The IRT Society's Best-Loved Railway Journeys 2018 - 73

The Tour

Board the Gran Lujo and travel
slowly across northern "Green
Spain," stopping to explore local
culture and cuisine. Fresh ingredients and fine wines enhance
the dining experiences-a
highlight of this tour. End in San
Sebastián, a day-train ride from
France, Barcelona or Madrid.
On this itinerary, your luxury
suite comprises half a train car.

The ITInerary

Day 1: Santiago de
Compostela-Viveiro
Meet your group at noon today
in the lobby of the Santiago
Parador. City tour of Santiago
de Compostela, focusing on the
famous cathedral, followed by
lunch in the city. Then motorcoach to Ferrol and board El
Transcantábrico Gran Lujo. Sip
welcome champagne while
traveling northeast to the
walled town of Viveiro for a tour
and dinner.
Day 2: Viveiro-Luarca-Candás
Continue by train east through
scenic river landscapes. Tour of
Ribadeo, including beautiful Ca-

Angela Walker

thedrals Beach and lunch. Then
on to Luarca, "the white town of
the green coast," for a city tour
and on to Candás for dinner.
Day 3: Candás-Gijón-OviedoArriondas
Depart Candás for Avilés. Then
arrive in the coastal city of
Gijón, largest in Asturias, for a
visit followed by lunch. You may
wish to spend your time in Gijón
at the local railway museum.
This afternoon cross green
lands to Oviedo, with its array of
pre-Romanesque monuments.
Dinner on board.
Day 4: Arriondas-Llanes
Travel to "Picos de Europa"
National Park, a highlight of this
journey. Visit lakes and historic
Sanctuary of Covadonga and
the town of Cangas de Onís,
with its famous Roman Bridge.
Return to the train for lunch
while traveling to the fishing
village of Llanes for dinner.
Day 5: Llanes-Cabezón
de la Sal
During breakfast our train will
cross the border from Astur-

Angela Walker

ias to Cantabria. Transfer by
coach through the gorge of
La Hermida until we reach the
town of Potes. After visiting
this charming town, enjoy a spa
circuit at La Hermida Spa. Free
time this afternoon. You may
choose to visit the mansion of El
Capricho in the town of Comillas, the impressive and colorful
19th-century house designed
by Antonio Gaudí. Dinner and
overnight in Cabezón de la Sal.
Day 6: Cabezón de la Sal
-Santander
Morning and lunch in medieval
Santillana del Mar including
Altamira Cave and Museum.
The site features a reproduction cave with wall paintings
done 14,000 years ago. Train to
Santander, dinner, city tour and
optional visit to local casino.
Day 7: Santander-BilbaoMercadillo
Breakfast on board while traveling to Bilbao. City tour includes
the old quarter and the famous
Guggenheim Museum (subject
to museum hours - Guggenheim closed on Mondays except

in July and August). Lunch and
free time in Bilbao. The train
then travels to Villasana de
Mena/Mercadillo for dinner and
overnight.
Day 8: Mercadillo-San
Sebastián
This morning, motorcoach to
San Sebastián, a lively cultural
city with beautiful beaches and
excellent restaurants. We'll have
a city tour, then say goodbye
about 1 p.m. before lunch.

The hIghlIghTs

* English-speaking tours of historic, charming cities of northern
(or "Green") Spain, where Spaniards go on holiday
* Surprising peaks and gorges of
Picos de Europa National Park
* Sample Spain's famed "northern cuisine"; meals are carefully
paired with local wines.
* Evening entertainment in the
lounge car-music and dancing
* Bilbao 's Guggenheim Museum
* Extensions in historic paradors
and hotels pre- and post-tour
available; train connections to
France, Madrid and Barcelona

Visit our website for dates, prices,FOR
moreDATES,
tours * www
PRICES:
.irtsociety.com
WWW.IRTSOCIETY.COM
* (800) 478-4881, u.s. &*canada;
(800) (502)
478-4881
897-1725,*elsewhere
TOURDESK@IRTSOCIETY.COM
* tourdesk@irtsociety.com

|| 73
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The IRT Society's Best-Loved Railway Journeys 2018

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