El Transcantábrico Clasico – 9 night tour from London by First Class rail on daytime trains

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Overview
Highlights
- Scenic rail journeys – including 4 nights on the El Transcantábrico Clásico
- Avignon
- Madrid
- Santander
- Santiago de Compostela
- Alternative return journey includes an overnight stay in Barcelona
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Eurostar Standard Premier service from London to Lille
- First Class rail travel from Lille to Avignon, Avignon to Madrid, Madrid to Santander
- 5 night's accommodation in 4 and 5 star hotels with breakfast each day, including 1 night in Avignon,1 night in Madrid, 1 night in Santander and 2 night in Santiago de Compostela.
- 4 night’s accommodation in a double suite on board the El Transcantábrico train from Santander to Santiago de Compostela with all meals and excursions
- Alternative return journey includes First Class rail travel from Santiago de Compostela to Barcelona via Madrid, Barcelona to Paris and a Eurostar Standard Premier service from Paris to London with a taxi transfer in Paris
Itinerary
Your holiday begins as you enter beautifully restored London St. Pancras International station. Take time to admire the stunning glass roof before you sit back, relax and watch the countryside glide past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph. En...
This morning after breakfast return to Avignon station and board your rail service for the journey southwest through France, into Spain and on to the fascinating city of Madrid. When you arrive in Madrid make your own way to your hotel for the night, the elegant Hotel...
This morning after breakfast you may have time in Madrid to explore the wealth of experiences on offer. You might like to visit Madrid’s golden triangle of art: the Prado Museum (best for El Greco), the more intimate Reina Sofía Museum and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum (f...
Excitement builds this morning as you make your way back to Santander train station for the start of your El Transcantábrico Clásico journey. The reception begins at 08.00 am, where you meet the training staff and embark on this incredible journey. Breakfast is served...
Today you visit the center of the Principality of Asturias, on a journey by coach up to the Picos de Europa National Park. The first stop is picturesque Lake Enol before a visit to the sacred place of the Shrine of Covadonga to hear its legendary tales. Lunch is serve...
Today you have the chance to discover 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, you return to El Transcantábrico to continue the journey to Luar...
Enjoy breakfast this morning as you journey to the historic town of Ribadeo, in the Galician lands, bordering Asturias. The luxurious coach will then pick you up for the tour along the coast to Las Catedrales Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Yo...
Savor your final breakfast on board before the train makes its final stop in Ferrol, where you bid farewell and join the comfortable coach trip to Santiago de Compostela. Here you are provided with a city tour in this historical town, the goal of devotees for over a t...
You have a full day to explore this mesmerizing city and visit the most famous of its sights. Make sure you allow plenty of time to soak up all aspects of Santiago de Compostela. Perhaps start by taking a stroll through its maze of stone paved narrow streets which mak...
Reminisce over the wonders you have experienced on your 9 night holiday before you make your own arrangements for your flight home.
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Planet Rail.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

Planet Rail Reviews & Ratings
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Joy
Apr 2020
Our holiday exceeded our expectations
My husband and I recently booked a holiday via Planet Rail and what a good call that turned out to be. We gave Guy and the team little time to arrange the holiday as...
Ian
Apr 2020
We have no hesitation in recommending Planet Rail
We were introduced to Planet Rail by friends who had enjoyed a holiday in the Italian Lakes. Having become disillusioned with over-organised trips with other operato...
Mike
Apr 2020
We now have many new treasured memories
We have just returned from Venice and we were privileged to be able to stay at the Cipriani Hotel and then travel back to the UK in a Grand Suite on the VSOE. Thanks...
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Accommodation
Hotel de L’Horloge
Housed in an imposing XIX century building, the Hotel de L’Horloge (4 star) is located in the heart of Avignon. Literally only a few steps from the historic Popes Palace, and with many of the hotel’s 66 rooms overlooking the tree-lined Place de l'Horloge (renowned for its restaurants and cafes), this hotel could not be more perfectly located. Rooms may vary in shape and size, but all offer similar standards of décor and comfortable accommodation with minibar and air-conditioning. The ambiance and setting of the breakfast room, with its terrace and street view, allow guests to enjoy a relaxing start to the day.
Hotel Liabeny
The elegant and distinguished Hotel Liabeny (4 stars) is ideally situated in the center of Madrid, just 200 meters from Puerta del Sol – Madrid’s most famous and central square. The hotel offers modern facilities such as a gym with sauna, a bar and lounge area, and an excellent selection of Mediterranean and International cuisine served in the Restaurante Sensaciones (Sensations Restaurant). The dining room also serves a buffet-style breakfast, where guests can find a large selection of pastries, cold and hot dishes and the famous home-made churros. This well-regarded hotel has 220 large and functional en-suite bedrooms all equipped with air-conditioning and central heating, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, safe, free WiFi. Bathrooms feature a vanity mirror, hairdryer, and toiletries. Many of Madrid’s attractions can be found a short walk from the hotel, with the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums less than 10 minutes away.
Gran Hotel Sardinero
The Gran Hotel Sardinero (4 stars) enjoys a seafront location, set 20 yards from Sardinero Beach. Each of the hotels 102 elegant rooms feature classic cream décor and include a minibar with welcome water and soft drinks, a safe, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV and a private bathroom. Many rooms also offer views of the Cantabrian Sea. The hotel’s charming restaurant offers traditional, regional cuisine while the cafeteria offers light snacks and refreshments. There are also lots of pleasant lounge areas where guests can relax. Buses and taxis to the center of Santander, 3 km, pass just outside the hotel.
AC Hotel Palacio del Carmen
The AC Hotel Palacio del Carmen (5 stars) is housed in a former convent, which has been carefully restored to create a luxury hotel near the center of historic Santiago de Compostela. Ideally located within walking distance of the city’s monuments, including the world-famous Cathedral, this luxury hotel has a tranquil atmosphere – allowing guests to enjoy a relaxing break in this beautiful Galician city. Guests can wander through the gardens or spend the evening on the terrace, or alternatively unwind with a session in the gym. The hotel also boasts an indoor pool with salted water, located on the ground floor. Each of the hotel’s 74 rooms and suites features comfortable beds, a plasma TV, minibar and en-suite bathrooms, with some rooms offering quiet views of the hotel’s garden.
Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya
The stylish Gran Hotel Torre Catalunya (4 stars) boasts fantastic panoramic views of Barcelona. The hotel offers a spa, indoor swimming pool and the contemporary Bar Eclectik with its minimalist décor, serving food and cocktails. One of the hotels many selling points is the Visual Restaurant, boasting spectacular cityscape views from the 23rd floor and offering a selection of Mediterranean dishes. This smart hotel's convenient location next to the Barcelona Sants mainline allows for easy connections to the city center in around 15 minutes. All 272 modern and spacious rooms at the hotel feature air conditioning, satellite TV, 24-hour room service, a safe and minibar.
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