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

Arrive in Spain’s vibrant capital city and meet your private driver for the transfer to your hotel, an 18th-century restored palace in Madrid’s historic Barrio de las Letras (Literary Quarter). With the rest of the day to explore at your leisure, consider walking to the nearby Golden Triangle of Art—home to the Prado, Reina SofÍa, and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums —to discover masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, and Picasso. Or take a stroll in the World Heritage-listed El Retiro Park, following meandering paths through gardens and past statues.

Delve into the city’s historic heart on a privately guided walking tour, exploring its majestic 17th-century Plaza Mayor, a stunning example of baroque architecture with a rich history both as a past stage for the Spanish monarchy and a contemporary cultural center today. Continue to Puerta del Sol, a bustling square lined with historical landmarks and trendy tapas bars. Your guide leads you along side streets to uncover hidden gems and secret tales that add to Madrid’s intriguing story. Along the way, pause to enjoy a classic local sweet treat before returning to your hotel. (B)

Today begins your journey aboard Spain’s legendary Al Andalus, a luxurious train renowned for its belle époque-era carriages of polished wood and art deco design. Prior to boarding, you’ll gather at a meeting point to get to know your fellow travelers over lunch. Then it’s time to settle into your cabin and prepare for your journey toward Andalusia. (B,L,D)

Enjoy breakfast on board en route to Toledo, the one-time capital of Spain. Known as the “City of Three Cultures” as Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived side-by-side here for centuries, it is now a World Heritage site preserving a fascinating mix of monuments and architecture. Explore the Toledo Cathedral, a breathtaking 13th-century Gothic masterpiece, and the Synagogue of El Tránsito, celebrated for its Mudéjar plasterwork. The Alcázar of Toledo, an imposing stone fortress, dominates the city’s highest point. (B,L,D)

Leaving behind the steep, rocky terrain of Toledo, Al Andalus carries you into Spain’s La Mancha plateau, the famed literary setting for Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote. Here you can wander around the Windmills of Consuegra and Campo de Criptana that Quixote famously mistook for giants. Visit a local cheese maker and winery to savor Andalusia’s revered Manchego and world-class vintages. (B,L,D)

Arrive in the medieval city of Cáceres where the World Heritage-listed Old Town presents a harmonious blend of Roman, Islamic, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. See the Torre de Bujaco, an imposing 12th-century Moorish tower, and the Palacio de los Golfines de Abajo, a resplendent palace that once hosted the Catholic monarchs. Continue to Mérida, founded by Emperor Augustus in 25 BC and known as Spain’s “mini-Rome” as it is home to the country’s best-preserved collection of Roman ruins. Enjoy lunch amid this open-air museum, followed by guided visits to its impressive archaeological sites. (B,L,D)

Experience one of Andalusia’s most cherished traditions with a performance of the lauded equestrian ballet “How the Andalusian Horses Dance.” Choreographed by the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, the performance showcases the athleticism of the purebred Spanish horse – one of Europe’s oldest and most closely guarded bloodlines. Savor a lunch of local cuisine followed by a visit to a prestigious winery in Jerez to learn about the region’s winemaking heritage. (B,L,D)

Travel to Cádiz, renowned as one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Europe. Founded by Phoenicians around 1100 BC, this scenic city is celebrated today for its ocean-front promenades and maritime history. Wander the Barrio del Pópulo, its oldest neighborhood, and the Barrio de la Viña, a fishing district noted for its whitewashed homes and excellent tapas bars. Return to Al Andalus to enjoy lunch en route to Córdoba. Here, explore the magnificent Mosque-Cathedral, famous for having a 16th-century Renaissance cathedral built directly inside an eighth-century Moorish mosque. (B,L,D)

Arrive in Seville to explore a living museum of Moorish history, rich in Gothic and Renaissance influences. Your guided discovery centers on the city’s crowning World Heritage sites: the Mudéjar palaces and courtyards of the Royal Alcázar and the architectural marvel of the Seville Cathedral. After the tour, bid farewell to the Al Andalus crew before transferring privately to your hotel. (B,L)

Continue exploring the treasures of Seville with your private guide, delving deeper into its vibrant neighborhoods, elegant plazas, and cultural landmarks. Your final evening in Spain concludes with the passionate artistry of an authentic flamenco performance, a powerful expression of Andalusian heritage. (B)

Enjoy breakfast on your hotel before your private transfer to the Seville Airport for your onward flight. (B)