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IT’S all change for Spain’s most glamorous train journey – and it’s never looked better.
Al Andalus has revealed a new itinerary for 2026. This time the slow-moving, opulent palace on wheels begins and ends its journey in Madrid. A stunning seven-day trip through some of the most iconic cities and cultural sites will follow.
Imagine a luxurious stay with silver service dining, four-poster bed rails and champagne toasts while the Spanish countryside glides by your velvet-draped windows.
The route is redesigned to include Sevilla as well as Cordoba. Jerez de la Frontera and Toledo are also included, along with new stops at Extremadura.
Launched in the 1930s to ferry royals around Europe, the Al Ándalus still oozes Belle Époque charm – all silk sofas, wood-panelled walls, and soft, golden lighting.
Prices start at a cool €6,600 per person – but for that, you get a private suite, five-star food, a luxury coach for excursions, and your very own multilingual guide.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of this relic, we revisit Yzabelle’s unforgettable trip aboard the train. Below, she shares exactly what it’s like to live like royalty – on rails…….
As I sip on an ice-cold glass of Albarino, the last rays from the sun drenched endless sunflower fields near Jerez.
If there’s a secret to happiness, then the Al-Andalus luxury rail must have it.
It’s the best way to check off Andalucia’s most renowned cities on your bucket list.
Renfe has given the sampler a taste of what the luxurious trip will cost. Olive PressIt is definitely worth it.
READ MORE : The luxury train journeys in Andalucia begin next week. Take a peek inside the Al-Andalus cabs, which could rival the Orient Express.
The food was excellent, and there was a lot of culture.
After I had walked the red carpet along the platform and admired some of the vintage cars that date back to 1920s, it was time to admire the historical cars.
The British royal family used the train to holiday in France, and today the staff treats their guests like royalty.
I’ve never been treated better: after a full day of sightseeing in the city, it was great to relax on plush sofas, enjoy fresh drinks and be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable waiters.
We only saw Spain’s answer of the Orient Express at the end the first day. We’ll get to that later.
The trip began at the luxurious four-star Hotel Taberna del Alabardero, located in the center of Sevilla.
When we received our tickets in gleaming envelopes, our pleasant small-talk of getting to meet our fellow travelers was punctuated with childlike excitement.
A healthy mix of English and Spanish speakers – who came from as far and wide as Brazil and Australia – were all given an audio guide, allowing us to seamlessly experience multilingual tours throughout Andalucia’s best attractions.
The word seamless can be used to describe the entire trip.
At 8am the bell twinkles in the seven carriages, letting travellers know that breakfast is being served.
READ MORE: These 3 beauty spots in Andalucia are among the ‘must visit’ areas in Spain, according to National Geographic
The guests leave their blankets behind and towels to search for caffeine.
The restaurant car is filled with elegant piano music, fresh aromas, such as bread, jamon and fruit, and much more. More.
Around 9.30am the adventure began, often with a city walk.
The guides were knowledgeable and entertaining, providing a concise summary of our most recent stop. In addition, they provided us with a range of activities that highlighted the unique cultural identity in the area.
READ MORE: I visited Setenil de las Bodegas – a town literally carved into rock in southern Spain… these are my tips
We visited the Alcazar in Sevilla. Despite a previous visit, I learned many new facts. I also grew to appreciate Sevilla’s multicultural identity, as it is a cradle for Christian, Muslim, and Jewish religions.
We wandered around the Alcazar and the surrounding area where the opera Carmen was set.
The sounds of Andalucian chatter, fluttering fans and flamenco floated towards us as we made our way to the Plaza de España, as if to make sure we knew we were in the birthplace of many Spanish traditions.
The street entertainers gave us a glimpse of the flamenco performance we saw later in the afternoon at the Casa de la Memoria.
The dancers, who are dedicated to the preservation of this folkloric art form, radiated passion and chemistry on stage.
These cultural experiences are a must (tours to the Alhambra and Mezquita de Cordoba; Gonzalez Byass Bodega, etc.). The Al-Andalus experience is not complete without these cultural experiences (tours of the Alhambra, Mezquita de Cordoba, Gonzalez Byass bodega, etc.).
The best and most iconic venues are chosen to showcase the amazing legacy of Andalucia.
Trains travel from Sevilla to Jerez through vineyards, olive groves, and a perfect blue sky.
Read more: 10 of the coolest hotels on Spain’s coast, according to Olive Press
When we were seated for dinner, it was hard to choose whether to concentrate on our food or the stunning views.
You’re traveling alone? Do you travel alone?
The menus are designed to enhance the experience of each day, and include local wines, as well as typical dishes such a queso Payoyo or seafood from Cadiz.
The sweet, delicious sherry of our next port, Jerez lulled guests into a peaceful evening.
We set off for a day trip in Cadiz the next morning with tostada de tomate, drizzled in local olive oil.
Maria, the tour leader, gave us interesting information as we passed over the saltfields. It was a great way to add some color to what would have otherwise been a dull bus trip.
She pointed out flamingoes and told us about the area’s traditional industry, explaining the word ‘salary’ comes from Roman times when local workers were paid in salt.
After we arrived in Cadiz, local Gaditano guides gave us a walking tour to the old town and the beautiful coastline of the city.
Read more: A little-known city just an hour away from Madrid is the perfect day trip destination for literature and history lovers.
We were then given, as usual, a complete list of suggestions for how we could spend our time on that particular afternoon.
A day trip is always concluded with a four-course meal at a top quality restaurant. Casa Bigote in Sanlucar de Barameda, for example, has been a Michelin Guide institution since the 1950s. It’s located on the Guadalquivir River, facing the Donana National Park, and it’s a true institution.
During the entire trip, there are evening events in the restaurant or bar. These include talented guitarists, piano players, and even magicians.
The ‘Murder on the Al Andaluz Express’ magic show was a particular highlight, with funny, ingenious tricks that left every guest stumped.
The wine tour of Tio Pépe’s home in Jerez is another highlight.
Not only were the sherries delicious but they are rich in history with their enormous bodegas often termed the real ‘cathedrals’ of the city.
The Royal School of Equestrian Art is home to the world-famous dancing horses.
The show was flawless and elegant, and it gained speed in the second part with complex routines and impressive choreography.
Our next excursion was a guided tour of Ronda followed by some free time.
Our tour of Ronda included, despite the fact that it was a typical old town with interesting churches and a beautiful old town, a visit to a bullring.
While I wasn’t excited to be there as a vegan it was still fascinating to learn about the Spanish culture.
I stopped for an ice-cream before going to the brand-new Desfiladero del Tajo. Here, you can see Ronda’s famous Bridge.
READ MORE: ‘I visited Ronda’s answer to the Caminito del Rey to test if it’s just as hair-raising as the original – this is my verdict’
After enjoying a wonderful meal at a parador with stunning views of the countryside, we took the train to Cordoba.
The following morning we did a short tour of the old city before going to Casa Rubio, a Michelin star restaurant in the mezquita.
We also visited Ubeda, which is often overlooked but still worth visiting, and an olive oil mill.
As we travelled towards Granada, we were able to see the sun set over the Andalucian landscape.
We enjoyed a tour of the magnificent Alhambra Palace before enjoying a delicious meal at Restaurante Carmen San Miguel.
The goodbye party that evening was bittersweet, as we did not know when we’d see our new friends again.
We were lucky to have one more day left in Malaga. This included a city walk and a delicious meal.
This trip offers a good balance between rest, entertainment and activities while also giving a taste of all the jewels in this region.
I was grateful for being a part of the journey.
The Al Andalus train is a special experience which holds itself to the highest standards… and only running a few dozen trips a year.
The guests never tire of the daily indulgence in Andalucia’s culture, history, and cuisine.
If they don’t, then a deluxe room with a glass of chilled wine is just a call away.
The Al Andalus train is run by Renfe, with prices starting at €9,500 for a couple for six nights. Click here to find out more: eltrenalandalus.com
READ MORE: MUST VISIT: This charming town once dubbed the ‘rural capital’ of Spain remains one of Andalucia’s hidden gems
The Olive Press Travel News is available here.
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