Northern Spain Railway Tour -El Expreso de la Robla

El Expreso de la Robla is a wonderful air-conditioned vintage train that meanders through the picturesque countryside and coast of northern Spain. The route offers all the nostalgia of bygone train travel, with every modern amenity.

During the day, after a self-service breakfast taken on-board the train, a coach and guide await at each destination to take guests to visit the interesting towns and sites along the route, steeped in heritage and history.Delicious lunches are served at various regional restaurants and at night the train is stationary at stations, which enables passengers to have a peaceful sleep after an evening enjoying the local cuisine and night life of each town.

This is the perfect way to explore the rugged, mountainous coastline of northern Spain.

Day 1, Friday: London & Bilbao
You will fly from London direct to Bilbao. On arrival you will transfer in a private vehicle to the Hotel Melia Bilbao.

Day 2, Saturday: Bilbao & Sotocueva
This is the first day of your railway tour. Baggage collection will take place from 12:30 hours at La Concordia station in Bilbao.  You then have free time for lunch until 14:30, when reception of passengers takes place

Once you are accommodated, the El Expreso de la Robla train heads to Balmaseda. In the capital of the Encartaciones, you will visit the Museum of Berets La Encartada, which provides a fascinating insight into the history of the Basque textile business. Then enjoy a tour of the town. Back on the train you will cross into Burgos lands, enjoying the beautiful scenery along the Valley of Mena, finally reaching Sotoscueva. From there, the coach will take you to Espinosa de los Monteros for dinner. Night in Sotoscueva.

Day 3, Sunday: Sotoscueva & Mataporquera
After enjoying your first breakfast on board, you will start the day with a visit to the Ojo Guareña karstic complex, consisting of more than 100 kilometres of galleries and a listed Natural Monument. Next is a tour of Espinosa de los Monteros, a beautiful town of Las Merindades in Burgos, where you will also enjoy free time and lunch. After lunch, return to Sotoscueva, where El Expreso de La Robla will be waiting to take you to  Mataporquera. The coach will then takes you to Aguilar de Campoo and the magnificent landscapes of Palencia’s mountains. Visit the town before enjoying dinner. Return to Mataporquera, where you will spend the night.

Day 4, Monday: Mataporquera & Cistierna
The first visit of the day will take you to Carrion de los Condes and its rich Roman heritage. You can tour the town and have free time before visiting the Canal de Castilla and Frómista, with the impressive Romanesque church of San Martin. Free time and lunch. In the afternoon, you will continue travelling back in time in the Roman villa of La Olmeda and its magnificent collection of mosaics. Back on the train, El Expreso de La Robla train takes you to Cistierna in Leon where you will have dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 5, Tuesday: Cistierna & León
The Expreso de La Robla takes you to Matallana. Then, by coach, you will travel to the cave of Valporquero, famous for its stalactites, stalagmites and cast of whimsical shapes, and its impressive Great Rotunda with 100,000 m3 of underground space. Return to the train heading to San Feliz. Crew farewell and transfer by bus to the centre of Leon. The tour will end around 14:00 hours. You will then travel to the Parador Hotel in Leon for an overnight stay.

Day 6, Wednesday: Leon, Oviedo & London
You will check out of you hotel in Leon and a private car will transfer you to Oviedo Airport. From there you will fly back to London.

Please ask for further details on departure dates.