Across the Heart of Spain by Train: A Tailor-Made Journey featuring the Al Andalus

11 days from $17,500

Experience the romance of rail travel as you journey through the heart of Spain aboard the elegant al Andalus train, exploring legendary places from Madrid to Andalusia. Take in ever‑changing views of the Spanish countryside as you travel to the World Heritage site of Toledo, the Roman ruins of Mérida, Córdoba’s extraordinary Mesquita, and beyond. Savor local cheese and wines, and cap off the journey with two nights in Seville, where a flamenco performance brings Andalusia’s spirit vividly to life.

Train Journeys

Tailor-Made Journeys

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Highlights

Explore the historic heart of Madrid on a guided walking tour, discovering its grand avenues and hidden corners.
Spend six nights aboard the elegant Al Andalus train, enjoying ever‑changing views of Spain between destinations.
Marvel at the extraordinary architecture of UNESCO‑listed Toledo, shaped by centuries of cultural exchange.
Relax in Seville’s sun‑drenched squares and experience the passion of a traditional flamenco performance.

Sample Itinerary

To see itinerary, please click on an option below.

The following itinerary is a sampling of the experiences that we offer on a Tailor-Made Journey. Working with our country specialists, you can customize your itinerary to fit your timing, your budget, and your interests, including accommodations, activities, and the places you visit.

Day 1 — Madrid

Arrive in Madrid and meet your private transfer for the journey to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure, allowing time to rest after your flight or begin soaking in the atmosphere of Spain’s vibrant capital at your own pace.

Catalonia Las Cortes

Day 2 — Madrid

This morning, meet your private guide for a walking tour through the historic heart of Madrid. Stroll through the grand Plaza Mayor and the lively Puerta del Sol, then venture beyond the main thoroughfares to uncover lesser‑known corners and hidden gems that reveal the city’s layered past. Along the way, pause to enjoy a classic local sweet treat before returning to your hotel. (B)

Catalonia Las Cortes

Day 3 — Madrid / Al Andalus Train

Today marks the beginning of your journey aboard Spain’s elegant Al Andalus train. Transfer to the meeting point, where you’ll enjoy a guided introduction to Madrid’s history and artistic heritage. Gather with fellow passengers for lunch before boarding the train and settling into your cabin as the journey through southern Spain begins. (B,L,D)

Al Andalus

Day 4 — Toledo

Enjoy your first breakfast on board before traveling to Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial capital. Explore its extraordinary architecture, shaped by centuries of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influence, as you wander through winding streets and historic monuments before returning to the train. (B,L,D)

Al Andalus

Day 5 — La Mancha

Discover the traditions of La Mancha, a region synonymous with Spain’s rural heritage. Visit a local cheese producer and winery, and stop at the iconic windmills of Campo de Criptana, famously associated with Don Quixote. These classic landscapes offer a vivid glimpse into Spain’s cultural imagination.(B,L,D)

Al Andalus

Day 6 — Cáceres & Mérida

Explore the medieval city of Cáceres, where remarkably preserved streets and palaces transport you back in time. Continue on to Mérida for lunch, followed by a guided visit to its impressive Roman archaeological sites, including theaters and temples that speak to the city’s ancient importance. (B,L,D)

Al Andalus

Day 7 — Jerez

Experience one of Andalusia’s most celebrated traditions with a performance of the renowned equestrian ballet “How the Andalusian Horses Dance.” After a local lunch, visit a prestigious winery in Jerez, learning about the region’s winemaking heritage before returning to the comfort of the train. (B,L,D)

Al Andalus

Day 8 — Cádiz & Córdoba

Travel by luxury coach to sun‑drenched Cádiz, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. After exploring its historic center, return to the train for lunch as you continue toward Córdoba. Visit the breathtaking Mosque‑Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece reflecting centuries of religious and cultural exchange. (B,L,D)

Al Andalus

Day 9 — Seville

Arrive in Seville this morning and enjoy a guided tour of the city’s historic center, rich in Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance influences. After the tour, bid farewell to the Al Andalus crew before transferring privately to your hotel. (B,L)

Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza

Day 10 — Seville

Continue exploring Seville with your private guide, delving deeper into its vibrant districts, elegant plazas, and cultural landmarks. This evening, experience the passion and artistry of an authentic flamenco performance, a powerful expression of Andalusian tradition. (B)

Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza

Day 11 — Return home

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to Seville Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Spanish journey to a close. (B)

Included meals are denoted as follows: Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Reception (R), Dinner (D)

The fountain at the Plaza de Cibeles, Madrid

Slideshow

Starting Price

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from $17,500

Occupancy	Double
Estimated Price	$17,500

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Prices shown are per person based on double occupancy, and do not include international air. Reduced pricing may be available for triple or quad accommodations, or for parties of six or more travelers.

Starting price reflects the itinerary shown here, and are intended as a broad indication of how much you should budget for your trip. We can tailor your trip to match your budget by adjusting the trip duration or departure date, and choosing accommodations and activities that suit your needs and interests.

Prices are based on rates of exchange, airfare & fuel (where applicable), tariffs, taxes, and other costs as of the tour publication date. We reserve the right to correct errors and to increase program prices to cover increased costs, tariffs, and taxes received after prices are published and to reflect currency fluctuations.

Tour Details

Accommodations

Catalonia Las Cortes
Madrid, Spain

Housed in a restored 18th‑century palace in the heart of Madrid, Catalonia Las Cortes enjoys a prime location near the Prado Museum and Puerta del Sol. The boutique hotel features a breakfast room, bar, complimentary Wi‑Fi, and inviting common areas that blend historic character with modern comfort. Guest rooms are individually styled and include air conditioning, private bath with hair dryer, minibar, TV, in‑room safe, and coffee‑ and tea‑making facilities, offering a comfortable base for exploring the Spanish capital.

Hospes Las Casas Del Rey De Baeza
Seville, Spain

Set within a collection of restored traditional houses in Seville’s historic center, Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza blends Andalusian character with contemporary comfort. The boutique hotel features a restaurant and bar, spa and wellness facilities, rooftop plunge pool, courtyard patios, and complimentary Wi‑Fi. Guest rooms are elegantly styled and include air conditioning, private bath with hair dryer, minibar, TV, in‑room safe, and modern amenities, offering a refined and atmospheric base for exploring Seville.

Gift Membership – Friends of Smithsonian

When you travel on a Tailor-Made Journey, you will receive a Friends of the Smithsonian Archivist Circle membership*. Benefits include:

An annual Smithsonian calendar with full-color images of exceptional art and artifacts, mailed in the fall.
Subscription to Smithsonian, the award-winning magazine of the arts, sciences, and history.
Invitations to four exclusive virtual programs for Friends of the Smithsonian members with Smithsonian experts.
Access to special members‑only hours at select Smithsonian venues.
10% discount in Smithsonian Museum Stores (good on purchases up to $200); 10% discount with the SmithsonianStore.com, and Folkways Recordings
Special member rate for tickets to the Smithsonian’s IMAX® theaters and Einstein Planetarium.
Free admission to the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
A complimentary copy of the Smithsonian annual pocket guide profiling exhibitions and work across the Institution.
Invitation to a special welcome members-only tour at a Smithsonian Museum (offered one time to Archivists upon joining at this level).

*Offer only available for first-time Smithsonian members.

Travel Insurance

For the convenience of our travelers, Smithsonian Journeys includes a basic medical expense and evacuation plan through Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand, at no additional charge. This plan provides post-departure Medical and Dental coverage of $250,000 per person and Emergency Assistance and Transportation coverage of $1,000,000 per person (U.S. Residents Only). Note: For full details regarding these coverages please review the following Plan Documents here.

In addition, we recommend that travelers purchase a travel protection plan to help protect their travel investment from unforeseen events such as cancellation due to illness, flight delays due to adverse weather, baggage loss, and more. For your convenience, Smithsonian Journeys offers an optional Travel Protection Plan administered by Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand. For those interested, optional "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage is available for an additional charge. Note: Certain eligibility requirements apply and Cancel for Any Reason coverage is not available to New York residents. For full details regarding this coverage please review the following Plan Documents here.

To learn more about the Travel Protection Plan, you may visit https://www.generalipartner.com/smithsonianjourneys or call the administrator, Trip Mate, a Generali Global Assistance & Insurance Services brand at (866) 501-3252.