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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

La Costa Verde Express, Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela

Luxury train journey along Spain's green northern coast from Bilbao to Santiago

Illustration of La Costa Verde Express, Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela

Great Rail Journeys operates this 8-day escorted journey aboard the Costa Verde Express, a luxury train that departs from Bilbao and ends in Santiago de Compostela on Spain's northern coast. You will spend five nights on the train, traveling through the green landscapes and coastal towns of Asturias and Galicia, with two additional nights in hotels: one in Bilbao at the start and one at the historic Parador Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela at the end. The itinerary balances time on the train with coach excursions and free time in towns. You will visit the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the medieval village of Santillana del Mar and the Altamira caves, cross the Picos de Europa mountains to Covadonga and Lake Enol, explore the Asturian capital of Oviedo, walk through coastal towns such as Gijón and Ribadeo, and spend time in Santiago de Compostela. Meals are provided throughout: breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the train, plus restaurant dinners in Santander and Santiago. This tour suits travelers who value comfort and guided experiences over independent exploration, and those with an interest in Spanish history and culture.

What to know before you look closer

  • The final price excludes cancellation and travel insurance, which must be purchased separately
  • Hotels in Bilbao on Day 1 are described as 'handpicked' with a choice between 3-star and 4-star options; the actual property depends on which tier you select
  • No departure dates or months are listed; confirm availability and timing directly with Great Rail Journeys before booking

Day by day

  1. Day 0overnight: Bilbao

    Outbound Travel – Flight from London to Bilbao

    Your journey begins today with your flight from London Gatwick to Bilbao airport. Regional flights available.

  2. Day 1overnight: Bilbao

    Bilbao

    On arrival in Bilbao you'll be transferred to your hotel. Choose between handpicked 3* and 4* star hotels on a B&B basis. Optional excursions available including a Private Tapas Tour of Taverns & Bars and a Rioja Experience: Wine, Culture & Gastronomy.

    Meals: Breakfast

  3. Day 2railovernight: Santander (onboard)

    La Costa Verde Express

    Transfer to Bilbao Concordia Station to board the Costa Verde Express. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Bilbao including the Guggenheim Museum. Return to the train for a meal onboard while heading towards Santander. Arrive in Santander for free time to explore the city. Enjoy dinner in a restaurant in Santander, then return to the train to spend the night.

    Meals: Lunch, Dinner

  4. Day 3railovernight: Llanes (onboard)

    Santillana del Mar

    Breakfast in the restaurant car. Travel to Cabezón de la Sal, then coach to the medieval village of Santillana del Mar to visit the neo-cave of Altamira. Enjoy lunch in Santillana del Mar. Return to the train and travel into the Asturias region, stopping in Llanes for a walk through town. Dinner served onboard; spend the night in Llanes.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. Day 4railovernight: Oviedo (onboard)

    The Picos de Europa and Oviedo

    Leisurely breakfast onboard. Coach trip to Cangas de Onís, then cross the Picos de Europa to the Sanctuary of Covadonga. Visit Lake Enol and the Lakes of Covadonga. Return to the train and continue to Oviedo. Lunch served onboard. Visit Oviedo, capital of the Principality of Asturias, famous for its pre-Romanesque monuments. Dinner on the train with optional nightlife show in the entertainment car. Train stays overnight at Oviedo station.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. Day 5railovernight: Luarca (onboard)

    Gijón

    Breakfast in the retro restaurant car. Free time to explore the coastal city of Gijón with its charming sea views and Roman history. Stroll along the harbour and enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant. Board the train to continue to Luarca near the Galician border. Enjoy dinner onboard and a well-deserved rest.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. Day 6railovernight: Viveiro (onboard)

    Galicia

    Breakfast onboard while travelling to Galicia. First stop is Ribadeo, a beautiful coastal town with one of the most scenic beaches in Spain. Stroll through old streets and enjoy an authentic lunch in a local restaurant. The train then travels to Viveiro in the lush area of A Mariña Lucense. Dinner onboard; spend the night in Viveiro.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. Day 7railovernight: Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago de Compostela

    Breakfast onboard while admiring picturesque landscapes on the way to Ferrol. Leave the train and transfer by coach to Santiago de Compostela, the Galician capital. Spend time in the city and visit the famous Cathedral. Enjoy dinner at Parador Reyes Católicos. Transfer to hotel for the night. Optional two-night extension with excursions available.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  9. Day 8

    Santiago de Compostela to the UK

    Enjoy free time in Santiago de Compostela until transfer to Santiago airport for the flight back to London. Walk the old streets, pick up souvenirs, visit the cathedral, an art gallery, a museum, or sit at a pavement café.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Panoramic tour of Bilbao including the Guggenheim Museum before boarding the train
  • Day 2Meal served onboard the Costa Verde Express while heading toward Santander
  • Day 3Coach visit to the medieval village of Santillana del Mar to see the neo-cave of Altamira
  • Day 4Coach trip through the Picos de Europa to the Sanctuary of Covadonga and Lake Enol
  • Day 7Arrival in Santiago de Compostela for a visit to the Cathedral and dinner at the Parador Reyes Católicos

Included

  • 5 nights on the Costa Verde Express
  • 1 night in the Silken Indautxu Bilbao
  • 1 night in the Parador in Santiago de Compostela
  • Flight from London to Bilbao
  • Flight from Santiago de Compostela to London
  • Transfers as described in the itinerary
  • Meals as described (breakfast, lunch and dinner on the train where indicated)
  • Panoramic tour of Bilbao including the Guggenheim Museum
  • Coach excursions to Santillana del Mar, Picos de Europa, Covadonga, and other stops

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. The price includes five nights aboard the Costa Verde Express and all meals listed in the itinerary (breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the train where indicated), plus flights from London Gatwick to Bilbao and back from Santiago de Compostela.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Great Rail Journeys operates this as an escorted tour with organized transfers, guided excursions to Santillana del Mar, the Picos de Europa, Covadonga, and other stops, plus included meals and accommodation.
Which train is used?
The Costa Verde Express, described as a luxury train that runs from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela via Santander, Llanes, Oviedo, Gijón, Luarca, Ribadeo, Viveiro, and Ferrol.
What hotels are included?
One night in a choice of 3-star or 4-star hotels in Bilbao on arrival (Silken Indautxu or Barceló Bilbao Nervión or equivalent), five nights aboard the train, and one night at the Parador Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate. There are free-time walks through Santillana del Mar, Gijón, Ribadeo, and Viveiro, plus a coach excursion to the Picos de Europa and a walk to Lake Enol at Covadonga. Most travel between towns is by train or coach.
What is not included?
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included and must be purchased separately. Optional excursions such as a Private Tapas Tour, the Rioja Experience, and a Galicia Coast and Mussel Tasting Cruise are available at extra cost.

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