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Firebird Tours · Group tour

El Expreso de la Robla Train: Pilgrim's Route

Six-day train journey along Spain's northern coast from Oviedo to Santiago

Illustration of El Expreso de la Robla Train: Pilgrim's Route

El Expreso de la Robla is a six-day heritage train journey operated by Firebird Tours through Spain's northern Galician coast. The trip departs from Oviedo, travels to Viveiro, Ortigueira, and Ferrol aboard the vintage El Expreso de la Robla, and concludes in the Santiago de Compostela region. You spend all five nights sleeping aboard the train, which remains stationary at each stop, allowing for daily excursions without repacking. Firebird provides guided tours of the medieval towns, English-speaking expert guides, and a dedicated crew throughout. Each day you choose between optional Camino de Santiago walking stages of 25 to 31 kilometers or scenic bus tours to destinations including Cape Estaca de Bares, the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, and the Sanctuary of San Andres de Teixido. A traditional Galician pulpo a la gallega dinner in Ferrol is included. The tour suits repeat rail travelers seeking an immersive overnight train experience, history lovers interested in medieval Galician architecture and pilgrimage sites, and those who wish to walk segments of the Camino at a leisurely pace without daily hotel changes.

What to know before you look closer

  • The optional Camino walking stages range from 25 to 31 kilometers daily; these are only for those who choose to walk, and bus alternatives are available
  • All five nights are spent aboard the train rather than in hotels; confirm the berth and cabin configurations with Firebird before booking
  • The itinerary lists Oviedo as both the start and end point, though the route description states the end is Santiago de Compostela; clarify your final destination with Firebird

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Viveiro

    Oviedo City Tour & Train Boarding with Departure to Viveiro

    Guided tour of Oviedo's old town, then board the train for the overnight journey to Viveiro, Galicia.

  2. Day 1overnight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Viveiro

    Arrival in Viveiro

    Early arrival in Viveiro; overnight stay on board.

  3. Day 2overnight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Viveiro

    Optional Tours from Viveiro

    Choice of walking the first Camino stage (Ferrol to Pontedeume, 26km) or a scenic bus tour to Cape of Estaca de Bares, Bares Beach and O Barqueiro.

  4. Day 3railovernight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Ortigueira

    Departure to Ortigueira

    Breakfast on board as the train travels to Ortigueira.

  5. Day 3overnight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Ortigueira

    Arrival in Ortigueira & Optional Tours

    Choice of walking the second Camino stage (Pontedeume to Abegondo, 31km) or a tour to the Sanctuary of San Andres de Teixido and Cedeira.

  6. Day 4railovernight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Ferrol

    Departure to Ferrol

    Breakfast on board as the train travels to Ferrol.

  7. Day 4overnight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, Ferrol

    Arrival in Ferrol & Optional Tours

    Choice of walking the third Camino stage (Abegondo to A Calle, 25km) or a bus tour to A Coruna; group dinner of pulpo a la gallega in Ferrol.

  8. Day 5railovernight: Aboard El Expreso de la Robla, en route to Oviedo

    Optional Tours and Departure to Oviedo

    Choice of walking the final Camino stage (A Calle to Santiago de Compostela, 27km) or a bus visit to Santiago de Compostela, before the train continues towards Oviedo.

  9. Day 6

    Arrival in Oviedo and Farewell

    Early arrival in Oviedo, breakfast on board and farewell to the crew.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Guided tour of Oviedo's old town followed by overnight boarding of El Expreso de la Robla for departure to Viveiro
  • Day 2Optional visit to Cape of Estaca de Bares, the northernmost point of the Iberian Peninsula, or a 26-kilometer Camino walking stage
  • Day 3Optional tour to the Sanctuary of San Andres de Teixido pilgrimage site or the second Camino stage of 31 kilometers
  • Day 4Group dinner of traditional pulpo a la gallega in Ferrol, with optional bus tour to A Coruna or the third Camino stage of 25 kilometers
  • Day 5Optional journey to Santiago de Compostela, either by completing the final 27-kilometer Camino stage or by guided bus tour

Included

  • Exceptional downtown hotel accommodations
  • Guided sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
  • Delicious breakfasts at your hotels
  • In-depth exploration of best landmarks
  • Tickets and intercity transportation as per itinerary
  • Professional meeting services at the airport
  • Dedicated support team before and during your trip

Questions travellers ask

Is all the train travel included in the price?
Yes. El Expreso de la Robla train travel, tickets, and intercity transportation as per the itinerary are included in the from-price of USD 1,751.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Firebird Tours provides tour guides and a dedicated crew aboard the train throughout the six days, plus professional airport meeting services.
Where do you sleep each night?
You sleep aboard El Expreso de la Robla for all five nights. The train remains overnight in Viveiro, Ortigueira, Ferrol, and en route back to Oviedo.
Can I walk the Camino de Santiago stages?
Yes, optional Camino walking stages are offered daily (25 to 31 kilometers each). Alternatively, Firebird provides scenic bus tours to the same destinations.
What meals are included?
Breakfasts are included daily aboard the train and at hotels. A group dinner of pulpo a la gallega is included in Ferrol. Other meals are not mentioned as included.
How many people travel in the group?
The tour is described as a small group tour, but Firebird does not specify a maximum group size in the available information.

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