Art at the Belvedere Palace in Vienna
Vienna is a delightfully graceful and elegant city with some of the most spectacular palaces
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Enjoy an 11 night / 12 day holiday, including 6 nights in a Gran Class compartment on Al-Andalus with all meals, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, First Class rail from throughout and overnight stays in Barcelona, Seville, Granada, Madrid and Girona from £5,995 per person (all prices are based on two people travelling together).
An example itinerary is shown below.
Your holiday includes:
Your holiday begins as you enter stunningly restored St. Pancras International station. Take your time to appreciate the splendour of the magnificent glass roof, then sit back, relax and watch the countryside swish past as you travel by Eurostar to Paris at speeds of up to 186mph.
Enjoy the light meal and drinks served on board in Standard Premier service (Eurostar’s 1st class for leisure travellers).
On arrival in Paris your private taxi transfer will take you across Paris to the Gare de Lyon to continue your journey by TGV through France and into Spain.
You travel through the changing French landscape at high speed on this direct train to the vibrant city of Barcelona. You arrive in time for dinner or tapas before you settle into your hotel for the night, the Barcelo Sants (4 star) or the totally refurbished Nobu Hotel (5 star – supplements apply), ideally located next to Barcelona Sants train station.
Today you leave Barcelona and take the train southwards to the fabulous city of Seville.
Bathed in sunshine for much of the year, Seville is a lively, energetic city home to a myriad of historical layers and magnificent cultural landmarks.
Your base for the tonight is the welcoming, highly-rated Hotel Becquer (4 star) in the city centre.
Savour the build-up to your journey on the superb Al-Andalus this morning as you meet with your fellow travellers, ahead of a guided tour of Seville.
Enjoy the many highlights of the Andalucian capital which include the grand Gothic cathedral, which took more than a century to build, as well as the Giralda (bell tower) and the opulent Royal Palace.
After lunch visit the city’s famous Plaza España, before boarding the celebrated train.
After a welcome reception on board and the chance to settle into your cabin, the train commences its journey to Jerez.
Enjoy a sumptuous dinner on board before the train arrives in Jerez, where it remains for the night.
This morning begins with a delicious a la carte and buffet breakfast on the train.
Following this, on a tour that takes you from the train for the morning, you travel to discover Cadiz where a guided tour will provide insight into this historic city followed by free time to explore.
Return to the train and enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by the resident chef then take time to enjoy the beautiful Belle Epoque style rooms before dinner in a restaurant in Jerez.
The train will remain at the station overnight in Jerez.
After breakfast, an adventure awaits that will take you to a famous Sherry winery.
Take time on the tour to learn the secrets of making this renowned tipple.
There is also an opportunity to try some of the finest sherry produced at the winery.
Following the sherry experience in Jerez, it’s time to attend the equestrian show “How the Andalusian Horses Dance”. This is an opportunity to discover the beauty of the trained Andalusian dancing horses and watch a horse show to the sound of traditional Spanish music.
After exploring Jerez, return to the Al-Andalus Train to head for the beautiful White Village of Ronda.
En route, enjoy a hearty lunch We will liven up the afternoon with followed by performances and shows in the train’s luxurious lounge cars.
For the evening mean, travel to Ronda to dine in a local restaurant, and then return to the Al-Andalus in for the night.
After breakfast on board discover more of Ronda, an historic town divided in two by its impressive gorge.
A guide will take you through the Alameda del Tajo, the New Bridge and the Old Bridge. You will also see the oldest bullring in Spain, the Palacio Mondragón and will have free time to explore Ronda and admire the beautiful views of the Serranía.
Later you rejoin the train and embark on the impressive journey to Córdoba whilst enjoying another delicious meal on board.
Settle down as you arrive into the city, where the train stays for the night.
After breakfast, visit Cordoba, which in medieval times was an opulent city, capital of the Al Ándalus caliphate. Take time to discover one of its World Heritage Sites, in the impressive Mosque of Cordoba.
Next, return to the Al-Ándalus to regain strength with a delicious lunch while we continue on our way to the Linares station, in Baeza. Along the way, enjoy the unique landscapes of the Andalusian countryside.
Take the opportunity to relax with the views, comfortably in the privacy of your suite or in one of the train cars.
In the afternoon, visit Ubeda and Baeza, two towns that hold the title of World Heritage Cities.
Back on board, continue the route on the Al-Ándalus train bound for Granada, the home of the famous Alhambra.
During the journey enjoy dinner served on board and enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
Settle down for the night as the train spends the night at Granada station.
Today, take the opportunity to visit the most popular attraction in Spain: The Alhambra, a World Heritage Site.
Visit the beautiful palaces and gardens of this fortress that was once the home of sultans and kings.
Take the opportunity to take photos in the spectacular Nasrid Palaces and its Lions courtyards.
Relax strolling through the fabulous gardens and fountains of the Generalife Palace.
In the afternoon there will be free time to explore the center of Granada.
Round off the night with dinner at a local restaurant, where you will have the opportunities to taste the delights of Granada cuisine.
On the last day of the Al Andalus Train route, after enjoying breakfast on board, it is time to depart the train in Granada and make your way to the comfortable Hotel Aurea Cadedral (4 star) for your overnight stay.
This morning after breakfast, it will soon be time to return to the station for your onward journey to Madrid, the Spanish Capital.
Travelling northwards, you arrive into Antequera in just over an hour before changing trains for the last part of your journey today, arriving into Madrid in the early evening. Make your own way to your hotel for tonight, the highly-rated Hotel Liabeny (4 star).The evening is yours to relax or explore.
After breakfast this morning, it will soon be time for you to make your way back to the station for your onward journey to Girona. Arriving in just under 4 hours, make your own way to your hotel for tonight, the comfortable and welcoming Hotel Nord 1901 (4 star).
This afternoon, you may choose to discover more of this wonderful city. As northern Catalonia’s largest city, Girona is a jewellery box of museums, galleries and Gothic churches, strung around a web of cobbled lanes. The walled medieval quarter, the Barri Vell, is perched on a hill above the city and is well worth a visit. With its narrow cobbled alleyways, balconied houses and shady little plaças, it is a delight to explore.
Another highlight is the long row of picturesque pastel-hued houses, the Cases de l’Onyar (pictured), which cling to the banks of the Ríu Onyar, as it meanders through the centre of town. The city’s medieval Jewish quarter remains one of the best preserved in Spain.
This morning after breakfast make your way back to the station and board your high-speed TGV to Paris. On arrival at the Gare de Lyon, you will be transferred by private taxi to the Gare du Nord ahead of your Eurostar journey back to London.
Take time to reflect on the magnificent sights, sounds and tastes you have enjoyed on your holiday as you sit back and relax with a light meal and drinks before your arrival into London St. Pancras International for the final leg of your journey home.
BARCELONA
The Barcelo Sants Hotel (4 star) is a contemporary hotel featuring mostly black and white décor. Located above Sants railway station and just a 2-minute walk from Sants Estació metro station. Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished church, is 4.2 km away. Featuring wood flooring and a space-age vibe, the slick rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. All have city views. Suites add living areas, and some also add whirlpool baths. Room service is available. There are 2 restaurants (1 a buffet option) and a minimalist bar. Other amenities (all with surcharges) include a spa, a fitness room and parking.
SEVILLE
Situated in the historic old town, the Hotel Bécquer (4 star) is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the impressive Cathedral, Alcázar Fortress and the River Guadalquívir. The hotel boasts a terrace overlooking the Giralda (bell tower) and cathedral and offers an outdoor pool, snack bar and tapas bar. Guests can also relax in the Bécquer’s spa, which includes Turkish Baths, a hot tub and sauna. Each of the hotel’s 134 air-conditioned rooms comes with free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, a safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Laptops, iPads and DVD players are also available on request and subject to availability.
GRANADA
Across the street from the Renaissance-era Granada Cathedral, the stylish Hotel Aurea Catedral (4 star) is 1 km from Granada train station and 2 km from the iconic Alhambra. The warm, streamlined rooms with wood decor provide Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemakers. A breakfast buffet is complimentary. Other amenities consist of a sophisticated restaurant, a cafe/bar and a terrace.
MADRID
The elegant and distinguished Hotel Liabeny (4 star) is ideally situated in the centre of Madrid, just 200 meters from Puerta del Sol – Madrid’s most famous and central square. The hotel offers modern facilities such as a gym with sauna, a bar and lounge area, and an excellent selection of Mediterranean and International cuisine served in the Restaurante Sensaciones (Sensations Restaurant). The dining room also serves a Buffet-Style breakfast, where guests can find a large selection of pastries, cold and hot dishes and the famous home-made churros. The hotels 220 large and functional bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning and central heating, LCD flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar, a safe, free WiFi, and the bathroom features a vanity mirror, hair-dryer and toiletries. Many of Madrid’s attractions can be found a short walk from the hotel, with the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza Museums less than 10 minutes away.
GIRONA
Set on a narrow, cobblestone city street, the welcoming Hotel Nord 1901 (4 star) is a 7 minutes’ walk from Girona Cathedral, 8 minutes’ walk from the Girona Art Museum and 12 minutes’ walk from the Girona train station. The elegant rooms offer Wi-Fi & flat-screen TVs, plus minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. A breakfast buffet is served in the relaxed, airy restaurant or by the sleek outdoor pool. There’s also a garden bar with seating.
Awaiting at the platform sits a line of delightful coffee and cream coloured carriages polished to perfection and oozing a sophistication so elegant the temptation to step aboard is instant. Built in France between 1928 and 1930 the Al-Andalus hotel train is made up of the most beautiful Belle Époque carriages that will instantly transport you to a bygone era when rail travel was a luxurious experience of adventure and discovery. A time when travelling was more than just journeying from one place to another.
Travelling through Andalucía the Al –Andalus journeys through beautiful landscapes and fascinating cities allowing time for you to stop and discover the delights within but it is the experience onboard that really enhances this journey and makes this holiday adventure so much more. Allow yourself the pleasure and relaxation this rail experience provides and escape the real world for a while, indulging in the luxury and collecting memories to last a lifetime.
Beautifully restored to fully capture the style and details of the period, each and every carriage has also been updated to include modern-day luxuries. Care and consideration have meant that the historic and present have been brought together in a way that is respectful of one another and truly creates something wonderful that reflects authenticity and comfort.
Bespoke furnishings crafted to the very highest standards adorn the carriages and highly polished marquetry adds a welcoming warmth to the interior spaces. Perfectly pressed linens tempt rest, and plump soft cushions welcome relaxation. Comfort and luxury really are at the forefront of this spectacular train.
Stunning art nouveau details adorn the carriages bringing the essence of a bygone era even closer to reality. Escape into a dreamy world of travel in the 1920s and immerse yourself in the historical world so far-fetched from modern reality.
Every aspect on board the Al –Andalus hotel train is designed to help you relax and unwind, from the moment you arrive and are welcomed on board to the cabins designed to aid a restful night’s sleep, each and every detail has been created to provide a luxurious and unique experience. Exquisite cuisine using authentic ingredients is expertly prepared daily using only the very freshest of ingredients, live entertainment to delight the evenings provide the perfect opportunity to meet new people and share stories, and when you are ready to retire the space between the saloon carriages and cabins provides peace and tranquillity.
Throughout the year and tailor-made to suit your holiday needs, dependent on the Al Andalus departure dates.
For information and booking Tel: 01347 825292 or email info@planetrail.co.uk
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