We begin the day discovering Avilés, an ancient city with a precious old town. Next is Gijón, a city that opens up to the

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1 El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian Palace Tours Biscayne Blvd. #107 Miami FL USA / Call Us Embark on a journey aboard El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo, Spain s most luxurious train, for a memorable trip of 8 days and 7 nights between Santiago de Compostela and San Sebastian. Your adventure begins in the historic town of Santiago de Compostela and continues through enchanting coastal towns such as Viveiro, Luarca, Oviedo, Bilbao and San Sebastian. Explore the historic monuments, fascinating museums and breathtaking beaches on this once in a lifetime adventure. These magnificent destinations are framed by a luxurious journey on El Transcantabrico, creating an unparalleled travel experience. You will dine on the region's coveted cuisine, relax in Lounge Cars as the ever-changing scenery speeds by, build friendships with other passengers over drinks, and enjoy nightly performances and parties. However you prefer to pass your time, it will be well-spent on the Gran Lujo. Watch a Video of the Gran Lujo and you will understand why it is an experience not to be missed! On this page, you can find important information and make your reservations online by clicking "Book This Tour." You may also download a brochure for your reference. Descarga un folleto en español aqui. Itinerary Tours begin and end on Saturdays. Day 1 - Saturday: Tour Santiago de Compostela and travel to Viveiro Rendezvous at 12:00 pm at hotel Parador de los Reyes Católicos in Santiago de Compostela. Following the reception, enjoy a city tour in this historical town, goal of devotees for over a thousand years, and admire its countless artistic jewels such as the Cathedral. After lunch, our luxury coach will take us to Ferrol, where El Transcantábrico is waiting for us. The crew will offer a welcome drink while the train takes us to the historic town of Viveiro. Enjoy a tour of this beautiful old town. Dinner and overnight in Viveiro. Day 2 - Sunday: The majestic beauty of Ribadeo and Taramundi Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast. El Transcantábrico will take us to Ribadeo, a historical town located on the border between Galicia and Asturias. Our coach will take us along the coast to Las Catedrales Beach, one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. City sightseeing in Ribadeo and free time. Back on the train for lunch while El Transcantábrico glides in Asturian lands, reaching the town of Luarca visiting this place known as the White Town of the Green Coast. We will return to the train, now travelling towards Candás. Dinner and overnight in Candás. Day 3 - Monday: Journey to the elegant city of Oviedo We begin the day discovering Avilés, an ancient city with a precious old town. Next is Gijón, a city that opens up to the El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 1/10

2 Cantabrian Sea and is alive with cultural events. After lunch, we head to the region s capital, Oviedo, the highlight o Asturian Romanesque art, featuring gems such as the basilica of San Julian de los Prados. City tour and free time before returning to the train. Onboard dinner while the train moves to Arriondas. Overnight in Arriondas. Day 4 - Tuesday: Deep into the heart of Asturias Today we will visit the heart of the Principality of Asturias. Driving up to the beautiful Picos de Europa National Park, first stop will be at Lake Enol, followed by the Shrine of Covadonga, where our guide will tell us a bit about this sacred place s stories and legends. After lunch, our train will border the famous river Sella where kayaks yearly compete on its famous International Descent. Arriving at Llanes, a charming fishing village on the east of Asturias, visit and enjoy free time in town. Dinner and overnight in Llanes. Day 5 - Wednesday: Llanes-Potes-Cabezón de la Sal During breakfast our train will cross the border into Cantabria. Transfer from Unquera station by coach through the gorge of La Hermida until we reach the town of Potes. After visiting this charming village, enjoy a spa circuit at La Hermida Spa. Return to the train after lunch and trip to Cabezón de la Sal. In the afternoon, there will be free time and you may choose to visit the mansion of El Capricho in the town of Comillas, the impressive and colourful 19th century house designed by Antonio Gaudí. Dinner and overnight in Cabezón de la Sal. Day 6 - Thursday: Discover Santander's enchanting beauty The day begins with a visit to the town of Santillana del Mar with its beautifully preserved medieval town. Next we will be taken on a tour of Altamira Neocave, the finest realistic example of Upper Palaeolithic cave art. After lunch, return to the train to continue our journey to Santander. City sightseeing tour of the elegant capital of Cantabria and free time. Those who wish may visit El Gran Casino after dinner (entrance included). Overnight in Santander. El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 2/10

3 Day 7 - Friday: Modern city marvels of Bilbao El Trancantábrico will take us to the dynamic city of Bilbao, that has managed to reinvent itself after the decline of its heavy industry. City tour including admission for the famous Guggenheim Museum, epitome of a new Bilbao. After lunch, enjoy free time before returning to the train. Dinner and overnight in Villasana de Mena/Mercadillo. Day 8 - Saturday: Your tour ends in San Sebastian While enjoying our last breakfast onboard, we will return to Bilbao, where El Transcantábrico s coach will comfortably take us to San Sebastian where we will finalize our grand tour of Spain at Hotel Barceló Costa Vasca at 1 pm. End of trip after the tour in San Sebastian. Destination Information Bilbao Bilbao is the largest city in the Basque Country and the capital of the province of Biscay. The city has recently undergone major urban renewal, in order to move away from the region's industrial history and instead focus on tourism and services. The developments are centered around the new metro system by Sir Norman Foster and, most of all, the Guggenheim Bilbao Museum by Frank Gehry. Other new landmarks include the Santiago Calatrava- designed Zubizuri Bridge and the Euskalduna Palace, a cultural center, further downstream. The city also acts as home for the Fine Arts Museum recognized as one of Spain's finest art museums and recently refurbished and the Maritime Museum on the Nervión's banks, which recently hosted the RMS Titanic exhibition. Candas Candás is a municipality within the province of Asturias. Situated on a cliff overlooking the sea, this town is defined by its superb hotels, shopping, restaurants, and the winding streets connecting them. Gijón El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 3/10

4 Gijón is a coastal industrial city and a municipality in Asturias. Gijón keeps its Roman past alive through the actions taken in the Campa de Torres Archaeological Site, one of the main fortified settlements of the north of Spain (before 490 B.C.), and especially in the restored baths complex at Campo Valdés, a public building which dates from the end of the 1st century A.D. Gijón was occupied continuously during the Middle Ages, evident by the Romanesque churches which date from the 12th and 13th centuries. The process of industrialization begun in the mid-19th century changed the city into the industrial center of Asturias, with its leading El Musel Port, shipyards and many manufacturing installations. Llanes Llanes is located in the province of Asturias, in northern Spain, on a narrow swath of land beneath the Picos de Europa and the Mar Cantabrico (Bay of Biscay). The region is part of the Costa Verde (Green Coast) of Spain, which is known for its spectacular coastal scenery, beaches, and mountains. The folklore, food, and fiestas of the region are famous for their color and history. Llanes is a traditional fishing port, with an active harbour and many notable monuments and traditions. Although small, Llanes, which is almost suspended above the ocean, is frequented by beach-goers in the summer months, with dozens of small beaches hiding around every corner. Three beaches and a spectacular cliff-top walk, the Paseo de San Pedro, add to the coastal atmosphere. Luarca Luarca is a truly stunning fishing village on the north western coast of Asturias. It is easily reached from Lugo (Galicia) and has one of the most attractive harbors in all of Spain. The best way to view Luarca is from the hills above the town, or on the slopes above from which you can also look out to the open sea. Nearly every harbor-facing building in this quaint town has a white facade and a grey pan tiled roof, which gives Luarca a tidy appearance while still retaining its old world charm. Oviedo Oviedo is the capital city of the Principality of Asturias in northern Spain. It has an interesting old town with various monuments listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, such as the 9 th century Cámara Santa de Oviedo. Oviedo's old town, or "Casco Antiguo," is home to many beautifully restored buildings and squares. Some of the most outstanding are the Velarde Palace which hosts part of the Art Museum, the Town Hall, the Plaza del Fontan, the Palace of Torero and the Palace of Camposagrado. Potes Potes is one of the most attractive villages in the northern Spanish region of Cantabria. The village is in the center of the Liébana region, an area that is surrounded by spectacular mountains, with running streams and rivers. It streets have many bridges, as well as buildings and monuments with centuries of history, such as the Infantado Tower and the Orejón de Lima Tower (15th century). The old part of the village is full of narrow streets and stately houses, witnesses to its former splendor. Ribadeo Ribadeo is the main town on the deep estuary formed by the river Eo, forming a natural link between Galician territory and the neighboring lands of Asturias on the opposite bank. One of the most beautiful beaches on the Galician coastline is As Catedrais, 'Beach of the Cathedrals.' Its rocks, which form natural arches resembling a cathedral, create a magical landscape which changes with the tides. Seafood taken straight from the estuary, such as cockles, clams and oysters, which, along with salmon, trout and eels from the Eo, are the star ingredients of the local cuisine. El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 4/10

5 San Sebastián San Sebastián (Donostia in the Basque language) is a bustling summer resort city surrounded by verdant mountains in the Basque country of Northern Spain, where the Belle Epoque lives on. The area attracts tourists with its three lovely beaches: Ondaretta, Playa de Gros, and Playa de la Concha. To complement the beaches, San Sebastian's charming old quarter abounds with cafés, bars, clubs, and restaurants where you can try their world-renowned tapas. Tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, as other attractions include the Baroque Church of Santa Maria, the Gothic Church of San Vicente, and the Museo de San Telemo. Santander Santander is the elegant capital city of Cantabria in northern Spain, extending over a wide bay with views of the Cantabrian Sea. Its historic quarter includes a group of majestic buildings which are situated against an incredible natural backdrop of sea and mountains. Its marine and commercial tradition is linked to the city's main attractions such as the famous El Sardinero beach, the promenade and La Magdalena peninsula. The cultural wealth of Santander is enhanced with the passage of the Pilgrim's Route to Santiago de Compostela and the neighboring Altamira Caves, both of which have been declared World Heritage Sites. Santiago de Compostela Santiago de Compostela is the capital city of Galicia, Spain, and is the jewel in its historic and medieval crown. The city has world heritage status, and the 9 th century Cathedral itself is the final destination for thousands of Christian pilgrims who traverse the "Way of St. James (Camino de Santiago)" pilgrimage across Galicia in order to reach this impressive city and visit the tomb of the saint himself. Santiago's old town is also full of dazzling examples of Gothic, Neo-classical, Romanesque and Baroque design and nearly all are on a grand or monumental scale. Santillana del Mar Santillana del Mar is a historic, picturesque town situated in Cantabria, Spain, renowned for its medieval architecture. The area around Santillana del Mar has been populated for thousands of years and there are traces of some of the earliest inhabitants at the Altamira Caves about two kilometers from the town. Taramundi Taramundi is a municipality in the Turia Valley on the western border of the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest of Spain. The Turia Valley is a range of small mountains, ancient oak forests and rivers. It is dotted with small stoned hamlets and villages and is only 25 minutes from the sea and remote beaches. It is an area of immense natural beauty, which is guaranteed to stir delight in all who go there. Viveiro Viveiro, at the mouth of the Viveiro estuary, is the most important city in the whole region of A Mariña, in Galicia. Viveiro has a very significant artistic heritage, beginning with the remains of its medieval wall, which withstood numerous pirate attacks in the 16th century, as well as fires and floods. Close to the traditional street of Rosalía de Castro, lays the church-convent of San Francisco, declared a Historic-Artistic Site. In addition to Viveiro's historic monuments, the town also charms visitors with the grand open spaces, beaches, and natural surroundings, such as Souto da Retorta, considered the oldest eucalyptus forests in Europe. El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 5/10

6 Price Chart All Rates in EUR per person including ALL taxes and surcharges. Your reservation will be processed in US$ at the exchange rate upon booking. Group Tour Rates Class Dates Single Rate Double Rate Triple Rate Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite Deluxe Suite - Twin Beds Deluxe Suite - Twin Beds For departures April 20,2019 through October 19,2019 For departures April 20,2019 through October 19,2019 EUR 7,725 EUR 5,150 EUR 4,135 EUR 7,725 EUR 5,150 EUR 4,135 Departures Apr May ,18 Jun ,15,29 Jul ,27 Aug Sep ,21 Oct ,19 Your tour price includes: Accommodation onboard in Deluxe Suite. All non-alcoholic drinks available in the cabin s minibar (complimentary). The crew may unpack your luggage onto the wardrobe on arrival and pack it back on the last day. A la carte and buffet breakfasts every day. All dinners and lunches, with the finest cuisine aboard the train or in top restaurants (including wine, water, soft drinks and coffee). Welcome drink and snack. Farewell party. Traveling toiletries bag courtesy of Renfe Viajeros (with amenities and slippers). Free mineral water available in the cabin s minibar. Activities on board: music and live performances, parties in the pub car, show cooking and cocktails, dancing, etc. Tickets to museums, attractions and shows. Excursions and scheduled tours. Luxury coach accompanying the train along the trip. Two Renfe train tickets with a 50% discount: one to the starting point and the other back from the end o the tourist trip. Taxes and services. Newspapers and magazines on board. Security service. Multilingual guide throughout the tour. Excellent crew available (Expedition Leader, guide, waiters, cooks, technicians, etc). Your tour price excludes: Domestic or international airfare Travel insurance or visa fees Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs Any additional hotel accommodations pre- or post-tour Any items not specifically mentioned as "included" The tour departing on June 30, 2018 is a special San Fermin charter and the guests will be traveling towards Pamplona on July 7. Therefore the stand-alone tour of El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo will terminate on July 7, El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 6/10

7 2018 in Bilbao at 9:00 AM. We can arrange for a transfer to San Sebastian at an added cost. Travel Tips & FAQ's The Train: What is the capacity of the train? There are 14 suites on the train. The number of passengers really depends on the occupancies sold in that departure. The maximum capacity of the train is normally 28 passengers, but it could also reach 42 passengers using the sofas as triple. Is there a dress code on board? There is no official dress code on board, but we recommend comfortable shoes and clothes due to the nature of the visits and excursions. What kind of food is served on the train? Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria, the Basque Country and Castilla y León are, in the opinion of the most fastidious chefs and gourmets, the regions where you can still find the best cuisine in Spain. The cheeses, sausages, meat, vegetables, fish and seafood are all universally renowned. The restaurants on our route not only select the highest quality raw materials and have them prepared by the greatest professionals; they are also the ideal setting for tasting the local cuisine. All of our menus include a careful selection of wines that blend harmoniously with the ingredients of each lunch and dinner. Coffee and liqueurs are also included. How are the meals served? Breakfasts are buffet-style and are served onboard the train in the four lounge carriages. Lunches and dinners are taken at restaurants in the cities as mentioned in each day s itinerary, or. Is there a laundry/dry cleaning service on the train? Yes, laundry service is available at an additional charge. Please see the crew for details. Is there internet or telephone accessibility on the train? There is internet access on board the train but also in cybercenters in several cities along the route. Your room on board is equipped with a telephone, which you may use for long distance calls (guest s own account). Phones will generally get reception, however sometimes this is a bit difficult due to the mountains and tunnels along the way. You also have access to a computer with free internet access in your room. Is the train accessible to wheelchairs / physical challenges? Wheelchairs for sightseeing excursions are available upon request; kindly advise our office as soon as possible and at least 30 days prior to your departure of the necessity for a wheelchair. Please know there are no ramps for entering/exiting the train, and the train s corridors are too narrow to accommodate wheelchairs. For those with other physical challenges, please contact our office. Is smoking allowed on board? No. Since January 2006, it is forbidden by Law to smoke on board the train and in the train stations. What facilities are available on the train? The four lounge carriages of El Transcantábrico are the most unusual and beautiful places on the train. They are veritable rail treasures that are much admired owing to their exquisite design, their finish and the interior decorations. The "pub carriage" has a bar and dance floor and is decorated and lit like a small night-club, where lively entertainment is provided every night until the early hours of the morning. Another lounge carriage also has a bar where you can sit back and have a quiet drink. The other two lounges are for other types of entertainment, such as reading, enjoying a board game with your fellow passengers, talking or watching the passing scenery through the big picture windows. And wherever you are, you will always be served by our attentive waiters. Passengers are offered daily newspapers, magazines, a thoughtful collection of books from the library, television and videos; all that you need to make your journey a pleasure. The Rooms: El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 7/10

8 Are there different types or sizes of rooms on board the train? There is only one type of suite on board. However, there are two different room layouts available: either a double/matrimonial bed or two side-by-side twin beds. Suites on board El Transcantabrico are specially designed for rest and privacy. You can sleep in comfort as the train will be parked at a station each night. This means that your sleep will not be disturbed by moving and jolting and also gives those who enjoy nightlife an opportunity to go out and savor the atmosphere of each town. Suites There are 14 suites with either double bed (150cm x 200cm) and one sofa (86cm x 182cm) or with two twin beds (85cm x 190cm) and one sofa (86cm x 182cm). 10 rooms have the double/matrimonial bed layout while 4 are fitted with two twin beds. The large sofa can be turned into an extra bed. The suites measure square feet. All suites are equipped with a television set, VCR, game console, Hi Fi stereo system, PC with a free internet connection, luggage rack, minibar, safe deposit box, wardrobe, writing desk and a telephone with an outside line. The private ensuite bathroom has a hydro sauna, turbo massage and steam bath, hairdryer, bathrobe and complimentary toiletries. The air-conditioning and heating, piped music and lights are all controlled individually. The electrical power is 220 volts. There is also a computer with free internet access available. Are rooms pre-assigned or can you choose your own room? The rooms are assigned on site. If you have any specific room requirements, please contact us at least one month prior to departure so that we can send your request to our Operations Team. Is there a hairdryer in each bathroom? Are toiletries provided? Yes, there is a hairdryer provided in every bathroom, along with a dental set, comb, eau de toilette, shaving set, shower cup, shoe polish and more. Is there bottled water available? Yes, bottled spring water is provided free of charge throughout the tour. The Tour: What is the weather like? Northern Spain experiences a mild oceanic climate, with not too many extreme temperatures. Please bring along a jacket or coat for chilly evenings, and sun protection for warm afternoons. Do I have to stay aboard all seven nights? You are not required to stay aboard the train for seven nights. However, as the train follows a fixed itinerary, you will be responsible for your own transportation to/from your points of embarkation/disembarkation, for any hotels you use during the journey, for meals taken while separated from the group, etc. There are no refunds for unused portions of the tour. Therefore, should you choose to shorten the journey in any way, you are still required to pay for the full seven-night tour. Are doctors available at all times? The train carries a first aid kit, and El Transcantábrico has contacts with various health centers along the train route. Expenses What expenses will I have during the trip? El Transcantabrico is a very inclusive experience, so you will not need to pay for any meals, beverages during lunch/dinner, sightseeing, monument entrances or accommodations. You will incur additional cost if you choose to purchase any additional beverages on board; laundry services; camera fees at monuments; transfers, additional sightseeing, or other services in San Sebastian or Santiago de Compostela; gratuities; and/or souvenirs. How can I settle my expenses on the train? You may settle your onboard expenses by paying in Euros or by major credit card. How much should I expect to tip? Tipping is not mandatory, and is left to the sole discretion of the traveler. This is a decision that should be made based on your enjoyment of the journey and the service. El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 8/10

9 What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to Spain? Please ensure that your passport has at least three blank pages and that it is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Spain. Please check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements. When should I plan to arrive in Santiago de Compostela? The meeting time for the tour is 12:00 noon on Saturday. Full instructions will be printed on your travel voucher. We recommend arriving in Santiago at least 1 day prior to your tour so that you may acclimate and relax prior to embarking on your exciting rail journey. 1. How big are the suites? The suites on El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo are 12m 2 2. What size are the beds in the suites? The bed size varies depending on your suite type. A double/matrimonial bed is 1.5 x 2 meters. A twin bed is 0.85 x 2 meters. A sofa is 0.85 x 1.8 meters. 3. Will I have internet connection on the train? The El Transcantabrico train does have wifi in the lounge of the train, although the signal is not strong and may not reach outside of the lounge car. (The signal is also best when the train is stationed.) You may use the computer in the lounge provided for guests' convenience, or you may connect to the train's wifi using your personal laptop, tablet or device. You also have access to a computer with free internet access. Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 45% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 55% or balance no later than 35 days prior to tour departure date CANCELLATION FEES: Up to 30 days before departure: refund less 15% of official price. Between 30 and 15 days : refund less 25% of the total. Between 14 and 5 days: refund less 50% of the total. Between 4 and 1 day(s): refund less 80% of the total. Less than 24 hours or failure to turn up: No refund, 100% of the total is payable. Considering these are international terms an additional 5 days will be added for refunds to be processed An additional 15% Administrative fee will be charged from Palace Tours against refunds Cancellations should be intimated by FAX to the corporate office in Miami FL. The above times are based on Spain time. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on any monies paid by the client will be charged prior to refund. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visi El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 9/10

10 Palace Tours Contact Information Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL WEB: travel@palacetours.com PHONE: USA: Miami, FL: Princeton, NJ: New York, NY: Houston, TX: INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: Australia: New Zealand: FAX: El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo : Santiago de Compostela to San Sebastian( 10/10