Overview
El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo was inaugurated in 2011. The train slowly plies the narrow-gauge rails in Northern “Green” Spain, between Santiago and San Sebastián. Fresh ingredients and fine wines enhance the dining experiences—a highlight of this train experience.
El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo takes only 28 passengers and thereby offers an intimate travel experience. The consist includes a panoramic lounge car, two dining cars and a bar car where music or live entertainment is offered each night.
Latest News: Read our blog about the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo Santiago to San Sebastián journey.
Accommodations
All compartments have private, ensuite toilet, sink, and shower (with sauna-hydro massage), mini-bar, wardrobe, and desk. Each has double bed (a few have twin beds; request at booking), long sofa, lots of storage, flat-screen television and computer with complimentary Wi-Fi access. (Note the Wi-Fi connection works best while the train is stationary.) The cabins are approximately 129 square feet. Air conditioning and heating are individually controlled. These cabins can accommodate three with the sofa converting to a bed.
Dining
The focus of this journey is fine dining and learning the culture of Northern Spain through its food and wine. Breakfast is served daily in the train’s two dining cars; most other meals are in fabulous local restaurants along the way. All meals and wine are included.
Lounges
El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo has two additional lounges where you can sit and relax, enjoying the scenery, chatting, reading, or playing one of the many board games provided. The lounge car has seating for about 18 with couches, armchairs and tables, as well as a unique panel of panoramic windows. There is also a “disco car”, with live music and/or dancing every night. This car has a bar and dance floor, and stays open and lively until the last person retires. Note that drinks served outside of meal times are additional.
IRT Insights
Note that journeys on this train often have an international mix of passengers speaking different languages. Sometimes touring and announcements will be in multiple languages.
Dinners can go late in the evening, as is Spanish culture. Many meals feature fresh seafood; if you do not like seafood or have an allergy, please advise at booking.
Since El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo is a narrow-gauge train, the hallways are not wide enough to accommodate a wheelchair. Contact us if you have limited mobility.
The train remains stationary at night, making it easy to sleep – and also allowing passengers to explore the local towns in the evenings, if desired.