Al Andalus Express – Seville to Madrid

Your adventure begins as you land in Seville, a city of flamenco, sherry bars and quaint cobbled streets. On arrival in Seville, you'll be transferred to your hotel to relax. Choose from our selection of hotels on a B&B basis. You may wish to extend your tour with a two-night stay instead of one, and you can choose our optional excursions, available at a supplement.

This morning, you'll be transferred to meet your fellow Al Andalus passengers. After lunch, a panoramic tour of Seville unveils the main sights of the historic capital of Andalucía - including the cathedral crowned by the Giralda and the narrow streets of the Barrio de Santa Cruz, where the Jewish community once settled. Boarding the luxurious Al Andalus, savor your first dinner aboard as the train begins its journey, arriving in Córdoba, where it stops for the night.

Waking in Córdoba this morning, enjoy breakfast before a guided tour of the city. One of Andalucía's most revered sites is here, and you'll tour the remarkable Mezquita, or mosque-cathedral, as you explore a city that once flourished as the capital of the Al Andalus caliphate. Lunch is served aboard the train as it travels to Cádiz. This afternoon, you'll discover the sights of the oldest city in the western world, known as the 'Silver Cup'. A guided tour uncovers its history which stretches back to the time of the Phoenicians in 1100 BC. Exploring ancient Cádiz reveals a labyrinth of narrow streets opening up onto quaint squares brimming with life, while the yellow dome of the cathedral dominates the city skyline. Back on board, dinner is served as the train continues to Jerez.

Enjoy a flavor of this celebrated region in Jerez this morning, beginning after breakfast with a famous equestrian ballet. Set to Spanish music, an elegant equine performance of How the Andalucían Horses Dance introduces the region's charming traditions. After lunch in a local restaurant, head to one of Jerez's most prestigious wineries to discover how its celebrated fortified wine is produced. Known by its anglicized name of sherry, you will also be treated to a tasting before returning to the train. Dinner is served on board while you travel towards Zafra, a historic town known for its 15th-century castle.

While you have breakfast, the train makes its way to the Extremadura city of Cáceres. A tour of this UNESCO World Heritage site reveals a city brimming with well-preserved medieval streets, timeless squares and grand palaces. Later, Al Andalus rolls south to the nearby city of Mérida. Sightseeing here uncovers the remains of Emerita Augusta, the capital of the former Roman province of Lusitania, as you view breathtaking theatres, temples and aqueducts stretching back to the city's founding in 25 BC. Dining back on the train this evening, Al Andalus rests for the night in Mérida.

Enjoy breakfast on the train before arriving in Alcázar de San Juan. While here, you will learn how La Mancha's most famous products are produced. One of the largest vine-growing regions in the world, La Mancha is renowned for its wines, as well as cheeses including Manchego. Visits to an artisanal cheese factory and a wine cellar help uncover the soul of the region through its food and drink. Lunch is enjoyed before a trip to Campo de Criptana. This evocative area dotted with its iconic windmills inspired Cervantes' most-famous work, Don Quixote. Later, return to the train in Alcázar de San Juan and savor dinner this evening.

Arriving in Aranjuez after breakfast, you transfer to Toledo, a city that was once the capital of Spain during the reign of Holy Roman Empire, Charles V. The blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish architecture can be seen in its Gothic cathedral, 10th-century mosque and synagogues like Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito. Today, this cultural impact has seen Toledo awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. After lunch in the city, you return to Aranjuez and explore another UNESCO-listed site, wandering round the Royal Palace and its gardens, admiring the beauty of the complex that dates from the 16th century.

During breakfast, you arrive in Madrid and disembark the luxurious Al Andalus train. This afternoon, you can take private transfer to your choice of 4 or 5-Star hotel for the evening.

From Seville to Madrid, this luxurious journey aboard the magnificent Al Andalus train has taken you through some of Spain's most renowned locations. Visits to Córdoba, Jerez and Cádiz have revealed the charm of Andalucía, while tastings of tapas and sherry have offered an enchanting glimpse into its culture. Palaces and timeless history were uncovered in Toledo, Cáceres and Mérida, and the evocative scenery that inspired Cervantes - and delectable cheese and wine - were experienced in La Mancha.

Awaking in your hotel this morning, your once-in-a-lifetime adventure comes to an end as you are transferred from your hotel to Madrid airport ready for your flight home.