Spain’s national rail operator Renfe is gearing up to launch what may be its most opulent journey to date – a week-long rail expedition aboard the Belle Epoque-inspired Al Andalus, set to begin in spring 2026.
The route runs between Sevilla and Madrid, and over seven days, passengers will stop off in historic towns including Cordoba, Cadiz, Merida, and Toledo, feasting on regional food, sipping local wine, and soaking in sights from Roman ruins to Moorish palaces.
The Al Andalus train’s carriages, dating back to the 1930s, were originally used by the British royal family, and have been restored with velvet upholstery, polished wood panelling, and old-world glamour you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Europe.
But unlike other so-called ‘luxury trains’, this one actually stops at night. This allows guests to sleep soundly without the clatter of tracks – and step off to explore the nightlife of whichever city they’re parked in.
From Moorish capitals to Manchego country
The journey begins in Sevilla, with a guided tour of the city followed by a stop at the old parliament building, a 16th-century mix of Moorish and Renaissance design.
After boarding, guests are welcomed with a toast and a white-tablecloth dinner as the train rolls toward Cordoba.
There, passengers explore the city’s world-famous Mosque-Cathedral (Mezquita) and winding medieval lanes that once formed the capital of Islamic Al-Andalus.
The train then heads west to Cadiz, the oldest city in western Europe, where the sea breeze and crumbling churches tell stories stretching back 3,000 years.
Other highlights include:
- Jerez: with its equestrian ballet and sherry bodegas
- Merida: a UNESCO city packed with Roman ruins from 25 BC
- Alcazar de San Juan: where guests visit a cheese factory before heading to Campo de Criptana, the windmill-dotted landscape said to have inspired Don Quixote
Final stop: Madrid, via kings and cathedrals
Before arriving in Madrid, the train makes one final deep dive into Spanish heritage with a full-day visit to Toledo – a hilltop city brimming with Gothic churches, mosques, and synagogues.
Then it’s off to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, the former hunting lodge of King Philip II, surrounded by manicured gardens and fountains.
The final night brings a black-tie gala dinner on board. The next morning, one last breakfast before arriving in Madrid – full, no doubt, of jamon, strong coffee, and stories.
Booking and cost
Trains depart from Sevilla on select dates in April, May, June, September, and October 2026. Fares start at €6,600 (roughly £5,600) per person based on two sharing a Grand Class room.
That includes:
- All meals and drinks during meals (onboard and off)
- Guided excursions, entry to museums and monuments
- Onboard accommodation and service
It does not include: drinks between meals, crew tips, or laundry.
Tickets are available to book now via Renfe’s official site, or by calling the luxury train division directly at +34 91 255 59 12.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
