Al Andalus Spanish Symphony

Al Andalus Spanish Symphony 2024

9 day train journey from Santiago de Compostela to Seville with English-speaking guides

Spain - probably one of the world’s most fascinating countries and European melting pot of oriental and occidental cultures. Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs and other peoples have created a unique cultural landscape.

The Al Andalus Spanish Symphony will lead you to some of the most beautiful cities in Spain: Sevilla, Córdoba, Toledo, Avila, León and Santiago de Compostela are some of the highlights of the tour.

Day 1. Welcome to Santiago de Compostela

Arrival and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the day at leisure and two overnights in the Parador Santiago de Compostela hotel which is said to be the world’s oldest hotel.

Overnight: Parador Santiago de Compostela (or similar). Meals included: Dinner (D)

Day 2. Rias Baixas

Rias Baixas is the name of the region where the Atlantic Ocean goes deep into the country. Beautiful beaches, wild nature and a diverse culinary scene await you. This part of Galicia is not only characterized by its unique natural beauty with its fjord coast and numerous offshore islands but also by its deep-rooted traditions. During a boat trip to the mussel beds where the world's best blue mussels and scallops are cultivated you get the chance to taste the freshly prepared seafood right away on board. In case the weather is fine you will also do an excursion to the Cies Islands, the gem of the Islas Atlanticas National Park. Afterwards, enjoy the historical fishing village Combarro. Its center is a characteristic example of Galicia's traditional architecture.

Overnight: Parador Santiago de Compostela (or similar). Meals included: breakfast (B), lunch (L) and dinner (D).

Day 3. Santiago de Compostela – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Santiago de Compostela is the final stop for 10.000 of pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago to visit the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great. Enjoy a city tour through the historic center. In the late afternoon you board the Al Andalús and settle into your compartment. While rolling southbound, you enjoy a typical Galician dinner in the board restaurant.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 4. Galicia – Fine wines and wild nature

The morning is at leisure to explore Ourense located at the Rio Miño. While enjoying lunch on board, the Al Andalús continues its journey. Welcome to Ribeira Sacra, a Spanish wine-growing region close to the Portuguese border. Enjoy a visit go a bodega including wine tasting and a river cruise in the spectacular Sil canyon and its up to 500m deep gorges.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 5. Ávila and León – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Your first stop today is León, one of the most important stops of Jacobean pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela, where you visit the gothic cathedral. Afterwards, your train continues towards Ávila (UNESCO World Heritage site). Its huge fortification from the 11th century belongs to one of the best preserved and most complete medieval fortifications in the world. At a height of 1128 m, you find the whole beauty of Castile in little space: gothic manors, narrow winding streets, great Romanic churches and for sure the 2.5 km long city wall with 28 towers. Ávila is also a centre for Spanish handicraft, especially for leather and ceramics.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 6. Toledo – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Toledo is also called the “City of three cultures” as Christians, Moors and Jews have left their influence. Toledo means living history with its churches, palaces, oriental style houses, narrow streets and an overall romantic atmosphere. You will see the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Transíto as well as the famous painting „The Burial of Count of Orgaz“ by El Greco in the church San Tomé. Enjoy some free time in the afternoon. In the evening your train continues towards Aranjuez, one of the summer residences of the royal family since the 16th century. If you like, enjoy an evening walk through the city.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 7. Córdoba – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today is dedicated to the city of Córdoba, where the Moorish Spain has experienced its intellectual, cultural and economic zenith. During the caliphate of Córdoba in the 10th century, about half a million people lived here. Christians, Jews and Muslim used to live in Córdoba peacefully. A guided tour through the old town will bring you closer to the most important buildings of the city – the Mezquita with its fascinating pillars, the former mosque and the Christian cathedral. You will also visit the Alcázar that is surrounded by wonderful gardens. You will stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter before getting back to your train.

Overnight on board. (BLD)

Day 8. Seville

City tour in Seville that brings you close to figures like "Don Juan", "The Barber of Seville", Count Almaviva from "The Marriage of Figaro" and "Carmen". You will also see the biggest gothic cathedral of the world, the Giralda, the former minarett of the Almohaden Mosque and the Alcázar as a wonderful example of Andalusian Mudéjar architecture. Enjoy an Andalusian farewell dinner in a beautiful restaurant housed in an old palace.

Overnights: Hotel Alfonso XIII (or similar). (BLD)

Day 9. Goodbye

Transfer to the airport for return flight (B).

Dates and Prices 2024

Al Andalus Spanish Symphony Santiago de Compostela to Seville 2024*: 22 - 30 August

Al Andalus Spanish Symphony is operated by Lernidee.

Payment terms for this journey: 15% Non-refundable deposit; final payment due 60 days prior to departure.

Cancellation conditions: Up to 90 days prior to departure, 15% of total price; up to 42 days prior to departure, 45% of total; up to 11 days prior to departure, 80% of total price; up to 1 day prior to departure, 90% of total price.

Journey Information, Al Andalus Spanish Symphony

Highlights

Hotels planned

Tour Prices Inclusions

Tour Prices Exclusions

Travel Documents and Vaccinations

Payment Conditions Lernidee

Cancellation Conditions Lernidee

We regret that due to the intricate logistics of this tour, itinerary changes are sometimes unavoidable.

Contact us

Please contact us to book Al Andalus Spanish Symphony or to ask any questions.