El Transcantábrico
The Magic of Northern Spain


 

~The Trip~
Covering almost eight hundred miles of incredible scenery, from the soft and charming Galician landscape, through the cliffs, mountains and lakes of Asturias and the different shades of green of Cantabria to the fascinating beauty of the Basque Country, it is a trip like no others. Its main purpose is the pure pleasure of traveling.

The blue and cream color train explores paths very difficult to reach by any other means. Traveling at 40 miles per hour it skirts the coastline, meanders through mountains, it follows the course of rivers that run along deep canyons following a route that only the Transcantábrico can. The journey is made even more pleasant by the comfort and the atmosphere of the interior of the train. For the duration of the trip, participants will visit fishing villages, hamlets enclosed within nature parks and ancient towns displaying their monuments, medieval walls, defiant lighthouses and sandy beaches.

Everyday begins with breakfast on board as the train starts advancing after a peaceful night parked at the station. An experienced guide explains the points of interest during the entire itinerary. A comfortable bus waits at some stations to take the passengers on short trips to specially interesting towns, which the train does not reach, or to great, hidden restaurants to enjoy the regional cuisine.

It is advisable to carry light luggage, comfortable cloths and shoes as well as a sweater and a light raincoat. Something dressy is also recommended for special occasions.


~The Train~
The Transcantábrico, which has been operating since 1983, is fully air-conditioned and carries a maximum of 40 passengers.

The train has 20 Suite Cabins with a full size bed, 5 Suite Cabins with bunker-beds, and one Family Suite Cabin that accommodates a full size bed and bunk beds for children up to 12 years old. All cabins are equipped with minibar, closet, desk, telephone as well as its own private bathroom with shower, hair dryer and some toiletries. The AC system can be individually regulated. Complimentary bathrobes and slippers will await you in each cabin. Feel free to take them home as a souvenir.

The Transcantábrico has four Salon compartments, true jewels for their exterior design and elegantly decorated inside. These Salons serve as social meeting points for the passengers; a place where many lifelong friendships have been born throughout the years. The Pub resembles a discothèque, appropriately decorated and lit. It has a dancing floor, a bar, and entertainment until past midnight. Another one of the salons is equipped with a bar where you can enjoy a drink. Our wait staff is at your service so you can relax, enjoy the beautiful views, read, or play any of the board games provided for your entertainment.

Daily press is available on board, as well as magazines and books from our library, where you will find volumes in English, Spanish, French and German. The train also has a TV and an ample selection of movies in video.


~Cuisine~
Traveling along the Cantábrico Coast and Castilla is obvious that gastronomy plays a special role in the Transcantábrico route. As expert chefs agree on, Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country, Burgos, Palencia and León are the regions of Spain where Gastronomy is at its best. Restaurants in these areas not only choose the best quality ingredients and have them cooked to perfection by expert chefs who also know how to wisely combine in their menus the specialty dishes of the region with those of the international cuisine.


~Other Services
~
- Laundry services are available
- There is a first-aid kit on board. FEVE medical services are available to the passengers if needed. Also, the Transcantábrico has arrangements with health care centers all along the route.
- Clients on special diets can request a modified menu when making the reservation.


Return to El Transcantabrico 2006 itinerary and pricing.

 

Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881
Click here to send us an e-mail

 

Future Tours
Past Tours

Back to Home Page

 

2006 Society Tours

Send us e-mail with comments or questions