Al Andalus Express 2012 

We depart from St Pancras International by Eurostar for Paris, travelling in Standard Premier Class with a light meal and drinks served on board. We cross the city by coach to board the Francisco de Goya sleeper train for a journey through the night to Madrid in two-berth Preferente Class compartments. (E)

Breakfast is served on board the train this morning before our arrival into Madrid. We change trains in Madrid, travelling south into Andalucia on the high-speed AVE service to Seville, a unique and captivating city which provides the backdrop for the classic opera Carmen and is also the home of Flamenco. On arrival in the city we transfer by coach to the 4-star Hotel Hesperia, where we spend the night. (B,D)

You have this morning to explore Seville at leisure before we transfer to Santa Justa railway station, where we board the sumptuous Al Andalus Express luxury hotel train. After a welcome reception on board and chance to settle into your cabin, we begin our journey, travelling the short distance to Cordoba whilst enjoying lunch on board. On arrival in Cordoba we embark on a sightseeing tour, passing the 14th century Calahorra Tower, exploring the narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and taking in the Mezquita - the grandest and most beautiful mosque ever constructed. You are then free to explore the city further at your own pace before we meet for dinner in a typical local restaurant. (B,L,D)

Today we visit two of Spain's Renaissance cities; Baeza and Ubeda. We arrive into Linares-Baeza as we enjoy breakfast on board the train. The beautiful town of Baeza enjoys an incredible setting surrounded by Europe's biggest olive tree plantation; we visit the Museum of Olive Oil on our arrival. We then explore the Old Town in Baeza, a delightful, compact centre of cobbled streets and paved squares filled with beautiful Renaissance architecture and highly decorative façades. We return to the train and head to the city of Ubeda, enjoying lunch before our tour of the city. After some free time to explore at leisure, we return to the train and enjoy dinner on board as we continue through the beautiful countryside towards Granada, a beautiful town located at the foot of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. (B,L,D)

Granada's stunning Alhambra is world-renowned for its beauty. Built in the 14th century, the Alhambra, literally 'the red castle', is a fortress, palace and small town all rolled into one. The Alhambra became the residence of royalty in the middle of the 13th century, and over the next few centuries the fortress became a citadel. We also explore the breathtaking Generalife Gardens which cover the whole summit of the hill. Following lunch we explore Granada, including the Albayzin, the ancient Moorish quarter of the city which housed the artists who built the acclaimed palaces in the ancient city of Elvira, the original name of Granada before it was re-christened by the Moors. Following some free time to explore at leisure, we visit a local restaurant for dinner and enjoy a traditional flamenco show - the seductive dance which originated in Andalucia. (B,L,D)

During breakfast on board we travel through the stunning scenery of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We head towards Ronda, an historic town divided in two by its impressive gorge. We enjoy a tour of the town, including the beautiful Casa Bosco, with its terraced gardens, and the Puente Nuevo, which has fabulous panoramic views over the surrounding mountains and the incredible gorge, almost 100m deep. After lunch, we continue our journey to Cadiz, one of the oldest European cities, with a remarkable heritage. (B,L,D)

As breakfast is being served we arrive in Jerez, a town famous as the home of Sherry and for the training of beautiful Andalucian horses. Jerez is the authentic heart of Andalucia, with a beautiful Gothic cathedral and quiet, charming Old Town. We enjoy a tour of a local sherry producer, including a tour of the wine cellars. We then enjoy a spectacular Andalucian horse show at the Royal School of Equestrian Art, seeing some of the best-trained horses in the world in action. After lunch we travel to the town of Sanlucar de Barrameda, located at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River. Here we enjoy a river-boat cruise through the Doñana National Park, Europe's largest nature reserve. We return to Jerez this afternoon, where you have some free time to explore at leisure. The Alcazar, a former Moorish fortress, is well worth a visit. Otherwise, Jerez boasts a pretty old quarter with beautiful palm lined squares, excellent tapas bars and genteel boulevards, so you may just wish to relax and go for a stroll in the area. Tonight we enjoy a farewell evening on board while the train remains in Jerez. (B,L,D)

We arrive in the historic city of Seville this morning, the final destination of our journey on Al Andalus. We enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city, including the immense Gothic cathedral, the burial place of Christopher Columbus, which is dominated by the Giralda Tower - a former Moorish minaret. We also visit the impressive Plaza de España, originally built for the World Fair of 1929. Later in the day, we disembark Al Andalus Express and return to the Hotel Hesperia for an overnight stay. (B)

We leave Seville by rail this morning, travelling in Preferente class on the high-speed AVE service through the heart of Spain to Barcelona. On arrival in Barcelona we transfer to our hotel, the 4-star Tryp Apolo hotel. Our early afternoon arrival leaves plenty of time to explore the city at leisure. Perhaps take a walk through the Gothic quarter, or discover bustling Port Vell, literally 'Old Harbour'. This evening we enjoy dinner at Can Travi Nou restaurant, located in an idyllic 17th century farmhouse on the outskirts of Barcelona. (B,D)

If returning by air, you will transfer to Malaga airport for the return flight to London. (B)

We make a short rail journey from Barcelona to Figueres, where we board the direct TGV service to Paris. After crossing Paris by coach we connect with the Eurostar to London. A light meal and drinks are served on board ahead of our arrival into St Pancras International. (B,E)

E = Eurostar meal, B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
These meals, where shown, are included in the price of your holiday

We also offer the option to return to the UK by air, rather than by train. This version of our Al Andalus Express tour is one day shorter and on Day 9 when the group leaves Seville for Barcelona, those selecting the return by air option will transfer to Malaga Airport for the return flight to London.

The return by air option is not available to book online, so if you are interested in flying back to London, please call one of our Tour Advisors who will be happy to help you.