Art at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna
Vienna is a delightfully graceful and elegant city with
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Spain with a blend of luxury rail travel and handpicked city stays. From the elegant Costa Verde Express, winding through the lush northern coast, to seamless First Class rail connections linking iconic destinations, this experience offers a perfect balance of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and refined comfort. Enjoy gourmet cuisine, guided excursions, and stress-free travel as you explore Spain’s diverse regions in style.
Your holiday begins as you enter the stunningly restored St. Pancras International station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of the magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier Class (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers). On arrival at the Gare du Nord your taxi transfer will take you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France into Spain. You travel through the changing French landscape at high speed on this brand new direct train to the vibrant city of Barcelona. You arrive in time for dinner or tapas before you settle into your hotel for the night.
After a restful night in Barcelona, your journey continues with a scenic rail adventure across northern Spain. Departing from the heart of the Catalan capital, you board a comfortable long-distance train bound for the Basque Country. Sit back and admire the ever-changing landscapes—from sun-kissed Mediterranean plains to the dramatic, forested hills of northern Spain—as you travel in comfort through Zaragoza and beyond. As you approach Bilbao, the scenery becomes lush and mountainous, offering a striking contrast to the day before. You arrive in this dynamic cultural hub by late afternoon, with time to explore its charming streets or enjoy a pintxo or two before settling into your next hotel.
Excitement builds this morning as you gather at Bilbao’s charming Concordia Station for a warm welcome aboard the Costa Verde Express. After being introduced to the friendly crew and settling into your elegant cabin, the adventure begins with a panoramic tour of Bilbao and a visit to the iconic Guggenheim Museum. As the train glides away from the city, enjoy a delicious lunch on board while taking in views of the verdant countryside en route to Treto. From there, you travel by coach to explore the historic centre of Laredo before a scenic boat ride across the bay to Santoña. Here, you visit a traditional anchovy cannery for a fascinating insight into one of the region’s finest delicacies. Back on board, the journey continues to Santander, where a panoramic tour precedes a delightful dinner in a local restaurant. You spend the night in this elegant coastal city, ready for the next day’s discoveries.
As you enjoy a leisurely breakfast aboard the Costa Verde Express, the train rolls into the charming Cantabrian town of Cabezón de la Sal. From here, you travel by coach to the beautifully preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar, with its cobbled streets and noble stone buildings. Your visit also includes the remarkable neo-cave of Altamira, a faithful reproduction of the world-famous prehistoric cave paintings. After a flavoursome local lunch, the journey continues by train as you cross into the lush landscapes of Asturias. You arrive in the picturesque coastal town of Llanes, where there’s time to explore its seafront and historic quarter. Back on board, enjoy a refined dinner in the train’s elegant dining car before settling in for the night in Llanes.
After breakfast, your day begins with a scenic coach journey to Arenas de Cabrales, nestled in the heart of the Picos de Europa. Here, you visit the fascinating Cabrales Cheese Cave-Museum to learn about one of Asturias’ most iconic delicacies. The adventure continues to Poncebos, the endpoint of the legendary Cares River route, where you board a funicular to ascend through the mountains to the secluded village of Bulnes—an idyllic spot untouched by time. Back on board, a delicious lunch is served as the train travels onward to Oviedo, the elegant Asturian capital. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of this historic city, known for its rich architecture and cultural charm. This evening, dine in style and spend the night in Oviedo.
After a relaxing breakfast on board, your day begins with a visit to the vibrant coastal city of Gijón. With its lively maritime spirit and charming old quarter, Gijón offers a perfect blend of culture and seaside charm. Enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before sitting down to a delicious lunch in one of the city’s inviting restaurants. In the afternoon, the Costa Verde Express continues its journey westward, weaving through lush Asturian landscapes en route to Luarca. On arrival, there’s time to explore this picturesque whitewashed fishing town before returning to the train for a refined dinner on board. You spend the night in Luarca, lulled to sleep by the rhythm of the rails.
As breakfast is served on board, the train arrives in the coastal town of Ribadeo, where your journey continues by coach into the remote and scenic Oscos region. Here, you explore the fascinating ethnographic complex of Os Teixois, a unique site showcasing traditional water-powered crafts and rural life. Your visit also includes the ancient Castro de Taramundi and its renowned Knife Museum, offering a glimpse into the area’s artisanal heritage. After a hearty lunch in Taramundi, the Costa Verde Express resumes its journey, winding through the Galician countryside to reach Viveiro. On arrival, enjoy a guided visit of this charming town, followed by dinner and a restful overnight stay in Viveiro.
On your final morning aboard the Costa Verde Express, enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train arrives in Ferrol. Here, you bid farewell to the dedicated crew who have accompanied you on this unforgettable journey. A coach then takes you to the magnificent city of Santiago de Compostela, a place of pilgrimage and profound beauty. Discover its historic centre, crowned by the awe-inspiring cathedral, during a guided visit. A farewell lunch in the heart of the city provides a fitting end to your remarkable rail adventure. Your journey concludes around 4:30 PM, leaving you with lasting memories of northern Spain’s landscapes, flavours, and charm.
After an inspiring arrival in Santiago de Compostela and a leisurely lunch, you settle into your hotel for an overnight stay in this historic and spiritual city. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You might choose to revisit the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santiago, wander the cobbled streets of the Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—or relax in the peaceful Alameda Park with its panoramic views of the city. For a taste of local culture, explore the Mercado de Abastos or one of the city’s excellent museums, such as the Museum of Pilgrimage. This evening, savour Galician cuisine in one of Santiago’s many atmospheric restaurants, before returning to your hotel to rest ahead of the next stage of your journey.
After breakfast, you travel to the beautiful city of Girona, where you’ll spend the night soaking in its rich history and vibrant charm. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore at your leisure. Stroll along the colourful houses lining the River Onyar, wander the medieval streets of the Old Town, or climb the ancient city walls for panoramic views. Don’t miss the impressive Girona Cathedral, with its record-breaking Gothic nave, or the atmospheric Jewish Quarter—one of the best preserved in Europe. Art lovers may also enjoy a visit to the Cinema Museum or one of the city’s contemporary galleries. In the evening, treat yourself to dinner at a local restaurant, sampling Catalan specialities before settling into your hotel for the night.
After breakfast, it’s time to begin your homeward journey. You board a high-speed train from Girona, travelling comfortably through the French countryside as you make your way north to Paris. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscapes from the comfort of your seat. On arrival at Paris Gare de Lyon, a private transfer takes you across the city to Gare du Nord, where your Eurostar service awaits. Travelling at speeds of up to 186mph, you return to London St Pancras International in style. As you arrive, you carry with you the memories of a remarkable journey through the heart of Spain and France by luxury rail.
Step into timeless elegance with the Grand Class cabin, your private retreat aboard the Costa Verde Express. Featuring twin beds, an en-suite bathroom, and carefully restored period details, each cabin offers the perfect blend of vintage charm and modern comfort. Large windows allow you to enjoy the passing scenery in privacy, while thoughtful touches — from ambient lighting to attentive daily service — ensure a relaxing journey through northern Spain.
Hotel Virxe da Cerca in Santiago de Compostela is a charming, historic hotel set in a beautifully restored 18th-century building. Located just a few minutes’ walk from the city’s iconic Cathedral, it combines traditional Galician architecture with modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere, spacious rooms, and a lovely courtyard. With its central location and personalized service, the hotel offers an ideal base for exploring the rich history and vibrant culture of Santiago de Compostela.
Vienna is a delightfully graceful and elegant city with
