Day 1 – Saturday: Welcome to San Sebastian

Rendezvous at 1:00 pm in San Sebastian at Hotel Barcelo Costa Vasca. Welcome reception and lunch in San Sebastián, a city of elegant beauty and home to major cultural events. Tour of the town after lunch and transfer by luxury coach to Bilbao, where El Transcantábrico is waiting for us. Welcome drink with the crew. Train trip to Villasana de Mena while enjoying our first dinner onboard.

Overnight in Villasana de Mena.

Day 2 – Sunday: Villasana de Mena – Bilbao – Santander

Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast. El Trancantábrico will take us back to the dynamic city of Bilbao, that has managed to reinvent itself after the decline of its heavy industry. City tour includes admission to the epitome of a new Bilbao, the famous Guggenheim Museum. Return to the train to continue our journey to Santander while having lunch onboard. 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 3 – Monday: Santander – Potes – Cabezón de la Sal

Train trip to Unquera station from where we will travel by coach through the gorge of La Hermida and 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 4 – Tuesday: Travel back in time to Santillana del Mar

The day begins with a visit to 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 we will return to the train and travel into Asturian territory, visiting the village of Ribadesella and its charming promenade and stunning historic mansions.

Dinner and overnight in Arriondas.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Deep into the heart of Asturias

Today our coach will drive us to the heart of the Principality of Asturias, to the Picos de Europa National Park. First enroute is Lake Enol, then visit the sacred place of Shrine of Covadonga to hear its legends. Back onboard for lunch and 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.

Dinner onboard while we travel to Candás, where we will spend the night.

Day 6 – Thursday: Journey to the charming city of Gijon

We begin the day discovering Avilés, an ancient city with a precious old town, and Gijón, a city that opens up to the Cantabrian Sea and is alive with cultural events. After visiting both towns, return to El Transcantábrico to continue our coastal journey to Luarca, visiting this charming seaside town embedded in a stunning landscape.

Dinner and overnight in Luarca.

Day 7 – Friday: Travel along the “Rias Altas” to Ribadeo and Viveiro

Train trip to the historic town of Ribadeo, in Galician lands, bordering Asturias. Our coach will take us 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 and trip to Viveiro, with city tour and free time.

Dinner and overnight in Viveiro.

Day 8 – Saturday: Your journey ends in Santiago de Compostela

While enjoying our last breakfast onboard, we will arrive in Ferrol, followed by a comfortable coach trip to Santiago de Compostela. 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.

End of trip after the tour.