Costa Verde Express holiday with 5 nights on the luxury train with one night each in Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela
With our Costa Verde Express luxury train holiday, there is the choice of travelling from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela, or from Santiago de Compostela to Bilbao. We include one night in a 5-star hotel before the start of the tour and again at the end of the tour and then you spend five nights on board the spacious and luxurious train. The train with its suites and saloon cars takes you back to the golden age of rail journeys but also allows guests to relax in comfort and enjoy the stunning scenery. All Gran Clase suites that are included have private WC and a bed measuring 120 cm x 185 cm. Each trip on the Costa Verde Express includes a programme of excursions including entry to museums and other places of interest with a multilingual guide, while all meals are included, either on board the train or in local restaurants
The journey from Bilbao to Santiago includes stops or visits in Bilbao, Santander, Llanes, Oviedo, Luarca, Viveira and Santiago de Compostela, or in reverse if starting in Santiago.
Highlights
• Five nights on the Costa Verde Express • One night in Bilbao • One night in Santiago de Compostela • Excursions in Bilbao, Santander, Santillana del Mar, Ribadesella, Picos de Europa, Oviedo, Candas, Gijon, Luarca, Ribadeo, Ferrol and Santiago de Compostela • All meals included on the luxury train
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double Gran Clase cabin on the train and a double or twin hotel room for two nights. The journey on the Costa Verde Express includes all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with wine, water, soft drinks and coffee, either served on board the train or in restaurants.
From about
£5,790 per person Gran Clase double suite
Holiday Code SNFH12
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Call us on 01392 441245
Costa Verde Express holiday with 5 nights on the luxury train with one night each in Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela
Begin your holiday by flying from London Gatwick to Bilbao. Take a taxi from the airport for the short ride of about 12 minutes into the city centre. Settle into your hotel and spend the night here, ready to start your rail adventure the following day.
You meet this morning at 10 am in the foyer of Bilbao-Concordia Station to board the train, meet the crew and settle in to your cabin. There follows a panoramic tour of the city of Bilbao with a visit to the iconic Guggenheim museum. Lunch is served on board while the train makes its way to Santander. In the afternoon you are taken on a tour of the city followed by free time, and then dinner is taken in one of the city’s restaurants. The train stays overnight in Santander.
Breakfast on board the train whilst you travel to Cabezon de la Sal. From here you are taken by coach to visit Altamira Neocave and the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. After lunch, the train continues its journey with you into the Asturias region to Llanes. There is a tour followed by dinner on board the train with an overnight stay in Llanes.
Today after breakfast you travel by coach to the old capital of the Asturian kingdom, Cangas de Onis, before entering the area of the Picos de Europa mountains: Covedonga Sanctuary and Lake Enol. You return to the train and head towards Oviedo whilst having dinner. There follows an evening tour of Oviedo and then the train overnights here.
After breakfast you tour Gijon, a dynamic city on the coast. Enjoy some free time to explore and then have lunch in Gion. In the afternoon you continue by train to Luarca where you enjoy a tour of the town, dinner on board and then overnight in Luarca on the train.
You travel from Luarca to Ribadeo this morning whilst having breakfast. Ribadeo is the first Galician stop on your journey. You are shown the town on a tour, enjoy some free time and then have lunch here in Ribadeo. In the afternoon, you travel by train to Viveiro. Tour, dinner and overnight stay here.
On your last day of this train journey you travel to Ferrol whilst having breakfast, then say goodbye to the crew and then take your coach to the Galician capital and pilgrimage city of Santiago de Compostela. You enjoy a tour of this historic and religious city which is followed by lunch in the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos, where your tour ends at about 16.00 hrs.
Spend most of the day at leisure in Santiago, before travelling back to the airport by taxi for your evening flight back to the UK.
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double Gran Clase cabin on the train and a double or twin hotel room for two nights. The journey on the Costa Verde Express includes all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with wine, water, soft drinks and coffee, either served on board the train or in restaurants.
From about
£5,790 per person Gran Clase double suite
Holiday Code SNFH12
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
● Flights London to Bilbao and Santiago to London with Vueling (or vice versa)
● One night’s bed and breakfast at the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao in a standard double
● One night’s bed and breakfast at the Parador Santiago de Compostela in a standard double
● 5 nights’ full board on Costa Verde Express train based on two people sharing a Gran Clase Cabin, including the excursions and meals mentioned in the itinerary
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Call us on 01392 441245
Costa Verde Express 2025
Train departure dates. (You begin your holiday one day earlier when you fly into Bilbao or Santigao for one night at the beginning of the holiday).
Bilbao to Santiago 2025
10, 24 May | 7, 21 June | 5, 19 July | 30 Aug | 13, 27 Sep | 11, 25 Oct|
Santiago to Bilbao 2025
17, 31 May | 14, 28 June | 12, 26 July | 6, 20 Sep | 4, 18 Oct |
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double Gran Clase cabin on the train and a double or twin hotel room for two nights. The journey on the Costa Verde Express includes all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with wine, water, soft drinks and coffee, either served on board the train or in restaurants.
From about
£5,790 per person Gran Clase double suite
Holiday Code SNFH12
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
• Flights London to Bilbao and Santiago to London with Vueling (or vice versa)
• One night’s bed and breakfast at the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao in a standard double
• One night’s bed and breakfast at the Parador Santiago de Compostela in a standard double
• 5 nights’ full board on Costa Verde Express train based on two people sharing a Gran Clase Cabin, including the excursions and meals mentioned in the itinerary
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
The journey and how you get there You fly from London Gatwick to Bilbao or Santiago with Vueling. We suggest you take a local taxi for the short distances between airports and city centres.
Call us on 01392 441245
Costa Verde Express holiday with 5 nights on the luxury train with one night each in Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela
The opulent five star Hotel Carlton is one of the best luxury city hotels in Bilbao, and captures the artistic heritage of such a cultural city. This grand hotel is perfectly situated to explore the wonders of the city.
Standard double room
Parador de Santiago de Compostela is a 5-star deluxe, historic hotel in an excellent location. Grand architecture and interiors and a restaurant serving authentic gourmet cuisine ensure that guests experience local culture and heritage.
Standard double room
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Big thank you for getting us into some lovely hotels on our holiday: the suite at the Santiago parador was outstanding and Villa Soro in San Sebastian an absolute delight. We are now planning our next trip...JG, September 2022
Holiday price guide Sample prices are per person based on two people sharing a double Gran Clase cabin on the train and a double or twin hotel room for two nights. The journey on the Costa Verde Express includes all breakfasts, lunches and dinners, with wine, water, soft drinks and coffee, either served on board the train or in restaurants.
From about
£5,790 per person Gran Clase double suite
Holiday Code SNFH12
The prices displayed here are a guide only. Each holiday price will be tailor-made at the time of booking to reflect all actual costs including up-to-date special offers.
Our prices include
• Flights London to Bilbao and Santiago to London with Vueling (or vice versa)
• One night’s bed and breakfast at the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao in a standard double
• One night’s bed and breakfast at the Parador Santiago de Compostela in a standard double
• 5 nights’ full board on Costa Verde Express train based on two people sharing a Gran Clase Cabin, including the excursions and meals mentioned in the itinerary
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
The journey and how you get there You fly from London Gatwick to Bilbao or Santiago with Vueling. We suggest you take a local taxi for the short distances between airports and city centres.
Call us on 01392 441245
Costa Verde Express holiday with 5 nights on the luxury train with one night each in Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela
About Green Spain
Green Spain features some of the best four and five star hotels in the regions of Galicia, Asturias and Cantabria in northern Spain, including coastal properties, city hotels and rural retreats. From the pretty rivers on the west coast of Galicia to the spectacular mountains of Asturias and the prehistoric caves of Cantabria, Green Spain is a picturesque area in the north of Spain. With quiet sandy beaches, green landscapes, charming villages and Romanesque architecture lining the famed pilgrimage route which leads to Santiago de Compostela, there is plenty to discover. Although many of those who go on holiday to northern Spain simply pass through en route to Santiago de Compostela, the entire region has much to offer. Stunning beaches are almost untouched, whilst the mild climate has produced rich vegetation which covers unspoilt countryside. Both along the coast and further inland there are attractive cities, towns and villages with a wealth of historical, architectural and cultural sights to discover. Galicia and Asturias have strong cultural identities, both fiercely defending their Celtic traditions which include playing bagpipes, and even speaking their own languages. In the far west is the remote region of Galicia, known as ‘The land of a thousand rivers’ thanks to the numerous wide inlets that run into the sea. The Atlantic coastline is rugged, with rocky headlands, idyllic beaches and isolated fishing villages, whilst the interior is hilly and overwhelmingly green. To the east is the Principality of Asturias, an enchanting region of contrasts with secluded beaches as well as peaceful countryside. Forming a natural barrier in the south are the towering Picos de Europa mountains, a spectacular area with small mountain villages, lush pastures, emerald forests, sheer gorges and glittering lakes. Next is the small, mountainous region of Cantabria, where white sand beaches line the coastline facing the Bay of Biscay, separated by rugged headlands.
Highlights of Green Spain
Santiago de Compostela cathedral, the supposed resting place of St James the Apostle, from whose rooftop you can enjoy unforgettable views over the old town. The attractive Galician cities of Ourense, Pontevedra and Lugo, all with historical sites including Roman architecture. Maritime cities along the Atlantic coastline including A Coruna, Ferrol, Vigo, and Baiona. The Tower of Hercules, an ancient Roman lighthouse near A Coruna. Galicia's fjord-like inlets known as the Rías Altas (along the north-west coast) and the Rías Baixas (along the southwestern coast). The dramatic Cape Finisterre, so called because it was thought to be the westernmost point in Europe. The stunning Picos de Europa mountains, home to a diverse range of walking trails and the atmospheric Covadonga Sanctuary. Oviedo, the attractive capital of Asturias which is home to some remarkable pre-Romanesque churches. Altamira Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock paintings which are up to 20000 years old. Comillas, a beachside town with impressive architecture including a building designed by Antonio Gaudí. Pleasant towns along the shores of the Cantabrian Sea including Gijón and Llanes. Santillana del Mar, a picturesque village inland with a number of well-preserved mediaeval buildings. Santander, a lively port city with a historic quarter, a modern centre and the famous El Sardinero beach.
Festivals in Green Spain
February/March: Carnivals celebrating Lent, March: Vigo Reconquest Festival; March/April: Holy week celebrations, July: ‘A Rapa das Bestas’ horse festival held in Galician villages, July: Saint James the Apostle festival in Santiago de Compostela, July: Nava Cider Festival (near Oviedo), August: Festival of San Roque in Betanzos (near A Coruna), August: Santander International Festival.
Gastronomy in Green Spain
Cuisine in the north of Spain tends to be simple and hearty, making good use of the excellent local produce including abundant fish and seafood, plentiful meat and game and a great variety of vegetables. The regions produce a range of dairy products, from the mild soft cheeses of Galicia to the smoked cheese of Cantabria and the blue cheeses of Asturias. Asturias is known for its dry cider, whilst Galicia produces high quality wines, both crisp whites and fruity reds, as well as a strong liqueur, ‘Orujo.’ Local dishes include ‘Vieras de Santiago’ (Scallops, the symbol of St James, which are baked in their shells), ‘Empanada gallega’ (a Galician meat pasty), ‘Lacón con grelos’ (pork shoulder with chorizo, turnips and potatoes), ‘Caldo gallego’ (thick soup with meat, potatoes and beans), ‘Fabada’ (an Asturian stew with pork and beans), ‘Tarta de Santiago’ (an almond cake), ‘La quesada’ (a Cantabrian cheesecake) and ‘Sobaos Pasiegos’ (Cantabrian sponge cakes).
Climate in Green Spain
Green Spain has a wet and mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. Summer is a popular time to visit northern Spain as the weather is sunny yet comfortable, but you can expect good weather in Spring and Autumn as well. Rain falls throughout the year although there is little during the summer months. Temperatures are rarely extreme, although mountainous areas can be very cold in winter with snow falling.
