The palaces route (Al Andalus)

For this luxury train journey in Spain in aboard the Al Ándalus luxury train, two itineraries are available:
Seville – Madrid or Madrid – Seville

DAY 1: SEVILLE – CÓRDOBA

Flight or train to Seville available on request.

You will be welcomed at 10:00 a.m. at a meeting point in Seville. Your journey begins with a guided tour of the historic centre of the Andalusian capital, the largest historic centre in Spain.

After lunch, enjoy a panoramic view of the city before boarding the prestigious Al Ándalus train. A welcome drink is served on board as the crew greets you, after which you settle into your suite.

Dinner is served as the train begins its journey towards Córdoba.

Overnight on board, stationary in Córdoba. (B, L, D)

DAY 2: CÓRDOBA – CÁDIZ – JEREZ

At breakfast, Córdoba reveals itself through the train windows in all its splendour: endless olive groves, sun-drenched hills, and in the distance, the bell towers and flower-filled patios of the former caliphal city.

You set off to visit the Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, a jewel of the Muslim era. The tour continues through the city, once the capital of the emirate and medieval caliphate of Al-Andalus, considered the most brilliant and opulent city in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Lunch is served on board as the train heads towards Jerez.

In the afternoon, an excursion takes you to Cádiz, nicknamed the “Silver Cup” for the way its façades reflect the ocean light. Set on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Atlantic, this port city is considered the oldest city in the Western world, founded over 3,000 years ago. You stroll through lively streets lined with whitewashed houses, shaded squares and baroque churches, breathing in the sea air rich with history and salty scents.

Dinner in Cádiz.
Return to Jerez and overnight on board. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: JEREZ – ZAFRA

The morning begins with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, an Andalusian city with authentic charm, renowned worldwide for its equestrian traditions, bodegas and flamenco. You explore its sun-bathed historic centre, with aristocratic palaces, baroque churches and streets lined with orange trees.

You then attend the famous equestrian performance “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”, a unique ballet set to Spanish music, concluding your discovery of the city.

Lunch is served in a local restaurant, followed by a visit to a renowned wine cellar in the region.

Return on board the Al Ándalus. Dinner is enjoyed as the train continues towards Zafra.

Overnight on board, stationary in Zafra. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: ZAFRA – CÁCERES – MÉRIDA

As you enjoy breakfast, the train arrives in Cáceres. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is a remarkable medieval treasure where every street, square and palace tells centuries of history. After a short visit, you rejoin the train as it continues towards Mérida.

Lunch is served on board.

In the afternoon, you discover Mérida, founded in 25 BC under the name Augusta Emerita and today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An exceptional testament to Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula, the city reveals impressive remains: an ancient theatre still used for summer performances, an amphitheatre once echoing with the roar of gladiators, temples, bridges, as well as beautiful mosaics and thermal baths. At every step, the past comes alive, offering a striking journey into Roman splendour.

Dinner in the city.
Overnight on board, stationary in Mérida. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: MÉRIDA – ALCÁZAR DE SAN JUAN

In the morning, the train takes you to Alcázar de San Juan, in Castile-La Mancha, a region famous for its wines and cheeses. A complete immersion would not be complete without a gourmet stop. You visit an artisanal cheese dairy in the heart of the countryside, discovering the secrets of traditional cheese-making.

Nearby, a wine estate opens its doors for an introduction to local grape varieties. The tasting that concludes the visit delights the palate: fine wines, creamy cheeses and memorable flavours.

Lunch in the surrounding area. The afternoon is devoted to visiting Campo de Criptana, home to the iconic windmills that inspired Cervantes’ Don Quixote.

Return to the train for dinner.
Overnight on board, stationary in Alcázar. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: ALCÁZAR – TOLEDO – ARANJUEZ

The train arrives in Aranjuez in the morning. From there, you travel to Toledo, another UNESCO World Heritage city. With its Gothic cathedral, 10th-century mosque and synagogues, Toledo perfectly embodies Spain’s rich cultural diversity.

After lunch, you return to Aranjuez, former summer residence of the Kings of Spain, for a visit to its majestic Royal Palace. Set at the confluence of the Tagus and Jarama rivers, this architectural masterpiece blends baroque and classical influences. Outside, the vast royal gardens—also a UNESCO World Heritage Site—invite you to stroll.

Dinner and overnight on board, stationary in Aranjuez. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: ARANJUEZ – MADRID

After a final breakfast on board, you bid farewell to the crew and the Al Ándalus train.
The journey ends in Madrid at around 1:30 p.m. (B)

Optional additional night, return flight or train from Madrid available on request.

ANDALUSIA LUXURY TRAIN – DESCRIPTION

Among the world’s luxury trains, Al Ándalus is one of the favourites of the Discovery Trains team. It remains relatively affordable while offering truly high-end onboard services.

The train is made up of seven refurbished carriages, five of which were built in France in 1929. They were once used by the British royal family when travelling from Calais to the French Riviera. The original Belle Époque décor has been preserved and enhanced with modern technical upgrades.
During the day, the cabins are transformed into a comfortable private travelling lounge, ideal for admiring the scenery, reading or simply relaxing.

GRAND CLASS CABINS

These cabins feature two single beds (80 × 185 cm), a safe, a wardrobe, a separate bathroom, and individual air conditioning.

DELUXE SUITES

Deluxe Suites offer a double bed (150 × 200 cm), a safe, a minibar, a wardrobe, a spacious separate bathroom, and individual air conditioning.

LOUNGE CARS

Al Ándalus boasts true railway gems: four air-conditioned lounge cars built between 1928 and 1930. These welcoming spaces are dedicated to breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as evening musical interludes enjoyed over a drink.
A dedicated and professional team is at your service throughout the journey, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

THE PRICE INCLUDES

Accommodation: 7 days and 6 nights on board the Al Ándalus train
Full board, either on board the train or in local restaurants depending on the programme (wine, water, soft drinks and coffee included)
(B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
Guide services for visits and excursions
Transfers by deluxe coach for excursions
Access to the bar and lounge cars
Security service
Multilingual onboard staff (Spanish, English)
Daily press
French-speaking assistance from the Discovery Trains team throughout the journey

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Travel to the departure point or return journey*
Optional travel insurance

* We would be happy to arrange your return journey from France or Belgium, either by train or by plane.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The itineraries may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond the control of the Organiser or as a result of various issues that may arise from irregular operation in the management of network capacity on which the Tourist Trains operate. In such cases, the Organiser will adopt the appropriate solutions to ensure the continuation of the organised journey, at no additional cost to the client, and will inform them accordingly. If the client continues the journey under the solutions proposed by the Organiser, this will be considered as tacit acceptance of those proposals.

The Organiser does not assume any commitment regarding train punctuality, as its objective is not merely the transportation of passengers, but leisure, enjoyment, and compliance with an established tourism and service programme.