| | | |
~
"Cruise" Northern Spain on a Luxury Train Tour
~
Galicia
- Leon
From
ancient pilgrimage sites to the avant-garde Guggenheim Museum 
Please
note! The Galicia - Leon tour between Leon and
Santiago de Compostela offers standard train compartments. For deluxe accommodations,
see the Galicia -Vasco tours between San Sebastian and Santiago de Compostela. Hop
on a 54-passenger luxury train (8 days - 7 nights) and discover rugged
and scenic "Green Spain" along the shores of the Bay of Biscay. In this
pastoral corner of northern Spain, five provinces - Galicia, Cantabria, Asturias,
the Basque Country and Castilla y Leon - unroll gracefully among high mountains,
green meadows, stony cliffs and sandy beaches. The region abounds with out-of
-the-way places brimming with history, charm and vibrant energy. This
distinctive train tour takes you to the heart of all these regions and lets you
enjoy their beauty and discover the uniqueness of their local cultures. The beauty
of the countryside, the monuments and the pleasures of unrivalled cuisine await
you, along with the exquisite accommodations of this incredible "hotel on
rails." 
ITINERARY
This
train tour goes from Leon
to Santiago de Compostela with overnights in Cistierna, Villasana de Mena,
Santander, Arriondas, Gijon, Luarca, and Viveiro. (The itinerary operates in the
opposite direction on alternate weeks.) In
addition to seeing the spectacular "Green Spain" scenery from the train,
you'll enjoy a complete program of local sightseeing tours via luxury motor coach.
What's
it like on a train "cruise"? The
compartments. Surrounded by idyllic "Green Spain," you'll enjoy
touring on an elegant train with compartments designed for complete rest and privacy.
The train stops overnight every day, so your sleep is not disturbed by the jolting
of cars or the clatter of wheels. This also allows you to go out and savor the
unique atmosphere of the local town in the evening. - Each
sleeping car has four compact compartments (64 sq ft) with a small double bed
(47" x 73"), carpeted floor, minibar, safe, wardrobe and a desk.
- Each
compartment has a private bathroom with hydro-sauna, turbo-massage, steam bath
and hair dryer.
- Three
compartments per train have an additional overhead bunk bed (35" x 73"
or 29" x 69") for a child between the ages of 2 and 12.
- Air
conditioning and heating can be regulated individually.
- Both
the bedroom and the bathroom have large picture windows with curtains.
- All
coaches are internally connected so you can move freely on the train.
The
lounges. The train has four lounge carriages decorated in luxurious "Belle
Epoque" style: - The
"pub carriage" with a bar and a dance floor, which is decorated and
lit like a small night club, with entertainment every night.
- Another
bar suitable for having a quiet drink with your new friends.
- A
common "living room" with television/video and tables for games, etc.
- The
library, where you can sit back and relax with the daily newspaper, a magazine
or one of the books in the library's collection.
The
food. As one travels through Castilla y Léon and along the Cantabrian
coast, it quickly becomes apparent that cuisine is going to play a major role
on this train ride. Galicia, Asturias and the Basque Country are, in the opinion
of many great chefs (as well as that of many demanding gourmets) the regions where
the finest cuisine in Spain is to be found. Each
menu during the tour offers the opportunity to savor some of the most famous dishes
from each region's gastronomy: stuffed meats, lamb, fresh fish from the Bay of
Biscay, Asturian bean stew, octopus, cod, shellfish, Frixuelos (Asturian-style
crepes), Casadielles (fried tarts filled with walnut paste typical of Asturias),
fried milk and, not to forget, the wonderful local wines: La Rioja, Albariño,
Mencía, Rueda, Ribera de Duero and Bierzo. Coffee and liqueurs are also
included. A
complete buffet-style breakfast ranging from pastries to the famous Jamon Iberico,
or savory cured ham, is served on board the train in the lounge cars every morning. [top] Included - Accommodations
with private bath (shower)
- All
meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8 (generally buffet breakfasts
on the train; lunches and dinners in local restaurants)
- Wine
with lunch and dinner
- Pub
Car entertainment every night
- Sightseeing
tours and entrance fees as specified
- Luxury
motor coach for visits and excursions
- English-speaking
tour escort
Not
Included - Travel
to/from cruise-tour start/end points
- Health
and travel insurance
- Bar
drinks between meals
- Crew
gratuities
- Personal
expenses
- Laundry
service (hotel-type service available in some cities where the train stops)
- Phone
calls made from the train
- Other
items not specifically listed under "Included" above
2013
Departures | Cruise-Tour
Route | Saturday
Departures | | Leon
to Santiago de Compostela | Mar
23, Apr 6 & 20, May 4 & 18
Jun 1, 15 & 29, Jul 13 & 27
Aug 10 & 24, Sep 7 & 21
Oct 5 & 19 | | Santiago
de Compostela to Leon | Mar
30, Apr 13 & 27
May 11 & 25, Jun 8 & 22
Jul 6 & 20, Aug
3, 17 & 21
Sep 14 & 28, Oct 12 & 26 |
2013
Prices (in US dollars) Prices
may be adjusted at time of final payment to reflect any increase in the exchange
rate. Prices
are based
on booking date | Months
before Departure | 6
or more | 4
to 6 | 4
or less | | Double
(per person) | $3,445 | $3,540 | $3,645 | | Single
supplement | $1,190 | $1,245 | $1,350 | | Child
(2-12 years old) | $1,350 | $1,485 | $1,620 |
Note:
The child rate applies for a child who will use a bunk bed in a compartment with
two adults. (Only 3 such compartments are available per train.) Specials No
specials available at this time  
[top]
| | |
