NHG made an extra visit in September on the La Robla tren de lujo, from Leon to Bilbao
We booked this trip in September 2023 so, 1 year in the planning and preparation. On the 12th September 2024, we went by AVE from Malaga to Atocha station in Madrid, then crossed Madrid by coach to Chamartin Station and from there, another AVE to Leon. Upon arrival in Leon, we were met by the local motorised tourist train which gave us a guided tour of the city and then dropped us at our hotel for the night.
The following morning after breakfast, we had a visit to the 10thC Basilica San Isidore, with its wonderful painted ceiling.
At mid-day, we met the 2 RENFE staff who were to lead our trip for the 3 days. We then had a short walking tour of Leon which has a house by Gaudi and his bronze, seated figure outside. We also saw the Cathedral and then returned to the hotel.
We were not an exclusive group on this occasion and so over an excellent lunch, we had the opportunity to meet some of the other travellers, then were then taken by coach, to join the La Robla Express.
The smartly dressed staff who were to look after us during the trip, were lined up waiting to welcome us. Our luggage was already in our cabins and we were invited into one of the three lounge carriages for a glass of cava. We then boarded the coach again and were taken to the wonderful Valporquero caves.
After a guided visit, we then returned to the train to prepare for dinner at a local restaurant and a night on board the train. The beds were comfortable and breakfast was waiting for us in the lounge cars the following morning – a selection fruit, pastries and eggs cooked to order !
Breakfast over, we boarded the coach to travel through lovely countryside to the remains of Roman villa La Olmeda, where we had a guided visit of the stunning mosaics.
Lunch was taken in a restaurant dedicated to the Knights Templars who were the guardians of the christian pilgrims embarking on their walk on the Camino de Santiago. We had an unusual invitation to enter by the Maitre D’ wearing a cape and carrying a staff, who gave us a rousing welcome. Lunch was most enjoyable, even the bread was in the shape of a shell, the sign of St James (Santiago), after which, we were able to spend time in the village and in a local church. We also saw the wonderful Canal de Castilla, which was originally created to facilitate the transport of wheat and other goods to the Bay of Biscay for exportation. Nowadays, the canal is used to irrigate 23,000 hectares in 48 municipalities. We then returned to the train to change and relax and were able to enjoy wonderful views from the train whilst travelling to our next location, sipping cava in the lounge car. Dinner was enjoyed in a local restaurant and another comfortable night spent in our cabins on the train. The train started early and the breakfast bell went at 08.00 when once again, we enjoyed a good breakfast. We had prepared our luggage for our departure and we joined the coach for our journey to Bilbao where we arrived at the wonderful Art Deco station of Concordia. Once here, we were greeted by a local guide and enjoyed a short, most interesting visit of the city after which, we boarded the coach for the short trip to the spectacular Guggenheim Museum. We were given entrance tickets and then had free time to explore the different galleries and of course, to visit the huge floral puppy by American sculptor, Jeff Koons which was acquired in 1997 for the inauguration of the museum. It is now on permanent display. All too soon, our visit here was over and we were transferred back to Concordia station where we said our goodbyes to the RENFE staff and collected our luggage.
We NHG travellers were then on our own and checked in at a pre-booked hotel in central Bilbao. We all agreed that after the confines of the cabins, the rooms and bathrooms seemed joyous.
We adjourned to a pre-booked restaurant for an excellent 3 course lunch and then had free time. 7 of our group were due to catch the 07.00 Alvia train the following morning en route to Madrid and eventually, Malaga and Nerja. Others were flying back the following day to UK and the rest of us had a free morning and a flight back to Malaga and transport to Nerja. It has taken time to process all that we saw and experienced but the general feeling seems to be that it was different, fun and a worthwhile trip !
The Nerja History Group is for anyone interested in Spanish History. Between the months of October – April, we have a monthly meeting with a guest speaker and the following week, a day trip.
Our annual multi-day trip “Historic Sights and Gastronomic Delights” is usually at the end of January. The forthcoming January jaunt in 2025, will be to Cadiz.
Please see our website www.nerjahistorygroup.com or email
nerjahistorygroup@yahoo.com or contact Christina Sinclair 687 602 057