El Transcantabrico Gran Lujo

The Gran Lujo (great luxury) train takes only 28 passengers and offers suites as big as up to half a train car, complete with minibar, double beds and a lounge area with piped-in music (which you can control). Wide windows let you see the hustle of such Asturian towns as colonial Oveido and Gijon. The trip revolves around the cuisine of northern Spain -- meals such as Asturian stew of haricot beans and fabada sausage and even barnacles. The trip attracts many Spanish speakers, so if you don't speak the language, bonding with other passengers may be tough -- or great, if you're trying to learn. This is the train on which you can enjoy a high-speed sauna-hydro shower massage.

$5,350: Discounted per-person price, based on double occupancy, if booked six months in advance. Otherwise, $5,700. Travel from San Sebastian to Santiago de Compestela (7 nights) -- www.eltranscantabricogranlujo.com