is famous for its surfing, Pintxos and local wines - or head to nearby Bilbao to explore the world famous Guggenheim museum. Whatever your interest, contact us after booking and let us know what you'd like to do.

Day 4 - San Sebastian-London:

On your return back to the UK you'll take the same journey in reverse, leaving at around 8am to be back in the UK at around 5pm.