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Spain | Tour Code: 13803
For travellers in pursuit of an extraordinary experience, Spain's abundant cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and delectable cuisine have always been a coveted destination. Amidst numerous ways to explore this beautiful country, one of the most luxurious and enchanting journeys awaits aboard the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo—a genuine gem in the realm of luxury train travel.
Highlights
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The Guggenheim Museum, recognised as one of the 20th century's finest architectural achievements, designed by Frank Gehry
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A faithful reproduction of the original Altamira cave in Santillana del Mar, created using state-of-the-art technology and scientific knowledge
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A tour to Lake Enol promises a tranquil escape into nature's embrace, offering visitors a glimpse of breathtaking landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere
Overview
Discover the charm of northern Spain aboard El Transcantábrico, a luxury train journey from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela. Explore vibrant cities, medieval towns, coastal treasures, and natural wonders such as the Picos de Europa and Las Catedrales Beach. With guided tours, fine dining, and unmatched comfort, this eight-day experience offers an ideal combination of culture, history, and stunning landscapes — all enjoyed from the elegance of a moving hotel.
Inclusions
- Private ensuite accommodation in Grand Luxury Suites onboard the train
- Complimentary standard Renfe train travel both before and after your tour. Please be aware that this service is not a private transfer & seat reservations are allocated automatically
- Onboard the train, enjoy a welcome beverage and snack to commence your journey with a touch of elegance
- Every day, enjoy both à la carte and buffet-style breakfasts served on the train
- Exceptional dining experiences for all dinners and lunches, whether served on board the train or in esteemed restaurants, complete with inclusive offerings of wine, soft drinks and coffee
- Each guest will be provided with a toiletry bag containing amenities and slippers
- All entrance fees to museums, monuments, and shows, as well as scheduled excursions and guided visits
- Engage in a variety of onboard activities such as live music, performances, bar car parties and dancing
- The onboard team of El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is available around the clock, trained to provide personalised assistance in multiple languages and to assist with luggage collection
- A memorable dinner and an end-of-trip celebration
Itinerary
Your journey begins at approximately 1:00pm with a gracious reception at Hotel Costa Vasca in San Sebastian.
Following check-in for your rail journey, embark on a captivating exploration of the city, complemented by a delightful lunch that introduces you to the local flavours. Subsequently, the bus transports you to Bilbao, where the splendid El Transcantábrico awaits your arrival. The welcoming crew extends a warm greeting, offering a refreshing welcome drink as you step aboard. The enchanting voyage to Carranza commences, accompanied by the indulgence of your first dinner on board, a culinary experience set against the picturesque backdrop.
Rest for the night onboard the train in Carranza, surrounded by the comfort and allure of the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, anticipating the luxurious adventures that lie ahead.
Commencing each day with a delectable à la carte breakfast and buffet, you will embark on another morning aboard the Transcantábrico. The journey takes you back to Bilbao, where you will visit the renowned Guggenheim Museum, an iconic symbol of the city's rejuvenation. After exploring the cultural gems, guests will return to the train for a delightful lunch en-route to Santander. A guided tour awaits you in the elegant capital of Cantabria, providing moments of leisure to explore the city at your own pace. The day concludes with a sumptuous dinner and an overnight stay in Santander onboard the train.
Following breakfast, the journey will take you to Potes aboard comfortable coach, traversing the breathtaking Hermida Gorge. Once in Potes, a charming Cantabrian town, you'll explore its allure. For a rejuvenating experience, an optional thermal circuit awaits you. A delightful meal will follow your exploration. In the afternoon, guests will venture to Comillas to visit El Capricho, a vibrant nineteenth-century palace designed by the ingenious architect Antonio Gaudí. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay on board as the train reaches Cabezón de la Sal.
The day commences with a visit to the Neocave of Altamira, a museum showcasing a faithful reproduction of the Upper Palaeolithic cave art, a testament to this era's artistic brilliance. Following this, explore the marvels of Santillana del Mar, a town renowned for its impeccably preserved medieval historic center. After a satisfying lunch, rejoin the train, venturing into the Asturian landscape towards Llanes. The evening promises a delectable dinner on board, setting the stage for an overnight stay onboard the train in the charming town of Llanes.
After breakfast, the day unfolds with a journey into the scenic heart of the Picos de Europa National Park. Your first destination is Lake Enol, where the natural beauty of the surroundings captivates. Following this, guests will proceed to the Sanctuary of Covadonga, a place steeped in tradition and legend, adding a spiritual dimension to your exploration. Lunch on board El Transcantábrico accompanies your travel to Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias. In Oviedo, guests will engage in a guided visit, followed by a delightful dinner and an overnight stay in this vibrant city.
The day kicks off with a visit to Gijón, a city that seamlessly blends its openness to the Cantabrian Sea with a rich cultural scene. Following lunch in Gijón, you will return to El Transcantábrico to embark on a scenic journey along the Asturian coast toward Luarca. Known as the White Villa of the Costa Verde, Luarca beckons you with its seaside charm. A guided tour of this picturesque town awaits guests, offering insights into its coastal allure. The day concludes with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay on board the train in the enchanting town of Luarca.
Today's journey takes you to Ribadeo, a historic Galician town nestled on the border of the Principality of Asturias. A scenic bus ride along the Lugo coast takes guests to the awe-inspiring Las Catedrales Beach, renowned as one of the world's most spectacular beaches. Following this natural marvel, you'll embark on a panoramic tour of Ribadeo, where you'll indulge in a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, the train transports guests to Viveiro, where a guided tour awaits, providing insights into the town's cultural richness. Subsequently, free time beckons for personal exploration. As the day winds down, dinner and an overnight stay in Viveiro offer a tranquil end to your coastal exploration.
Savouring your final breakfast on board, your journey onboard concludes in Ferrol, where the El Transcantábrico bus eagerly awaits to transport guests to Santiago de Compostela. A visit to the historic center of this city, a pilgrimage destination for a millennium, unveils countless artistic treasures, including its magnificent cathedral. The trip concludes after the visit at the Parador de los Reyes Católicos around 1:00 p.m., marking the end of this extraordinary adventure through enchanting landscapes and culturally rich destinations.
Additional Information
2026 Departure dates:
- 21 March
- 04 & 18 April
- 16 & 30 May
- 13 & 27 June
- 11 & 25 July
- 08 & 22 August
- 05 & 19 September
- 03, 17 & 31 October
Excluded
- International airfares and taxes
- Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
- Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
- Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
- Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.)
- Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package
FAQs
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