Al Andalus
After a station stop lasting several years, "Al Andalus" comes back on track in 2012, to the delight of cruise train aficionados! It's time to enjoy the privilege of a Palace on Wheels
Introduction
The Al-Andalus Train is a luxury Palace on wheels, a unique viewpoint from which to enjoy the Spanish landscape. It combines attention to detail, exquisite décor and fine cuisine, all of which which transport us, through a time tunnel, to the glamour of the Belle Époque. Travelling through Andalusia on board this palace is a once-in-a lifetime, romantically evocative experience, enhanced by the elegance and distinction of Trenes Turísticos de Lujo - FEVE.
The “Al Andalus” has seven recently remodelled suite sleepers, five of which were built in France in 1929.These carriages were used by the British Royal Family in their journeys from Calais to the Côte d’Azur. Its Belle Époque decoration has been enriched by several recent additions, all with state-of-the art
technical features.
Each Standard Suite has two low beds, a safe, a closet and a
large independent bathroom (12 suites).
The Superior Suites have a double bed (150x200cm.), a minibar,
safe, closet, and an excellent full bathroom (20 suites).
During the day, the beds fold into comfortable couches, offering a space for reading or to just enjoy the landscape in your own private lounge. All suites are separately air-conditioned.
In addition to suites, the “Al Andalus” train has four railway gems: its four lounge
cars dating from 1928 and 1930. These common spaces are devoted to leisure and to the enjoyment of travelling in this large (Spanish broad gauge) and spacious train, to enjoy a buffet breakfast, lunch or dinner, or to have a quiet drink, listening to musical performances, watching the landscape go by or simply relaxing in the
comfortable armchairs.All of the carriages are air-conditioned and open 24 hours a day, for your use and enjoyment. The entire train is interconnected, allowing
guests to move freely between carriages.
Dining carriages, a bar carriage and a tearoom carriage are all at your disposal, as is the "Al Andalus" staff, who will help you with anything you require.
Departure point: Seville
End point: Seville
Departure dates: 2012
May: 6th, 13th, 20th, and 27th
June: 3rd, 10th, 17th, and 24th
September: 16th, 23rd and 30th
October: 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th
November: 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th
December: 2nd
Language spoken: English/Anglais, Spanish/Espagnol,
Journey type: Escorted / Accompagné, Luxury / Luxe,
Details
Day 1, Sunday: SEVILLE - CÓRDOBA
Guests' welcome at 12h00 on the platform at the Santa Justa Railway Station, in Seville. After settling-in on board we make our way to Cordoba, where we will enjoy a typical meal. In Cordoba, the coach will travel to the Old Town, a World Heritage site since 1994, with the noteworthy Reales Alcázares, the Mosque/Cathedral and the Judería.
After the visit travellers will have free time. Dinner at a local restaurant and night on the train in the city of Córdoba.
Day 2, Monday: CÓRDOBA - BAEZA - ÚBEDA - GRANADA
As we enjoy a delicious breakfast on-board, we will arrive in Linares-Baeza, from where our dedicated coach will take us to the Olive Oil Museum and the historic quarterof Baeza, declared a World Heritage site by Unesco, and the seat of the International University of Andalucía.
After the visit we will have some free time before having lunch in Úbeda, a "Monumental City", as well as a World Heritage site since 2003, which we will visit after lunch. Later on, we will have free time before returning to the train. As we have dinner on board the train, among the olive trees, we will return to Granada, where we will spend the night.
Day 3, Tuesday: GRANADA
After breakfast we will visit La Alhambra and the Jardines del Generalife, true marvels and World Heritage sites since 1984. After the visit we will have free time at the Alhambra, and lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the city at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and the quarters of Albaicín, Sacromonte and its Cathedral, the first Spanish Renaissance church. After the visit we will have free time before dining at a local restaurant, where we will enjoy a pleasant flamenco performance. Night on board the train in Granada.
Day 4, Wednesday: GRANADA - RONDA - CÁDIZ
While we have breakfast on the train, enjoying the view of the Serranía, we will arrive in Ronda. We will visit this city, the birthplace of bullfighting, which hangs on the edge of a huge escarpment known as El Tajo, and is joined by the bridge that crosses it, with a history going back to Roman times. After the visit we will have free time before having lunch in Ronda, whose vistas are unique.
After lunch on board the train we will reach Cádiz, a city on the shores of the Bay of Cadiz. It is probably the oldest city in Europe to preserve an important historical heritage. Visit and dinner at a local restaurant. Night in Cadiz.
Day 5, Thursday: CÁDIZ - JEREZ- SANLÚCAR- JEREZ
While we have breakfast, we will arrive in Jerez, the birthplace of Sherry wine, and of some of the most deeply rooted Andalusian traditions. We will visit one of the most important wineries, where they will tell us about the production process, the kinds of wine, wine-tasting, etc. We will then go to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where we will enjoy the show “The Dancing of Andalusian Horses”.
After the show and the visit to the School, we will travel to the neighbouring town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, on the estuary of the Guadalquivir River, facing the Doñana Natural Park, the largest eco-reserve in Europe, a protected area and a World Heritage Site since 1994. After lunch we will take a boat trip down the Guadalquivir, to enjoy this wonder of nature.
In the afternoon we will return to the train, which will wait in Jerez, where we will enjoy free time before having dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner we will have a special end-of-journey party. Night on board the train in Jerez.
Day 6, Friday: JEREZ- SEVILLA
As we have breakfast, the “Al Andalus” train will reach its final destination, Seville, whose historic and cultural heritage have made it world-renowned. We will visit the city, noteworthy for its Giralda, Cathedral, Alcázar, the Archive of the Indies and the Golden Tower, all of which are World Heritage Sites.
After the visit, just before midday, we will return to the Estacion de Santa Justa,where the train crew will await so that we can collect our baggage and bid us "hasta la vista".
Tariffs
STANDARD DOUBLE SUITE:
Tariff per person: €2,500. 2 persons: €5,000
Individual standard room: €3,500
SUPERIOR DOUBLE SUITE:
Tariff per person: €2,950. Suite price 2 persons.: €5,900
Superior individual suite: €4,150
Supplement for the triple superior suite: €1,000; total price €6,900
These tariffs include
• 6 days’ accommodation / 5 nights on board the “Al Andalus” Train.
• Five breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners on board and at restaurants are included (high quality wines and drinks, coffee and tea, and liqueurs all included).
• Accompanying hostess throughout the journey.
• Guide during all excursions.
• Coach for transfers and visits.
• Permanent security.
• Musical performances.
• All visits, transfers and entrance fees included.
• An exceptional crew at your service.
Options
Optional travel to/from Seville.
We will gladly organise individual travel arrangements including flights to/from Seville from your home town. Alternatively why not take the train ? You can travel esaily and in comfort from most European towns via Paris by overnight quality sleeper-train to Madrid and thence a high-speed connection to Seville. Our offers of course include addtional overnight hotel accommodation if required.





