Spain’s Luxury Trains Announce 2021 Calendar
Big news: Spain’s incredibly popular luxury trains — El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo & Al Andalus — have just announced their 2021 schedule.
El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo plies the coastal “Green Spain” route on 8-day, 7-night tours between Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian. The seasons runs from early May through October.
IRT guests love the exceptional service, the intimate vibe (only 28 guests on each departure), the off-train excursions, and the luxurious cabins, all equipped with private bathroom with shower and toilet, roomy double or twin beds, and separate sitting area with couch, desk, and chair.
But the real star is the gastronomy — and the fine Spanish wine. The itinerary is dotted with meals at Michelin-starred restaurants in sleepy, picturesque villages along the way. The on-train meals are also exceptional. And all meals (plus wine with lunch and dinner), are included.
Al Andalus travels through a fascinating swath of Southern Spain on 7-day, 6-night jaunts. Highlights include the ancient port city of Cádiz, the natural wonders of Doñana National Park, and the UNESCO Site of Alhambra, the sweeping palace complex built by the Nasrid rulers of Granada.
Departures are strategically offered only in the relatively cooler months of May & June, and September & October.
The all-ensuite cabins are also on the roomy side, as far as trains go (choose a Deluxe Suite for even more space), and the food and wine are just as exceptional in the south as they are in the north.
One change: El Transcantabrico Clasico, El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo’s little sister, has been re-christened the Costa Verde Express. Beginning in 2021, the Costa Verde Express will travel on a 6-day route between Bilbao and Gijón.
Stay tuned for feedback on this “new” train and route. Once we have had a chance to inspect the Costa Verde Express firsthand, we’ll tell you how we think it stacks up against Spain’s other two powerhouse luxury trains (the competition is pretty stiff).
Meanwhile, to read IRT VP, Operations Angela Walker’s in-depth review of El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, click here. To read Angela’s review of Al Andalus, click here.
Click here for more information, dates, and prices for El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo; here for more information, dates, prices for Al Andalus.
Ready to book your own Spanish adventure?
2021 departures and prices have been published but are not quite yet open to book. Call or e-mail us to get on the “first notice” list.
Call us at (800) 478-4881 (+1 502-897-1725 if outside the US / Canada), or e-mail us at tourdesk@irtsociety.com.
Rachel M. Hardy is Vice President, Sales & Marketing, and Virtuoso luxury travel advisor for The Society of International Railway Travelers®. She specializes in luxury rail and adventure in Europe, South America, Africa (rail & safaris) and Canada. She was the first advisor from the Americas invited to see the new Grand Suites on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Our agency is a proud member of Virtuoso and the exclusive Belmond Bellini Club.
