Train Journey through Northern Spain – Independent travel with handpicked experiences

Welcome to Bilbao, the vibrant center and economic powerhouse of the Basque Country. The city is teeming with delicious restaurants, exciting shops, and the futuristic Guggenheim Museum, standing as the crown jewel of its rich cultural offerings.

Enjoy a pintxos evening in the charming old quarter, or take an evening stroll along the beautiful promenade. The possibilities are endless, and in Spain is More's guide material, you'll find our suggestions for experiencing Bilbao in the best possible way.

The train, both simple and unique, considering its operation on narrow-gauge tracks, chugs along calmly from Bilbao's station.

From here, it rolls along the narrow tracks into the green and peaceful hilly landscape, following the natural contours of the terrain, through valleys and villages, heading southwest towards León. Before reaching León, you'll have two overnight stays.

The first stop (after about 50 minutes) is a small, cozy, and typical Basque village, where you can enjoy the calm daily rhythm, sharply contrasting with the hectic pace of Bilbao.

After arriving at the station, check-in takes place at the centrally located hotel in the middle of the town.

Here, you can experience the Basque spirit and see how their famous symbol, the Basque beret, is made. You can also take a short walk to a renowned local micro-chocolate factory, which can sweeten your evening or perhaps even the rest of the trip.

After breakfast, a roughly 3-hour train journey on the same narrow-gauge railway awaits you, taking you to the next stop. At the station, you’ll be picked up by our driver, who will take you on a 12-minute ride to the beautiful 4-star Parador hotel, located amidst stunning nature.

This stay includes half-board. From the hotel, you can hike a scenic and very popular 12 km route. If that’s too far, there are several shorter routes in the area. The evening and the following day are dedicated to relaxation, nature experiences, or the mentioned hike.

In the evening, you arrive in León after a 3-hour train journey through beautiful landscapes. In León, two delightful nights in the old town await you.

As the mountains and hills give way to plains, the impressive León Cathedral can be seen from afar, rising majestically over the city and being one of the first things to catch your eye upon arrival.

León’s old town is a maze of narrow, labyrinth-like streets filled with restaurants and bars. The city center is surrounded by a beautiful Roman wall, which, along with the Gothic cathedral, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and the old monastery of San Marcos, makes León a popular destination for Spaniards and a surprising discovery for foreign visitors. León was founded by the Romans and was an important city in the Middle Ages, a fact that becomes evident as you walk through its streets. León is also one of the key cities on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route.

The evenings in León offer a special atmosphere, where illuminated monuments cast a magical glow over the old town. The evening ambiance in León is often buzzing, especially on weekends, with endless rows of lively restaurants and bars.

After two nights in León, the journey continues by Spain’s modern high-speed train to Oviedo. The pace is entirely different, and the distance is covered in less than an hour.

Oviedo is a fantastic city – elegant, orderly, and full of atmosphere, with excellent restaurants. The capital of Asturias offers a completely different cuisine from what you’ve experienced in the Basque Country and Castilla y León. Sidra (cider) flows freely, and the Asturians guard their traditional dishes almost religiously. These culinary specialties must, of course, be tried. Oviedo is a real ‘stroll-around’ city, whose beauty has made it a popular spot for international film productions. The city’s cultural scene is also famous throughout Spain.

After a night in the heart of beautiful Oviedo, the train journey continues east along the coast.

Today, you'll experience the sea and coast for the first time. The train stops in the charming seaside and fishing town of Llanes, where you'll spend two nights. If the weather permits, there are plenty of opportunities for a beach day. You can rent a bike and ride a bit east or west along the famous Camino de Santiago, on one of the most scenic stretches along the entire coast, or take a walk along the same route. The possibilities are endless. Llanes also offers a wealth of delicious restaurants and a lively evening atmosphere. In the accompanying guide material, we provide tips and advice to help you make the most of your stay in the town.

You arrive in the stunning capital of Cantabria, Santander. The city stretches out toward the Bay of Biscay and, with its famous beaches and charming city center, offers a wonderful stay with endless opportunities for shopping, great restaurants, and hiking.

From Santander, you have easy access to one of the most beautiful beaches on the northern coast. The city is also exciting to explore, known for its elegance, impressive buildings in scenic surroundings, and a rich cultural life.

Back on the narrow-gauge FEVE train, the journey continues for a short stretch inland (45 minutes) to one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. This little gem offers an interesting history that has made the town famous. It is surrounded by forested hills with plenty of hiking opportunities. Alternatively, you can enjoy the afternoon at one of the town’s many charming restaurants.

If you prefer a more active experience, we can include a trip to one of Northern Spain’s best ‘barrancos’ or canyoning experiences nearby. However, this requires an extra night.

If you're traveling with children or are otherwise interested in exotic animals, one of Europe’s most beautiful and best zoos can be visited nearby. Ideal for walking or cycling among the animals in the vast park. This also requires an extra night.

From Liérganes, you have the option to add an extra stop in a charming village with an overnight stay at a welcoming Parador hotel. However, we have chosen to have you return by train to Bilbao.

The train journey takes about 3 hours through the lush, always-green rolling hills that characterize the area. It’s a beautiful and peaceful journey back.

In Bilbao, the trip ends at the same station where you started – now much wiser about Northern Spain and with countless varied impressions from the region’s most beautiful and interesting areas.

Bilbao offers plenty of opportunities to end the trip in style, whether with one last culinary experience or a leisurely stroll through the city’s fascinating neighborhoods.

Return home from Bilbao