Costa Verde Express: Bilbao - Santiago de Compostela

Costa Verde Express

Highlights

The Guggenheim Museum is recognised as one of the 20th century's finest architectural achievements, designed by Frank Gehry. The museum has reshaped Bilbao's global image, establishing it as a prominent destination in the world of art and architecture.

Luarca captivates with its tiered layout nestled between natural promontories, offering breathtaking vistas. Often referred to as the "Villa Blanca" of the lush Asturian coastline, it owes its nickname to the pristine white hue of its buildings.

Santillana del Mar is neither holy, nor flat, nor does it have a sea, but it does have the most famous prehistoric caves, the Altamira caves. These ancient caves, home to remarkable prehistoric art, stand as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity, making them an essential destination for travellers.

A place of profound importance to Asturians, where nature, history, and religion converge harmoniously, is marked by the Basilica of Covadonga and the Holy Cave.

Nestled in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park in northern Spain, Lake Enol stands as a serene gem amid the rugged beauty of the Cantabrian Mountains. A tour to Lake Enol promises a tranquil escape into nature's embrace, offering visitors a glimpse of breathtaking landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere.

Indulge in a gastronomic journey with expertly crafted dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients. From traditional Spanish fare to international cuisine, relish exquisite meals complemented by fine wines, all while enjoying stunning views from the dining car.

Relax in the lounge car, offering a space to mingle with fellow travellers, savour a cocktail, or admire the passing landscapes. Discover the onboard entertainment, ranging from live music and cultural performances to informative lectures about the regions you'll be traversing.

Explore beyond the confines of the train and immerse yourself in the heart of Spain's enchanting towns and cities. This includes excursions to museums, monuments, shows and chances to engage with local artisans.

6 days

From

AUD 7,895

per person, twin share

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All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through the scenic wonders and cultural treasures of Green Spain aboard the Costa Verde Express. This luxurious train offers an exquisite fusion of old-world charm reminiscent of the golden age of rail travel and the modern amenities of the 21st century. As you traverse the enchanting landscapes of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, the Costa Verde Express invites you to savour a gastronomic and cultural adventure that transcends time.

Over six unforgettable days, this exceptional train promises an immersive experience, awakening your senses to the rich tapestry of history, cuisine, and breathtaking scenery that defines this unique region.

Inclusions

Each guest will be provided with a toiletry bag containing amenities and slippers

Private ensuite accommodation in Grand Class Suites onboard the train

Every day, enjoy a buffet-style breakfasts served on the train

Exceptional dining experiences for all dinners and lunches, whether served on board the train or in esteemed first-class restaurants, complete with inclusive offerings of wine, soft drinks and coffee

Enjoy a complimentary standard Renfe train travel before and after your tour, adding an extra layer of ease to your journey - Please note that this service is not a private transfer

Onboard the train, enjoy a welcome beverage and snack to commence your journey

All entrance fees to museums, monuments, and shows, as well as scheduled excursions and guided visits

Engage in a variety of onboard activities such as live music, performances, bar car parties and dancing

A memorable dinner and an end-of-trip celebration

Itinerary

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Day 1 Bilbao Santander

Commencement of the journey begins with a reception at Concordia-Bilbao station at 10 a.m., where guests will be introduced to the crew and familiarised with the train's accommodations. The day unfolds with a panoramic tour of Bilbao, including a visit to the renowned Guggenheim Museum. Lunch will be served on board as the train departs for Santander.

Upon arrival, an afternoon exploration of the city awaits, allowing for free time and an evening dinner at a local restaurant. The night will be spent onboard the train in the charming city of Santander.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Llanes Oviedo

Following breakfast, our journey continues with a bus ride to Cangas de Onís, the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. From there, we delve into the heart of the Picos de Europa, exploring the Covadonga Sanctuary and Lake Enol. Afterward, we return to the train for lunch and set off for Oviedo. The day includes a tour of Oviedo, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in this captivating city.

Day 2 Santander Llanes

The morning begins with breakfast on board as we approach Cabezón de la Sal. A bus will then transport guests to the Altamira Cave and the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Lunch will be enjoyed in the charming surroundings of Santillana del Mar. Following this, the train continues its journey into the Asturias region, offering a tour, dinner on board, and an overnight stay in the picturesque town of Llanes.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Oviedo Luarca

After a delightful breakfast, the itinerary takes guests to the lively coastal city of Gijón, allowing for some leisure time to explore. Following lunch, the train will transport guests to Luarca for a guided tour. Dinner will be served on the train and the day concludes with an overnight stay onboard.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Luarca Viveiro

During breakfast, the train reaches Ribadeo, initial stop in Galicia. Explore the area, enjoy some free time, and have lunch in Ribadeo. In the afternoon, the train will proceed to Viveiro. Explore the town, have dinner on board, and spend the night in Viveiro.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Viveiro Santiago de Compostela

On the final day, guests will enjoy breakfast, as the train reaches Ferrol. After bidding farewell to the crew, you will embark on a bus journey to Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia. Explore the city, have lunch at the Parador Reyes Católicos. Your journey concludes at approximately 4 p.m by saying goodbye to fellow guests.

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

Costa Verde Express

GRAND CLASS DOUBLE SUITE:
The 24 Suites on the Costa Verde Express are meticulously designed to ensure a comfortable and luxurious onboard experience. The Grand-Class Suite, adorned with exquisite wood panelling, exudes a cosy and inviting ambiance. It boasts adjustable air-conditioning, a double bed, and additional amenities for your enhanced comfort, including a writing desk, wardrobe, luggage closet, minibar, and a safe. Each suite comes with a private, well-appointed bathroom featuring a shower, hairdryer, and a selection of welcome items and toiletries. Large windows allow you to immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery and the train's internal connectivity enables seamless movement throughout its length.

Additional information

2024 Departure dates:

Peak season (May, June and September)
Off-peak season (July & October)

18 May
01, 15 & 29 June
13 July
07 & 21 September
05 October

Excluded

International airfares and taxes
Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

Who are Entire Travel Group?

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Entire Travel Group is proudly Australian family owned and operated and as it stands today represents 50 years of experience, progress, and evolution. We proudly support the community with our long-term commitment to many important charity organisations. We were awarded the best operator in our class at the most recent National Travel Industry Awards.

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In some cases, we are the sole representative in Australia for the overseas travel operator. In other circumstances the product developed has been exclusively built for Entire Travel Group and can’t be found elsewhere.

What’s unique about Entire Travel Group Holiday Packages?

They are not group tours with set departures - they are pre-designed, purpose built, independent holiday packages full of unique and memorable experiences.
Our holiday packages have been exclusively built for us in collaboration with our handpicked suppliers, who also offer full on-ground support for the clients.
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Many packages include our “Freedom of Choice” options which allow you to tailor the holiday experience. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.
They include our Peace of Mind Booking Plan.
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Our motto for Independent Holiday Packages is start your holiday when and with who you want!

Our Independent Holiday Packages are NOT group tours with set departure dates. Group Tours have specific set departure dates, and of course, you are travelling with unknown passengers in a coach. These tours are great for certain travellers and there are many reputable tour operators providing a wide range of options around the world.

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Look for packages with our Peace of Mind Booking Plan logo on the website.

We understand that occasionally plans may change, so we give you the confidence to proceed with a cooling off period.
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What is Freedom of Choice?

At Entire Travel Group we understand that our customers have their own personal tastes and interests - so throughout our packages look for “Freedom of Choice” which gives you the ability to tailor your holiday from the various experiences offered on selected days. Like a sommelier matching wine to a meal, we have used our experience to carefully select and offer the right experiences in each location.

The Freedom of Choice options are included in the package price, and the price remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

Our Freedom of Choice program offers flexibility, by allowing you to choose from different options on pre-selected days in the itinerary.

Our per person price includes one tour on each Freedom of Choice day in the itinerary.
The price of the package remains the same regardless of the choice you make on each day.

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On some Islands Holiday Packages (e.g. Fiji), it is practical to include flights, so where we have done this it is indicated by the plane icon.

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We found that many customers may prefer to:

Travel on a specific airline of their choice
Have the flexibility to book flights with Frequent Flyer points
Select flight dates that may be different to our Holiday Package start/end dates
Use a Travel Credit already held with the airline
Use their travel agent for this service

We are able to assist with flights on any Holiday Package, so please just notify us during the Book Now process or contact our team.

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