The Breathtaking Train Experience Through Northern Spain With Five-Star Service

Lush, verdant greenery, grandiose mountains, and fascinating medieval villages await you as you discover luxury along the "Green Coast" on Spain's Northern border. When you ride the Costa Verde Express, you'll embark upon a six-day, five-night adventure that takes you across Northern Spain between Bilbao and Santiago de Compostela, which includes the regions of Basque, Asturias, Cantabria, and Galicia. Operated by Spain's national rail system, RENFE, the opulent Costa Verde Express also offers two itineraries (one in either direction) that make a round trip from Bilbao and back extremely easy.  At each stop, you'll be transferred to a luxury motorcoach to continue your in-depth exploration of Spanish history, architecture, and culture. 

Aboard the train, you'll be treated like royalty with superb service that enhances your journey every step of the way. With outstanding dining that serves first-class cuisine, the Costa Verde Express' only aim is to make you feel like a treasured guest. Along the route, you'll be treated to exquisite dinners, a private car to ensure a comfortable ride, and local guides at each destination. Your evenings will be filled with interesting lectures, live music, entertainment, and a closing night's gala in the lounge car that lets you share the extraordinary experience with your fellow passengers. To ensure that you enjoy the best nightlife in each destination, the train remains stationary overnight, which also contributes to a more restful night's sleep. This train trip is definitely a good way to visit many destinations in Spain that are on your bucket list.

The train departs from Bilbao, famous for its contemporary icon, the Guggenheim Museum. A city tour of Bilbao, including the museum, is part of your itinerary on the Costa Verde Express. The next stop features the city of Santander, where you can take a tour or go off on your own to explore the beach and Belle Époque architecture. The underrated coastal city is one of the prettiest destinations in Spain with loads of things to do. Make sure to stop by the Plaza de Cañadío, which is lined with bars and restaurants to chill with the locals.

Riding through the Cantabria region, the train passes by pastoral meadows and rolling hills towards Cabezón de la Sal, a salt-mining town. Stop at the Altamira Museum to see replicas of Paleolithic cave paintings discovered nearby in 1879. Asturias is considered Spain's "natural paradise" and includes a visit to the Picos de Europa National Park with its limestone cliffs and falcons sweeping across the sky. At a stop in Oviedo, the capital of Asturias, you'll get a guided tour of the old quarter and the imposing Gothic Cathedral of San Salvador. The last stop is the famous Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and home to Spain's famous pilgrimage trail called El Camino de Santiago. Pilgrims come from all over Europe to Santiago de Compostela, concluding this spiritual journey to see the remains of the Apostle Saint James. Filled with backpackers, cyclists, and tour groups, the town square proudly welcomes the pilgrims home upon completing the route. Of course, tourists should pay attention to Spain's new travel laws that might affect their trip.