Inside the Al Andalus: one of the most luxurious trains in the world

The elegant exterior of the historic Train Al Andalus, showcasing its classic cream and maroon design, reflects the luxury and charm of vintage rail travel.

Imagine being whisked away on an unforgettable adventure through the heart of Spain's most atmospheric region, dining on the finest Spanish delicacies and savouring Andalucia's most spectacular landscapes, all the while soaking up the romance of an experience that evokes the Golden age of train travel. 

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Al Andalus train, which has been offering glamorous journeys across southern Spain since 1985.

The train

A glimpse inside the luxurious Al Andalus train reflects the classic charm of this historic travel experience.

The longest train in Spain, the Al Andalus evokes the magic of the Belle Epoque. This sumptuous palace on wheels, the train of choice for the British Royal Family during the 1920s, features 14 carriages that accommodate a total of 74 people, including two restaurant carriages, a kitchen carriage, a bar carriage and a playroom carriage.

Today, the Al Andalus is still fit for royalty, with opulent interiors and elegant furnishings that brilliantly capture the charm of the 1920s. Stretching 450 metres in length –– imagine a 150-storey skyscraper on its side –– it’s considered to be one of the nicest trains in the world, with a blend of elegance, comfort and elevated service that makes it the benchmark of luxury train travel.

The journey

Twilight descends over Úbeda, Spain, casting a serene glow on the historic rooftops and distant mountains.

One of the world’s best luxury train tours, the Al Andalus traverses through some of Spain’s most magical landscapes, passing an array of wonderful cities and towns along the way. Choose to travel from Seville to Granada or vice-versa. You’ll soak up the essence of Spain in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, savouring historic architecture and time-honoured traditions. Wend your way over to Jeréz, the home of sherry, where you’ll learn the secrets of making this Designation of Origin tipple with a trip to a famous sherry wine cellar. 

From here, you’ll marvel at the stunning white town of Ronda, which looks like something out of a film set, before making your way to the elegant city of Córdoba, where you’ll pay a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage site, the stunning Mosque of Córdoba. From here, you’ll stop off at two UNESCO World Heritage Cities, Úbeda and Baeza, where you’ll visit an olive oil cooperative for olive oil tasting. 

Weaving your way down south, you’ll arrive in Granada, where Spain’s most visited landmark awaits. The Alhambra, another World Heritage Site, is a truly spellbinding Moorish hilltop complex. You’ll stop in the historic city of Cadíz, the oldest city in the Western world, before returning to Seville and paying a visit to jewels such as the Cathedral, crowned by La Giralda, the main symbol of Seville.

The experience

The historic train offers passengers a picturesque view of the lush greenery whizzing by.

Travelling aboard the Al Andalus is like stepping back in time. It doesn’t cover great distances between destinations –– there’s an average of 150 kilometres between each port of call –– and you'll be disembarking at active train stations, affording a deep immersion in the everyday lives of locals. 

During the journey, four-course lunches and dinners are served in stylish restaurant carriages, paired with fine Spanish wines and sherries that reflect the region. 

You’ll be joined by a diverse array of people on board, including those from Spain and Latin America, as well as travellers from the US, the UK, Australia and Germany. All were drawn to the idea of travelling on the most luxurious train in the world, as well as exploring breathtaking scenery and visiting fascinating cities. 

The train is stationary by night, allowing guests to enjoy an extra peaceful night between stops, while the Al Andalus offers a new experience each day, ready to pick you up from the station and whisk you to some of Spain’s most emblematic destinations.

Make tracks in luxury

The majestic mountain landscape in Asturias, Spain

The 40th anniversary of the Al Andalus train makes it the perfect time to book your luxury vacation in Spain. However, the Al Andalus isn’t the only luxury train tour available in Spain –– there are a few other routes that capture the magic of this wonderful country, most notably in the north.

Take a trip through the north of Spain aboard the Costa Verde Express Train, taking in the best of the country’s lush green regions. From the Basque Country and Cantabria to Asturias and Galicia, you’ll pass through rolling hills and majestic mountains while savouring some of the best gastronomy in the whole of Spain.

Following a similar route along Spain’s stunning Atlantic coastline, the Transcantabrico train weaves its way from Santiago de Compostela to the regal city of San Sebastián, passing through beautiful cities such as Santander, Oviedo, Gijón and Bilbao

Further inland, the Expreso de la Robla takes a luxury tour through northern Spain’s Castilla Leon region, visiting an array of charming cities between Bilbao and León, taking in medieval towns, modern museums and sacred landmarks.

Pack your bags

Get ready for a scenic train journey through lush green forests.

An alternative to the typical luxury vacations in Spain, extravagant train tours are becoming increasingly popular. One of the most comfortable ways to explore Spain and immerse yourself in the cultures of an entire region of the country, the Al Andalus and other luxury trains capture the magic of railway history, with a unique journey that you’ll never forget.

With prices starting from €10,150 per room per person for the Al Andalus, prices are certainly not cheap. Then again, you’d expect to pay a premium for one of the most luxurious trains in the world.