Planet Rail · Luxury rail holiday

Costa Verde Express & Spain by First Class Rail

Luxury rail journey through Spain via Eurostar and the Costa Verde Express

Costa Verde Express & Spain by First Class Rail, a rail journey with Planet Rail

Planet Rail runs this 11-day trip through Spain that combines Eurostar and TGV rail connections with five nights aboard the Costa Verde Express, a Grand Class touring train that follows the northern coast from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela. The Costa Verde Express crew hosts guided excursions each day the train is running, taking in the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Picos de Europa around Bulnes, and the Cabrales Cheese Cave-Museum, while the Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela and Girona stays are unescorted. Days on board the train each end in a different town, with dinner and a cabin included, before travellers settle into two nights in Santiago de Compostela and a final night in Girona. This trip suits travellers who want the comfort of a hosted train journey with cabin accommodation, combined with independent time to explore Spain's cities at their own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • Guiding is provided by the Costa Verde Express crew only for the train cruise portion of the trip, from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela; the Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela and Girona stays are independent travel with no guide, per the operator's own description.
  • The evidence names only one hotel, in Santiago de Compostela (Hotel Virxe da Cerca); no specific hotels are given for the Barcelona, Bilbao or Girona nights.
  • Some itinerary day descriptions in the operator's material are cut short before the final details, so confirm the complete day-by-day plan, including the exact stops on days in Santander, Oviedo and Luarca, with Planet Rail before booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Barcelona

    Depart London by Eurostar – Barcelona

    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.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Bilbao

    Barcelona to Bilbao

    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.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Santander (on board the Costa Verde Express)

    Join the Costa Verde Express – Bilbao – Laredo - Santoña - Santander

    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.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Llanes (on board the Costa Verde Express)

    Santander - Santillana del Mar - Llanes

    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.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Oviedo (on board the Costa Verde Express)

    Llanes–Arenas de Cabrales - Bulnes - Oviedo

    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.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Luarca (on board the Costa Verde Express)

    Oviedo – Gijón – Luarca

    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.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Viveiro (on board the Costa Verde Express)

    Luarca – Ribadeo – Taramundi – Viveiro

    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.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Santiago de Compostela

    Viveiro – Ferrol - Santiago de Compostela

    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.

  9. Day 9overnight: Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago De Compostela

    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.

  10. Day 10overnight: Girona

    Girona

    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.

  11. Day 11rail

    Homeward Bound

    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.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Costa Verde Express departs Bilbao with a panoramic tour of the city and a visit to the Guggenheim Museum before heading along the coast.
  • Day 5A funicular carries travellers from Poncebos, the end of the Cares River route, up into the mountains to the village of Bulnes in the Picos de Europa.
  • Day 7The train reaches the remote Oscos region, where the itinerary includes the ethnographic complex of Os Teixois and the ancient Castro de Taramundi with its Knife Museum.
  • Day 8On the final morning aboard the Costa Verde Express, the train reaches Ferrol before a coach continues to Santiago de Compostela for a guided tour of its historic centre.
  • Day 10In Girona, travellers can climb the ancient city walls for panoramic views and stroll along the River Onyar.

Included

  • Return Eurostar trains from London
  • Breakfast included at each hotel
  • Grand Class cabin accommodation, meals and daily excursions aboard the Costa Verde Express
  • Taxi transfers across Paris between Gare du Nord and Gare de Lyon

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price includes return Eurostar trains from London, a rail connection from Paris to Barcelona, and Grand Class cabin travel aboard the Costa Verde Express from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela.
Is the tour escorted or independent?
It's a mix. The Costa Verde Express crew hosts guided excursions during the train cruise from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, while the Barcelona, Bilbao, Santiago and Girona stays are independent travel.
Which trains are used?
Eurostar (London to Paris) in Standard Premier class, a TGV-style train from Paris to Barcelona, the Costa Verde Express in Grand Class from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, and a high-speed train from Girona back to Paris.
Do you sleep on the train?
Yes, five nights are spent aboard the Costa Verde Express in Grand Class cabins, with overnight stops in Santander, Llanes, Oviedo, Luarca and Viveiro.
What hotels are included?
The evidence names a 4-star hotel, Hotel Virxe da Cerca, for two nights in Santiago de Compostela; other city hotels are not specified.
When does it depart?
There are 16 departures listed, running in May, June, September and October.

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