| Cruise trains are more intimate than are cruise ships, and this is particularly so when the trains run on tracks that are narrower than standard gauge. Our tours use some of southern Africa's best trains, they run on tracks just 3 foot 6 inches apart. Europe can also boast a narrow gauge luxury train, the El Transcantabrico that runs over the meter gauge FEVE system in northern Spain. We are delighted to add this fine train to our portfolio. This region is entirely different from the dryer southern Spain. Proud of their Celtic traditions, this well watered land offers outstanding scenery and towns that seem to have been made especially for the photographer. |
THE JOURNEY
The El Transcantabrico is a very special train journey that introduces you to a unique area of Spain, known
as the Green Spain.
On board the train there are en suite cabins catering for two people or for individuals, where you can enjoy
all the privacy you need during the journey. A limited number of cabins offer a third bunk berth for families.
Beautiful northern Spain faces the Cantabrian sea. The train runs past high craggy mountains and lush
green meadows, next to attractive beaches and rugged coastal cliffs.
Visit enchanting villages, towns and cities, places full of vitality and history which have gradually become
living works of art with the passing of the centuries and include: Santiago de Compostela, Vivero, Oviedo,
Ribadesella, Llanes, Santillana del Mar, Santander, Bilbao, Carrion de los Condes and Leon.
The El Transcantabrico is a very special train journey that introduces you to a unique area of Spain, known
as the Green Spain.
On board the train there are en suite cabins catering for two people or for individuals, where you can enjoy
all the privacy you need during the journey. A limited number of cabins offer a third bunk berth for families.
Beautiful northern Spain faces the Cantabrian sea. The train runs past high craggy mountains and lush
green meadows, next to attractive beaches and rugged coastal cliffs.
Visit enchanting villages, towns and cities, places full of vitality and history which have gradually become
living works of art with the passing of the centuries and include: Santiago de Compostela, Vivero, Oviedo,
Ribadesella, Llanes, Santillana del Mar, Santander, Bilbao, Carrion de los Condes and Leon.
Santiago de Compostela - Leon
First day, Saturday.
Santiago, the universal goal of pilgrims with Obradoiro’s Square, the Platerias
and its Cathedral. Lunch in Santiago. From Santiago our coach will take us to
Ferrol, where the train will be waiting for us. Welcome and settle in your suites
as our journey by rail starts, heading to Viveiro. Dinner and night in Viveiro.
Second day, Sunday.
Breakfast will be on board as our train reaches Ribadeo, the border between
Galicia and Asturias. Take a walk along the Cathedrals’ Beach beforelunch in
Ribadeo. From there to Luarca, the “White Town” of the Green Coast. Dinner
and night in Luarca.
Third day, Monday.
Once into the boundaries of the Principality of Asturias, the train takes its way
to the Capital, Oviedo, a city well known for its traditional gastronomy and the
most remarkable Pre-Romanesque momuments in Spain. After lunch we
travel to Gijón, the other great city of Asturias. Lunch in Oviedo. Dinner and
night in Gijón.
Fourth day, Tuesday.
In our way to Arriondas, we reach the heart of Asturias. The National Park of
Picos de Europa includes the ascent to the Lakes of Covadonga, the
Covadonga’s Sanctuary and finally Cangas de Onís. Lunch will be served as
we follow the course of the Sella River. Arrive at Ribadesella, from there we
motor to Llanes, a wonderful fishing town of eastern Asturias. Dinner and night
in Llanes.
Fifth day, Wednesday.
While having breakfast on board, the train will arrive to Cabezón de la Sal.
This morning, visit the Neo-cave of Altamira and Santillana del Mar. Lunch in
Santillana. In the afternoon we will arrive to Santander. City Tour and dinner.
Afterwards, optional visit to the Casino. Night in Santander.
Sixth day, Thursday.
After breakfast on borad, we will arrive to Bilbao, a modern city where the river
ends its search for the sea. City Tour and visit to the Guggenheim Museum.
Lunch on board the train. In the afternoon, from Balmaseda, we will visit the
Loizaga Tower in Galdames, hosting the World’s greatest collection of Rolls-
Royce cars. Dinner and night in Villasana de Mena (Burgos)
Seventh day, Friday.
We will arrive to Mataporquera in the morning. From there we will take the
coach to visit the Castilla’s Channel and the Romanesque Art of Palencia:
Villalcázar de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes y Frómista. Lunch in Villalcázar
de Sirga. In the afternoon we will visit the Roman Villa of la Olmeda. From
Guardo, go by train to Cistierna. Dinner and night in Cistierna.
Eighth day, Saturday.
(Cistierna - León) Travel by train to León. On our last day we will explore this
historic City including San Isidoro, the Cathedral, Botines, Old Quarters and
San Marcos.
First day, Saturday.
Santiago, the universal goal of pilgrims with Obradoiro’s Square, the Platerias
and its Cathedral. Lunch in Santiago. From Santiago our coach will take us to
Ferrol, where the train will be waiting for us. Welcome and settle in your suites
as our journey by rail starts, heading to Viveiro. Dinner and night in Viveiro.
Second day, Sunday.
Breakfast will be on board as our train reaches Ribadeo, the border between
Galicia and Asturias. Take a walk along the Cathedrals’ Beach beforelunch in
Ribadeo. From there to Luarca, the “White Town” of the Green Coast. Dinner
and night in Luarca.
Third day, Monday.
Once into the boundaries of the Principality of Asturias, the train takes its way
to the Capital, Oviedo, a city well known for its traditional gastronomy and the
most remarkable Pre-Romanesque momuments in Spain. After lunch we
travel to Gijón, the other great city of Asturias. Lunch in Oviedo. Dinner and
night in Gijón.
Fourth day, Tuesday.
In our way to Arriondas, we reach the heart of Asturias. The National Park of
Picos de Europa includes the ascent to the Lakes of Covadonga, the
Covadonga’s Sanctuary and finally Cangas de Onís. Lunch will be served as
we follow the course of the Sella River. Arrive at Ribadesella, from there we
motor to Llanes, a wonderful fishing town of eastern Asturias. Dinner and night
in Llanes.
Fifth day, Wednesday.
While having breakfast on board, the train will arrive to Cabezón de la Sal.
This morning, visit the Neo-cave of Altamira and Santillana del Mar. Lunch in
Santillana. In the afternoon we will arrive to Santander. City Tour and dinner.
Afterwards, optional visit to the Casino. Night in Santander.
Sixth day, Thursday.
After breakfast on borad, we will arrive to Bilbao, a modern city where the river
ends its search for the sea. City Tour and visit to the Guggenheim Museum.
Lunch on board the train. In the afternoon, from Balmaseda, we will visit the
Loizaga Tower in Galdames, hosting the World’s greatest collection of Rolls-
Royce cars. Dinner and night in Villasana de Mena (Burgos)
Seventh day, Friday.
We will arrive to Mataporquera in the morning. From there we will take the
coach to visit the Castilla’s Channel and the Romanesque Art of Palencia:
Villalcázar de Sirga, Carrión de los Condes y Frómista. Lunch in Villalcázar
de Sirga. In the afternoon we will visit the Roman Villa of la Olmeda. From
Guardo, go by train to Cistierna. Dinner and night in Cistierna.
Eighth day, Saturday.
(Cistierna - León) Travel by train to León. On our last day we will explore this
historic City including San Isidoro, the Cathedral, Botines, Old Quarters and
San Marcos.
León - Santiago de Compostela
First day, Saturday.
León is a an historic city. During our tour we will see San Isidoro, the
Cathedral, Old Quarters and San Marcos. Welcome on board the train and
settlement into your suites. Lunch in León. Visit to the Iron, Steel and Mining
Museum of Sabero. Dinner and night in Cistierna.
Second day, Sunday.
While having breakfast the train will travel from Cistierna to Guardo. Motor to
the Roman Villa of la Olmeda and enjoy the Romanesque art of Palencia:
Carrión de los Condes. Villalcázar of Sirga and Frómista. Lunch will be in
Villalcázar. By train from Mataporquera to Villasana de Mena, surrounding
the fascinating reservoir of the Ebro river and the region of Las Merindades.
Dinner and night in Villasana de Mena.
Third day, Monday.
Breakfast on board the train as we enter the Mena Valley and Biscay territories
before arriving in Bilbao. The tour around the city includes the visit to the
Guggenheim Museum (The Museum is opened on July and August all week
long, and the rest of the year is closed on Mondays) Visit the Loizaga’s Tower
in Galdames, hosting the wolrd’s greatest collection of Rolls-Royce cars.
Lunch on board and arrival in Santander, the Capital of Cantabria, a city of
fishermen which preserves the charm of past times. City tour and dinner. After
dinner optional visit to the local Casino.
Fourth day, Tuesday.
In the morning the train will arrive to Cabezón de la Sal. Coach trip to
Santillana del Mar, visit the Neo-cave of Altamira and this beautiful middle-
ages`city. Lunch in Santillana. In the afternoon the train will take us into
Asturias, then to the beautiful fishing town of Llanes before continuing to
Ribadesella and Arriondas. Dinner in Cangas de Onís and night in Arriondas.
Fifth day, Wednesady.
We reach the Heart of Asturias. Travel by coach from Arriondas to The
National Park of Picos de Europa. Visit the Lakes of Covadonga, The
Sanctuary and, at last, Cangas de Onís. Lunch on board as the train
continues to Gijón, the second city of Asturias. Dinner and night in Gijón.
Sixth day, Thursday.
From Gijón to Oviedo, the Capital of the Principality, a city famous for its
traditional gastronomy and home to the most remarkable Pre-Romanesque
monuments in Spain. The trip goes on in the afternoon to Luarca, the White
Town of the Green Coast. Lunch in Oviedo. Dinner and night in Luarca.
Seventh day, Friday.
The first town in Galicia bordering Asturias is Ribadeo, where the Eo River
runs into the sea. Visit to the Cathedrals’ Beach. The High estuary of the
northern coast of Galicia is a stunning landscape. Lunch in Ribadeo. In the
afternoon we will arrive by train to Viveiro. Dinner and night in Viveiro.
Eighth day, Saturday.
From Viveiro we will travel by train to Ferrol then, by coach to Santiago de
Compostela, goal for the jacobean pilgrims, where the Obradoiro’s square, the
Platerías and the Cathedral stand like a jewel.
First day, Saturday.
León is a an historic city. During our tour we will see San Isidoro, the
Cathedral, Old Quarters and San Marcos. Welcome on board the train and
settlement into your suites. Lunch in León. Visit to the Iron, Steel and Mining
Museum of Sabero. Dinner and night in Cistierna.
Second day, Sunday.
While having breakfast the train will travel from Cistierna to Guardo. Motor to
the Roman Villa of la Olmeda and enjoy the Romanesque art of Palencia:
Carrión de los Condes. Villalcázar of Sirga and Frómista. Lunch will be in
Villalcázar. By train from Mataporquera to Villasana de Mena, surrounding
the fascinating reservoir of the Ebro river and the region of Las Merindades.
Dinner and night in Villasana de Mena.
Third day, Monday.
Breakfast on board the train as we enter the Mena Valley and Biscay territories
before arriving in Bilbao. The tour around the city includes the visit to the
Guggenheim Museum (The Museum is opened on July and August all week
long, and the rest of the year is closed on Mondays) Visit the Loizaga’s Tower
in Galdames, hosting the wolrd’s greatest collection of Rolls-Royce cars.
Lunch on board and arrival in Santander, the Capital of Cantabria, a city of
fishermen which preserves the charm of past times. City tour and dinner. After
dinner optional visit to the local Casino.
Fourth day, Tuesday.
In the morning the train will arrive to Cabezón de la Sal. Coach trip to
Santillana del Mar, visit the Neo-cave of Altamira and this beautiful middle-
ages`city. Lunch in Santillana. In the afternoon the train will take us into
Asturias, then to the beautiful fishing town of Llanes before continuing to
Ribadesella and Arriondas. Dinner in Cangas de Onís and night in Arriondas.
Fifth day, Wednesady.
We reach the Heart of Asturias. Travel by coach from Arriondas to The
National Park of Picos de Europa. Visit the Lakes of Covadonga, The
Sanctuary and, at last, Cangas de Onís. Lunch on board as the train
continues to Gijón, the second city of Asturias. Dinner and night in Gijón.
Sixth day, Thursday.
From Gijón to Oviedo, the Capital of the Principality, a city famous for its
traditional gastronomy and home to the most remarkable Pre-Romanesque
monuments in Spain. The trip goes on in the afternoon to Luarca, the White
Town of the Green Coast. Lunch in Oviedo. Dinner and night in Luarca.
Seventh day, Friday.
The first town in Galicia bordering Asturias is Ribadeo, where the Eo River
runs into the sea. Visit to the Cathedrals’ Beach. The High estuary of the
northern coast of Galicia is a stunning landscape. Lunch in Ribadeo. In the
afternoon we will arrive by train to Viveiro. Dinner and night in Viveiro.
Eighth day, Saturday.
From Viveiro we will travel by train to Ferrol then, by coach to Santiago de
Compostela, goal for the jacobean pilgrims, where the Obradoiro’s square, the
Platerías and the Cathedral stand like a jewel.
The El Transcantabrico tour includes:
The price excludes:
- Seven nights en-suite compartment accommodation on board the train
- Seven dinners and eight lunches of typical northern Spanish cuisine, with wine, coffee or tea and
liqueur included - Seven buffet breakfasts on board
- English speaking guide accompaniment for the entire journey
- Music and entertainment in the pub carriage
- Programmed excursions, including entrance to museums, churches, casino, and more
- A dedicated luxury coach throughout the entire itinerary
- An excellent team of professionals at your service
The price excludes:
- Flights to and from Spain
- Transfers to and from the airports in Spain
- Bar service on board (wines, coffee and liqueurs at meals are included)
- Items of a personal nature
- Gratuities
| There are four lounges / dining saloons on the train. Together, they offer a bar, library, boutique, and a club car where entertainment is offered in the evenings. Breakfast and some other meals are served in these coaches |
| Dining Cars and Lounges |
| Some meals are served on the train, but most lunches and dinners are in restaurants. |
| Meals |
| Fishing is an important activity in the region, and excellent seafood is well represented on most menus. Menus can be changed if you have any special needs, or if you do not enjoy seafood. It is preferable that this be arranged in advance. |
| Two English speaking guides accompany the train. |
| Guides and touring |
| A coach accompanies the tour, meeting the train wherever it stops for an off-train activity. |
| Departures from Santiago de Compostela to Leon 2012 05, 19 May. 02, 16, 30 June. 14, 28 July. 11, 25 August. 22 September. 06, 20 October. 10, 24 November. 01 December. 2013 23 March. 06, 20 April. 04, 18 May. 01, 15, 29 June. 13, 27 July. 10, 24 August. 07, 21 September. 05, 19 October. 02, 16, 30 November. |
| Departures from Leon to Santiago de Compostela 2012 31 March. 28 April. 12, 26 May. 09, 23 June. 07, 21 July. 04, 18 August. 01, 15, 29 September. 13, 27 October. 17 November. 2013 30 March. 13, 27 April. 11, 25 May. 08, 22 June. 06, 20 July. 03, 17, 31 August. 14, 28 September. 12, 26 October. 09, 23 November. |
| Getting there The recommended airport for Leon is Valladolid. A coach can be booked from there to Leon, information can be found on the airport website. Alternatively you can travel by RENFE train. Santiago has an airport with direct flights from the UK. The town centre is a short taxi or bus ride away. Ryanair fly to both Valladolid and Santiago. An alternative is to fly with Iberian, who connect via Madrid to Leon. Geoff's Trains do not arrange flights. This information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but should be confirmed. |
| Hotels The El Transcantabrico tour starts with receptions at the Parador Hotels in Leon and Santiago. If you require accommodation in either center, consider these historic hotels |
| Decided? Great! Booking is easy Just fill in a booking form. We will get back to you to confirm availability and price If you have any questions about booking with us, look at our Booking Q & A. If you cannot find the answer, we would like to hear from you. Click here or phone: 44 (0)1562632000 |
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| The La Robla Train The La Robla is a sister train to the El Transcantabrico. Offering an economical four day tour. More...... |
| The El Transcantabrico Classic Train |
The Gran Lujo Train A new train for 2011, even more luxurious than the classic train This new train accommodates a maximum of 42 passengers in superior suites. Double bed suites (150cm x 200cm) dominate, some with additional sofa beds. There are also twin bed suites (85cm x 180cm). The suites are approximately 12 square metres in size, including the bathroom. More ....... |
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| 2012 Prices. El Transcantabrico Classic Train These prices, quoted in Euro. Payment can be in Euro or converted to British Sterling at the time of invoicing at the prevailing exchange rate. |
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| 2013 Prices. El Transcantabrico Classic Train These prices, quoted in Euro. Payment can be in Euro or converted to British Sterling at the time of invoicing at the prevailing exchange rate. |
| The El Transcantabrico Classic |
Questions and answers
We do not speak Spanish. Will we have a problem?
No. The El Transcantabrico tours all have English speaking guides and some other staff members can usually speak English as well. Your
fellow guests will probably be cosmopolitan, but you should not have any difficulty.
We do not speak Spanish. Will we have a problem?
No. The El Transcantabrico tours all have English speaking guides and some other staff members can usually speak English as well. Your
fellow guests will probably be cosmopolitan, but you should not have any difficulty.
| Page updated on: 19 December 2011 |