Rendezvous at 1:00 pm in San Sebastian at Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca. Passengers reception, welcome and lunch in San Sebastián, a city of elegant beauty and home to major cultural events. Tour of the town after lunch and transfer by luxury coach to Bilbao, where El Transcantábrico is waiting for us. Welcome drink with the crew. Train trip to Villasana de Mena while enjoying our first dinner onboard.
Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast. El Trancantábrico will take us back to the dynamic city of Bilbao, that has managed to reinvent itself after the decline of its heavy industry. City tour including admission for the famous Guggenheim Museum, epitome of a new Bilbao. Return to the train to continue our journey to Santander while having lunch onboard. City sightseeing tour of the elegant capital of Cantabria and free time. Those who wish may visit El Gran Casino after dinner (entrance included).
Train trip to Unquera station from where we will travel by coach through the gorge of La Hermida and reach the town of Potes. After visiting this charming village, enjoy a Spa circuit at La Hermida Spa. Return to the train after lunch and trip to Cabezón de la Sal. In the afternoon there will be free time and you may choose to visit the mansion of El Capricho in the town of Comillas, the impressive and colourful 19th century house designed by Antonio Gaudí.
The day begins with a visit to the town of Santillana del Mar with its beautifully preserved medieval town. Next we will be taken on a tour of Altamira Neocave, the finest realistic example of Upper Palaeolithic cave art. After lunch we will return to the train and travel into Asturian territory, visiting the village of Ribadesella and its charming promenade and stunning historic mansions.
Today our coach will drive us to the heart of the Principality of Asturias, to the Picos de Europa National Park. First enroute is Lake Enol, then visit the sacred place of Shrine of Covadonga to hear its legends. Back onboard for lunch and trip to the region’s capital, Oviedo, the highlight of Asturian Romanesque art, featuring gems such as the basilica of San Julian de los Prados. City tour and free time.
We begin the day discovering Avilés, an ancient city with a precious old town, and Gijón, a city that opens up to the Cantabrian Sea and is alive with cultural events. After visiting both towns, return to the El Transcantábrico to continue our coastal journey to Luarca, visiting this charming seaside town embedded in a stunning landscape.
Train trip to the historic town of Ribadeo, in Galician lands, bordering Asturias. Our coach will take us to the Las Catedrales Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. City sightseeing in Ribadeo and free time. Back on the train for lunch and trip to Viveiro, with city tour and free time.- Accommodation onboard in Deluxe Suite.
- All non-alcoholic drinks available in the cabin’s minibar (complimentary).
- The crew may unpack your luggage onto the wardrobe on arrival and pack it back on the last day.
- A la carte and buffet breakfasts every day.
- All dinners and lunches, with the finest cuisine aboard the train or in top restaurants (including wine, water, soft drinks and coffee).
- Welcome drink and snack.
- Farewell party.
- Traveling toiletries bag courtesy of Renfe Viajeros (with amenities and slippers).
- Free mineral water available in the cabin’s minibar.
- Activities on board: music and live performances, parties in the pub car, show cooking and cocktails, dancing, etc.
- Tickets to museums, attractions and shows.
- Excursions and scheduled tours.
- Luxury coach accompanying the train along the trip.
- Two Renfe train tickets with a 50% discount: one to the starting point and the other back from the end of the tourist trip.
- Taxes and services.
- Newspapers and magazines on board.
- Security service.
- Multilingual guide throughout the tour.
- Excellent crew available (Expedition Leader, guide, waiters, cooks, technicians, etc).
Your tour price excludes:
- Domestic or international airfare
- Travel insurance or visa fees
- Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs
- Any additional hotel accommodations pre- or post-tour
- Any items not specifically mentioned as “included”
