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Firebird Tours · Group tour

The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Train: San Sebastian - Santiago de Compostela

Eight-day luxury train journey along Spain's northern coast from San Sebastian to Santiago de

Illustration of The Transcantabrico Gran Lujo Train: San Sebastian - Santiago de Compostela

Firebird Tours operates this 8-day luxury train journey for groups, traveling aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo from San Sebastian in the Basque country to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia. Passengers sleep aboard the train every night while exploring Spain's northern coast at a leisurely pace. Each day combines guided city tours in major cities such as Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, and Santiago de Compostela with excursions to cultural and natural attractions: Gaudi's Capricho mansion near Comillas, the Sanctuary of Covadonga set in Picos de Europa National Park, the medieval town of Santillana del Mar with its Altamira cave-painting replica, Las Catedrales Beach near Ribadeo, and the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. Expert English-speaking guides lead all tours, gourmet dinners are served aboard each evening, and a dedicated support team manages logistics from arrival through departure. The leisurely pace and comprehensive inclusions appeal to travelers seeking refined rail travel combined with cultural immersion in Cantabrian and Galician heritage.

What to know before you look closer

  • The tour operates as a group with guides and crew aboard; solo travelers should confirm group size and social dynamics with Firebird before booking.
  • Day 8 concludes with a bus transfer from the train's arrival in Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela, arriving around 1pm; this is not a full final day aboard the train.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Valle de Carranza

    San Sebastian City Tour & Train Boarding

    Guided city tour of San Sebastian and lunch, then a bus transfer to Bilbao to board El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo; the train departs for Carranza with a welcome drink and gourmet dinner on board.

  2. Day 2overnight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Santander

    Bilbao and Santander City Tour

    Breakfast on board, then a guided Bilbao city tour including the Guggenheim Museum; lunch on board en route to Santander for a guided city tour and dinner.

  3. Day 3overnight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Cabezon de la Sal

    Hermida Spa & Gaudi's Capricho Tour

    Breakfast on board to Cabezon de la Sal; visit the Hermida Spa thermal baths and Gaudi's Capricho in Comillas, then a gourmet dinner on board.

  4. Day 4overnight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Llanes

    Santillana del Mar Tour & Overnight in Llanes

    Visit medieval Santillana del Mar and the Neo-cave of Altamira replica; lunch on board en route to the coastal town of Llanes, gourmet dinner and overnight in Llanes.

  5. Day 5overnight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Oviedo

    Sanctuary of Covadonga Tour & Oviedo City Tour

    Bus excursion into the Picos de Europa National Park to the Sanctuary of Covadonga; lunch on board en route to Oviedo for a guided city visit and dinner at a local restaurant.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Luarca

    Gijon & Luarca City Tour

    Guided tour of Gijon with a local meal, then a scenic rail journey along the Asturian coast to Luarca, the 'White Village of the Costa Verde', for a guided tour and gourmet dinner.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Viveiro

    Las Catedrales Beach & Viveiro City Tour

    Bus excursion to Ribadeo and the rock formations of Las Catedrales Beach, a panoramic tour of Ribadeo and lunch, then the train continues to Viveiro for a guided tour and gourmet dinner.

  8. Day 8rail

    Santiago de Compostela City Tour & Farewell

    Farewell breakfast on board as the train arrives in Ferrol; bus transfer to Santiago de Compostela for a guided tour of the Cathedral of Santiago, concluding at the Parador de los Reyes Catolicos around 1pm.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Guided tour of San Sebastian, then boarding El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo in Bilbao with a welcome drink and gourmet dinner as the train departs for Carranza.
  • Day 2Guided tour of the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao followed by a guided tour of Santander.
  • Day 3Visit to the Hermida Spa thermal baths and Gaudi's Capricho in Comillas.
  • Day 5Bus excursion into Picos de Europa National Park to the Sanctuary of Covadonga, then guided city tour of Oviedo.
  • Day 7Bus excursion to the rock formations of Las Catedrales Beach near Ribadeo.

Included

  • Exceptional downtown hotel accommodations
  • Guided sightseeing tours with expert English-speaking guides
  • Delicious breakfasts at your hotels
  • In-depth exploration of best landmarks
  • Tickets and intercity transportation as per itinerary
  • Professional meeting services at the airport
  • Dedicated support team before and during your trip

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All seven nights aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo and all intercity rail and coach transportation are included in the package.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. Firebird Tours provides guide services throughout. Tour guides and dedicated crew are aboard the train, and expert English-speaking guides lead all city and site visits.
What is included in the price?
Train accommodations, all meals (breakfasts at hotels and dinners on the train), guided sightseeing tours, museum tickets, intercity transportation, airport meeting services, and dedicated support.
Which cities does the train visit?
San Sebastian, Bilbao, Santander, Cabezon de la Sal, Llanes, Oviedo, Luarca, Viveiro, and Santiago de Compostela.
How much walking is involved?
The itinerary is described as leisurely pace. Days include guided city tours and excursions but no strenuous hiking.
Do I sleep aboard the train every night?
Yes, all seven nights are spent aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo. The train is your hotel throughout the journey.

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