Itinerary - 12 Night Luxury Holiday by Air + Rail

Day 1

London to Madrid

Travel from London to Madrid on British Airways Euro Traveller Flight.

Check in at the Catalonia Puerta del Sol for your overnight stay. Spend your afternoon sightseeing in this energetic capital. Visit the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, home to some of the most beautiful Spanish modern art. Wander through the city enjoying Madrid's finest attractions such the Plaza Mayor and the Prado Museum before relaxing in Parque del Retiro, the city's largest and most impressive park.

Day 2

Madrid to León

Travel from Madrid to León on the Spanish Arco train. Journey time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Check in at the impressive Parador De Leon for your overnight stay.

Spend the evening enjoying León’s impressive sights. León's most impressive treasure is the cathedral, one of the stops on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Visit the Basilica San Isidoro and Royal Pantheon, the burial place of forty kings, queens and princes of León and Castile and featuring impressive 12th century Romanesque frescoes. In the evening, head to Barrio Húmedo where there are plenty of lively tapas bars perfect for sampling the fantastic food and traditional cortos (small beers).

Day 3

Board El Transcantabrico

After breakfast at the hotel, head to León train station for a warm welcome onboard El Transcantabrico. Settle into your suite and then meet with fellow passengers for lunch in the city. Visit the Iron, Steel and Mining museum of Sabero before enjoying a fabulous dinner in Cistierna and stay overnight in the town.

Day 4

Palencia and Villasana de Mena

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train journeys through Cistierna and Guardo. Stop for a visit to the Roman Villa of La Olmeda, featuring fine mosaic work and known as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Admire the Romanesque Art of Palencia before continuing to three important towns which feature on the pilgrimage to Santiago - Carrion de los Condes, Villacazar of Sirga and Fromista.

End the day in the pretty town of Villasena de Mena which spans the picturesque Ebro River. Enjoy a traditional dinner before retiring to your suite.

Day 5

Bilbao and Santander

Today, the train weaves through the Mena Valley before arriving to Bilbao, capital of the province of Biscay.

Blessed with a year round temperate climate, Bilbao offers plenty of wonderful opportunities for sightseeing. The day includes a visit to Bilbao's most famous spectacle, the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most captivating museums in the world. Walk across the impressive Zubizuri Bridge and discover Loizaga's Tower in Galdames, which is home to the largest Rolls-Royce collection in the world! Enjoy a typical Basque lunch on board the train before arriving into Santander.

Capital of the Cantabria region and considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Santander is a fantastic addition to the holiday. Explore the cities interesting culture with a tour before enjoying dinner and an optional visit to the famous Casino.

Day 6

Santillana and Asturias

In the morning, arrive into Cabezon de la Sal, nestled along the border of the River Saga. Take the luxury coach into Santillana del Mar. Known locally as the "city of the three lies" because it is "not holy nor flat nor beside the sea", Santillana is a beautiful city. Visit the Neo-cave of Altamira before enjoying a traditional lunch and returning to the train. Travel along the coastline into Asturias and to the charming fishing village of Llanes.

Spend the evening in Cangas de Onis before retiring for the evening in the pretty village of Arriondas, known for its Indian inspired architecture. Explore the village or enjoy the on-board entertainment.

Day 7

Picos de Europa and Gijon

Today, the train travels into the heart of the Asturias region. Travel to the National Park of Picos de Europa, the gateway to the Lakes of Covadonga. The Sanctuary at these lakes is considered to be the place where King Pelayo began the Christian Reconquest of Spain, and holds a very special spiritual meaning for the people of Asturias.

From here, continue to Gijon, the largest city in Asturias. Spend the evening in Gijon, home to the palace of Revillagigedo, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and the sculpture "El Elogio del Horizonte" (Eulogy of the Horizon).

Day 8

Oviedo and Luarca

Arise in the morning as the train travels to the Capital of the Principality, Oviedo. The city has a fabulous gastronomic reputation and is home to remarkable Romanesque monuments due to its history as the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. Return to the train and enjoy a cocktail in the bar as you weave through the landscape to Luarca. Affectionately known as the "White Town on the Blue Coast", Luarca's interesting topography carved out between the mountains is worthy of a visit. Stay overnight in Luarca.

Day 9

Ribadeo and Viviero

As the Eo River runs into the sea, El Transcantabrico reaches the border of Galacia and the town of Ribadeo. The beautiful ecology offers fantastic scenery and stunning beaches such as Cathedrals beach. After lunch in Ribadeo, board the train for Viviero. This medieval town features the ancient door of Carlos V which has been declared a National Monument. After a true Galician dinner, return to your suite for your last sleep aboard the train.

Day 10

Santiago de Compostela

Travel to Ferrol, headquarters of the Astilleros del Norte shipyards before transferring onto the luxury coach to Santiago de Compostela. Arrive into this remarkable city, celebrated for a thousand years as the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James the Great. Visit the impressive cathedral, shop for silver in Plaza de las Platerias and feast on fabulous seafood, Galicia's most prized cuisine.

Bid farewell to your new companions before checking in at the beautiful Parador Santiago De Compostela for your overnight stay.

Day 11

Santiago de Compostela to Segovia

The following morning, take the Talgo train through Galicia and onwards to the Castilla y León region. Sit back and relax as the train weaves through typical Spanish countryside and arrives in the historic city of Segovia.

Check in at the Parador de Segovia for your overnight stay. Situated on top of a hill overlooking the city, the Parador features traditional Spanish décor and commands beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a "Sopa Castellana" or "Asadas de Cordero o cochinillo" (suckling pig) in the hotel's impressive restaurant before retiring to bed.

Day 12

Segovia to Madrid

Travel by high speed AVE train from Segovia to Madrid. Journey time is just 30 minutes on this modern, comfortable train.

Check in at the Catalonia Puerta del Sol for your overnight stay.

Spend your final evening in the country's capital. During the evening, enjoy Madrid's effervescent nightlife. Have dinner in one of the many traditional tapas bars, decorated "Belle Epoque" style and sip a Cava or Rioja in Gran Via or the ultra-trendy Paseo de la Castellana.

Day 13

Madrid to London

Return to London on your British Airways Euro Traveller Flight.

Itinerary - 14 Night Luxury Holiday by Rail

Day 1

London to Madrid

Speed under the Channel from London to Paris by Eurostar, then transfer onto the overnight Ellipsos sleeper train to Madrid (in Club Class) leaving from the Gare d'Austerlitz. Relax on board with dinner in the restaurant car or tapas in the café bar and a glass of Spanish wine.

Day 2

Madrid

Awake and enjoy breakfast in the restaurant car before arriving into Madrid Chamartin station. On arrival check in at the elegant Catalonia Puerta del Sol for your overnight stay.

Located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, Madrid attracts visitors from every corner of the globe thanks to its love of art and enthusiasm for life. Wander through the city passing Madrid's finest monuments such as the Prado Museum before relaxing in Parque del Retiro, Madrid largest and most impressive park. Spend your evening enjoying Madrid's effervescent nightlife. Have dinner in one of the many traditional tapas bars, decorated "Belle Epoque" style and sip a Cava or Rioja in Gran Via or the ultra-trendy Paseo de la Castellana.

Day 3

Madrid to León

Travel from Madrid to León on the Spanish Arco train. Journey time is approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Check in at the impressive Parador De Leon for your overnight stay.

Spend the evening enjoying León’s impressive sights. León's most impressive treasure is the cathedral, one of the stops on the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. Visit the Basilica San Isidoro and Royal Pantheon, the burial place of forty kings, queens and princes of León and Castile and featuring impressive 12th century Romanesque frescoes. In the evening, head to Barrio Húmedo where there are plenty of lively tapas bars perfect for sampling the fantastic food and traditional cortos (small beers).

Day 4

Board El Transcantabrico

After breakfast at the hotel, head to León train station for a warm welcome onboard El Transcantabrico. Settle into your suite and then meet with fellow passengers for lunch in the city. Visit the Iron, Steel and Mining museum of Sabero before enjoying a fabulous dinner in Cistierna and stay overnight in the town.

Day 5

Palencia and Villasana de Mena

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train journeys through Cistierna and Guardo. Stop for a visit to the Roman Villa of La Olmeda, featuring fine mosaic work and known as one of the most important archaeological sites in the world. Admire the Romanesque Art of Palencia before continuing to three important towns which feature on the pilgrimage to Santiago - Carrion de los Condes, Villacazar of Sirga and Fromista.

End the day in the pretty town of Villasena de Mena which spans the picturesque Ebro River. Enjoy a traditional dinner before retiring to your suite.

Day 6

Bilbao and Santander

Today, the train weaves through the Mena Valley before arriving to Bilbao, capital of the province of Biscay.

Blessed with a year round temperate climate, Bilbao offers plenty of wonderful opportunities for sightseeing. The day includes a visit to Bilbao's most famous spectacle, the Guggenheim Museum, one of the most captivating museums in the world. Walk across the impressive Zubizuri Bridge and discover Loizaga's Tower in Galdames, which is home to the largest Rolls-Royce collection in the world! Enjoy a typical Basque lunch on board the train before arriving into Santander.

Capital of the Cantabria region and considered one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, Santander is a fantastic addition to the holiday. Explore the cities interesting culture with a tour before enjoying dinner and an optional visit to the famous Casino.

Day 7

Santillana and Asturias

In the morning, arrive into Cabezon de la Sal, nestled along the border of the River Saga. Take the luxury coach into Santillana del Mar. Known locally as the "city of the three lies" because it is "not holy nor flat nor beside the sea", Santillana is a beautiful city. Visit the Neo-cave of Altamira before enjoying a traditional lunch and returning to the train. Travel along the coastline into Asturias and to the charming fishing village of Llanes.

Spend the evening in Cangas de Onis before retiring for the evening in the pretty village of Arriondas, known for its Indian inspired architecture. Explore the village or enjoy the on-board entertainment.

Day 8

Picos de Europa and Gijon

Today, the train travels into the heart of the Asturias region. Travel to the National Park of Picos de Europa, the gateway to the Lakes of Covadonga. The Sanctuary at these lakes is considered to be the place where King Pelayo began the Christian Reconquest of Spain, and holds a very special spiritual meaning for the people of Asturias.

From here, continue to Gijon, the largest city in Asturias. Spend the evening in Gijon, home to the palace of Revillagigedo, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, and the sculpture "El Elogio del Horizonte" (Eulogy of the Horizon).

Day 9

Oviedo and Luarca

Arise in the morning as the train travels to the Capital of the Principality, Oviedo. The city has a fabulous gastronomic reputation and is home to remarkable Romanesque monuments due to its history as the capital of the Kingdom of Asturias. Return to the train and enjoy a cocktail in the bar as you weave through the landscape to Luarca. Affectionately known as the "White Town on the Blue Coast", Luarca's interesting topography carved out between the mountains is worthy of a visit. Stay overnight in Luarca.

Day 10

Ribadeo and Viviero

As the Eo River runs into the sea, the Transcantabrico reaches the border of Galacia and the town of Ribadeo. The beautiful ecology offers fantastic scenery and stunning beaches such as Cathedrals beach. After lunch in Ribadeo, board the train for Viviero. This medieval town features the ancient door of Carlos V which has been declared a National Monument. After a true Galician dinner, return to your suite for your last sleep aboard the train.

Day 11

Santiago de Compostela

Travel to Ferrol, headquarters of the Astilleros del Norte shipyards before transferring onto the luxury coach to Santiago de Compostela. Arrive into this remarkable city, celebrated for a thousand years as the final resting place of the Apostle Saint James the Great. Visit the impressive cathedral, shop for silver in Plaza de las Platerias and feast on fabulous seafood, Galicia's most prized cuisine.

Bid farewell to your new companions before checking in at the beautiful Parador Santiago De Compostela for your overnight stay.

Day 12

Santiago de Compostela to Segovia

The following morning, take the Talgo train through Galicia and onwards to the Castilla y León region. Sit back and relax as the train weaves through typical Spanish countryside and arrives in the historic city of Segovia.

Check in at the Parador de Segovia for your overnight stay. Situated on top of a hill overlooking the city, the Parador features traditional Spanish décor and commands beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. Enjoy a "Sopa Castellana" or "Asadas de Cordero o cochinillo" (suckling pig) in the hotel's impressive restaurant before retiring to bed.

Day 13

Segovia to Madrid

Travel by high speed AVE train from Segovia to Madrid. Journey time is just 30 minutes on this modern, comfortable train.

Check in at the Catalonia Puerta del Sol for your overnight stay.

Spend your final evening in the country's capital. During the evening, enjoy Madrid's effervescent nightlife. Have dinner in one of the many traditional tapas bars, decorated "Belle Epoque" style and sip a Cava or Rioja in Gran Via or the ultra-trendy Paseo de la Castellana.

Day 14

Madrid to Paris

After a day in Madrid, return to Madrid Atocha station for your overnight train back to Paris. Sit back and relax as the train meanders through Spain, across the French border and northwards towards the French capital.

Day 15

Paris to London

Awake in the morning and arrive into Paris' Austerlitz station after a light breakfast. Spend a peaceful afternoon shopping in the Champs Elysees, visiting the Louvre or strolling through the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens before transferring onto your Eurostar back to London.