Featured holiday Al Andalus Southern Iberian Route holiday Spain

8 nights/9 days
This luxury rail holiday aboard the famous Al Andalus luxury train for 6 nights in lavish suites takes you to the highlights of southern Spain through the dramatic scenery, historic towns and heritage sites of Extremadura and Castille-la-Mancha to Madrid. You have a night at the start in Seville and an overnight in Madrid at the end. All meals are included on board the train, and guided city visits are provided. This holiday also works the other way round, from Madrid to Seville.
Included in your Expressions holiday
  • Scheduled flights from Gatwick to Seville, Madrid to London in economy
  • 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza in Seville
  • 6 nights’ accommodation in a “Grand Class” cabin on the Al Andalus train
  • 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid
  • All meals and excursions whilst on the Al Andalus train
  • Private transfers from the airport to your hotel in Seville and from your hotel in Madrid to the airport

8-night luxury rail holiday aboard the luxurious Al Andalus train from Seville to Madrid, with 6 nights on board and all meals included plus excursions.

Highlights

• Spend 6 nights on the Al Andalus • One night in Seville • One night in Madrid • All meals included on the train • Excursions in Seville, Córdoba, Cadiz, Jerez, Zafra, Cáceres, Mérida, Alcázar de San Juan, Toledo, Madrid

About the Al Andalus Luxury Train

The Train: The Al Andalus Luxury Train is made up of historical suite cars which were built between 1928 and 1930 in France for the British monarchy to travel between Calais and the French Riviera. Alongside the saloon coaches, they form an elegant and comfortable train with a Belle Epoque air. Original elements of these genuine coaches are combined with the latest technology to allow travellers to enjoy maximum comfort and safety. The train is equipped with Wifi internet and has a computer in the lounge car.

Accommodation on board

“Grand Class” cabins are formed of two twin beds (both at ground level) which turn into comfortable sofas during the day. They are equipped with a wardrobe, luggage rack, safe, minibar and individual climate control. They have large windows and an ensuite bathroom with shower and hairdryer provided. Guests looks for a special treat may upgrade to a “Deluxe Suite”. These cabins have a double bed which is a sofa during the day. They have the same facilities as the “Grand Class” cabins and their bathrooms are equipped with a hydro-massage shower/steam sauna.

What's included with Grand Class cabins

A la carte and buffet breakfasts every day All dinners and lunches (including wine, water, soft drinks and coffee) Welcome drink and snack Travelling toiletries bag Free mineral water in the minibar Activities onboard: music and live performances, parties in the bar car, show cooking and cocktails, dancing etc. End of trip party Tickets to museums, attractions and shows Excursions and scheduled tours Luxury coach accompanying the train Taxes and services – there is no obligation to tip Daily newspapers and magazines Multilingual guide throughout the tour

Plus what's included with Deluxe Suites

As above, plus: All non-alcoholic drinks in the minibar Options for crew to unpack and pack your luggage

Not included on the train

Optional laundry service Bar service

Special offers for this holiday>

What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.
Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024

Holiday price guide Prices from £7,150 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Grand Class cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £1,170 per person

From about

£7,150 Per person in a Grand Class cabin

£8,320 Per person in a double deluxe suite

Holiday Code SNFH10

8-night luxury rail holiday aboard the luxurious Al Andalus train from Seville to Madrid, with 6 nights on board and all meals included plus excursions.

Special offers for this holiday>

What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.
Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024

Holiday price guide Prices from £7,150 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Grand Class cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £1,170 per person

From about

£7,150 Per person in a Grand Class cabin

£8,320 Per person in a double deluxe suite

Holiday Code SNFH10

Our prices include ● Scheduled flights from Gatwick to Seville, Madrid to London in economy
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza in Seville
● 6 nights’ accommodation in a “Grand Class” cabin on the Al Andalus train
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid
● All meals and excursions whilst on the Al Andalus train
● Private transfers from the airport to your hotel in Seville and from your hotel in Madrid to the airport

Train operating dates

Seville to Madrid 2026

The Al Andalus train departs from Seville to Madrid operates on the following dates. You will need to arrive in Spain at least one day before this. April 5, 19 | May 3, 17 | June 7, 21 | September 6, 20 | October 4

Madrid to Seville 2026

The Al Andalus train departs from Madrid to Seville operates on the following dates. You will need to arrive in Spain at least one day before this. April 12, 26 | May 10, 24 | June 14, 28 | September 13, 27 | October 11

Special offers for this holiday>

What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.
Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024

Holiday price guide Prices from £7,150 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Grand Class cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £1,170 per person

From about

£7,150 Per person in a Grand Class cabin

£8,320 Per person in a double deluxe suite

Holiday Code SNFH10

Our prices include • Scheduled flights from Gatwick to Seville, Madrid to London in economy
• 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza in Seville
• 6 nights’ accommodation in a “Grand Class” cabin on the Al Andalus train
• 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid
• All meals and excursions whilst on the Al Andalus train
• Private transfers from the airport to your hotel in Seville and from your hotel in Madrid to the airport

What a simply wonderful train adventure you put together for us. Seems unbelievable we made it to the Black Sea via so many differing train journeys without a problem. Thank you so much for all your efforts with the bookings. Train connections, Coaches , seats , position of hotels, everything happened without a hitch. So, congratulations, we are all most grateful to you and Expressions Holidays.
Mr and Mrs H, May, 2024

Holiday price guide Prices from £7,150 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Grand Class cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £1,170 per person

From about

£7,150 Per person in a Grand Class cabin

£8,320 Per person in a double deluxe suite

Holiday Code SNFH10

Our prices include • Scheduled flights from Gatwick to Seville, Madrid to London in economy
• 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza in Seville
• 6 nights’ accommodation in a “Grand Class” cabin on the Al Andalus train
• 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Dreamer room at the Hospes Puerta de Alcalá in Madrid
• All meals and excursions whilst on the Al Andalus train
• Private transfers from the airport to your hotel in Seville and from your hotel in Madrid to the airport

8-night luxury rail holiday aboard the luxurious Al Andalus train from Seville to Madrid, with 6 nights on board and all meals included plus excursions.

Highlights of Andalusia

With 800km of coastline, there are plenty of beaches to choose from - facing the Atlantic are the long, sandy beaches of the Costa de la Luz, extending south from the Portuguese border to Tarifa; covering the area between Malaga and Gibraltar is the famous Costa del Sol, known for its numerous beach resorts which range from the cheap and cheerful to exclusive luxury; to the south of Granada is the Costa Tropical, a stretch of coast with sandy coves and a pleasant microclimate; and to the east is the more rugged Costa de Almeria. A number of luxury resorts and hotels are located along each of these coastlines. Surrounding Granada is the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range where the Spanish mainland's highest peak can be found and home to white-washed mountain villages. In the far east of Andalusia is the Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y Las Villas Natural Park, the largest protected area in Spain where you can find hiking trails, mountain villages and many wild animals. Further south is The Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a land and sea reserve near Almeria which is home to unspoilt scenery and an abundance of wildlife. In the west of the region is the Doñana National Park, an extensive area in the delta of the Guadalquivir River which includes marshland and sand dunes and is a breeding ground of the endangered Iberian Lynx. Thanks to the region's great variety in landscapes, culture and cuisine, a luxury holiday to Andalusia is sure to be a delightful experience.

Cultural highlights of Andalusia

Many of the Andalusia's cultural highlights can be found in the three Moorish cities of Cordoba, Granada and Seville, all of which are home to a number of excellent luxury hotels. Cordoba, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former centre of Muslim control during Andalusia's colonisation by the Islamic Empire. At the city's heart is the astounding Mezquita de Cordoba, a mediaeval mosque turned Catholic cathedral with endless Moorish arches, columns and glinting tiles of vibrant hues. Other highlights include the fascinating Jewish quarter and Roman ruins galore. Nearer the coast is Granada, where Islamic rule endured the longest and the magical Alhambra remains as a monument to this legacy. A 9th century palace fortress, it guards over the city from an elevated crag amongst vast, aromatic gardens. To the west, on the peaceful plains of River Guadalquivir, Seville quietly awaits discovery along with its three World Heritage Sites: the Alcazar palace, the gothic Cathedral and the General Archive of the Indies. Other towns and cities of interest in Andalusia include Jerez de la Frontera, where you can visit the sherry bodegas which make the city famous and watch the dressage displays which are held at The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art; Cadiz, the oldest city in Europe which is surrounded almost entirely by water; Ronda, a spectacular city which is split in half by a narrow gorge; Malaga, birthplace of Picasso and home to a Museum which displays a collection of his work; the small town of Baeza, where you can find stunning examples of Renaissance architecture; and Almeria, a coastal city which is dominated by the Alcazaba, the largest Moorish fortress in Spain. During your stay in Andalusia make sure to witness the seductive art of flamenco. Alluring, passionate and cathartic, it's easy to understand how this gypsy tradition has become one of the most familiar emblems of Spanish culture.

Festivals in Andalusia

There are a huge number of local festivals held in villages, towns and cities throughout Andalusia, many of which have a religious significance. 5 January: Three Kings parades, February: Shrove Tuesday Carnivals, February: Seville Tapas Fair, February to March: Jerez Flamenco Festival, March/April: Holy week celebrations, April to October: Seville Bullfighting season, April/May: Seville Spring Fair, April/May: Úbeda Classical Music Festival, Mid May: Jerez Horse Fair, June to July: Granada Music & Dance Festival, June - July: Cordoba Guitar Festival, August: Malaga Summer Fair, September: Ronda bullfighting festival, November: Granada Jazz Festival.

Gastronomy in Andalusia

Cuisine in Andalusia is diverse, varying throughout the region and combining Arabic flavours with more common Mediterranean ingredients such as seafood, olive oil and an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables. As the birthplace of tapas, Andalusia is an excellent place to try the snacks which are often served free with drinks in Granada. Other Andalusian specialities include Serrano ham from the Sierra Nevada and sherry from Jerez de la Frontera, as well as dishes such as ‘Ajo blanco’ (a white gazpacho), ‘Espetos de sardina’ (roasted sardines), ‘Huevos a la flamenca’ (baked eggs with vegetables) and ‘Fritura de pescado’ (mixed fried fish).

8-night luxury rail holiday aboard the luxurious Al Andalus train from Seville to Madrid, with 6 nights on board and all meals included plus excursions.

Highlights of the Heart of Spain

The three world-class art galleries which make up Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, home to works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Francisco de Goya. The historical sights of Old Madrid, including the lavish Royal Palace, the grand Plaza Mayor and the city's spiritual centre, Puerta del Sol. Parque del Retiro, a popular spot for relaxation in the centre of Madrid with a boating lake. El Escorial, a large royal residence just outside Madrid which also functions as a monastery and is where many Spanish monarchs are buried. The Gothic cathedrals of León, Burgos and Toledo which feature stunning stained glass, mediaeval art and elaborate sculptures. The numerous castles which are scattered across the region including the Gothic-style Belmonte Castle, the Mudejár Coca Castle and the Moorish Alcazaba of Badajoz. The university city of Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes, the 16th century author who wrote about the adventures of Don Quixote. The walled city of Ávila. The university city of Salamanca. Segovia, with its Roman Aqueduct and distinctive castle. Cuenca, a picturesque old town with houses which appear to hang over a gorge. The iconic windmills which sit on the plains near Consuegra. Roman ruins in Mérida. Elaborate palaces and manor houses in Trujillo and Cáceres. The wine-producing regions throughout central Spain including Ribera del Duero, La Mancha and Valdepeñas where visitors can visit vineyards and enjoy wine tastings. Mountain ranges which divide the central plateau, with many opportunities for walking and rock climbing.

Festivals in the Heart of Spain

February: Caja Madrid Flamenco Festival, February to March: Madrid Carnival, February to March: Madrid Contemporary Art Fair, March/April: Holy week celebrations, May: San Isidro bullfighting festival (Madrid), May/June: Toledo Corpus Christi processions (Toledo), July to August: Madrid summer arts festival, October: Saffron Rose Festival (Consuegra), October: Cervantes Week (Alcala de Henares), October to November: Madrid Autumn Festival

Gastronomy in the Heart of Spain

As expected, Madrid is home to some excellent restaurants serving a great range of cuisine from throughout Spain and around the world. Roasted meat and game as well as a variety of broths and stews are common features on menus throughout central Spain, where traditional cooking is simple and hearty. Cuisine varies slightly between the regions, with more paprika and saffron being used in the south. Various pulses are grown on the plains of Castilla y León, whilst Manchego cheese produced in La Mancha and high quality Ibérico ham is produced in Extremadura. There are a number of wine regions which produce high-quality red and white wines. Local dishes include ‘Pollo a lo Padre Pero’ (chicken with a spicy sauce), ‘El frite’ (fried lamb), ‘Sopa de ajo’ (garlic soup), ‘Pisto manchego’ (similar to ratatouille), ‘Yemas’ (a rich dessert made with egg yolks).

Climate in the Heart of Spain

The climate of central Spain is generally quite extreme, with extremely hot summers and bitterly cold yet dry winters. Rainfall is generally quite low thanks to the mountains which surround the region. Madrid can be almost unbearable in the summer months as temperatures reach 40 degrees, whilst during the temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit as temperatures are warm and pleasant, although there is increased rainfall.

8-night luxury rail holiday aboard the luxurious Al Andalus train from Seville to Madrid, with 6 nights on board and all meals included plus excursions.

Highlights of Madrid

Numerous squares including the historic Plaza Mayor, the setting of bullfights and executions during the Spanish Inquisition. The Royal Palace, a lavish building which was constructed in the 1700s and is still used today for state occasions. The Prado Museum, one of the largest art galleries in the world which contains an impressive selection of Spanish paintings including works by Goya and El Greco. Reina Sofia Museum, displaying modern works including Picasso’s ‘Guernica’. Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, based on a private art collection which illustrates the history of western art and includes pieces by Goya, Degas and Renoir. Retiro Park formerly used by the royal family and now a popular spot for relaxation. The Teatro Real, an important opera house with performances of opera and dance. Almudena Cathedral. Gran Vía, a famous street which is lined by theatres and shops. Debod Temple, an ancient Egyptian temple which was rebuilt in Madrid in the 1960s. The Santiago Bernabéu Football stadium, home to Real Madrid. El Rastro Market, an open-air flea market which is held on Sundays. Ventas Bullring where bullfights take place every week during the bullfighting season.

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