Fact Sheets & Video - Spain

The El Transcantabrico train rolls through northern Spain from Santiago de Compostela to Leon on an eight day journey.

The train accommodates a maximum of 40 passengers. With an ensuite in every cabin equipped with massage jets, a sauna, radio, phone and shower, the accommodation is first class.

The El Transcantabrico parks overnight at a station to facilitate a good nights sleep. The train has a total of four sleeping carriages, each divided into five air-conditioned suites. In addition, the train has a separate dining, lounge and leisure carriage.

Relaxation is high on the agenda and the El Transcantabrico is no express. Breakfast is served at 8:15am each morning and guests are to turn up and serve themselves whenever they like. This leisurely pace continues right throughout the journey and at each of the stops. In total, there are 20 stops along the way, and at each town there is plenty of time for a free guided tour or self guided exploration. In the town of Ribadeo rock formations called The Cathedrals are a popular stop off.

The El Transcantabrico travels along the Costa Verde, or the Green Coast, and through Luarca, a quaint little town which holds the nickname Little Venice because its divided in half by a river and a series of little bridges.

Cudillero is regarded as the prettiest village on the Costa Verde. La Marina in the main square has salty souvenirs for sea dogs and land lovers alike. A further 90 minutes away is the medieval city of Oviedo, which is both the capital of the Asturias region and home to one of the countrys most famous pastry shops, Camilo de Blas. This shop has operated for 90 years, and all the goods are still baked on the premises.

The El Transcantabrico gives passengers a taste of each little town in a first class fashion. Everything right down to the food is top quality. Passengers only eat in the best restaurants and the added comfort of the package is that everything, including the meal,s are included in the price of your stay. Drinks do cost extra but they sell for about the same price as at a standard bar.

The facts:

Thai Airways International flies to Madrid daily. Their UK Europe Dollar Deals start from $1945 return from Sydney and $1826 from Perth. This includes $200 in travellers cheques. Includes taxes & subject to exchange rates. Conditions apply.

Iber tours 8 day El Transcantabrico journey costs from $7,455 per double or $5590 per single. This price includes 7 nights accommodation, 7 dinners and 8 lunches with wine and coffee. The package also includes guided tours, coach transport, all excursions and entrance fees.

Thai Airways International

Tel: 1300 651 960

Ibertours

Tel: 1800 500 016

National Tourist Office of Spain

Tel: 0011 65 73 73 008