Vacations By Rail · Independent luxury rail vacation

El Transcantábrico: San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela

El Transcantábrico: San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela, a rail journey with Vacations By Rail

Discover northern Spain in luxury on the journey of a lifetime aboard El Transcantábrico, an exquisite train that whisks you along the rugged coast to uncover the region's gems, and takes you back in time to the golden age of travel.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: San Sebastián

    Arrival in San Sebastián

    Transfer to San Sebastián and check in to the hotel. Optional excursions available at a supplement (Private Tapas Tour; Rioja Day-Trip). Option to extend to a two-night stay.

  2. Day 2railovernight: El Transcantábrico (Carranza)

    Boarding El Transcantábrico

    Guided tour of San Sebastián and lunch at a local restaurant, then coach along the coast to Bilbao to board El Transcantábrico. Welcome drink, cabin settle-in, first onboard dinner in a retro dining car, and entertainment. Train rests overnight in Carranza.

  3. Day 3railovernight: El Transcantábrico (Santander)

    Bilbao, the Guggenheim and Santander

    Breakfast onboard, then to Bilbao to visit the Guggenheim Museum. Lunch onboard as the train continues to Santander for a city tour, including the Magdalena Palace. Optional visit to the Gran Casino de Santander after dinner.

  4. Day 4overnight: El Transcantábrico (Cabezón de la Sal)

    Cantabria and the Hermida Gorge

    Travel to Unquera, then coach to Potes via the Hermida Gorge in the Picos de Europa. Visit the Hotel Balneario de la Hermida's thermal spa, then Comillas to see El Capricho (a Gaudí-designed villa). Dinner and overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.

  5. Day 5railovernight: El Transcantábrico (Llanes)

    Medieval Spain & the Altamira Caves

    Visit Santillana del Mar, a preserved medieval town, then the Altamira cave complex to view prehistoric cave art over 36,000 years old. Train continues to coastal Llanes for dinner and overnight.

  6. Day 6railovernight: El Transcantábrico (Oviedo)

    Picos de Europa National Park & Oviedo

    Coach to Picos de Europa National Park to visit Lake Enol and the sanctuary of Covadonga. Return to the train for lunch, continuing to Oviedo for a guided city tour, including the Cathedral of San Salvador. Train rests overnight in Oviedo.

  7. Day 7overnight: El Transcantábrico (Luarca)

    Along the Asturian Coast

    Visit coastal Gijón for lunch, then continue along the coast to the fishing village of Luarca for a guided tour. Dinner and overnight in Luarca.

  8. Day 8railovernight: El Transcantábrico (Viveiro)

    Galicia's beaches and historic towns

    Cross into Galicia at Ribadeo; coach along the coast to visit Playa de Las Catedrales, then a tour of Ribadeo. After lunch, board the train to Viveiro for a guided tour and free time. Dinner and overnight in Viveiro.

  9. Day 9overnight: Santiago de Compostela

    Santiago de Compostela

    Final breakfast aboard El Transcantábrico en route to Ferrol, then coach to Santiago de Compostela to visit the historic center and cathedral. Check in to the Parador de Santiago. Option to extend to a two-night stay with optional excursions (Wines & Landscapes Day Trip; Galicia Coast & Mussel Tasting Cruise).

  10. Day 10

    Homeward bound

    Free time in Santiago before a private transfer from the hotel to the airport.

Included

  • 1 night in the 4-Star Barcelo Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
  • 1 night in the 5-Star Parador de Santiago, Santiago de Compostela
  • 7 nights on the El Transcantábrico luxury train
  • Private transfers from & to the airport

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights

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