El Transcantábrico
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El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo: Santiago de Compostela to Gijón
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El Transcantábrico
Bar Lounge
Common Area Lounge
El Transcantábrico
Lounge
Suite (double)
Suite (twin)
Spain

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo: Santiago de Compostela to Gijón (Tour code: 13967)

Starts and Ends
Santiago de Compostela to
Gijón
Travel Periods
25 Oct 2025
Experience
Travel Style
Rail Holiday Packages
The El Transcantábrico is a luxury train journey that spans from Santiago de Compostela to Gijón. This scenic route takes passengers through the breathtaking landscapes of northern Spain, offering a unique blend of cultural immersion and luxurious travel experience.

Highlights

Indulge in a gastronomic journey with expertly crafted dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients. From traditional Spanish fare to international cuisine, relish exquisite meals complemented by fine wines, all while enjoying stunning views from the dining car.

Relax in the lounge car, offering a space to mingle with fellow travellers, savour a cocktail, or admire the passing landscapes. Discover the onboard entertainment, ranging from live music and cultural performances to informative lectures about the regions you'll be traversing.

Santiago de Compostela, renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage City and celebrated for its iconic Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, boasts architectural marvels including the majestic Cathedral and its picturesque surrounding squares such as Obradoiro, Inmaculada, Praterías, and Quintana, each adorned with significant artistic and religious treasures.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Luarca, a captivating coastal town nestled between natural promontories, offering breathtaking vistas at every turn.

Oviedo is known for its significant architectural landmarks such as the Cathedral, Santa María del Naranco church, and San Miguel de Lillo chapel. The Old Town features the Museum of Fine Arts, displaying works by renowned artists like El Greco and Picasso.

4 days
From
AUD 7,873
per person, twin share
Travelling with kids? Read more 
All services are subject to availability.

Overview

Embark on a journey of unparalleled luxury and cultural discovery aboard the legendary El Transcantábrico train. Departing from the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, this remarkable voyage traverses the stunning landscapes of northern Spain en route to the vibrant coastal city of Gijón. As the train meanders through picturesque regions such as Galicia, Asturias, and Cantabria, passengers are treated to an immersive experience that seamlessly blends opulent accommodations, exquisite cuisine, and captivating excursions. 

Inclusions

Private ensuite accommodation in Grand Luxury Suites onboard the train
Complimentary standard Renfe train travel both before and after your tour. Please be aware that this service is not a private transfer & seat reservations are allocated automatically
Onboard the train, enjoy a welcome beverage and snack to commence your journey with a touch of elegance
Every day, enjoy both à la carte and buffet-style breakfasts served on the train
Exceptional dining experiences for all dinners and lunches, whether served on board the train or in esteemed first-class restaurants, complete with inclusive offerings of wine, soft drinks and coffee
Each guest will be provided with a toiletry bag containing amenities and slippers
All entrance fees to museums, monuments, and shows, as well as scheduled excursions and guided visits
Engage in a variety of onboard activities such as live music, performances, bar car parties and dancing
An excellent team of professionals onboard the train at your service.
A memorable dinner and an end-of-trip celebration

Day 1 Santiago de Compostela Ferrol Viveiro

Join fellow guests for a reception at 10:00 a.m. at the esteemed El Parador de los Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela. Following this, embark on a guided tour of the Historic Center, followed by a delightful lunch. Later in the afternoon, a luxurious coach will transport you to Ferrol, where the awaiting train and its crew eagerly await your arrival. Upon boarding, enjoy a warm welcome and settle into your accommodations as you commence a scenic train journey to Viveiro. Once there, indulge in a guided visit, followed by a sumptuous dinner and overnight stay in Viveiro.

Lunch, Dinner
Santiago de Compostela → Ferrol → Viveiro
Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela

Day 2 Viveiro Ribadeo

As you enjoy breakfast onboard, the train will reach Ribadeo, a charming Galician town nestled along the border of the Principality of Asturias. Following this, embark on a scenic bus journey through the Oscos-Eo region, a designated biosphere reserve, arriving at Taramundi. Here, discover an authentic natural theme park where water takes center stage, exploring attractions such as Os Castros and Texois, renowned as one of the world's premier ethnographic sites focused on water. After a satisfying lunch and some leisure time, return to Ribadeo for dinner and an overnight stay on the train.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Viveiro → Ribadeo
Isla Pancha, Faro de Ribadeo

Day 3 Ribadeo Luarca

Following breakfast, explore Ribadeo and its scenic environs, culminating in a visit to Las Catedrales Beach, renowned as one of the world's most stunning coastal destinations. Here, enjoy a leisurely lunch in Ribadeo before boarding the train to continue your journey towards Luarca, known as the "White Village" of the Costa Verde. Upon arrival, embark on a guided tour of Luarca, followed by a delightful dinner onboard the train and an overnight stay in Luarca. 

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ribadeo → Luarca
Luarca

Day 4 Luarca Gijón

As you savour your final breakfast aboard the train, you will reach Oviedo, the capital of the Principality of Asturias, marking the conclusion of your journey with heartfelt farewells to the train and its dedicated crew. Following this, embark on a guided exploration of Oviedo before transferring by coach to Gijón. Your journey will culminate with a delightful lunch in Gijón, after which the tour will conclude around 4:30 p.m.

Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation

El Transcantábrico Gran Lujo

GRAND LUXURY SUITE:
The Grand Luxury Suites, adorned with exclusive details, are spacious and designed for rest and privacy. There are only 14 suites in the train's 7 cars - and each suite can be set up to be used as a single, double or triple room. 

Each suite is made up of a lounge, bedroom, and private bathroom. The sleeping area features a spacious double bed (1.5m x 2.0m) or two twin beds (0.8m x 2.0m), television and wardrobe while the lounge area has a comfortable sofa, which can be turned into a bed (0.8m x 1.80m), luggage closet, writing desk, safe, minibar, flatscreen TV, music player, adjustable air-conditioning, multimedia computer with free Internet access and internal telephone service. All suites feature their own spacious, comfortable bathroom, with a hydromassage shower and steam sauna, hairdryer, and a varied set of welcome items and toiletries.

Grand Luxury Suite (Double)
Grand Luxury Suite (Twin)

Additional information

Official language
Spanish
Local currency
Euro

2025 Departure dates:

  • 25 October 

Excluded

  • International airfares and taxes
  • Domestic airfares and taxes, unless otherwise specified in our holiday package
  • Visa expenses, processing, and issuance fees
  • Meals other than as specified in our holiday package
  • Travel Insurance or expenses of a personal nature (mini-bar, phone call, laundry, etc.),
  • Or any other travel expense that has not been included in our holiday package

FAQs

What is the dress code onboard the train?

The atmosphere on board is one of relaxed nature. During the day dress for relaxed comfort for onboard the train and when embarking on excursions. We suggest wearing durable shoes for excursions, and please be prepared for change of weather. In the evening, guests have the option to choose a more formal outfit.

Which drinks are available aboard the El Transcantábrico?

Complimentary wine, beer, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are provided during mealtimes. Outside of mealtimes, the lounge cars offer guests various options to purchase soft drinks, juices, tea, coffee, and water. Additionally, a thoughtfully curated menu of alcoholic beverages is available for purchase, encompassing wines, beers, and spirits, ensuring passengers can enjoy a delightful and refreshing experience while traveling onboard.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard the train?

Yes, there is Wi-Fi connectivity in all rooms and lounges. Each suite is equipped with a computer, and there is also a communal computer available in the Train Lounges (availability subject to carrier coverage).

Can special dietary preferences be requested?

Provided a detailed request has been made at time of booking – special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian and adhering to religious requirements, may be arranged.

Will I need to tip the train staff?

Gratuities for staff and guides are at the passenger’s discretion.

Is there air conditioning on board?

Onboard air-conditioning is provided, with individual control available for cabin air conditioning.

What is the luggage allowance for travelling guests onboard the train?

For ease while on board the train, it is recommended to utilise a travel bag or soft suitcase. Nevertheless, two large suitcases per room can be accommodated in the Suites, with staff onboard to help with loading the luggage.

Is it possible for individuals with mobility limitations to participate in the journey?

While the train has been renovated and features state-of-the-art technologies, it remains a historic and vintage train, lacking interior adaptations for wheelchair or walking frame access. Consequently, these trains are not considered accessible. However, individuals with reduced mobility who rely solely on wheelchair support outside the train can embark on the journey, provided they are accompanied by a companion to help.

Is smoking permitted onboard?

In Spain, smoking is not allowed in enclosed public spaces, including public transport or collective transport vehicles. Consequently, in compliance with existing regulations, travellers are prohibited from smoking while on board. It's important to note that train journeys typically do not exceed 3-4 hours.

Will I need travel insurance?

As with all holidays and trips abroad, we strongly recommend that you have travel insurance. Please consult with our agents at time of booking and we can assist you with this.

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