Morning: Depart from Karlsruhe Palace and take a short train ride to Strasbourg, enjoying the scenic Rhine Valley. Arrive in Strasbourg and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Wander through the historic Grande Île, admiring the half-timbered houses and stopping at the iconic Strasbourg Cathedral. Grab a light lunch at a traditional winstub.
Evening: Stroll along the illuminated canals of Petite France and enjoy a dinner of Alsatian specialties such as tarte flambée.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a high‑speed train to Lyon, arriving in the culinary capital of France. Drop your bags at the hotel and head straight to the bustling Presqu'île district.
Afternoon: Explore the Roman ruins at Fourvière Hill and visit the stunning Basilique Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for panoramic city views.
Evening: Dine in a classic Bouchon Lyonnais and savor local dishes like quenelles and cervelle de canut.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a regional train to Clermont‑Ferrand, crossing the scenic Auvergne countryside. Check into your accommodation and refresh.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Cathedral of Notre-Dame de l'Assomption and wander through the lively Place de Jaude square.
Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring Auvergne cheese specialties at a local brasserie.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel by train to Bordeaux, known for its elegant architecture and world‑renowned wines. Settle into your hotel near the waterfront.
Afternoon: Stroll along the Quais de la Garonne and visit the majestic Place de la Bourse with its reflecting pool, the Miroir d'Eau.
Evening: Sample a tasting menu at a top‑rated wine bar, pairing local dishes with Bordeaux reds.
Find HotelsMorning: Cross the border into Spain by bus, enjoying the coastal scenery of the Basque Country. Arrive in San Sebastián and check into a seaside hotel.
Afternoon: Walk the famous La Concha Beach promenade and climb to Monte Urgull for views of the bay.
Evening: Indulge in pintxos at the bustling Parte Vieja (Old Town), sampling local seafood and txakoli wine.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to Bilbao. Visit the iconic Guggenheim Museum and admire its contemporary architecture.
Afternoon: Continue by train to Oviedo, the capital of Asturias. Explore the historic Catedral de San Salvador and the charming Plaza del Fontán.
Evening: Dine on traditional Asturian fare such as fabada and cider in a cozy tavern.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early by train to Vigo, traveling through the lush Galician landscape. Arrive and settle into your hotel near the harbor.
Afternoon: Wander the lively Casco Vello (Old Town) and visit the maritime museum at Porto do Castrelos.
Evening: Celebrate the end of the trip with fresh Galician seafood at a waterfront restaurant, watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending your stay in Bordeaux for a day‑trip to the nearby wine regions of Saint‑Émilion or Médoc. To shorten the trip, you could skip the Bilbao stop and travel directly from San Sebastián to Oviedo, saving a half‑day of transit while still experiencing the highlights of northern Spain.