La Robla & Undiscovered Northern Spain 2012 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a complimentary light meal and drinks served on board. We cross the city by coach and join the Francisco de Goya Hotel Train for the overnight journey to Madrid. Through the night, our train travels the length of France and into Spain. (E)

After enjoying breakfast on board, we arrive in Madrid, the vibrant Spanish capital. Upon arrival we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, followed by a free afternoon for you to explore this bustling city at your own pace, discovering its stunning old and new architecture, lively plazas and grand boulevards. Perhaps visit the Prado Museum, home to one of the finest collections of European art from the 12th to 19th centuries. We spend tonight at the Hotel Catalonia Gaudi, situated in the heart of the city on the Gran Via. (B,D)

Today we travel north to the coastal town of Gijón - the starting point for our rail adventure on board El Expreso de La Robla. We spend the next three nights exploring the rugged, mountainous coastline of northern Spain on board our hotel train, launched in 2010. Our train is the sister of the El Transcantabrico, Spain's most famous train-cruise service. After settling into our comfortable, en-suite cabins, the journey begins as we head west along the coast to Galicia. Of all of the autonomous regions of Spain it is understandable, given its location, that Galicia is considered the most remote, and therein lies its charm. This beautiful, mountainous province is lined by cliffs which plunge in to the roaring Atlantic Ocean. We enjoy dinner in the Parador de Ribadeo overlooking the River Eo estuary. La Robla remains in Ribadeo overnight, allowing for a peaceful night's rest. (B,D)

Our journey continues as we enjoy breakfast on board, whilst travelling north-west further into Galicia. Our day is spent exploring the remote and stunning coastline of northern Spain passing towering cliffs and mountains which seem to tumble into the sea and following the dramatic coastline of the wild Atlantic Ocean. We stop to explore delightful port villages and ancient walled towns, mingling with vivacious locals and sampling hearty Galician food. In the villages of Cariño and Cedeira, we will see some of the highest cliffs in Europe, before we continue to Ortigueira where we enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. The train remains in Ortigueira overnight. (B,L,D)

After enjoying breakfast on board, we travel by coach to Santiago de Compostela, declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO, and the final destination of a thousand-year-old pilgrim route: the Way of St James. Our visit here includes the delightful Old Town with its medieval buildings and many lively tapas bars. The impressive cathedral with its magnificent Baroque façade has been the destination of pilgrims for many centuries. We continue to La Coruña, enjoying a traditional local lunch on arrival in the port city. After our meal, we have time to visit the Hercules Tower, a magnificent lighthouse with Roman origins, the sweeping promenade and the impressive Plaza de Maria Pita Square. Our day ends in Ferrol where we enjoy time to explore and we dine in a local restaurant. The train spends the night in Ferrol. (B,L,D)

On our final morning on board we enjoy breakfast as we travel along the cliff tops of Foz. From here we visit Mondoñedo, located in a wide valley looking out across the Bay of Biscay. The town is home to the San Martio Cathedral, a national monument which still has its early Romanesque façade with a beautiful rosette and Baroque towers. After lunch, we return to La Robla for our final journey on board to Gijón, passing deep gorges and pristine beaches along the route. We spend one night in Gijón at the Hotel Tryp Rey Pelayo, located near the beachfront. This evening you are free to explore Gijón, famous for its coastline and pretty Old Town. (B,L)

This morning we transfer to nearby Oviedo to join the Standard Class FEVE narrow-gauge service along the Spanish coast towards San Sebastián. Travelling through the beautiful scenery and along the dramatic coastline, we change trains in Santander, before arriving in Bilbao. From Bilbao we transfer to San Sebastián, considered to be one of the most elegant resorts in Spain. We spend three nights at the Mercure Monte Igueldo, located at the top of Monte Igueldo. (B,D)

Today is free for you to spend at leisure. You may like to wander around the Old Quarter discovering the historical buildings, or visit the Miramar Palace, a grand structure dating back to the 19th century. Otherwise, you could make the most of your time by the sea, relaxing on the promenade or on one of the three beaches. (B)

A coach journey takes us through the Basque countryside to nearby Bilbao. Here we visit the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, with its impressive collection of art. Following time to explore we return to San Sebastián for an afternoon at leisure. This evening we enjoy dinner together in the hotel. (B,D)

After a short coach journey across the border to Hendaye in France, we travel by TGV to Paris and connect with the Eurostar service to London. A light meal and drinks are served on board before our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday