Fay says, “Al Andalus operates on three fascinating routes – one through Andalucia visiting cities such as Seville and Granada, one between Madrid and Zaragoza, new in 2013, and the latest addition, between Zaragoza and La Coruña.”
Members of the Club (free to join) benefit from:
- discount off the published prices of any journey;
- a thank-you gift for every booking;
- the train offers ‘early bird’ discounts for booking in advance;
- the train offers discounts on some July / August 2013 departures of the new Madrid – Zaragoza (both ways) itinerary.
About the Train
The lounge, bar and restaurant carriages were built in France between 1929 and 1930 by the Wagon-Lits Company, and have now been restored to their original splendour, which is matched by the attentive on-board service. This is the epitome of romantic travel; Belle Epoque charm mingles with the comfort of the modern age, allowing the traveller to revel in the pleasure of the journey that transports one through the wonderful scenery of Spain. There is a train manager on board for the whole tour; do not hesitate to raise any questions or comments about the train or tour with the manager at any stage.
Accommodation
- Al Andalus: Superior and Standard Suites on Ibérico and Al Andalus Itineraries
Suites
Al Andalus has seven beautifully renovated sleeper carriages, five of which are original Wagon-Lits carriages dating from 1929. All suites are individually air conditioned, with train stewards available at all times.
There are twelve standard suites ( 8 sq m / 86 sq ft), each of which has two lower beds(78 cms x 191 cms / 31″ x 75″ and 69 cms x 180 cms / 27″ x 71″), a safe, a closet and a large bathroom.
There are twenty superior suites ( 9.9 sq m / 107 sq ft), each of which has a double bed (150 x 200 cm / 59″ x 79″), a mini-bar, safe, closet and a full bathroom. During the day, beds fold into comfortable couches (staff will attend to this on request), so that each suite becomes a private lounge.
Lounge and dining cars
The train has four wonderful lounge cars, dating between 1928 – 1930. These carriages are used as restaurants, saloons and lounges and all have large windows thus ensuring that guests enjoy the spectacular scenery. Music recitals are given in these cars. All the carriages are air conditioned and are available 24 hours a day.
Catering
A full breakfast is served each day on the train. Lunches and dinners are mostly taken at local restaurants, unless on the train travelling between destinations. All meals give one a sample of the traditional cooking of that region, and are accompanied by excellent wines and liqueurs, coffee and tea.
The Three Routes
Detailed itineraries, dates and prices are further down the page
The ‘Al Andalus’ itinerary travels through Andalusia in southern Spain, with visits to (amongst other places) Seville, Cordoba, Granada, Ronda and Cadiz, thus taking in a wide sweep of Southern Spain, whilst being transported through stunning scenery from the mountains of the Sierra Nevada to the Atlantic Ocean. Andalucia today is the result of cultural influences that encompasses the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines and of course the Moors, all before the Christian Spanish era that has become modern Spain.
The ‘Ibérico’ itinerary is Madrid to Zaragoza, or Zaragoza to Madrid, with a full programme of visits to perhaps less well known cities, sites and towns. The tour takes in Pamplona, la Rioja wine tasting, Moorish and Roman Burgos, Ávila – City of the Stones and Saints, with thousand-year old city walls and many Romanesque and Gothic churches and Segovia, with much Roman architecture. This part of Spain is rich in military history, with many battles being fought over the centuries, not least the Peninsula War.
NEW – The ‘St. James’ itinerary, Zaragoza to A Coruña. The itinerary includes visits to La Rioja, world-renowned Rioja; Burgos – with its Roman and Moorish history and architecture; Astorga - founded by the Romans in 14BC, famous for pastries and chocolate; Santiago de Compostela – destination of pilgrims walking the St. James Way ‘El Camino de Santiago’ at the Cathedral where the apostle Saint James is buried; Pontevedra with typical Galician mansions (pazos) and shellfish cuisine accompanied by the local Albariño wine; Vigo – a long and often turbulent history reflected in its architecture and culture; A Coruña – an important sea port for centuries, that played a key role in the Napoleonic Wars in the early 18th century.
Note: Fares are different to other itineraries. Contact us for more details. Dates: 21 and 28 July 2013, 6 day/5 night journey with guided tours.
Al Andalus Itinerary
Seville – Cordoba – Granada – Ronda – Cadiz – Jerez – Seville
6 days and 5 nights, with Sunday departures from Seville.
Sunday – Seville to Cordoba. Board the train at 12:00 (noon) at the Santa Justa Railway Station in Seville, and enjoy a glass of champagne whilst settling in. Lunch is served en route to Córdoba, a city that during the 10th century and beginning of the 11th century, was the most populous city in the world, and during these centuries became the intellectual center of Europe. Thus there is a mixture of Roman and Moorish architecture. On arrival, join a coach tour to the Old Town, a World Heritage Site. Of particular interest are the Reales Alcazares, built in 1328, and the incredibly beautiful Mosque / Cathedral of the Juderia. There will be free time before dinner at a local restaurant, and a night on the static train in Córdoba station.
Monday - Córdoba – Baeza – Úbeda – Granada. Breakfast on board prior to arrival in Linares Baeza, where the coach travels through the countryside covered with over 70 million olive trees, to the Olive Oil Museum for a guided visit of this fascinating industry. Then we go to historic Baeza, a city that dates back to the Moorish occupation and is the seat of the International University of Andalucía. Free time before lunch in Úbeda, with its beautiful hand-carved stone and whitewashed facades. Return to the train and dine on board during the onward journey to Granada, where the train stops for the night.
Tuesday - Granada. A visit to this beautiful place includes the famously romantic Alhambra and the captivating Jardines del Generalife, followed by free time in Alhambra in which to absorb the Moorish elegance before having lunch in the Parador. In the afternoon, visit the city; the quarters of Albaicin, Sacramonte and its cathedral, the first Spanish Renaissance church. Take advantage of wandering around before dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a flamenco performance. Overnight on the train at Granada.
Wednesday – Granada – Ronda – Cadiz. Awake to the train gently starting its journey from Granada to Ronda. Whilst having breakfast, enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Serrania. There is a tour of this city which hangs on the edge of a huge escarpment known as El Tajo and is the birthplace of bullfighting with a history that goes back to Roman times. The tour includes a visit to the bull ring, built in 1785 and one of the oldest operational rings in Spain. Free time in Ronda, before returning to the train either by coach or walking. Lunch is served during the journey to Cadiz, a coastal city on the Bay of Cadiz and one of the oldest cities in Europe with an important heritage. As we arrive in the early evening, we are taken on a coach tour of this city and before being able to wander around the local sights. One can then either rejoin the coach to go to the restaurant, or walk. We board the train as it departs for Jerez, thus overnight in Jerez.
Thursday - Cadiz – Jerez – Sanlúcar – Jerez. Jerez is a town that dates back to Moorish times and possesses beautiful palm lined squares and wide streets, as well as The Sacristy of the Cathedral del Salvador, an 18th century church that was built on the foundations of an Arab mosque, of which the Mudéja tower still remains. Following breakfast, we disembark to take the coach to visit Tio Peppe, as Jerez is the birthplace of sherry wine, dating back to the 12th century. Here we enjoy a fascinating visit along with a sherry tasting, before taking the coach to the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, for the amazing ”The Andalusian Dancing Horses”.
After the show and a visit to the riding school, we travel by coach to the neighbouring town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda on the estuary of the Guadalquivir River, for lunch. This is followed by a boat trip down the Guadalquivir to visit the Donana National Parc. Returning to Jerez, there is free time to wander around, or return to the train. Dinner is at a restaurant, after which we return to the train for the special tour-end party, followed by the night on the train at Jerez.
Friday - Jerez – Seville. The train reaches its final destination at Seville during breakfast. The city has a fine cultural and historic heritage. The tour will take in highlights such as the Giralda bell tower within the grounds of the beautifully impressive Cathedral, with the Alcázar, the Archivo General de Indias (General Archive of the Indies), and the Torre del Oro watchtower. It ends just before midday, when guests return to the Santa Justa Station to collect their luggage.
Dates and Prices
2013 - April 14, 21, 28. May 5, 12, 19, 26. June 2, 9, 16, 23. September 8, 15, 22, 29. October 6, 13, 20, 27. November 3
Booking, in advance 6+ months 4-6 months less than 4 months
Standard Suite
Double per person €2,350 €2,450 €2,550
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,000 €1,000
Superior Suite
Double per person €3,050 €3,150 €3,250
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,100 €1,200
Supplement Triple (aged under 12) € 900 € 950 €1,000
2014 - March 16, 23, 30. April 6,13,20,27. May 4,11,18,25. June 1, 8, 15, 22. September 21,28. October 5, 12, 19, 26. November 2,9.
Booking, in advance 6+ months 4-6months less than 4 months
Standard Suite
Double per person €2,650 €2,750 €2,850
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,000 €1,000
Superior Suite
Double per person €3,200 €3,300 €3,400
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,100 €1,200
Supplement Triple (aged under 12) € 900 € 950 €1,000
Ibérico Itinerary
Madrid – Zaragoza Or Zaragoza – Madrid
Ibérico Itinerary
MADRID – ZARAGOZA.
6 days and 5 nights. Meet at midday at the Chamartín Station, C/ Agustín de Foxá, s/n., Madrid.
ZARAGOZA – MADRID.
6 days and 5 nights. This itinerary is the same as the Madrid to Zaragoza, but in reverse. Meet at midday at the Delicias Station, Avda. de Navarra, 80, Zaragoza
Sunday: Madrid – Segovia. On boarding the train and following a welcome reception one is shown to one’s suite to settle in as the train leaves for Segovia. Lunch is served on board allowing one to absorb the interesting scenery prior to arrival in Segovia. There is a city tour of Segovia, which is full of Roman architecture. It has a strong trading history and therefore had a rich cultural history. Dinner is served in a picturesque local restaurant and the train is stationary in Segovia for the night.
Monday: Segovia - Ávila – Salamanca. Whilst enjoying breakfast, the train arrives in Ávila. This city is called the City of the Stones and Saints, and it claims that it is one of the cities with the highest number of Romanesque and Gothic churches per head in Spain. Founded in the 5th century, it still has the most amazing city walls that were built around 1088. Following an interesting tour, lunch is served in a local restaurant Later on we depart for Salamanca, during which one has time on the train to relax before enjoying dinner prepared by the train’s chef. The train arrives in Salamanca for the night.
Tuesday: Salamanca. After breakfast, there is a city tour of this fascinating university city, with its beautiful 12th century Old Cathedral, one of the many wonderful architectural buildings. We have lunch and dinner in this city, as well as spending the night here, thus giving plenty of time to absorb the history and atmosphere.
Wednesday: Salamanca – Burgos. Whilst having breakfast, the train travels to Burgos. We visit the rolling landscape of the Atapuerca Mountains, the caves of which contain a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago. We also visit the interesting Museum of Human Evolution. Lunch is at a local restaurant, followed by a visit to the historic centre of Burgos. Here we spend the night.
Thursday: Burgos – Miranda de Ebro – Pamplona. During breakfast the train travels to Miranda de Ebro, from where the coach travels onto the famous La Rioja wine bodegas for wine-tasting. Back on the train lunch is served on the way to Pamplona. We wander into Pamplona, which was founded in Roman times and is the site of the famous annual running of the bull festival – San Fermin, which happens around 7th July for a week. Dinner is taken in a local restaurant, allowing one time to enjoy the Spanish night before returning to the train, which is stationed here.
Friday: Pamplona – Zaragoza. The train travels during breakfast to our final destination. After a tour of Zaragoza, we return to the station to collect our luggage.
Dates and Prices
2013 Madrid – Zaragoza July 7, 21. August 4*, 18* Zaragoza-Madrid July 14*, 28. August 11*, 25*
NOTE: Special discounts for *selected departures* EUR700 off total for Standard Suite (double occupancy), and EUR1,100 off total for a Superior Suite (double occupancy)
Booking, in advance 6+ months 4-6 months less than 4 months
Standard Suite
Double per person €2,350 €2,450 €2,550
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,000 €1,000
Superior Suite
Double per person €3,050 €3,150 €3,250
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,100 €1,200
Supplement Triple (aged under 12) € 900 € 950 €1,000
2014 Madrid – Zaragoza July 6,20. August 3, 17, 31 Zaragoza-Madrid July 13, 27. August 10, 24. September 7.
Booking, in advance 6+ months 4-6months less than 4 months
Standard Suite
Double per person €2,650 €2,750 €2,850
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,000 €1,000
Superior Suite
Double per person €3,200 €3,300 €3,400
Supplement Single €1,000 €1,100 €1,200
Supplement Triple (aged under 12) € 900 € 950 €1,000
Payment Terms
Deposit payment 40% of total price to reserve
Balance payment 60% at least 15 days prior to departure
In Euros: Payment is preferred in Euros but can be accepted in GBP or USD at prevailing exchange rate at time of invoicing (charges apply, ask for details). Prices per person
Cancellations:
Up to 30 days before departure: refund less 15% registration and guarantee fee.
Between 30 and 15 days : less 25% of the total.
Between 14 and 5 days: less 50% of the total.
Between 4 and 1 day(s): less 80% of the total.
Less than 24 hours or failure to turn up: No refund, 100% of the total is payable.
Included
Six days and five nights on board the Al Andalus Train. Five breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners on board or at restaurants. High quality wines, liquors, coffee and tea with meals. Accompanying hostess throughout the journey. Guided excursions with a coach for transfers and visits. Musical performances and entertainment. All entrance fees. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries provided; towels & linen changed daily
General Information
Dress Code: Comfortable day wear and comfortable shoes for walking (many towns have cobbles), perhaps a rain coat and a warm layer depending on the time of year, because it can be cool in the mountains. Smart casual is recommended for the evenings. There is also an end of tour party on the train.
Included: Six days and five nights on board the Al Andalus Train. Five breakfasts, five lunches and five dinners on board or at restaurants. High quality wines, liquors, coffee and tea with meals. Accompanying hostess throughout the journey. Guided excursions with a coach for transfers and visits. Musical performances and entertainment. All entrance fees. Bathrobes, slippers and toiletries provided; towels & linen changed daily.
Not included: Gratuities. Drinks ordered outside of meals, or from the mini bar in the suite.
Unforeseen events: The itineraries may be subject to modifications for reasons outside the control of the organiser or as a result of problems which may cause changes in the operation of the network on which circulate the Tourist Trains. In these cases, the organisers will adopt the necessary solutions to continue with the trip, without any extra cost to passengers. If passengers continue the trip under the new circumstances, they tacitly accept the solutions as proposed.
Booking & Reservations
All prices are at publicly-quoted rates. We will be happy to answer any questions and make the booking for you - contact us in the UK : +44 (0)1249 890205 or info@luxurytrainclub.com Please sign up to our newsletter to be kept informed of interesting trains and special offers.
