A journey through Northern Spain on Gran Lujo
Discover northern Spain in absolute luxury aboard the Transcantabrico Gran Lujo. From the seaside resort of San Sebastian to Santiago de Compostela, explore Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia. Along the way, sample regional tapas with a culinary expert, stroll the streets of lovely Santillana del Mar, explore Picos de Europa National Park and taste the rich wines of the Rías Baixas. You’ll also travel in style on the Gran Lujo, which boasts opulent cabins, panoramic lounges and an elegant dining car.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at the San Sebastian airport or rail station, you will be welcomed by your Cox and Kings representative and transferred to your luxury hotel in the center of the city. In the evening, embark on a culinary exploration of traditional Spanish tapas. Guided by an expert in Spanish cuisine, sample a range of regional tapas accompanied by wine and beer. Return to your hotel late this evening. Hotel Maria Cristina (Standard Room) – 1-night (D)
Spend the morning discovering the lovely city of San Sebastian before heading to Bilbao, to board your luxury train. Settle in and begin your rail journey through northern Spain. This evening, enjoy a tasty dinner and overnight in the quaint village of Villasana de Mena. El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo (Suite) – 7-nights (B, L, D)
Ride the rails back to Bilbao for a visit to the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum. Back on board, savor lunch on your way to the lovely city of Santander, which sits on the glittering Bay of Biscay. Dinner and overnight in Santander. (B, L, D)
After breakfast, arrive in Unquera from which you take a coach to Potes and the sanctuary of Saint Toribio de Liébana. After lunch, continue to the pretty little harbor town of Comillas for a stroll along the lovely streets. Dinner and overnight in Cabezón de la Sal. (B, L, D)
From Cabezón de la Sal, venture into the past in the ancient cave of Altamira, decorated with Neolithic paintings. Enjoy lunch in the charming medieval city of Santillana del Mar. Reboard your train for the journey into Asturias and the fishing village of Llanes. Dinner and overnight in nearby Arriondas. (B, L, D)
In the heart of Asturias, visit the spectacular Picos de Europa National Park, the Covadonga Lakes, the Sanctuary of Covadonga and ancient Cangas de Onis. As you enjoy lunch onboard, travel to Oviedo where you have dinner and spend the night. (B, L, D)
This morning, continue your journey to the seaside city of Gijon for a morning tour and lunch. Reboard the train and travel to lovely Luarca, “the white town of the green coast” for dinner and overnight. (B, L, D)
Cross into Galicia around Ribadeo, a gorgeous town at the mouth of the Eo River. Explore the magnificent estuary and then relax over lunch. This afternoon, continue to Viveiro on the Cantabric Sea. Visit the old city walls and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay. (B, L, D)
After arriving in Ferrol this morning, bid farewell to your train and complete your pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela by coach. Explore this ancient city, visiting Obradoiro Square, the gorgeous cathedral and the 12th-century Gate of the Goldsmiths. Parador de Los Reyes Catolicos (Standard Room) – 2-nights (B)
On this journey into the lovely Rías Baixas, visit several renowned wineries, including Agro de Bazan, located in the middle of rolling vineyards. Return to Santiago by the scenic coastal road. (B)
Today you will be transferred to the airport or rail station for your onward journey. (B)
Extend Your Journey
- Take a culinary tapas tour in San Sebastian
- Explore Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum, a wonder of postmodernist architecture designed by Frank Gehry
- Marvel at the Neolithic cave paintings in the cave of Altamira
- Stroll the quaint streets of lovely Santillana del Mar
- Soak up the scenery at the Picos de Europa National Park
- End your pilgrimage in the holy city of Santiago de Compostela
- Sample the renowned wines of the Rías Baixas
- Travel in style aboard the elegant Transcantabrico Gran Lujo
11 DAYS & 10 NIGHTS
San Sebastian, 7 nights onboard the Luxury Train El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo & Santiago de Compostela
2012 Dates:
Jan - Apr
Prices From:
$8,645
Note:
Upon request, your travel consultant can provide an exact price based on your specific dates of travel.
Includes:
All accommodation, full board dining and excursions from the train as noted, services of local staff. Airport/rail station to hotel transfer in San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela.