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Euroventure · Luxury train journey

Transcantábrico Luxury Train | 1 Week

Eight-day luxury train from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela

Illustration of Transcantábrico Luxury Train | 1 Week

El Transcantabrico (Gran Lujo), operated by Euroventure, is an 8-day luxury train journey across northern Spain, departing from San Sebastián and arriving in Santiago de Compostela (or in reverse, depending on the weekly alternating schedule). Guests stay in Grand Luxury Suites within restored 1923 Pullman lounge cars, each with a private bathroom, minibar, and complimentary toiletries. The itinerary combines onboard elegance with guided exploration: Day 1 arrives in San Sebastián for a city tour and lunch before boarding in Bilbao; Day 2 includes entry to the Guggenheim Museum; Days 3 through 7 visit Potes, Santillana del Mar, Picos de Europa National Park, Gijon, and the Lugo coast; the final day concludes with a guided tour of Santiago de Compostela. A-la-carte dining, nightly live music and performances, and a permanent bar create an all-inclusive experience. This journey suits luxury seekers, repeat rail travellers, couples, and history enthusiasts drawn to Spain's Basque Country, Cantabria, and Asturias.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary alternates weekly in both directions; confirm the departure direction when booking, as the route reverses between San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela and vice versa
  • Two price tiers are listed for the same suite type: a full 8-day itinerary and a shorter itinerary option; the operator's website will clarify which dates apply to which price

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: On board, Karrantza

    San Sebastián to Karrantza

    Arrive in San Sebastian for a city tour and lunch; luxury coach transfer to Bilbao to board El Transcantabrico. Welcome drinks with the crew, then a scenic journey to Karrantza with the first dinner on board.

  2. Day 2overnight: On board, Santander

    Bilbao to Santander

    A la carte and buffet breakfast on board. Return to Bilbao for entry to the Guggenheim Museum, then lunch on board en route to Santander, with free time to explore Cantabria's capital.

  3. Day 3overnight: On board, Cabezón de la Sal

    Potes and Comillas to Cabezón de la Sal

    Coach to Potes through the La Hermida Gorge, with time in natural hot baths and lunch. Afternoon visit to a 19th-century Gaudi-designed mansion in Comillas.

  4. Day 4overnight: On board, Llanes

    Altamira and Santillana del Mar to Llanes

    Visit the Cave of Altamira museum, then the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Journey through the Asturian countryside to Llanes.

  5. Day 5overnight: On board, Oviedo

    Picos de Europa to Oviedo

    Coach tour of the Picos de Europa National Park, Covadonga Lakes and Sanctuary, and Cangas de Onis. City tour of Oviedo in the afternoon.

  6. Day 6overnight: On board, Luarca

    Gijon to Luarca

    Tour and lunch in Gijon, then arrival in Luarca, 'the white village of the green coast'.

  7. Day 7railovernight: On board, Viveiro

    Ribadeo to Viveiro

    Breakfast en route to Ribadeo; explore the Lugo coast to Playa de Las Catedrales, then a scenic train journey to Viveiro.

  8. Day 8

    Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela

    Final onboard breakfast approaching Ferrol; coach to Santiago de Compostela with a guided city tour to conclude the trip.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Day 2: Entry to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, followed by lunch aboard the train as it travels to Santander
  • Day 3Day 3: Coach tour through La Hermida Gorge to Potes, including time in natural hot baths, then a visit to a 19th-century Gaudi-designed mansion in Comillas
  • Day 4Day 4: Visit to the Cave of Altamira museum and the medieval town of Santillana del Mar
  • Day 5Day 5: Coach tour of Picos de Europa National Park, Covadonga Lakes and Sanctuary, followed by a city tour of Oviedo
  • Day 7Day 7: Scenic visit to Playa de Las Catedrales on the Lugo coast, then a train journey to Viveiro

Included

  • 14 spacious suites with individual, double, or triple occupancy options, elegant wooden decor
  • Amenities include luggage storage, desk, safe, minibar, music system, and free internet access
  • Bedrooms include a TV, wardrobe, and convertible sofa
  • Private bathrooms with hydro-massage showers and complimentary toiletries
  • Common lounges in original 1923 Pullman cars for daily a-la-carte breakfast and other dining
  • Permanent bar offering a variety of beverages
  • Access to entertainment: national and international news, television, videos and books
  • Games, panoramic lounge, tea room, and pub car for relaxation and socializing
  • Nightly events featuring live music, performances, and parties
  • Attentive crew members ensuring a comfortable journey

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. All travel aboard El Transcantabrico is included, along with all onboard meals, beverages, and entertainment. Coach excursions at each stop are also included.
Is the tour escorted?
Yes. Euroventure provides an onboard crew throughout the journey, and guided city tours are offered at each stop.
What accommodation is provided?
Guests stay in Grand Luxury Suites with individual, double, or triple occupancy options. Each suite includes a TV, wardrobe, convertible sofa, private bathroom with hydro-massage shower, minibar, safe, desk, and free internet access.
What is included in the price?
The price includes 7 nights' accommodation in a Grand Luxury Suite, all meals (a-la-carte breakfast and other dining in original 1923 Pullman car lounges), onboard beverages and bar service, nightly entertainment, guided city tours at each stop, and coach excursions.
How much walking is involved?
There is moderate walking during city tours in San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo, Gijon, and Santiago de Compostela, and in the medieval town of Santillana del Mar. Coach excursions to natural sites reduce the need for extensive hiking.
When does the train run?
Euroventure does not publish a departure calendar in the available information; contact the operator directly to confirm available dates.

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