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El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo

Seven nights through Green Spain, from the Basque Coast to Santiago de Compostela

About the Train

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo traverses the Atlantic-facing part of Northern Spain known as España Verde — Green Spain — and its verdant hinterland. Passengers dine on exceptional regional specialities, visit celebrated local monuments and explore some of the most unspoiled countryside on the Iberian Peninsula, all from the comfort of a five-star train hotel.

Every suite features a private bathroom considered among the finest on any European train. The saloon cars are jewels of railway heritage: four of them are original 1923 Pullman carriages, all meticulously renovated. The route from Galicia to the Bay of Biscay spans Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and Castile and León — regions rich in art, architecture and prehistoric cave paintings.

The train runs on a narrow-gauge railway, giving each suite a characterful, intimate feel. Each Gran Lujo suite occupies half a carriage, elegantly divided into bedroom, lounge and private bathroom. Overnight, the train rests in station, offering a quiet night's sleep and the option to explore nearby towns after dinner.

Gallery

Accommodation

Deluxe Suite — Double Bed: Most suites feature a double bed measuring 150 cm wide by 200 cm long (5 ft × 6 ft 7 in), set within hardwood-panelled walls and large windows. The suite is divided into three distinct areas: bedroom, lounge and bathroom. The separate lounge includes a sofa that converts into a comfortable additional bed.

Twin-Bed Suites: Four suites offer twin beds, each 85 cm wide by 200 cm long (3 ft × 6 ft 7 in), ideal for travelling companions who prefer separate beds.

Suite fittings include wardrobe, luggage rack, desk, in-room safe, music with tuner, individual climate control, multimedia computer with complimentary internet access, and a minibar. The bathroom features a hydro-sauna shower with turbo massage and steam functions, plus hair dryer, premium toiletry amenities and bath robes.

Saloon Cars: El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo boasts four saloon cars dating from the 1920s, each radiating the elegance of a more unhurried era. The Dining Car serves à la carte and buffet breakfasts each morning, alongside chef-prepared lunches and dinners on board. The Bar Car is open throughout the journey. Additional carriages include the Tea Saloon, the Panorama Coach and the Entertainment Saloon — a lively venue offering live music and dancing into the early hours.

Itineraries

Choose the journey that calls to you. Each itinerary may be reserved through our concierge.

San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela
7 nights · 8 days · San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela
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Travelling westward from the elegant Basque city of San Sebastián to the magnificent Cathedral city of Santiago de Compostela, this route partly shadows the ancient Camino de Santiago, visiting Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, the medieval streets of Santillana del Mar and the rugged Asturian coast along the way.

Day 1 — San Sebastián to Carranza

Check-in at 13:00 at Hotel Costa Vasca; the train departs San Sebastián at 14:00. Evening spent in the green hills of Carranza. Overnight in Carranza.

Day 2 — Carranza, Bilbao, Santander

A visit to Bilbao, where the Guggenheim Museum is a spectacular highlight. Onward to the port city of Santander. Overnight in Santander.

Day 3 — Santander, Potes, Cabezón de la Sal

Journey into the Cantabrian interior, pausing at Potes in the Picos de Europa before continuing to Cabezón de la Sal. Overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.

Day 4 — Cabezón de la Sal, Santillana del Mar, Llanes

Morning in the perfectly preserved medieval village of Santillana del Mar, then along the Asturian coast to the charming fishing town of Llanes. Overnight in Llanes.

Day 5 — Llanes, Oviedo

Arrive in Oviedo, the refined capital of Asturias, renowned for its Romanesque architecture and vibrant café culture. Overnight in Oviedo.

Day 6 — Oviedo, Gijón, Luarca

A morning in Gijón before the train winds west along the clifftop coast to the picturesque fishing village of Luarca. Overnight in Luarca.

Day 7 — Luarca, Ribadeo, Viveiro

Cross into Galicia via the estuary town of Ribadeo, continuing to the enchanting port of Viveiro. Overnight in Viveiro.

Day 8 — Viveiro to Santiago de Compostela

The journey reaches its magnificent climax with arrival at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. End of journey at the Parador Reyes Católicos at 13:00.

from €9,900 per person

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Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián
7 nights · 8 days · Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián
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Beginning beneath the soaring towers of Santiago de Compostela's Cathedral, this eastward journey follows the Galician and Asturian coastline through Oviedo, Llanes and Santander before arriving in the graceful Basque city of San Sebastián — a city of elegant beauty and world-class cuisine.

Day 1 — Santiago de Compostela to Viveiro

Check-in at 12:00 at the Parador Reyes Católicos; the train departs Santiago de Compostela at 13:00 in the shadow of the impressive Cathedral. Travel east to overnight in the port of Viveiro.

Day 2 — Viveiro, Ribadeo, Luarca, Oviedo

Cross back into Asturias via Ribadeo and Luarca before arriving in Oviedo. Overnight in Oviedo.

Day 3 — Oviedo, Gijón, Llanes

Morning in Gijón, Asturias's largest city, then along the dramatic coast to the seafront town of Llanes. Overnight in Llanes.

Day 4 — Llanes

A full day to explore Llanes and its beautiful coastline at leisure. Overnight in Llanes.

Day 5 — Llanes, Potes, Cabezón de la Sal

Head inland to the Picos de Europa mountain town of Potes before descending to Cabezón de la Sal. Overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.

Day 6 — Cabezón de la Sal, Santander

A morning's travel to the elegant port city of Santander, set on a beautiful bay. Overnight in Santander.

Day 7 — Santander, Bilbao, Carranza

Visit Bilbao and its iconic Guggenheim Museum before the train continues to Carranza for the final overnight.

Day 8 — Carranza to San Sebastián

Arrive in the city of elegant beauty that is San Sebastián. End of journey at 13:00, Hotel Costa Vasca.

from €9,900 per person

Detailed itinerary & questions →

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Departure Dates

DateDirection / RouteFromStatus
Sat, 11 Jul 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 18 Jul 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 25 Jul 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 1 Aug 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 8 Aug 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 15 Aug 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 22 Aug 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 29 Aug 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 5 Sep 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 12 Sep 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 19 Sep 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 26 Sep 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 3 Oct 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 10 Oct 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 17 Oct 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 24 Oct 2026 Santiago de Compostela → San Sebastián €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 31 Oct 2026 San Sebastián → Santiago de Compostela €9,900 Available Reserve →
Sat, 27 Mar 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 3 Apr 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 10 Apr 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 17 Apr 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 24 Apr 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 1 May 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 8 May 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 15 May 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 22 May 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 29 May 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 5 Jun 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 12 Jun 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 19 Jun 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 26 Jun 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 3 Jul 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 10 Jul 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 17 Jul 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 24 Jul 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 31 Jul 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 7 Aug 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 14 Aug 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 4 Sep 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 11 Sep 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 18 Sep 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 25 Sep 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 2 Oct 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 9 Oct 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 16 Oct 2027 Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastián EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →
Sat, 23 Oct 2027 San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela EUR 10,800 pp dbl Available Reserve →

Cabins & Prices

Cabin / SuiteBasisPrice
Deluxe Suiteper person, double€ 9,900
Deluxe Suite — Single Supplementper person, single€ 7,200
Deluxe Suite — Triple Supplementper person, triple€ 4,800

Prices are indicative and subject to change and availability. Contact us for the latest rates and offers.

Destinations on This Journey

In-depth guides to the places you'll visit — what to see and where to eat at each stop.

Questions About the El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo

What is the route between San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela, and what will I see along the way?+
Over seven nights the train links San Sebastián and Santiago de Compostela (and can be booked in either direction), threading through Green Spain — the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias, Castile and León, and Galicia. Along the way guests typically encounter Bilbao's Guggenheim Museum, the cliffside medieval town of Santillana del Mar, the prehistoric cave art of the region, and the fishing harbours and mountain valleys of the Atlantic coast before arriving at the pilgrimage city of Santiago. Every stretch of track reveals a different face of northern Spain, from industrial-turned-cultural Bilbao to the wild, green Picos de Europa foothills.

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How far in advance should I book, and how do I check which dates are currently available?+
Because El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo operates a limited seasonal schedule with a finite number of suites per departure, popular months such as summer and early autumn can sell out months ahead. We recommend enquiring as soon as you have travel dates in mind so we can check live availability and reserve your preferred suite category. Contact Palace Trains toll-free at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com to see current departures and pricing.

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What is the single best reason to choose El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo over a standard rail holiday in Spain?+
It's the combination you can't easily replicate elsewhere: genuine 1923 Pullman heritage carriages, private suites with hydro-sauna bathrooms rarely found even on other luxury trains, and a route through a lesser-visited, dramatically green corner of Spain that most first-time visitors never see. It rewards travellers who already know Spain's sunny south and want its wilder, wetter, more soulful Atlantic side instead. Speak with Palace Trains at 1-800-724-5120 or travel@palacetours.com to see if it matches what you're after this year.

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Read the full El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo Journal — 23 questions answered →

From the Journal