Luxury rail holiday on the Al Andalus train from Seville to Porto with 3 nights on the train, and one night in Seville and one night in Porto.
Lusitania was an ancient Iberian province in the time of the Romans and covered the area of modern Portugal south of the Douro and the western part of Spain, Extremadura. The capital of Lusitania was Emerita Augusta, present-day Merida, visited on this holiday. This 5-night luxury holiday on the Al Andalus train starts with a flight to Seville where you spend the first night of your holiday. There are then 3 nights on board the luxurious train, where accommodation is in lavish suites and four saloon cars allow guests to relax in comfort and enjoy the stunning scenery. Each trip on the Al Andalus train includes a programme of excursions including entry to museums and other places of interest with a multilingual guide, while all meals are included, either on board the train or in local restaurants. Excursions include a tour of Seville, a visit to the Roman archaeological site of ‘Emerita Augusta’, the monastery of Los Jeronimos and the Belem Tower in Lisbon, the Bairro Alto in Porto and a trip on the Duero River followed by a visit to a wine cellar. The tour takes place from Seville to Porto on 26 July 2022 and in the reverse order, from Porto to Seville, on 11 August 2022. Our holiday starts the day before in each case.
Highlights
Seville • Merida • Lisbon • Porto • Ribera del Duero
About the Al Andalus 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: “Gran Clase” 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 “Gran Clase” cabins and their bathrooms are equipped with a hydro-massage shower/steam sauna. What’s included with the “Gran Clase” cabin: A la carte and buffet breakfasts every day All dinners and lunches (including wine, water, soft drinks and coffee) Welcome drink and snack Farewell dinner – gala party 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. 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 What’s included with the Deluxe Suite: As above, plus: All non-alcoholic drinks in the minibar Options for crew to unpack and pack your luggage Not included: Optional laundry service Bar service
Just to say we had an excellent holiday. The service as always from Expressions has been fantastic. Thank you for the arrangements and all the care.Dr M, October 2021
Holiday price guide Prices from £3,170 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Gran Clase cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £90 per person
From about
Holiday Code SNFH02
This holiday takes place in conjunction with the departure dates of the Al Andalus on this route.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury rail holiday on the Al Andalus train from Seville to Porto with 3 nights on the train, and one night in Seville and one night in Porto.
Begin your holiday by flying from London Gatwick to Seville. A private car transfer to your hotel is included. Settle into your hotel and spend the night here, ready to start your rail adventure the following day.
Check out of the hotel and take a taxi at about 10:00 hrs to the Hotel Alfonso XIII which is just a few minutes’ drive from the hotel. Here you will meet everyone who is participating on this tour, and the crew will take care of your luggage. Later we will visit the capital of Andalusia, which has the most beautiful monumental site, formed by The Cathedral, The Royal Alcazar and The Archive of the Indies declared World Heritage sites. After lunch, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and tour the famous Plaza de España, before boarding the Al Andalus Train. There is a welcome toast on the train and crew presentation and then passengers are taken to their rooms. Dinner on board, as you head to Mérida, where you will spend the night. This itinerary is named after Lusitania, which was an ancient Iberian province in the time of the Romans and covered the area of modern Portugal south of the Douro and the western part of Spain, Extremadura. The capital of Lusitania was Emerita Augusta, present-day Merida, visited on this holiday.
Begin your day by eating a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast on board the train. Then you will visit Mérida, the ancient "Emerita Augusta" with one of the most important and largest archaeological sites in Spain, and declared a World Heritage Site. Lunch is taken in a typical Extremaduran restaurant. In the afternoon you will return to the train to start our journey to Portugal. Dinner on board.
After breakfast, you will visit the Monastery of Los Jerónimos, a World Heritage Site, the Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoverers. There will be a panoramic tour of the city and you have lunch in a typical restaurant. The afternoon will be dedicated to the city centre and its neighbourhoods, with some free time. Dinner is taken on board as you start the journey to Porto where you spend the night on the train.
After breakfast, say goodbye to the crew and the train and embark upon a visit to Bairro Alto with its Cathedral. Then you will take a boat ride through the Ribera del Duero, a World Cultural Heritage site, to end up in a wine cellar on the banks of the river. A lunch of typical Portuguese food is included in a restaurant in Porto. The end of the Al Andalus programme is about 17.00 hrs and then you should make your way to your hotel (this transfer is not included) by taxi.
There is free time until you need to check-out of your hotel and take the transfer by car to Porto airport for the return flight to London.
Just to say we had an excellent holiday. The service as always from Expressions has been fantastic. Thank you for the arrangements and all the care.Dr M, October 2021
Holiday price guide Prices from £3,170 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Gran Clase cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £90 per person
From about
Holiday Code SNFH02
This holiday takes place in conjunction with the departure dates of the Al Andalus on this route.
Call us on 01392 441245
Al Andalus Seville to Porto
Seville to Porto
26 July 2022
Porto to Seville
11 August 2022
Just to say we had an excellent holiday. The service as always from Expressions has been fantastic. Thank you for the arrangements and all the care.Dr M, October 2021
Holiday price guide Prices from £3,170 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Gran Clase cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £90 per person
From about
Holiday Code SNFH02
This holiday takes place in conjunction with the departure dates of the Al Andalus on this route.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury rail holiday on the Al Andalus train from Seville to Porto with 3 nights on the train, and one night in Seville and one night in Porto.
Hospes Las Casa del Rey de Baeza is a charming, 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of Seville's Old Town. Delicious, modern Anadalusian cuisine and refreshing rooftop cocktails make it a restorative haven from the bustle of the city.
Dreamer room
Pestana Palacio do Freixo is a 5-star hotel located in an 18th century palace, where beautiful original features are combined with modern luxury. The pool and gardens afford enviable views over the river Douro and a shuttle service allows guests to easily explore the historic centre of Porto.
Classic room
Special offers
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Just to say we had an excellent holiday. The service as always from Expressions has been fantastic. Thank you for the arrangements and all the care.Dr M, October 2021
Holiday price guide Prices from £3,170 per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and Gran Clase cabin on the train. Supplement for upgrade to Deluxe Suite: £90 per person
From about
Holiday Code SNFH02
This holiday takes place in conjunction with the departure dates of the Al Andalus on this route.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury rail holiday on the Al Andalus train from Seville to Porto with 3 nights on the train, and one night in Seville and one night in Porto.
About Portugal
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Portugal's countryside bursts with pretty villages, glitters with historical treasures and World Heritage sites, as well as converted mediaeval monasteries, and elegant manor houses now hosting some of the finest hotels in Europe. Though Portugal's spirit is undoubtedly rural, its big towns Porto and Lisbon are lively, magical places making full use of their waterside setting, offering rich picking for those that like to wander, with colourful waterside cafes and boutiques, leafy boulevards and old-fashioned trams still rattling through the streets. Smaller towns offer their own enchantment, with well-preserved medieval quarters that invite exploring in towns like Évora, Coimbra, Guimarães and Braga. Outside the cities, travellers can enjoy Portugal's warm sunny weather, exploring centuries-old vineyards, visiting stone villages in the mountains or soaking up rays on the magnificent southern shoreline. Dramatic scenery lies all along the coast from windswept cliffs with edge-of-the-world views to wild dune-covered beaches. More than just a static backdrop, the scenery sets the stage for outdoor adventure. Hiking, surfing, windsurfing, horse-riding, big game fishing, kayaking, diving, golfing, and mountain biking are a few ways to spend a sun-drenched afternoon. 600 miles southwest of Portugal lies the island of Madeira, home to Reid's Palace Hotel, an elegant and glamorous five star hotel in a superb location, ideal for holidays all year round, due to the mild winter climate, and on an island renowned for its beautiful vegetation.
Highlights of Lisbon
The area close to the city of Lisbon is known for its variety of attractions. Moorish architecture left over from Arabic rule can be seen in the Castelo de Sao Jorge in the Alfama. Collections of Portuguese art are on display in the Museu Gulbenkian, the Museu de Arte Antiga, and the Berardo Collection. For a taste of Portugal's maritime history, visit the Monasteiro dos Jeronimos. Sintra, the favourite haunt of Lord Byron, is home to twin-peak-top castles and royal palaces. Beautiful, golden sandy beaches can be found in Cascais to the west of Lisbon, or on the Costa da Caparica to the south; particularly idyllic are the coves between Setubal and Sesimbra. Peniche is a picturesque seaside town renowned for being one of Europe's best surfing spots. You can explore all that the area around the city of Lisbon has to offer with our Tour of the City and Countryside of the Lisboa Region.
Highlights of the Algarve
Known for having some of Portugal's most scenic beaches, the Algarve is a popular destination for those looking for a beach or water sports holiday enjoying the Portuguese sunshine. Sagres and Tavira are recognised as the best places for this. In Albufeira, Armacao de Pera, and Lagos you will find an abundance of the light-catching rocky outcrops and peaceful coves that the Algarve is so well known for. Salema, Burgau, and Sagres were once busy little fishing villages, and now still stand as testament to this important aspect of Portuguese culture. The Reserva Natural da Ria Formosa lies just off the southern coastline, the islands of which can be accessed from many towns, including Faro, Olhao, Fuseta, Cabanas, and Tavira; most of which are also ideal starting points from which to try a little surfing. White-washed and serene Alcoutim is an example of the less-developed Portuguese towns, with a hint of Andalucia in its appearance, and Loule is the perfect place to wander around a bustling market. You may also wish to visit the Roman ruins at Milreu, the Moorish town of Silves, or the Spa town of Caldas de Monchique. For outdoor pursuits, head into the Serra de Monchique Mountain Range.
Highlights of Porto and the Douro Valley
At the mouth of the Rio Douro lies Porto, an atmospheric town with a dramatic aspect and almost Parisian lifestyle. Its streets are lined with historic buildings and wine lodges serving the best of Portuguese wines. The nearby wine towns of Penafiel, Peso da Regua, Pinhao, and Amarante are also recommended for wine-tasting, but have a much more rural location. Amarante, in particular, is believed to be the most attractive wine town in the area, with a central triple-arched bridge, tall stone red-roofed houses interspersed with verdant trees, and a gently flowing river. To witness a sample of Portuguese Baroque architecture, visit the pilgrimage town of Lamego. The main attraction of this town, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedios, lies at the top of an elaborate and intricately decorated set of zig-zagged stairways that pass through archways and across viewing balconies. In Porto, some of the greatest artistic triumphs of 17th century Portugal reside, the Se Cathedral in particular, in which every inch of the columns, archways, and altar have been adorned in golden floral and religious motifs, in true Baroque style. For something even more historic, visit the Palaeolithic rock formations of Vila Nova de Foz Coa, the largest outdoor gallery of stone age remains in the world, which have since been neighboured by flourishing vineyards. Along the rocky gorges of the river, you will find a number of castle-towns, including the Medieval walled town of Trancoso and the fortress town of Almeida.
Highlights of Madeira
A green and fertile island in the Atlantic Ocean, Madeira is situated off the coast of Morocco. Its coastline combines beautiful sandy beaches with rocky cliffs, the latter of which can be best appreciated at Cabo Girao. The island's capital, Funchal, is packed full with historic buildings, including 15th century churches and convents and a Se Cathedral as ornate as the one in Porto. Enjoy the relentless joviality of the street markets, or visit more peaceful attractions, such as the basalt cave of Capela de Sao Vicente or the island's protected nature reserves. Rare Laurissilva forests can be walked, trekked, or hiked through, affording guests sensational views; and the crystal clear waters off the coast can be swam through, perhaps below the water's surface so the ecosystems that live in the reefs can be appreciated. One of the greatest pleasures of Madeira, however, is wandering over the beaches, surveying the rock pools, and taking in the sights from the clifftops. Aside from the key regions that our Portuguese programme focuses on, there is much to find and see in Portugal. Those willing to drive a little further during the day will enjoy a much more diverse touring holiday.
Facts in brief
Capital LisbonAirport There are international airports at Lisbon, Porto and Faro, served by a variety of airlines from the UK, including British Airways, EasyJet, bmibaby, TAP, Jet2.
Size 35,000 sq. miles
Population 10 million
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury rail holiday on the Al Andalus train from Seville to Porto with 3 nights on the train, and one night in Seville and one night in Porto.
About Andalusia
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to Andalusia offers the chance to explore a holiday destination famed for its indulgent climate and coastal appeal. The region cannot deny its fair share of sun, sea and sand, but what is often neglected to mention is the region's immense variety. Comprising of eight unique provinces, Andalusia spans west to east from the wetlands and the Atlantic Ocean to the deserts and the popular Costa del Sol on the Mediterranean Sea. Poised at the southern-most tip of the Iberian Peninsula, Andalusia acts as a gateway between the European and African continents, harbouring a myriad of influences that speak of the layers of civilisation that have roamed and inhabited the land. From the vibrant cities to the tiny white-washed villages, from vast sierras to the extensive coastline, Andalusia is a region of contrasts which promises an authentic luxury holiday.
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).
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury rail holiday on the Al Andalus train from Seville to Porto with 3 nights on the train, and one night in Seville and one night in Porto.
About Heart of Spain
An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Heart of Spain feature some of the best four and five star hotels in central Spain, featuring vineyard hotels, rural estates and city properties. Located at the geographical heart of Spain is its vibrant capital, Madrid, where days can be filled with art galleries and atmospheric outdoor cafes, and evenings promise an energetic nightlife. Surrounding the city are the dry plains of the country's central plateau which are divided by spectacular mountain ranges and dotted with numerous castles, magnificent cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins. The regions which make up Spain's central plateau have all played a hugely important role in the history of modern Spain, which is evident in the numerous castles which were built to protect towns and villages as the Moors fought the Christians in the 10th and 11th centuries. These are some of the least visited parts of Spain where few tourists venture outside of the main cities, ensuring that visitors will leave feeling like they have discovered something new. At the centre of Spain is Madrid, where atmospheric cobbled streets link bustling squares which are filled with pavement cafes and flea markets, whilst tree-line boulevards are overlooked by neo-classical buildings. Surrounding the city are the dry plains of the country's central plateau which are divided by spectacular mountain ranges and dotted with numerous castles, magnificent cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins. To the north of Madrid is Castilla y León, an elevated region which has played a hugely important role in the history of modern Spain. Rolling countryside is littered with historic cities, isolated villages and mediaeval castles, built by the Christians to defend against the Moorish invaders. Salamanca, Avila, Segovia, León, Valladolid and Burgos are all home to a wealth of art and stunning architecture, including Gothic cathedrals and Roman structures. Away from the cities are natural attractions including mountain ranges and nature reserves, with wheat fields and vineyards covering the high plateaus. To the south and east of Madrid is Castilla-La Mancha, an expansive region with dry plains stretching towards mountains in the distance. The predominantly flat scenery is made up of olive groves, wheat fields, extensive vineyards, hilltop castles and the iconic windmills described by Cervantes. Head to the historic city of Toledo, where Christian, Jewish and Arab cultures blend to create a popular tourist destination, or to Cuenca, a dramatic town where houses seemingly dangle over a plunging gorge. Further west towards the border with Portugal is Extremadura, a region with green pastures and rolling hills, forests and fertile river valleys, as well as charming towns boasting stunning examples of Roman architecture. Elaborate palaces and manor houses are found in clusters throughout the region, built by conquistadors with gold from the New World.
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.