GALICIA
For over a thousand years people have been taking the spiritual and meditative journey along the ‘The Way of St. James’ to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Santiago de Compostela. As one of the great cities of pilgrimage on the planet, Santiago de Compostela has captured the imagination of generations, and still now it is a magnate for those looking for a moment to escape the demands of modern life.
Yet we’re not about to embark on an arduous walking trail. Instead we are travelling aboard the sumptuous navy and cream ‘El TransCantábrico’ train. Luxury trains are enjoying a renaissance as travellers understand that it is not always just about the destination; increasingly it is about enjoying the experience of getting there. This decadent journey across northern Spain is one of history, culture and cuisine; an experience that is highly personalised and friendly.
‘El TransCantábrico’ takes her guests on a spellbinding tour of magical destinations We leave Santiago and meet our new home for the next eight days; the stunning, incomparable ‘El TransCantábrico’. This vintage style train, with her impeccable carriages reflects a bygone, romantic golden era of travel; yet it features the very latest in luxury accommodation, dining and service. In the true spirit of exclusive, luxury train travel, ‘El TransCantábrico’ takes her guests on a spellbinding tour of magical destinations, whilst also indulging her passengers’ nostalgia for luxury train travel.
Shortly after boarding and settling into our
opulent cabins the historic train gently shakes into action and gradually accelerates, leaving the station with a finesse and style long since lost in modern travel. From now on we are treated like Royalty, rediscovering the glory days of rail travel.
Suite Dreams To meet the discerning expectations of the fortunate guests that take this remarkable journey, the ‘El TransCantábrico’ has recently fully renovated all its onboard suites. Where once there were two cabins, there is now one expanded suite. Each of these new deluxe wood panelled, air conditioned suites has twin or a king size bed with luxury linens, private PC with Internet access, flat screen TVs, games console, and a decadent bathroom with sauna and hydro massage shower. You may need to pinch yourself, as you might forget that this is train and not a luxury hotel. There is also the great added benefit that there is no unpacking and re-packing during the tour. As if by magic the destinations come to you; each day is a new discovery, a city ready to be explored.
From the enchanting city of Santiago to the gastronomic delights of San Sebastian, the journey takes in some of Spain’s most compelling history and culture. From the oldest cave paintings in Europe, the Palaeolithic art of Cantabria’s Altamira cave; to the vibrancy
SUMMER 2012
Parador Reis Católicos Our adventure begins at the place where for centuries many journeys end; at the breathtaking 15th century ‘El Hostel dos Reis Católicos’ in Santiago de Compostela. This medieval building, overlooking the iconic Plaza de Obradoiro and close to the city’s famous cathedral, is the perfect place to meet our fellow passengers.
Considered one of the oldest luxury hotels in the world, Santiago’s five star Parador in Spain’s north western province of Galicia is truly spectacular. Its elegant cloistered courtyards, extravagant guest suites and historic public spaces make it the perfect gateway for a journey of luxury and discovery.