Al Andalus Luxury Train: Seville to Madrid

On arrival in Seville, you’ll be met for a private transfer to your hotel, just on the edge of the historic centre. It’s set within an 18th-century whitewashed building that used to be a traditional Andalusian farmyard, centered around a cobbled inner courtyard. After settling into your beautifully appointed room, enjoy the rest of the day exploring Seville at leisure. And, when you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, the hotel’s rooftop pool and sun terrace is the perfect spot to unwind. In the evening, you may be tempted to indulge in exquisite Andalusian cuisine at the on-site Azahar Restaurant, or venture out to experience the humming energy of Seville by night. 

This morning, you’ll join fellow travellers for a guided tour of Seville, showcasing the city’s rich history and abundance of striking architectural masterpieces. You’ll then stop for lunch and enjoy a panoramic view overlooking the city before heading to the station to board Al Andalus, a luxury train steeped in Belle Époque grandeur. Its lavish carriages feature plush lounges where you can sip cocktails while enjoying live piano music, alongside elegant restaurant cars where sumptuous Spanish dishes are accompanied by fine wines and impeccable white-glove service. Cabins and suites, meanwhile, are spread across seven wagons, each replete with air conditioning, luggage compartments and private ensuite bathrooms. Enjoy a welcome drink as you settle in, followed by your first dinner onboard as your journey begins towards ​​Córdoba.

After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark in Córdoba to explore its resplendent Mosque-Cathedral, a shining example of Moorish and Renaissance architecture and a powerful symbol of the era of the Caliphate of Córdoba (929 to 1031). Around this time, Córdoba was one of the largest and most cultured cities in Western Europe, and the central hub of Islamic Spain. After gaining a fascinating insight into the city’s past, you’ll reboard the train in time for lunch as you continue your onward journey through the Andalusian countryside.

In the afternoon, you’ll visit Cádiz, the oldest city in Western Europe, founded over 3,000 years ago by the Phoenicians. Enjoy dinner in this ancient port city before returning to the train, which will pause in Jerez overnight. 

Awake to a leisurely breakfast onboard this morning before disembarking in Jerez to watch a performance of ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’, a much-revered equestrian ballet soundtracked by traditional Andalusian music. Following this impressive show, which celebrates Spain’s noble horse heritage, you’ll head to a local restaurant for lunch and visit a nearby winery. Here, you’ll get the chance to taste the region’s famous fortified wine, commonly known as ‘Sherry’, known for its distinctive nutty flavour.

Back on the train, you’ll be treated to another superb dinner as you continue north towards the historic town of Zafra in Extremadura – a sparsely populated region of sprawling plains, rolling hills, rugged mountains and cork oak forests. 

The next stop on your journey is Cáceres‎, whose Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site encircled by 12th-century Moorish walls and replete with beautifully preserved Gothic and Renaissance palaces and churches. Lunch is served back onboard as you arrive in Mérida, the capital of Extremadura, founded by the Romans in 25 BC. It also holds UNESCO status, recognising its extraordinary wealth of Roman remains, including a temple, an amphitheatre, baths, aqueducts and stone arches. You’ll get acquainted with its storied past, visiting several of its most significant landmarks before returning to the train for the night. 

As you’re served breakfast this morning, you’ll arrive in Alcázar de San Juan, in the region of Castilla-La Mancha – internationally renowned for its cheese and wine production. You’ll have the opportunity to delve into the region’s culinary heritage with a visit to an artisanal cheese factory and a winery, including the chance to sample these speciality products for yourself. After a local lunch, you’ll visit the iconic windmill-dotted landscapes of Campo de Criptana, which inspired Cervantes in his timeless novel, ‘Don Quixote’. Later on, you’ll return to Alcázar de San Juan. 

Arrive in Aranjuez this morning, from which you’ll visit Toledo, an ancient city built on a rocky outcrop towering above the Tagus River. It’s a UNESCO Heritage Site where Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities co-existed during the Middle Ages, leaving their mark in the form of a Gothic cathedral, a 10th-century mosque and grand synagogues. Together, these landmarks contribute to the city’s rich tapestry of cultural diversity and architectural splendour.

In the afternoon, you’ll return to Aranjuez to visit its ornate royal palace and gardens, established as a royal hunting lodge in the 16th century. Also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this regal complex is a masterpiece of architectural excellence in harmony with nature. As evening falls, return to the train for your final night onboard and one last sumptuous dinner.

Savour your final breakfast onboard and bid farewell to Al Andalus as your journey concludes in Madrid. The rest of the day is then yours to spend exploring the Spanish capital at leisure. Take a stroll in Retiro Park, discover the artistic treasures of the Museo Nacional del Prado, wander down Gran Via, marvel at the opulent Royal Palace of Madrid, and perhaps stop for some tapas in the historic Plaza Mayor. In the evening, take your pick from the city’s abundance of world-class restaurants and buzzing bars as you round off your Spanish adventure in style. 

Stay: Hotel Hospes Puerta Alcalá, Madrid

Enjoy breakfast in your hotel before returning to the airport for your flight home.