El Transcantabrico Clasico Santiago de Compostela to Leon: Itinerary

Day 1 – Saturday: Santiago de Compostela-Viveiro

Rendezvous in Santiago de Compostela at 12:00 am at hotel Parador de los Reyes Católicos. Reception of travellers, who will then enjoy a city tour in this historical town, goal of devotees for over a thousand years and home of countless artistic jewels. After lunch, our luxury coach will take us to Ferrol, where El Transcantábrico will be waiting for us. Upon arrival, the crew will offer you a welcome drink onboard while we smoothly start our train journey to Viveiro. After dinner, visit the city old town and return to the train.

Overnight in Viveiro.

Day 2 – Sunday: Viveiro-Ribadeo-Luarca-Candás

Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast. Train trip to the historic town of Ribadeo, in Galician lands, bordering Asturias. Our coach will follow the coast to take us to the 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, where will also have dinner.

Overnight in Candás.

Day 3 – Monday: Candás-Avilés-Gijón-Oviedo-Arriondas

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. Enjoy the city tour and lunch before our 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: Arriondas-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 night in Llanes.

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

Crossing the border into Cantabria, our train will take us to Santillana del Mar with its beautifully preserved medieval town. Next stop at the Neocave of Altamira, the finest realistic example of Upper Palaeolithic cave art. After lunch we will travel to Santander, the elegant capital of Cantabria. City sightseeing tour and free time. After dinner, you may choose to visit El Gran Casino at your own pace (entrance included).

Overnight in Santander.

Day 6 – Thursday: Santander-Bilbao-Villasana de Mena

Train trip to the dynamic city of Bilbao, the largest in the Basque Country that has managed to reinvent itself after the decline of its heavy industry. City tour including admission to Guggenheim Museum, epitome of a new Bilbao that blends tradition and modernity. After lunch, enjoy free time.

Dinner and overnight in Villasana de Mena/Mercadillo.

Day 7 – Friday: Villasana de Mena-Cistierna

Our first visit today will be in Castilian lands, enjoying the stunning scenery of the valley of Villasana de Mena. The morning highlight will be the Romanesque Art in the Palencia villages of Villalcázar de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes and Frómista. Enjoy a traditional lunch and continue to visit the Roman villa of La Olmeda in Saldaña and its superb collection of mosaics. Return to the train and trip to Cistierna.

Dinner and overnight in Cistierna.

Day 8 – Saturday: Cistierna-San Feliz-León

Enjoy the last breakfast onboard while we arrive at San Feliz, where El Transcantábrico’s coach will comfortably drive us to León. Tour of its old town, full of tradition and home to some of the most important monuments in Spain.

End of trip after the tour.