Spain’s historic Al Andalus train, described as one of the most glamorous in the world, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. To celebrate, it’s debuting a new, 7-day itinerary between Seville and Madrid beginning in spring 2026. It’s the first time the Art Deco-inspired rail journey, evoking the golden age of train travel, will journey from Spain’s capital city. Operated by Renfe, Spain’s national rail carrier, the journey includes onboard accommodation, excursions, UNESCO sites, cultural visits, haute cuisine, and a wide range of exclusive services.
It's another example of a renaissance of, not just train travel, but luxury and overnight travel by train in Europe.
The seven-day route includes stops in Córdoba, Cádiz, Jerez, Mérida, Alcázar de San Juan, Toledo, and Aranjuez.
An Itinerary Through History and Culture
The rail adventure operates in both directions, beginning in Madrid or Seville with the other city as the terminus of your journey.
In Seville, Moorish and Renaissance treasures set the tone for a week steeped in culture. From there, the Al Andalus glides to Córdoba, home to the dazzling Mosque-Cathedral, then on to Cádiz, the oldest city in the Western world.
Guests will sip sherry in Jerez, explore Roman ruins in Mérida, taste artisanal cheeses in La Mancha, and wander the windmill-dotted landscapes said to have inspired Don Quixote. By the time the journey reaches Toledo and the royal gardens of Aranjuez, travelers will have collected a lifetime of stories—and one glamorous gala dinner caps it all off before arrival in Madrid.
Travel via the Al Andalus
Once back on the train, the journey is no less magical. The 1930s carriages—originally designed for the British royal family—envelope guests in velvet, silk, and polished wood. Evenings bring live music, dancing in the ballroom, and cocktails in the lounge, while regional Spanish cuisine shines at every meal.
At night, rest in elegant cabins with ensuite bathrooms and panoramic windows in Grand Class rooms with twin beds or Deluxe Suites with queen beds, lounge areas, and a touch of royal indulgence. And because the train never travels overnight, you’ll sleep soundly and enjoy every view in daylight.
Visit a range of cultural and historic landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Roman ruins dating back to 25 BC, and towns tied to Spain’s Moorish and Renaissance past.
Highlights of the journey include Córdoba’s Mosque-Cathedral, Cádiz—considered the oldest city in the Western world—Jerez’s equestrian ballet and winery tours, and Mérida’s Roman amphitheater. In La Mancha, travelers will see the windmills of Campo de Criptana, said to have inspired Cervantes’ Don Quixote. The penultimate stop in Toledo offers access to the city’s Gothic cathedral, a 10th-century mosque, and synagogues, before concluding at the Royal Palace of Aranjuez.
Onboard Experience
The Al Andalus train dates to the 1930s and was originally modeled after the British royal family’s carriages. Its interiors feature wood paneling, velvet and silk furnishings, and a ballroom car. The train does not travel overnight, allowing passengers to explore destinations after hours and ensuring that all travel is by daylight.
Accommodation ranges from Grand Class rooms, with twin beds and ensuite bathrooms, to Deluxe Suites with larger layouts and queen beds. Onboard service includes meals showcasing regional Spanish cuisine and live evening entertainment.
CONTACT US NOW TO MAKE THIS LUXURY TRAIN JOURNEY
PART OF AN UNFORGETTABLE TRIP TO SPAIN!
Only 18 Departures in total for 2026, and they are expected to sell out!
9 Departure Dates in 2026 - Departing from Madrid – Seville:
April: 12 and 26
May: 10 and 24
June: 14 and 28
September: 13 and 27
October: 11
9 Departure Dates in 2026 – Departing from Seville - Madrid:
- April: 5 and 19
- May: 3 and 17
- June: 7 and 21
- September: 6 and 20
- October: 4
Fares for the 2026 season start at under USD 8000 per person, double occupancy (for Grand Class accommodations).
The fare includes all excursions and scheduled visits; tickets to museums, monuments, and shows; and all meals—including those experienced off the train. Wine, water, soft drinks, mineral water, and coffee are also included with meals. Any drinks consumed outside of meals, as well as crew tips and laundry service, are not included and will attract an extra fee.
MORE ABOUT AL ANDALUS TRAIN - 40 Years of History
The Al Ándalus train is part of the national Spanish train carrier Renfe’s portfolio of Luxury Tourist Trains. With four decades of history, it offers a journey through time aboard historic, fully restored carriages once used for major trips in the early 20th century.
Every detail has been anticipated in this inclusive rail journey, allowing you to imagine yourself embraced by nostalgic luxury. Rail journeys include a deluxe coach that accompanies the train along the entire route to facilitate excursions, and a multilingual guide assists guests throughout the journey. Admission to all scheduled visits is included, along with many other onboard services and activities.
Travel aboard Al Ándalus is also a culinary experience, highlighting world-renowned products such as olive oil, sherry wine, and Jabugo Iberian ham in included onboard meals or prestigious local restaurants.
*** Images courtesy of Renfe Luxury Tourist Trains.
*** Terms & Conditions apply; ask us for full itinerary, date and pricing details.
