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Train Type: Luxury
The Tour
Northern Spain's luxurious El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, a gem of a train, travels slowly between Santiago and San Sebastian, along northern "Green Spain," stopping for exceptional meals to explore local cuisine. Fresh ingredients and fine wines enhance the dining experiences—a highlight of this tour. End in San Sebastian, a day-train ride from France, Barcelona or Madrid. The new train has all Deluxe Suites and takes only 28 persons. Book more than 6 months before departure and save more than $600 per couple.
Latest News: Click here for our blog about the El Transcantábrico: Santiago to San Sebastian 'Gran Lujo' journey.
“It was gastronomically...culturally...and historically educational. There was not a single request that anyone didn't stand on their heads to make happen. They...really knocked themselves out.”
— R. Christian, El Transcantábrico, 2008
The Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago de Compostela-Viveiro
Meet your group at noon today in the lobby of the Santiago Parador. City tour of Santiago de Compostela, focusing on the famous Cathedral, followed by lunch in the city. Then motorcoach to Ferrol and board the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Sip welcome champagne while traveling northeast to the walled town of Viveiro for a tour and dinner.
Day 2: Viveiro-Luarca
Continue by train east through scenic river landscapes. Tour of Ribadeo, including beautiful Cathedral's Beach and lunch. Then travel to Luarca, “the white town of the green coast,” for dinner.
Day 3: Oviedo-Gijón
The train will depart to Candás, and then to Avilés. Arrive in the coastal city of Gijón, largest in Asturias, for a visit followed by lunch. You may wish to spend your time in Gijón at the local railway museum. This afternoon cross green lands to Oviedo, with its array of pre-Romanesque monuments. Dinner in Oviedo.
Day 4: Gijón-Llanes
Travel to “Picos de Europa” National Park, a highlight of this journey. Visit lakes and historic Sanctuary of Covadonga and the town of Cangas de Onís, with its famous Roman Bridge. Return to the train for lunch on board while traveling to the fishing village of Llanes for dinner.
Day 5: Llanes-Cabezón de la Sal
Enjoy breakfast as the train enters Cantabria. Our motorcoach takes us along the gorge of La Hermida, the Cantabrian peaks surrounding us, to the monastery of Saint Toribio de Liebana. The monastery is one of only five places of Christianity that has the privilege of perpetual indulgences, possessing the largest surviving piece of the True Cross. Time to visit charming Potes followed by lunch. Continue to Cabezón de la Sal for dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Santander
Morning and lunch in medieval Santillana del Mar including Altamira Cave and Museum. The site features a reproduction cave with wall paintings done 14,000 years ago. Train to Santander, dinner, city tour and optional visit to local casino.
Day 7: Santander-Bilbao
Breakfast on board while traveling to Bilbao. City tour includes the old quarter and the famous Guggenheim Museum (subject to museum hours -- Guggenheim closed on Mondays except in July and August). Lunch and free time in Bilbao. The train then travels to Villasana de Mena for dinner and overnight.
Day 8: San Sebastian
This morning, motorcoach to San Sebastian, a lively cultural city with beautiful beaches and excellent restaurants. We'll have a city tour, then say goodbye about 1 p.m. before lunch.
2013 Dates:
Eastbound (Santiago-San Sebastian):
March 23
April 6, 20
May 4, 18
June 1, 15, 29
July 13, 27
Aug. 10, 24
Sept. 7, 21
Oct. 5, 19
Nov. 2
Westbound (San Sebastian-Santiago):
March 30
April 13, 27
May 11, 25
June 8, 22
July 6, 20
Aug. 3, 17, 31
Sept. 14, 28
Oct. 12, 26
The Prices
2013 pricing
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| Accommodations |
Price
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Deposit
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| Double |
€ 4,250
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40%
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| Single |
€ 8,500
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40%
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Other:
Early Booking pricing for 2013:
Book more than 6 months before departure, double deluxe suite is €4,000 per person; single is €8,000. Supplement for a triple is €1,650.
Book 4-6 months before departure, double suite is €4,100 per person; single is €8,200. Supplement for the triple is €1,700.
Regular triple suite supplement is €1,800.
Note: All prices are per person. Tour priced in Euro. For approximate currency exchange rates, visit http://www.xe.com
Latest News: Click here for our blog about the El Transcantábrico: Santiago to San Sebastian 'Gran Lujo' journey.
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The Highlights
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Sample Spain’s famed “northern cuisine” at a variety of unique locales |
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Expert, English-speaking tours of historic, charming cities of northern (or “Green”) Spain, where Spaniards go on holiday |
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Beautiful mountains, rivers, deep canyons |
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All meals and wine with meals and off-train tours included except where noted. Gratuities not included |
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Evening entertainment in the lounge car — music and dancing |
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Visit the famous Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao |
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Extensions in historic paradors and hotels pre- and post-tour available; train connections to France, Madrid and Barcelona |
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Gran Lujo (luxury) class cabin includes double bed, private lounge and ensuite toilet, sink and shower/steam sauna. Photo by Angela Walker.
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One of the beautiful dining cars of the Gran Lujo set for lunch on board. Photo by Angela Walker.
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Daily breakfast on board is a highlight. Photo by Angela Walker.
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Passengers board the luxurious motorcoach of the Gran Lujo in Santiago. Photo by Angela Walker.
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