The Basque Country by rail: Bilbao, San Sebastian and the coast

This is where your trip begins. From Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you'll head towards France by long-distance train, changing in Paris.

An overnight stop in Paris splits the long journey into manageable stages. The hotel is right by Gare Montparnasse, from which the TGV heads south-west the next morning. That leaves time in the evening for a short stroll and dinner in the neighbourhood.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The border station of Hendaye is the gateway to the Basque Country. Here the French TGV ends, and you'll change onto the cross-border regional service towards the Spanish side. A quick look at the mouth of the Bidasoa already sets the mood for the sea ahead.

The historic Carlton sits on the central Plaza Moyúa, within walking distance of the Guggenheim and the old town. The location is ideal for a rail trip, as the metro and stations are close by. This is where you'll wind down after the long journey.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

Frank Gehry's curving titanium building on the river is the emblem of modern Bilbao and reason enough for the trip on its own. Inside, major exhibitions of contemporary art rotate, while outside, Jeff Koons' flower-covered dog Puppy and Louise Bourgeois' giant spider Maman guard the forecourt. Allow enough time for a walk all the way around the outside.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

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The riverside path along the Ría del Nervión leads from the museum past modern buildings and Calatrava's curving Zubizuri footbridge. A peaceful, car-free stroll, right in keeping with the pace of this trip. Views of the river and city open up again and again along the way.

The old town with its Siete Calles is a maze of narrow lanes full of pintxos bars, small shops and the Gothic Cathedral of Santiago. In the evening, people move from bar to bar here, sampling the small bites on offer. Perfect for wandering on foot.

The large covered market hall on the riverbank is considered one of the biggest in Europe and showcases the Basque Country on a plate: fish, vegetables, cheese and fine preserves. Upstairs and around the outside there are pintxos stalls to try. A lively spot where it's easy to linger a while.

The small funicular takes you up in just a few minutes to Artxanda, Bilbao's local hill, with sweeping views over the whole city and the Ría. At the top, parkland and a café invite you to stay a while. A relaxed highlight that suits the calm pace of the trip.

The modern hotel is just a few steps from the station and the old town, ideal for the rail-based day trips over the coming days. From the centre, you can walk to Playa de la Concha and the pintxos bars. A great base for the second half of the trip.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here

The shell-shaped bay with its elegant seafront promenade ranks among the finest city beaches in Europe. A walk beneath the famous white railing opens up views of the island of Santa Clara and the green hills behind the city. A perfect first afternoon in San Sebastian.

The old town of San Sebastian is regarded as the world capital of pintxos, with bars lined up one after another around the Plaza de la Constitución. Here you move from counter to counter, sampling small culinary works of art. In between, the Basilica of Santa María and the fishing harbour are well worth a visit.

At the western end of the bay, a historic funicular from 1912 carries you up to Monte Igueldo. At the top you'll find the classic postcard view over the whole of the Concha bay, along with a charmingly old-fashioned little amusement park. The ride up on the old funicular is an experience in itself.

At the foot of Monte Igueldo, Eduardo Chillida's iron sculptures anchor the view out to sea, while beneath the terraces water sprays up through blowholes in the rock. The spot combines art, wind and waves, offering a calm counterpoint to the bustle of the old town. A must for art lovers and sea-gazers alike.

The small fishing village of Getaria is famous for its fish grilled fresh over charcoal, its local Txakoli wine, and as the birthplace of round-the-world sailor Juan Sebastián Elcano. The scent of the grills drifts through the narrow lanes, and from the harbour you look out towards the Ratón headland. A long lunch with a sea view is well worth it here.

Near Zumaia, the rock strata of the famous Flysch Coast rise steeply from the sea, like an open book of Earth's history. At low tide, you can walk between the sharp rock slabs on Itzurun beach, a location familiar from film and television. A spectacular natural spot right by the water.

Pasaia sits on a narrow, fjord-like inlet between steep hills, divided into several old fishing quarters. From Pasai San Pedro, a small traditional motorboat ferry crosses in just a few minutes to Pasai Donibane, the picturesque village of lanes by the water. The short boat trip is part of the experience and costs just a few cents.

The walled upper town of Hondarribia, with its colourful fishermen's houses, coats of arms and balconies, ranks among the most beautiful townscapes in the Basque Country. Pintxos bars line the streets around the church and Charles V's castle, while down at the harbour you can sit looking out across the Bidasoa towards France. An atmospheric spot for your last evening of the trip.

To finish, you'll spend the night in the fishing quarter of Hondarribia, just a few steps from the harbour and the walled old town. This way you can enjoy the place in the evening and early morning too, without having to travel back. The hotel is centrally located and easily reached by bus and Euskotren.

Booking ahead is often cheaper here