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Planet Rail · Independent rail holiday

Atlantic Spain & Rioja by First Class Rail

Independent first-class rail tour across northern Spain's Atlantic coast and Rioja

Illustration of Atlantic Spain & Rioja by First Class Rail

Planet Rail operates this 13-day independent rail holiday connecting London to Zaragoza through northern Spain, using Eurostar, TGV and Spain's AVE high-speed network throughout. After an evening arrival in Barcelona on Day 1, the route heads north-west to Oviedo for two nights in Asturias, then east along the Atlantic coast to Santander and on to Bilbao in the Basque Country, each with free days to explore on foot or add optional excursions such as a Picos de Europa outing, a Santander bay boat trip, or a trip to San Sebastián. The journey continues south into La Rioja for wine tastings in Logroño, then to Zaragoza before returning north through Paris to London. Hotels include 5-star properties in Bilbao and Zaragoza and a 4-star stay in Logroño. With mostly 2-night stays and no group escort, the pace suits independent travelers drawn to regional food and wine, from Asturian cider houses to Basque pintxos bars.

What to know before you look closer

  • The evidence for this trip lists no separate inclusions or exclusions beyond named hotels and trains; meals and transfers are not confirmed either way, so check what is included directly with Planet Rail before booking.
  • Optional excursions, the La Rioja vineyard and wine tasting, the San Sebastián excursion, and the Santander bay boat trip, are extras rather than part of the from-price.
  • Star ratings are given for only 3 of the 7 hotels (5-star Hotel Carlton in Bilbao, 4-star Sercotel Calle Mayor in Logroño, 5-star Hotel Palafox in Zaragoza); the rest are unrated in the evidence.
  • No current departure dates are listed; confirm timing directly with Planet Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Barcelona

    Barcelona

    Board the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, transfer between stations, then continue south aboard the high speed TGV through the French countryside into Spain, arriving in Barcelona in the evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Oviedo

    Barcelona to Oviedo

    Travel north-west via Madrid on Spain's AVE high-speed network into the green landscapes of Asturias, arriving into Oviedo in the evening.

  3. Day 3overnight: Oviedo

    Oviedo

    Free day to explore Oviedo's old town, architecture and museums, or venture into the Picos de Europa mountains.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Santander

    Oviedo to Santander

    Continue east along Spain's northern coastline by rail, arriving into the coastal city of Santander.

  5. Day 5overnight: Santander

    Santander & the Cantabrian Coast

    Full day at leisure in Santander, with the option to visit the Magdalena Palace, relax on Sardinero Beach, or take a boat trip around the bay.

  6. Day 6overnight: Bilbao

    Santander to Bilbao

    Travel east into the Basque Country and the city of Bilbao, with the option to visit the Guggenheim Museum and the Casco Viejo.

  7. Day 7overnight: Bilbao

    Bilbao

    Full day to explore Bilbao's galleries and markets, or take an optional excursion to San Sebastián.

  8. Day 8overnight: Logroño

    Bilbao to Logroño

    Travel south into Spain's Rioja wine region, arriving into Logroño; evening along Calle Laurel, one of Spain's famous tapas streets.

  9. Day 9overnight: Logroño

    Logroño

    Optional vineyard excursion and wine tasting in La Rioja, or a relaxed day in Logroño's cafés, plazas and markets.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Zaragoza

    Logroño to Zaragoza

    Continue by rail to Zaragoza, exploring highlights including the Basilica del Pilar and the Aljafería Palace.

  11. Day 11overnight: Zaragoza

    Zaragoza

    Full additional day at leisure in Zaragoza, exploring the old quarter and Roman ruins.

  12. Day 12railovernight: Paris

    Zaragoza to Paris

    Board the high speed rail service north into France, arriving into Paris in the evening.

  13. Day 13rail

    Home

    Travel to Paris Gare du Nord for the Eurostar journey back to London St Pancras.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris, then the high-speed TGV south through the French countryside into Spain, arriving in Barcelona.
  • Day 2Travel north-west via Madrid on Spain's AVE high-speed network into the green landscapes of Asturias, arriving in Oviedo.
  • Day 8Rail travel south into Spain's Rioja wine region, arriving in Logroño, with an evening along Calle Laurel, one of Spain's famous tapas streets.
  • Day 10Rail journey on to Zaragoza, exploring highlights including the Basilica del Pilar and the Aljafería Palace.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included throughout?
Train travel is central to the itinerary throughout: Eurostar and TGV from London to Barcelona, Spain's AVE high-speed network to Oviedo, and named rail legs on to Santander, Bilbao, Logroño, Zaragoza and back through Paris to London. The tour is branded 'by First Class Rail'.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail holiday with free days built into Oviedo, Santander, Bilbao, Logroño and Zaragoza for travelers to explore at their own pace.
What hotels are used?
Named hotels include the Abba Sants (Barcelona), Eurostars Hotel de La Reconquista (Oviedo), Hotel Bahía (Santander), the 5-star Hotel Carlton (Bilbao), the 4-star Sercotel Calle Mayor (Logroño), the 5-star Hotel Palafox (Zaragoza), and the Holiday Inn Bastille (Paris).
What optional excursions are available?
A vineyard excursion and wine tasting in La Rioja, an excursion to San Sebastián from Bilbao, and a boat trip around Santander bay.
How much walking is involved?
Highlights describe 'relaxed pacing with time to explore each destination on foot'. An optional excursion into the Picos de Europa mountains is available from Oviedo for travelers who want more activity.

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