Al Andalus Train (Palace on Wheels) – Spain

The Al Andalus train trip offers lucky passengers the chance to explore the best of Spain’s famed Andalucia region on board a five-star luxury sleeper train. Known as The Spanish Palace On Wheels, this beautifully decorated express train provides guests with a sophisticated and glamorous way to see such amazing Spanish sights as Seville’s gothic cathedral, the Alhambra Palace and the Mosque of Cordoba.

Staying in first class carriages, those on board will enjoy travelling to some of Spain’s most feted destinations, whilst enjoying the dramatic landscape from the picture windows, first class fare and the chance to enjoy the golden age of the L’Belle Époque’.

Prices from: €3,116 
Departing from: Seville station
Journey length: 6 nights

Al Andalus journey

On a destination-packed journey on this express train, guests are treated to a historic round-trip route that offers those on board the chance to see world-famous sights, some great historic monuments and also enjoy the gastronomic delights of this sun-kissed Spanish region. The journey begins in Seville where guests are invited to spend the day visiting the historic city centre, home to the gothic Cathedral, and the famous Plaza de España.

The journey on the Al Andalus begins that evening with dinner on board the train. Day two offers guests the chance to visit the city of Jerez de la Frontera, with a visit to a wine cellar and the chance to watch ‘the Andalusian horses dance’ – the famous equestrian ballet with Spanish music. On day three the train heads to Cadiz, the busy southern port of Andalucia, one of Spain’s oldest cities, noted for its seafood tapas. Then the train heads inland to the stunning hillside city of Ronda. After breakfast on day four, guests will join a tour of Ronda before returning to the train for an overnight journey to Granada. Day five is dedicated to a tour of the world famous Alhambra palace, the most visited monument in Spain. Guests will enjoy a dinner in the city that night.

Day six provides those on board with the chance to visit the renaissance towns of Úbeda and Baeza, both listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. After lunch the train will head towards Córdoba with its famous mosque and those on board will get the chance to visit one of the most opulent cities in Spain. That afternoon the train will make its final journey back to Seville.

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Al Andalus train

The carriages of the Al Andalus train were used by the British royal family last century as they travelled along the French Riviera so every carriage provide a luxurious five-star environment. The train’s four saloon cars date back from 1928 and provide an elegant environment where guests can enjoy the breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner. The sleeping carriages feature their original Belle Époque’ décor along with a full range of modern amenities.

Sleeper carriages on the Al Andalus train

The Al Andalus train has 32 sleeping suites – 12 standard and 20 superior suites. The standard suites contain 2 single beds, a closet and private bathroom while the superior suites boast a double bed, mini-bar, safe, closet and large bathroom. All suites are air-conditioned. During the day, the beds fold into comfortable couches, converting the suites into private lounges. 

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Food and drink

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the train’s four salon cars, whilst you can have morning coffee and evening drinks in the bar car. You’ll also be able to enjoy live entertainment here in the evenings. All the meals on board are of five-star quality and celebrate the very best of Andalusian food and beverages so expect some delicious local dishes and delacacies including Iberian ham, gazpacho and fino (dry sherry).

Dress code

There is no enforced dress code on this celebrated train but it’s a luxurious travel experience so make sure you take some smart clothes with you as well as casual clothes for your day trips. 

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Fellow passengers

This is one of the world’s most popular overnight tourist trains, so you’ll meet well-heeled travellers from around the globe. After dinner, guests gravitate to the elegant bar car for expertly blended cocktails and the chance to meet up. Passengers on this train tend to be 50 plus.

What’s included

This train cruise is fully inclusive, so as well as your on-board accommodation, your fare includes all food and drink plus the services of an expert multilingual guide each day. All tickets to museums and shows are also included in the price. 

Pros and cons

The fully inclusive nature of this trip is well worth the money and you’ll love getting the chance to travel in style on such an elegant train. The only slight drawback is that you get to see so many different places in a relatively short amount of time that you might feel like you need another holiday when you arrive back in Seville.