Spain will soon have a new slow travel option, giving rail travelers the chance to see some of Spain’s most iconic landmarks in high style.
Starting in spring 2026, Al Andalus, the historic luxury train that has long served routes through Spain’s Andalusia region, will debut a new seven-day itinerary between Seville and Madrid, connecting some of the country’s most evocative landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and gastronomic capitals.
Passengers will spend a week traversing southern and central Spain, weaving through the olive-dotted hillsides and wine regions of Andalusia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha.
After leaving Seville, the route includes stops in Cordoba, with its 10th-century mosque-cathedral. Cadiz is one of Europe’s oldest port cities. and Mérida, with its well-preserved 8th-century Roman amphitheater and aqueduct. You’ll also see a variety of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and cities, including Campo de Criptana, whose windmill-dotted landscape is said to have inspired Miguel de Cervantes while he was writing. don quixote;Toledo is a so-called “tricultural city” with a mixture of influences from Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. and Aranjuez, a royal enclave famous for its 18th-century palaces and manicured gardens.
Tours are designed to immerse travelers in local life, including guided walking tours through centuries-old cobblestone streets, tastings at exclusive vineyards and cheese factories, and classes at artisan workshops. Entertainment also incorporates Spanish culture, with shows such as the famous equestrian ballet “How the Andalusian Horses Dance” set to Spanish music.
The vintage carriages of this train were originally built in France in 1929 and 1930 for the British Royal Family and have been meticulously restored with Art Deco details, polished mahogany paneling, and velvet and silk upholstery. On the other hand, amenities like air conditioning and Wi-Fi are attractive to modern travelers.
Accommodation is divided into two levels. The Grand Class room features a sofa and lounge chair that can be converted into twin beds for daytime naps. Deluxe suites feature a sofa that converts to a queen-sized bed, a lounge chair, and a table. All rooms have a private bathroom with shower, wardrobe, minibar and picture window.
In the dining car, the menu changes, highlighting local cuisine and seasonal ingredients. For example, try oxtail stew from Córdoba, ham from Jabugo, or manchego drizzled with local honey, all paired with Spanish wines and sherry carefully selected by our sommelier. Passengers can also gather in the lounge car for after-dinner drinks or gather in the historic ballroom car to enjoy live music and dancing.
Unlike most sleeper trains, Al Andalus does not run overnight. Instead, trains will remain overnight at various depots to maximize daylight hours on the tourist and scenic railway section through the Spanish countryside, a spokeswoman said.
Tickets for the new route start at approximately 6,600 euros (approximately 7,740 USD based on current exchange rates) per person, including meals (both onboard and in local restaurants), excursions, activities and accommodation. Extras such as drinks outside meal times, laundry and gratuities will be charged separately. Trips are already available to book on the company’s booking site, with departures in both directions available from April to October 2026.
The debut of the Seville-Madrid line comes at a time when luxury rail travel is making a comeback across Europe. In recent years, luxury routes such as the Venice Simplon Orient Express, Italy’s La Dolce Vita and the UK’s Britannic Explorer have fueled nostalgia for the romance and sustainability of rail travel.
