Spain may not have the Orient Express, but it does have something remarkably close.
Tucked away in the stunning valleys of the north is one of Renfe’s best-kept secrets.
Called El Expreso de La Robla, this vintage-style luxury train turns a simple journey into a cinematic escape.
The three-day, two-night rail experience blends old-world glamour with modern comfort, rolling from Bilbao to Leon (or the reverse) across some of the most evocative landscapes in the country.
El Expreso de La Robla has been lovingly restored to channel the charm of early 20th-century rail travel.
It boasts polished wood panelling, brass fittings, intimate compartments and elegant dining cars.
Each carriage has been refurbished to maintain its classic character while adding essentials for 21st-century comfort. Cabins are compact yet warm, fitted with private bathrooms and even hydromassage showers.
The panoramic saloons, lined with wide windows, are built for slow-travel indulgence that allow for reading, chatting with fellow passengers or simply watching the scenery drift past.
The journey runs in both directions between Bilbao and Leon, crossing the provinces of Bizkaia, Burgos, Palencia and Leon. With only four departures a year, it remains an exclusive experience.
Day 1: Bilbao to Espinosa de los Monteros
Passengers settle in before the train glides through the verdant Basque countryside.
Guided excursions include the medieval hilltown of Frias, officially Spain’s smallest city, and the photogenic waterfalls of Tobera.
Day 2: Romanico palentino and the Camino de Santiago
The second day immerses travellers in the beauty of Palencia’s Romanesque heritage.
Stops include Carrion de los Condes, Fromista, and the historic waterways of the Canal de Castilla, before overnighting in Cistierna.
Day 3: Arrival in Leon
The final leg leads to the spectacular Gothic cathedral of Leon and the Romanesque treasures of San Isidoro, ending the trip with one of Spain’s most exquisite monumental ensembles.
Those travelling in reverse begin in Leon, venture through the dramatic Hoces de Vegacervera, explore the subterranean world of Las Cuevas de Valporquero, and arrive in Bilbao with time to visit the Guggenheim.
How much is it?
A ticket on El Expreso de La Robla is not cheap, but it is all-inclusive and aimed squarely at those seeking a memorable luxury break.
Prices start from €1,300 per person in a standard twin cabin, jumping to €2,200 for a single cabin.
Included in the fare are two nights on board in an en-suite cabin, all meals (breakfasts, lunches and dinners), drinks (wine, soft drinks, water and coffee), guided excursions and museum/monument entry, onboard activities and evening entertainment.
In essence, once you step onboard, you barely open your wallet again.
