El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo: Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday: Tour Santiago de Compostela and travel to Viveiro

Rendezvous at 12:00 pm at hotel Parador de los Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela. Following the reception, enjoy a city tour in this historical town, goal of devotees for over a thousand years, and admire its countless artistic jewels such as the Cathedral. After lunch, our luxury coach will take us to Ferrol, where El Transcantábrico is waiting for us. The crew will offer a welcome drink while the train takes us to the historic town of Viveiro. Enjoy a tour of its beautiful old town.

Dinner and overnight in Viveiro.

Day 2 – Sunday: The majestic beauty of Ribadeo and Taramundi

Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast. El Transcantábrico will take us to Ribadeo, a historical town located on the border between Galicia and Asturias. Our coach will take us along the coast to Las Catedrales Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. City sightseeing in Ribadeo and free time. Back on the train for lunch while El Transcantábrico glides in Asturian lands, reaching the town of Luarca, visiting this place known as the White Town of the Green Coast. We will return to the train, now travelling towards Candás.

Dinner and overnight in Candás.

Day 3 – Monday: Journey to the elegant city of Oviedo

We begin the day discovering Avilés, an ancient city with a precious old town. Next is Gijón, a city that opens up to the Cantabrian Sea and is alive with cultural events. After lunch, trip to the region’s capital, Oviedo, the highlight of Asturian Romanesque art, featuring gems such as the basilica of San Julian de los Prados. City tour and free time before returning to the train. Onboard dinner while the train moves to Arriondas.

Overnight in Arriondas.

Day 4 – Tuesday: Deep into the heart of Asturias

Today we will visit the heart of the Principality of Asturias. Driving up to the beautiful Picos de Europa National Park, first stop will be at Lake Enol, followed by the Shrine of Covadonga, where our guide will tell us a bit about this sacred place’s stories and legends. After lunch, our train will border the famous river Sella where kayaks yearly compete on its famous International Descent. Arriving at Llanes, a charming fishing village on the east of Asturias, visit and enjoy free time in town.

Dinner and overnight in Llanes.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Llanes-Potes-Cabezón de la Sal

During breakfast our train will cross the border into Cantabria. Transfer from Unquera station by coach through the gorge of La Hermida until we reach the town of Potes. After visiting this charming village, enjoy a Spa circuit at La Hermida Spa. Return to the train after lunch and trip to Cabezón de la Sal. In the afternoon there will be free time and you may choose to visit the mansion of El Capricho in the town of Comillas, the impressive and colourful 19th century house designed by Antonio Gaudí.

Dinner and overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.

Day 6 – Thursday: Discover Santander’s enchanting beauty

The day begins with a visit to the town of Santillana del Mar with its beautifully preserved medieval town. Next we will be taken on a tour of Altamira Neocave, the finest realistic example of Upper Palaeolithic cave art. After lunch, return to the train to continue our journey to Santander. City sightseeing tour of the elegant capital of Cantabria and free time. Those who wish may visit El Gran Casino after dinner (entrance included).

Overnight in Santander.

Day 7 – Friday: Modern city marvels of Bilbao

El Trancantábrico will take us to the dynamic city of Bilbao, that has managed to reinvent itself after the decline of its heavy industry. City tour including admission for the famous Guggenheim Museum, epitome of a new Bilbao. After lunch, enjoy free time before returning to the train.

Dinner and overnight in Villasana de Mena/Mercadillo.

Day 8 – Saturday: Your tour ends in San Sebastian

While enjoying our last breakfast onboard, we will return to Bilbao, where El Transcantábrico’s coach will comfortably take us to San Sebastian. Visit this city of elegant beauty and home to major cultural events.

End of trip after the tour in San Sebastian.