The Journal
Green Spain by Rail: Palace on Wheels vs El Transcantábrico
Opposite landscapes, shared spirit
Where the Palace on Wheels crosses the golden deserts of Rajasthan, El Transcantábrico hugs the lush, misty coast of "Green Spain" — the north, from the Basque Country toward Galicia — on a charming narrow-gauge line.
The journeys
The Palace on Wheels runs a seven-night loop of forts, palaces and the Taj Mahal. El Transcantábrico is a slow, scenic ramble through fishing villages, mountains and green valleys, with the train serving as a boutique hotel between excursions to towns such as Bilbao, Santander, Oviedo and Santiago de Compostela.
Character
The Transcantábrico is cosy, gastronomic and pastoral — northern Spain's cider, seafood and cathedrals. The Palace on Wheels is grand and princely, with daily immersion in royal-Indian history and a wildlife safari besides.
Which to choose?
Pick by mood: green, gentle and gastronomic in northern Spain, or grand, sun-drenched and historic in Rajasthan. Discover the Transcantábrico at eltranscantabricotrain.com, or begin your royal-India journey on our fares page.