Northern Spain by Rail

Northern Spain by Rail (EXRSP)

Duration: 12 days (may vary)
Areas: Spain
Tour types: History & Culture, Rail Journeys

Description

Picos de Europa
Bilbao, with its fascinating Guggenheim Museum, provides an ideal starting point for this remarkable collection of rail journeys by narrow gauge trains through the scenic highlights of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia in Northern Spain. From Llanes we take a funicular to Bulnes, high in the Picos de Europa where we explore the village and later there's the opportunity for a walk through the dramatic Canal de Tejo gorge.

Atlantic Coastal Train
After enjoying Llanes' attractive shoreline we strike westwards once more before pausing in historic city of Oviedo. With some free time here we can choose to take side trips by train, for example to the coastal town Gijon which also houses the Asturias Railway Museum, a great way to set our rail explorations into context. One of the highlights of our tour will be the journey along Spain's wild Atlantic coast to Ferrol, passing round rocky headlands to re-emerge to catch glimpses of the sea pounding on the shore.

Medieval Spain
We spend two nights in Santiago de Compostela, the final destination for pilgrims, who, since the 9th century, have been following the ancient route from France to the legendary resting place of Saint James. After exploring the city's historic streets, we board the ARCO train for Ponferrada. Here we have the chance to walk a short section of the Camino de Santiago before continuing by train to the medieval city Leon. Our final journey back to Bilbao is fittingly by narrow gauge train and gives us a last chance to take in the dramatic views of the Picos.

Tour itinerary

Day 1:

Join Bilbao.

Day 2:

In Bilbao; narrow gauge to Zumaia.

Day 3:

Train to Santander; free afternoon.

Day 4:

Train to Llanes; funicular into Picos; return Llanes.

Day 5:

Train to Oviedo.

Day 6:

Free day in Oviedo.

Day 7:

Coastal train to Ferrol; bus to Santiago de Compostela.

Day 8:

Free in Santiago.

Day 9:

ARCO train to Ponferrada; walk on Camino de Santiago.

Day 10:

Train to Leon; exploring Leon.

Day 11:

Free in Leon; PM train to Bilbao.

Day 12:

Tour ends Bilbao.