Railtrail Annual Brochure 2018 European

Cantabria, Madrid & La Rioja

Here’s a new concept – a European tour that starts at your home station! Sail with us across the Bay of Biscay to ‘Green Spain’, staying in cultural Burgos and relaxing, coastal Isla, with visits to Madrid, Rioja vineyards, quaint coastal villages and the Picos de Europa mountains.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

DAY 1 We arrive in Plymouth for a night at the Travelodge Today we visit England’s oldest working gin distillery, Plymouth Gin . Formerly a monastery, the Pilgrim Fathers even spent their last night in England here in 1620. It was from the distillery they made the short walk down to the harbour to set sail on the Mayflower on their epic voyage to start a new life in America, where they founded a new Plymouth. This afternoon we board the Brittany Ferries cruise ferry service to Santander in northern Spain . Relax and enjoy the facilities and a night on board the ship as we cruise across the Bay of Biscay before settling into your cabins. We have included dinner and breakfast on board. (B,D) DAY 3 After arriving in Santander we depart inland to Burgos , a city that offers many masterpieces of Spanish Gothic architecture and whose cathedral was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. After checking in to the Rice Reyes Catolicos Hotel for a 3 night stay we enjoy an introductory guided tour . In the 11th century Burgos became the capital of the Kingdom of ★ ★ Relax on board Brittany Ferries to Spain ★ ★ Stay in Burgos with its magnificent cathedral ★ ★ Visit Madrid, Spain’s proud capital ★ ★ Excursion to La Rioja vineyard with winetasting ★ ★ Relaxing break at a 4* coastal resort hotel ★ ★ Visit the harbour resort Castro Urdiales ★ ★ Enjoy the Picos de Europa mountains ★ ★ Soar high into the peaks on the Fuente Dé cable car ★ ★ UNESCO World Heritage village of Santillano del Mar ★ ★ Dinner every evening ★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager ★ ★ Standard Class Rail in Spain ★ ★ Hotel Porterage in Spain Also included in your Tour Fare: Hotel. (D) DAY 2

Fares From £1695

Plaza de Espana – Madrid

© Spanish Tourism

DAY 5 Today we head onto the Spanish rail system again, this time to visit Madrid , Spain’s proud capital. On arrival a guided sightseeing tour takes in the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spansh Royal Family, although the current royals prefer to live in a more modest accommodation. We also see the nearby Plaza de España square, the Teatro Real, one of the world’s great theatres, and Parque del Cuartel de la Montaña for panoramic views of the city. We follow this with a little leisure time to explore independently before our return by train. (B,D) DAY 6 Leaving Burgos, we head northwards by train into the Basque region to Bilbao. Here a coach awaits to transport us along the Cantabrian coast , stopping for a while in the old harbour

Castille and it has long since been an important stop on the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago de Compostela. In addition to the spectacular cathedral, Burgos also retains many impressive buildings, including a large number of churches, palaces and other buildings from medieval times. (B,D) DAY 4 Our rail and coach excursion is to the world- renowned wine region of La Rioja , stopping first at Haro for an included vineyard visit with tasting . After taking time to explore Haro, a charming town at the centre of the region’s viticulture, we continue to the wonderful hilltop town of Laguardia, which is surrounded by two- metre high ramparts and five historic gateways. We return to Burgos by train from Haro for dinner in our hotel. (B,D)

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Castro Urdiales Harbour

Book now – online at www.railtrail.co.uk or telephone: 01538 382323

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