The Route of Palaces (Al Andalus 2026)

Flight or train to Seville on request.

You will be welcomed at 10:00 a.m. at a meeting point in Seville. Your discovery begins with a guided tour of the historic centre of the Andalusian capital, the largest in Spain.
After lunch, a panoramic view of the city awaits you, before boarding the prestigious Al Ándalus train.
A welcome drink is served onboard; the crew welcomes you, and then you take possession of your suite.
Dinner is served as the train sets off toward Córdoba.

Overnight onboard, stationed in Córdoba (DB, DI)

At breakfast, from the train windows, Córdoba unfolds in all its splendour: olive groves as far as the eye can see, golden hills under the Andalusian sun, and in the distance, the bell towers and flower-filled courtyards of the former caliphal city.

You set off to discover the Córdoba Mosque-Cathedral, a jewel of the Muslim era. The visit continues through the city, the former capital of the medieval emirate and caliphate of Al-Andalus, the brightest and most magnificent city in Western Europe during the Middle Ages. Lunch is served onboard, en route to Jerez.

In the afternoon, an excursion takes you to discover Cádiz, nicknamed the « Silver Cup » because of the radiance of its façades reflected in the ocean. Perched on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Atlantic, this port city is considered the oldest city in the West, founded more than 3,000 years ago. You stroll through its lively streets, between whitewashed houses, shaded squares and Baroque churches, breathing in the sea air steeped in history and briny iodised scents.

Dinner in Cádiz.
Return to Jerez and overnight onboard (B, DB, DI)

The morning begins with a visit to Jerez de la Frontera, an Andalusian city with an authentic charm, renowned worldwide for its equestrian traditions, bodegas and flamenco. You explore its historic centre bathed in light, from aristocratic palaces and Baroque churches to narrow lanes lined with orange trees.

A performance of the equestrian show « How the Andalusian Horses Dance », a one-of-a-kind equestrian ballet in the world, accompanied by Spanish music, is there to round off your exploration of the city.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant before visiting a well-known winery in the region.

Return onboard to Al Andalus.
Enjoy a delicious dinner while the train heads towards Zafra.

Overnight onboard, stationed in Zafra. (B, DB, DI)

While you enjoy breakfast, the train arrives at Cáceres. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this city is a true medieval treasure where every street, every square and every palace bears witness to centuries of history. A short visit first, then you watch the train as it continues on its way toward Mérida.

Lunch is served onboard.

In the afternoon, you set off to explore this ancient Roman city, founded in 25 BC under the name of Augusta Emerita, and today listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An exceptional testament to Rome’s presence in the Iberian Peninsula, the city reveals remarkable remains: an antique theatre still used for summer performances, an amphitheatre where the gladiators’ shouts could once be heard, temples and bridges, as well as superb mosaics and baths. With every step, the past comes back to life, offering a striking journey into the heart of Roman splendour.

Dinner in town.
Overnight onboard, stationed in Mérida. (B, DB, DI)

In the morning, the train takes you to Alcázar de San Juan in Castilla-La Mancha, a region famous for its wines and cheeses. And what would a complete immersion be without a tasty stop? The tour leads you to a craft cheese dairy tucked away in the heart of the countryside, where you discover the secrets behind cheese-making.
Not far from there, a wine estate opens its doors for you to discover the local grape varieties. The tasting that rounds off the visit delights the palates: fine wines, melting cheeses and delicious souvenirs.

Lunch in the surrounding area. The afternoon is devoted to visiting Campo de Criptana and its iconic windmills, which inspired Cervantes for his Don Quixote.

Return onboard of the train for dinner.
Overnight onboard, stationed in Alcazar. (B, DB, DI)

The train arrives in Aranjuez in the morning.
From there, you set off to visit Toledo, another city listed as a World Heritage Site. With its Gothic cathedral, its 10th-century mosque and its synagogues, Toledo embodies Spain’s rich cultural mix.

After lunch, you head to Aranjuez, the former summer residence of the Kings of Spain, for a magnificent visit to its Royal Palace. Nestled at the confluence of the Tagus and the Jarama, this architectural masterpiece harmoniously blends Baroque and classical influences. Outside, the vast royal gardens—also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—are perfect for a stroll.

Dinner and overnight onboard, stationed in Aranjuez. (B, DB, DI)

After one last breakfast onboard, you say goodbye to the crew and to the Al Ándalus train.
The journey ends in Madrid at around 1:30 p.m. (B)

Additional night, flight or return train from Madrid on request.