Costa Verde Express: Santiago de Compostela

Costa Verde Express

Experience the ultimate fusion of culinary delights and cultural exploration as you journey through Spain's Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia aboard the luxurious Costa Verde Express. Transport yourself to the golden age of grand rail adventures while indulging in the modern comforts and amenities of the 21st century. Over six unforgettable days, the Costa Verde Express invites you to fully immerse yourself in this captivating experience, engaging all your senses along the way.

Highlights

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.

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.

Viveiro showcases a harmonious blend of natural splendor and cultural treasures. Explore architectural marvels like the Gate of Charles V, the Bridge of Mercy, the House of Lions, and the Franciscan convent. Don't miss the awe-inspiring Church of Santiago, recognised as a National Monument, adding to the city's allure.

A cosmopolitan and welcoming city, boasts stunning natural surroundings and remarkable landmarks such as "La Laboral ciudad de la Cultura," the Aquarium, the Botanical Garden, and Talasoponiente. Have lunch and explore this magnificent city.

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.

A faithful reproduction of the original Altamira cave in Santillana del Mar, created using state-of-the-art technology and scientific knowledge. Visitors can explore the three-dimensional recreation to learn about the life, art and environment of Europe's earliest settlers.

The capital of Biscay, Bilbao - Basque Country - A vibrant cosmopolitan hub, this city pulsates with life while embracing modernity without losing its traditional identity. Renowned for its Cathedral of Santiago, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.

6 days

From

AUD 7,895

per person, twin share

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Travelling with kids? Read more

All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on an enchanting journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Green Spain aboard the Costa Verde Express. This luxurious train seamlessly blends the nostalgic charm of vintage rail travel with the modern comforts of the 21st century. As you traverse the picturesque regions of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia, prepare to indulge in a gastronomic and cultural odyssey like no other.

Over six remarkable days, the Costa Verde Express promises an immersive adventure that will awaken your senses to the vibrant history, delectable cuisine, and awe-inspiring vistas of this captivating region.

Inclusions

Private ensuite accommodation in Grand Class Suites onboard the train

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

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

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

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 Santiago de Compostela Viveiro

Your journey commences with a warm reception at the Parador Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela at 10 a.m. Following a delightful tour of Santiago and a scrumptious lunch, guests will embark on a scenic bus ride to Ferrol, where the train is waiting. Get acquainted with the crew and settle into your accommodations before venturing out to explore Viveiro at your leisure. Enjoy dinner and spend the night in Viveiro.

Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 Viveiro Oviedo

As the sun rises, indulge in a delicious breakfast aboard the train as you arrive in Ribadeo for a captivating visit, free time, and a delightful lunch. Later, journey to Luarca, renowned as the 'White Town of the Green Coast', for an immersive tour. Return to the train for dinner and an overnight stay onboard the train in Oviedo.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Oviedo Llanes

After a hearty breakfast, embark on a bus tour to the charming city of Gijón. In the afternoon, explore the capital of the principality, Oviedo, at your leisure before boarding the train bound for Llanes. Enjoy dinner on board and spend the night in Llanes.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Llanes Cabezón de la Sal

Following breakfast, guests will journey by bus to the heart of the Picos de Europa, visiting the Covadonga Sanctuary, Lake Enol, and Cangas de Onís, the first capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. After lunch, explore the picturesque village of Llanes before continuing your adventure into Cantabrian lands. Enjoy dinner on board as guests will overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Cabezón de la Sal Santander

Begin the day with a visit to the Neocave of Altamira and the Medieval Village of Santillana del Mar before your train journey to Santander. Explore the city, enjoy some free time, and savour dinner in a typical restaurant. Spend the night in Santander.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Santander Bilbao

While relishing breakfast aboard the train, your journey continues on to Bilbao, the vibrant capital of Biscay. Spend the day exploring the city's rich cultural offerings and indulging in a delightful meal. As the afternoon approaches, return to La Concordia station, marking the end of our journey around 4 p.m.

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)

25 May
08 & 22 June
06 & 20 July
14 & 28 September
12 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?

Welcome to Entire Travel Group. We offer exceptional travel experiences across our extensive range of Entire Holiday Packages, Entire Group Journeys, Entire Rail Journeys, and Entire Cruise Journeys. With our industry-leading Peace of Mind Booking Plan, you can Book Now with flexibility and confidence.

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Entire Travel Group used to be known by the individual brands shown in the footer of the website. The company has not changed, but we have amalgamated under one brand - 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.

Is Entire Travel Group industry accredited?

Entire Travel Group is both ATAS and CATO Accredited. ATAS is actively administered by the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA). The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is the trade association representing the land supply sector of the Australian Travel Industry.

Does Entire Travel Group have industry awards?

Entire Travel Group was honoured at the 2023 National Travel Industry Awards with Most Oustanding Wholesaler - Product / Service.

As our team works tirelessly to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, it was exciting to have this acknowledged with the highest recognition. The award is also a testament to the quality of our partners around the globe, and we take this opportunity to thank them for their tremendous support of our customers.

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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.
We are offering unique travel experiences which cannot be found elsewhere.
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.
A wide selection of our packages are compliant with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Covid Safe Travels.

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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Can you book my international airfares?

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.

However, on the majority of our Holiday Packages, we do not include international flights.

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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Travel insurance is strongly recommended. During the Book Now process please confirm you require assistance, and our team will be in contact with you.

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