Embark on a journey aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain’s most luxurious train, for a memorable trip of 8 days and 7 nights between Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian.

Your adventure begins in the historic town of Santiago de Compostela and continues through enchanting coastal towns such as Viveiro, Luarca, Oviedo, Bilbao and San Sebastian. Explore the historic monuments, fascinating museums and breathtaking beaches on this once in a lifetime adventure. These magnificent destinations are framed by a luxurious journey on El Transcantabrico, creating an unparalleled travel experience. You will dine on the region’s coveted cuisine, relax in Lounge Cars as the ever-changing scenery speeds by, build friendships with other passengers over drinks, and enjoy nightly performances and parties. However you prefer to pass your time, it will be well-spent on the Gran Lujo.

Day 1 - Saturday: Tour Santiago de Compostela and travel to Viveiro Cities covered: Santiago de Compostela,  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 Cities covered: Taramundi,  Ribadeo,  Luarca,  Candas 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 Cities covered: Gijón,  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 Cities covered: Llanes 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 Cities covered: Potes 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 Cities covered: Santillana del Mar,  Santander 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 Cities covered: 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 Cities covered: San Sebastián 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.

 

The four original 1923 Pullman lounge cars have been specially and exclusively decorated for El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, making them true railway jewels.

Our lounges are equipped with national and international newspaper, television, a library and collection of board games. The panoramic lounge offers comfortable chairs for you to enjoy a book or watch the beautiful sceneries outside its large windows. Engage in an intimate or private conversation with a friend at the tearoom and in spend a lively evening in the pub, where live music and entertainment are offered. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in your tour but you are welcome to purchase your drinks from the bar. The train is interconnected, allowing guests to freely move from one car to another.

Gran Lujo Suites

The rooms of El Transcantabrico are designed for the customers' comfort and privacy. There are 14 rooms on board, a total of 28 guests. This provides customers' with a more private experience. The spacious rooms are elegantly equipped with modern day amenities.         A suite consists of a sitting area, the sleeping area with either a double bed or two twins, and a spacious and comfortable private bathroom with a hydro-massage shower and steam sauna.

 

Your tour price includes:

• 50% off rail travel to departure and from arrival points, on RENFE's AVE/ Alvia trains
• Ensuite accommodation on board El Transcantabrico luxury train for your journey
• Daily buffet breakfast
• Lunch and dinner for seven nights
• Beverages, including wine, and coffee at meal times
• Guided excursions in a luxury coach as per the itinerary
• Entrance fees for attractions - museums, cathedrals, etc., as per the itinerary
• On-board entertainment, including music and parties each night in the Pub Car

Your tour price excludes:

• Domestic or international airfare
• Travel insurance or visa fees
• Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs
• Any additional hotel accommodations pre- or post-tour
• Any items not specifically mentioned as "included"

 

Travel Tips & FAQ's

Pre-Tour:

What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to Spain? Please ensure that your passport has at least three blank pages and that it is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Spain. Please check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements. When should I plan to arrive? We recommend arriving at the starting location at least 1 day prior to your tour so that you may acclimate and relax prior to embarking on your exciting rail journey. Instructions regarding the starting point of the journey will be printed on your travel voucher.

The Train:

What is the capacity of the train? There are 14 Privilege Suites on the train. The number of passengers really depends on the occupancies sold in that departure. The maximum capacity of the train is normally 28 passengers, but it could also reach 42 passengers using the sofas as triple. There are 4 suites with Two Twin Beds and 10 suites with matrimonial beds. These are fixed beds and configuration cannot be altered. Allocations of rooms are made on first come first serve basis. Bookings made first get the rooms closest to the common areas like the dining car and lounge car. Is there a dress code on board? There is no official dress code on board, but we recommend comfortable shoes and clothes due to the nature of the visits and excursions. What kind of food is served on the train? Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and Castilla y León are, in the opinion of the most fastidious chefs and gourmets, the regions where you can still find the best cuisine in Spain. The cheeses, sausages, meat, vegetables, fish and seafood are all universally renowned. The restaurants on our route not only select the highest quality raw materials and have them prepared by the greatest professionals; they are also the ideal setting for tasting the local cuisine. All of our menus include a careful selection of wines that blend harmoniously with the ingredients of each lunch and dinner. Coffee and liqueurs are also included. How are the meals served? Breakfasts are buffet-style and are served on board the train in the four lounge carriages. Lunches and dinners are taken at restaurants in the cities as mentioned in each day’s itinerary. Is there a laundry/dry cleaning service on the train? Yes, laundry service is available at an additional charge. Please see the crew for details. Is there internet or telephone accessibility on the train? There is internet access on board the train but also in cybercenters in several cities along the route. Your room on board is equipped with a telephone, which you may use for long distance calls (guest’s own account). Phones will generally get reception, however sometimes this is a bit difficult due to the mountains and tunnels along the way. Is the train accessible to wheelchairs / physical challenges? Wheelchairs for sightseeing excursions are available upon request; kindly advise our office as soon as possible and at least 30 days prior to your departure of the necessity for a wheelchair. Please know there are no ramps for entering/exiting the train, and the train’s corridors are too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs. For those with other physical challenges, please contact our office. Is smoking allowed on board? No. Since January 2006, it is forbidden by Law to smoke on board the train and in the train stations. What facilities are available on the train? The four lounge carriages of El Transcantábrico are the most unusual and beautiful places on the train. They are veritable rail treasures that are much admired owing to their exquisite design, their finish and the interior decorations. The "pub carriage" has a bar and dance floor and is decorated and lit like a small night-club, where lively entertainment is provided every night until the early hours of the morning. Another lounge carriage also has a bar where you can sit back and have a quiet drink. The other two lounges are for other types of entertainment, such as reading, enjoying a board game with your fellow passengers, talking or watching the passing scenery through the big picture windows. And wherever you are, you will always be served by our attentive waiters. Passengers are offered daily newspapers, magazines, a thoughtful collection of books from the library, television and videos; all that you need to make your journey a pleasure.

The Rooms:

Are there different types or sizes of rooms on board the train? Suites on board El Transcantabrico are specially designed for rest and privacy. You can sleep in comfort as the train will be parked at a station each night. This means that your sleep will not be disturbed by moving and jolting and also gives those who enjoy nightlife an opportunity to go out and savor the atmosphere of each town. There are 14 luxury Suites with either double bed (150cm x 200cm) and one sofa (86cm x 182cm) or with two twin beds (85cm x 190cm) and one sofa (86cm x 182cm).The large sofa can be turned into an extra bed. The suites measure 128.7 square feet. All suites are equipped with a television set, VCR, game console, Hi Fi system, PC with a free internet connection, luggage rack, minibar, safe deposit box, wardrobe, writing desk and a telephone with an outside line. The private ensuite bathroom has a hydro sauna, turbo massage and steam bath, hairdryer, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries. The air-conditioning and heating, piped music and lights are all controlled individually. The electrical power is 220 volts. Are rooms pre-assigned or can you choose your own room? The rooms are assigned on site. If you have any specific room requirements, please contact us at least one month prior to departure so that we can send your request to our Operations Team. Is there a hairdryer in each bathroom? Are toiletries provided? Yes, there is a hairdryer provided in every bathroom, along with a dental set, comb, eau de toilette, shaving set, shower cup, shoe polish and more. Is there bottled water available? Yes, bottled spring water is provided free of charge throughout the tour.

The Tour:

What is the weather like? Northern Spain experiences a mild oceanic climate, with not too many extreme temperatures. Please bring along a jacket or coat for chilly evenings, and sun protection for warm afternoons. Do I have to stay aboard all seven nights? You are not required to stay aboard the train for seven nights.  However, as the train follows a fixed itinerary, you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from your points of embarkation/disembarkation, for any hotels you use during the journey, for meals taken while separated from the group, etc. There are no refunds for unused portions of the tour. Therefore, should you choose to shorten the journey in any way, you are still required to pay for the full seven-night tour. Are doctors available at all times? The train carries a first aid kit, and El Transcantábrico has contacts with various health centers along the train route.

Expenses:

What expenses will I have during the trip? El Transcantabrico is a very inclusive experience, so you will not need to pay for any meals, beverages during lunch/dinner, sightseeing, monument entrances or accommodations. You will incur additional cost if you choose to purchase any additional beverages on board; laundry services; camera fees at monuments; transfers, additional sightseeing, or other services in San Sebastian or Santiago de Compostela; gratuities; and/or souvenirs. How can I settle my expenses on the train? You may settle your onboard expenses by paying in Euros or by major credit card. How much should I expect to tip? Tipping is not mandatory, and is left to the sole discretion of the traveler. This is a decision that should be made based on your enjoyment of the journey and the service.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 . How big are the suites? The suites on the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo are 12m2

2 . What size are the beds in the suites? The size of the beds depends on the suite you reserve A double/matrimonial bed is 1.50 x 2 m A twin bed is 0.85 x 2 m The sofa is 0.85 x 1.8 m

3 . Will I have internet connection on the train? The El Transcantabrico train does have wifi in the lounge of the train, although the signal is not strong and may not reach outside of the lounge car.  (The signal is also best when the train is stationed.) You may use the computer in the lounge provided for guests' convenience, or you may connect to the train's wifi using your personal laptop, tablet or device.

4 . I am a US Citizen. Do I need a visa to go to Spain? Citizens of the United States do not need a visa for Spain at the time of this writing. Travelers should check with the local Spanish consulate for Visa requirements. Palace Tours does not provide Visa service.

5 . How many travelers can fit in each room? In a deluxe room, two people can sleep comfortably. If you need more room, you may upgrade to a suite to comfortably service three people. This option is especially attractive to parents travelling with a child. If you are travelling with more than one child or more than three people, you will need to reserve two rooms.

6 . Are the cities wheelchair accessible? Yes, they are. Many cities have cobblestone streets and the person with the wheelchair would need someone who is able to help them on these more difficult streets. The monuments are wheelchair accessible, but many do not have elevators and if there is a floor higher than ground level it may not be accessible.

7 . Is the cuisine in Spain dietary restriction friendly? Spanish cuisine’s staples are often ham, seafood, and wheat products. While being a vegetarian in Spain is not easy, it is doable! One classic dish from Spain is the Spanish omelets, which is made with eggs and potatoes. Now vegetarian restaurants are popping up all over Spain to accommodate more people. You can find other classic dishes made without meat, such as paella and cocido. Before ordering a drink in Andalucia, where a complimentary tapa is customary, be sure to mention any dietary restrictions you may have.

8 . What type of clothes should we pack? This depends on the time of year you are going. All year long we suggest packing comfortable walking shoes, and in the spring and fall to wear layers. In those seasons it’s often chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon sun. Sunglasses are recommended as well, as the sun in Spain is very strong.

9 . Is it customary to tip people in Spain? While the tipping culture is nothing like the United States, it is typical to tip a euro or two at a restaurant if you are a) a large group of people dining, or b) you really loved the service and the restaurant!

 

On this page, you can find important information and make your reservations online by clicking “Book Now!”

Download a brochure for your reference. | Descarga un folleto en español aqui.

Photo Gallery

Privilege suite on board El Transcantabrico	Dining car on board the Gran Lujo
El Transcantábrico on the Arija Bridge	Panoramical view of Covadonga, Asturias
Interior of the Covadonga cave, Asturias	El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo’s on board Bar
Luxury Twin Bed Suite	Tea room on board the Gran Lujo
El Transcantabrico’s Lounge car	Lounge on board the Gran Lujo