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 52 passengers.
The train has 26 double compartments; 23 offer a double bed; others offer double and bunk bed for possible triple occupancy. All cabins are equipped with minibar, closet, desk, telephone as well as its own private bathroom with shower, hair dryer and toiletries. Air-conditioning, heating, music and lights are controlled individually.
The Transcantábrico has four lounge cars—true jewels for their exterior design and elegantly decorated interior. These lounges serve as social meeting points for the passengers; a place where many lifelong friendships have been born throughout the years. The "pub car" resembles a discothèque, appropriately decorated and lit. It has a dancing floor, a bar, and entertainment until past midnight. Another one of the lounges is equipped with a bar where you can enjoy a drink. The other two lounge cars are for quieter places—where passengers can play cards or board games, read, chat and enjoy the passing scenery. The friendly wait staff is at your service at all times.
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 DVD.
~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 2008 itinerary and pricing.
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