Great Rail Journeys
Madrid & Paradors of Central Spain
11 daysfrom $4,806
Planet Rail · Tailor-made rail holiday
2026 Departures - Spain's Northern Coast - El Transcantábrico by First Class Rail
Experience the pinnacle of luxury travel aboard El Transcantábrico, journeying through northern Spain's stunning landscapes and historic cities with curated comfort, style, and cultural immersion.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: San Sebastián
London to San Sebastian
Your holiday begins with a comfortable First Class Eurostar journey from London St. Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord. On arrival, a private taxi transfers you across the city to Paris Montparnasse, where you board a high-speed First Class train to Hendaye in southwestern France. From there, a short local train (payable locally) takes you across the border into Spain, arriving in the vibrant coastal city of San Sebastián.
- Day 2railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Carranza
San Sebastian, Bilbao to Carranza
Meet your fellow travellers in San Sebastián at 1:00pm for a guided tour of this elegant coastal city, followed by a delicious lunch. In the afternoon, your luxury coach takes you to Bilbao, where the iconic El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo awaits. Step aboard this sumptuous train and settle into your private suite. Enjoy a welcome reception and dinner on board as the train begins its journey through northern Spain, with your first overnight stay in the charming town of Carranza.
- Day 3railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Santander
Carranza, Bilbao to Santander
Begin the day with a delicious a la carte and buffet breakfast on board. The train returns to Bilbao for a guided tour of this vibrant, modern city, famed for its transformation from industrial hub to cultural hotspot, with the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum a highlight. Back on board, enjoy a leisurely lunch as the train continues along the picturesque northern coast to Santander, where a guided tour of the refined capital of Cantabria is followed by free time. Dinner is served on board.
- Day 4railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Cabezón de la Sal
Santander, Potes, Comillas to Cabezón de la Sal
Following breakfast on board, a scenic coach journey takes you through the dramatic Desfiladero de la Hermida gorge to the picturesque mountain town of Potes. After exploring its charming streets, unwind with a relaxing thermal circuit at the renowned La Hermida Spa. Enjoy lunch before continuing to the coastal town of Comillas for a visit to El Capricho, a whimsical and colourful 19th-century villa designed by the legendary architect Antonio Gaudí. Return to the train for dinner and an overnight stay in the quaint town of Cabezón de la Sal.
- Day 5railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Llanes
Cabezón de la Sal, Santillana del Mar to Llanes
Today begins with a visit to the beautifully preserved medieval town of Santillana del Mar, often described as a living museum. Explore its cobbled streets before heading to the Altamira Neocave, an impressive museum and exact replica of the famous Paleolithic cave paintings. Return to the train for lunch as you cross into the lush region of Asturias, arriving in the coastal town of Llanes. Dinner on board and an overnight stay in this picturesque seaside destination.
- Day 6railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Oviedo
Llanes, Picos de Europa to Oviedo
After breakfast, a coach takes you deep into the breathtaking landscapes of the Picos de Europa National Park. Visit the serene Enol Lake, surrounded by dramatic peaks, followed by a stop at the Sanctuary of Covadonga, an iconic pilgrimage site steeped in legend and Asturian tradition. Return to the train for lunch as it continues to Oviedo, the elegant capital of Asturias, with its outstanding Asturian pre-Romanesque architecture such as San Julián de los Prados. Dinner and overnight in Oviedo.
- Day 7railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Luarca
Oviedo, Gijón to Luarca
This morning, travel by coach to Gijón, a lively coastal city known for its vibrant cultural scene and strong maritime spirit. After exploring its historic and modern highlights, return to the train for a scenic journey along the Asturian coastline. In the afternoon, arrive in Luarca, known as the White Village of the Costa Verde, for a guided tour of this picturesque fishing town with its whitewashed houses and charming harbour. Dinner on board and overnight in Luarca.
- Day 8railovernight: On board El Transcantábrico, Viveiro
Luarca, Ribadeo to Viveiro
Today El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo continues its journey into Galicia, arriving in the historic town of Ribadeo, perched on the border with Asturias. Travel by coach along the dramatic coastline to Las Catedrales Beach, famed for its towering rock arches and breathtaking natural beauty. Enjoy a panoramic tour of Ribadeo and lunch before reboarding the train for the onward journey to Viveiro, with a guided visit and free time to wander. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Viveiro.
- Day 9railovernight: Santiago de Compostela
Viveiro to Santiago de Compostela
Enjoy your final breakfast aboard El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo as the train makes its way to Ferrol. Upon arrival, a comfortable coach takes you to Santiago de Compostela, the legendary city that has welcomed pilgrims for over a thousand years. Discover the rich history and architecture of its enchanting old town, including a visit to the awe-inspiring cathedral, one of Spain's most iconic spiritual landmarks.
- Day 10railovernight: Madrid
Santiago de Compostela to Madrid
Begin the day with breakfast in the historic city of Santiago de Compostela before boarding a comfortable First Class train to Madrid Chamartín. On arrival in the capital, check in for an overnight stay and enjoy the evening at your leisure in this vibrant and cosmopolitan city.
- Day 11railovernight: Girona
Madrid to Girona
After breakfast in Madrid, board a First Class train for a scenic journey northeast to Girona. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and spend the evening exploring this charming Catalan city, known for its rich history and beautiful medieval architecture.
- Day 12rail
Girona to London St. Pancras
Begin your day with a relaxing First Class train journey from Girona to Paris Gare de Lyon. Upon arrival, a private taxi transfers you across the city to Paris Gare du Nord, where you board the Eurostar in First Class for the comfortable high-speed journey back to London St. Pancras.
Included
- Return Eurostar trains from London (First Class)
- First Class rail throughout: Paris to Hendaye, Santiago de Compostela to Madrid, Madrid to Girona and Girona to Paris
- Private taxi transfers between stations in Paris
- 7 nights aboard El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo in a Grand Luxury Suite with daily excursions and fine dining (meals on board)
- Hotel accommodation throughout with breakfast included at each hotel
- Guided tours and coach excursions along the route, including Bilbao and the Guggenheim exterior visit, Potes and La Hermida Spa thermal circuit, El Capricho de Gaudí in Comillas, Santillana del Mar and the Altamira Neocave, Picos de Europa with Enol Lake and the Sanctuary of Covadonga, Gijón, Luarca, Las Catedrales Beach, Ribadeo, Viveiro and Santiago de Compostela
Not included
- Local train from Hendaye across the border to San Sebastián (payable locally)
