Al Andalus Luxury train: Seville and Madrid

Your trip begins in style with complimentary airport lounge access before your flight to Seville, where you’ll be met and transferred to your historic accommodation. The Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza occupies a privileged position in the centre of Seville’s old town, with the majestic cathedral and world-famous Alcázar both within easy reach. Settle into your luxurious room with its whitewashed walls, shuttered windows and artisan pottery before stepping out to explore Seville at your leisure.

Stay: Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza (Deluxe)

This morning, you’ll join fellow passengers for a guided tour of Seville delving into the city’s exuberant history and vibrant art scene. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious lunch with panoramic views of the city. Later, you’ll board the luxurious Al Andalus. Originally designed to transport British royalty between Calais and the French Riviera, the train’s cabins evoke the grandeur of the Belle Époque, with plush fabric sofas, gilded wood panelling, and even hydromassage showers. The lounge carriages are equally opulent, hosting everything from cocktail soirées and live performances to gourmet dining and show cooking. Settle in with a welcome drink and crew presentation before dinner is served onboard as the train makes its way toward Córdoba.

After breakfast onboard, you’ll disembark to explore Córdoba’s magnificent Mezquita, a masterpiece of Moorish and Renaissance architecture, and a powerful symbol of the city’s golden age as the capital of the caliphate. As you stroll through the atmospheric streets, you’ll uncover layers of history that reflect Córdoba’s legacy as a centre of knowledge and culture. Returning to the train, a gourmet lunch is served as the Al Andalus glides through the sun-drenched Andalusian countryside en-route to Jerez. In the afternoon, we journey by coach to Cádiz, popularly known as the enchanting “Silver Cup,” believed to be the oldest city in the West. Embraced by the Atlantic, Cádiz is a city of irresistible charm, where history, character and soul converge at every turn. Enjoy an elegant dinner in Cádiz before rejoining the train. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in the comfort of your cabin as the train rests in Jerez.

After a leisurely breakfast aboard, the day begins in the city of Jerez with a captivating performance of ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’, an exquisite equestrian ballet that intertwines centuries-old tradition, elegance and music. This renowned show offers a rare glimpse into the artistry and discipline of Spain’s noble horse heritage. Following the performance, you’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before visiting one of Jerez’s most esteemed sherry wineries. Here, in the heart of Andalusia, you’ll uncover the rich legacy and nuanced craftsmanship behind this iconic wine. Back onboard, unwind with a sumptuous dinner as the train glides toward the historic town of Zafra, nestled in the serene landscapes of Extremadura. Tonight, relax in your private cabin as the train remains stationed overnight in Zafra.

Breakfast is served as the train journeys toward Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site suspended in time. Strolling through its impeccably preserved cobbled streets, lined with ancient towers and Renaissance palaces, feels like entering a living medieval tableau. Back aboard, a gourmet lunch awaits as the journey continues toward Mérida, a city of extraordinary heritage founded in 25 BC. The afternoon is devoted to exploring its remarkable Roman legacy, majestic theatres, grand temples, and soaring aqueducts echo the splendour of a once-mighty empire. As evening falls, you’ll return to the comfort of the train for an exquisite dinner and overnight in Mérida.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast aboard as the train arrives in Alcázar de San Juan, nestled in the heart of Castilla-La Mancha, a region celebrated for its exceptional cheeses and distinguished wines. This morning, you’ll visit a traditional cheese producer and local winery, where time-honoured craftsmanship and rich flavours reveal the essence of La Mancha’s culinary heritage. Savour the regions finest fare during lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we journey to Campo de Criptana, a striking landscape adorned with windmills—the very vision that inspired Cervantes in his timeless masterpiece, Don Quixote. Later, we return to Alcázar de San Juan, where an elegant dinner awaits onboard.

This morning the train arrives in Aranjuez, a town steeped in royal heritage. From here, you’ll journey onwards by coach to Toledo, one of Europe’s most magnificent Imperial cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo is a living testament to the harmonious coexistence of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish traditions. Its Gothic cathedral, 10th-century mosque, and ancient synagogues together create a rich tapestry of spiritual and architectural legacy. After enjoying lunch in the heart of the city, you’ll return to Aranjuez to visit its splendid Royal Palace and gardens. Also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this regal enclave is a serene blend of art, history, and nature. As evening falls, return to the comfort of the train to enjoy an elegant dinner and your final night onboard, with the train stationed in Aranjuez.

After a final breakfast aboard the train, bid farewell to the crew as your journey concludes in Madrid. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Spanish capital at your leisure. Stroll along the lively Gran Vía, taking in its stylish shops, theatres, and iconic Art Deco façades. Pause for coffee in the historic Plaza Mayor before immersing yourself in the artistic treasures of the Prado and Reina Sofía Museums. As evening falls, perhaps savour a sumptuous tapas supper in a local taverna before returning to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.

This morning enjoy breakfast in your hotel before transferring to Madrid airport for your flight back to the UK.