Railtrail Annual Brochure 2018 European

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Cantabria, Madrid & La Rioja
DAY 1
We arrive in Plymouth for a night at the Travelodge
Hotel. (D)
DAY 2
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
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.
© Spanish Tourism Plaza de Espana – Madrid
Castro Urdiales Harbour Plymouth Gin Distillery
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
★ ★ 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
Fares
From
£1695
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)
Also included in your Tour Fare:
★ ★ Dinner every evening
★ ★ Services of experienced Railtrail Tour
Manager
★ ★ Standard Class Rail in Spain
★ ★ Hotel Porterage in Spain
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