Special in 2020 for Costa Verde Express along Camino de Santiago from Bilbao to Santiago de Compostela without packing / unpacking every day on board the luxury Train.

Enjoy the 7 night 8 day trip includes 6 nights on board the train on board the Costa Verde Express on an exclusive journey. Discover the cities and villages of northern Spain as the train winds its way by the Bay of Biscay, which lies between steep mountains and green meadows and past beaches and cliffs. These destinations are full of enchantment and history that over the centuries have become living works of art, like Santiago de Compostela, Vivero, Oviedo, Ribadesella, Llanes, Santillana del Mar, Santander, and Bilbao, the home of Guggenheim Museum.

Day 1 – Saturday: Welcome to Bilbao

Cities covered : Bilbao

Your trip begins with arrival in Bilbao at the designated hotel where your hotel is reserved for the night. Enjoy the beautiful sights of this industrious city on your own before we meet for dinner.

The group meets at the hotel for dinner at 8:00 PM.

Overnight at hotel.

Optional : Pre-Extension tour available in the Basque Country in San Sebastian and La Rioja. Ask us for details.

Day 2 – Sunday: Villasana de Mena – Bilbao – Santander

Cities covered : Bilbao , Santander

We meet the guide at the hotel and go for a city tour of Bilbao City tour includes admission to the epitome of a new Bilbao, the famous Guggenheim Museum. We later come to the El Transcantabrico Clasico and board 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).

Overnight in Santander.

Day 3 – Monday: Santander – Potes – Cabezón de la Sal

Cities covered : Potes

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.

Dinner and overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.

Day 4 – Tuesday: Travel back in time to Santillana del Mar

Cities covered : Santillana del Mar

The day begins with a visit to 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.

Dinner and overnight in Arriondas.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Deep into the heart of Asturias

Cities covered : Candas , Oviedo

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.

Dinner onboard while we travel to Candás, where we will spend the night.

Day 6 – Thursday: Journey to the charming city of Gijon

Cities covered : Gijón , Luarca

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 El Transcantábrico to continue our coastal journey to Luarca, visiting this charming seaside town embedded in a stunning landscape.

Dinner and overnight in Luarca.

Day 7 – Friday: Travel along the “Rias Altas” to Ribadeo and Viveiro

Cities covered : Ribadeo , Viveiro

Train trip to the historic town of Ribadeo, in Galician lands, bordering Asturias. Our coach will take us to 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.

Dinner and overnight in Viveiro.

Day 8 – Saturday: Your journey ends in Santiago de Compostela

Cities covered : Ferrol , Santiago de Compostela

While enjoying our last breakfast onboard, we will arrive in Ferrol, followed by a comfortable coach trip to Santiago de Compostela. Enjoy a city tour in this historical town, goal of devotees for over a thousand years, and admire its countless artistic jewels such as the Cathedral.

End of trip after the tour.

El Transcantabrico : Lounge Car

The four original 1923 Pullman lounge cars have been specially and exclusively decorated for El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, making them true railway jewels.

Our lounges are equipped with national and international newspaper, television, a library and collection of board games. The panoramic lounge offers comfortable chairs for you to enjoy a book or watch the beautiful sceneries outside its large windows. Engage in an intimate or private conversation with a friend at the tearoom and in spend a lively evening in the pub, where live music and entertainment are offered. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in your tour but you are welcome to purchase your drinks from the bar. The train is interconnected, allowing guests to freely move from one car to another.

El Transcantabrico : Services on Board

The trip includes

Seven nights’ accommodation in a suite-compartment on board the train.
Seven dinners and seven lunches with typical regional cuisine (including wine, coffee and liqueurs).
Seven buffet breakfasts on board.
Music and entertainment in the pub carriage.
Programmed excursions, including tickets to museums, cathedrals, cloisters, etc.
Luxury coach that accompanies the train.
Daily newspapers and magazines.
Security service.
Multilingual guide for the entire trip.
An excellent team at your service.

Medical service

The train carries a first aid kit. The medical services of FEVE are also available to passengers it this is necessary. El Transcantábrico has contacts with various health centres along the route of the train.

Special menus

Passengers who require a special diet should request this when making their reservations.

Travel insurance

You can take out a travel insurance policy by visiting http://www.palacetours.com/insurance

Photo Gallery

Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao	Santillana del Mar
Santillana del Mar	Lago Enol
Playa de las Catedrales	Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao
Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao	El Transcantabrico dining carriage
En-suite bathroom on board El Transcantabrico	The train in Viveiro