Andalusian Cities Luxury Train

Andalusian Cities Luxury Train

These are the Al Andalus cities and towns that are visited by Al Andalus luxury train - Cordoba, Granada Jerez Rhonda, Linares-Baeza, Seville and Ubeda

History of Al Andalus

This section is an extract from Wikipedia.

Spain's Cities & States, 1000 AD Morningstar1814

Al-Andalus,^[a] also known as Muslim Spain, Muslim Iberia, or Islamic Iberia, was a medieval Muslim territory and cultural domain that in its early period included most of Iberia, today's Portugal and Spain. At its greatest geographical extent, it occupied the northwest of the Iberian peninsula and a part of present day southern France Septimania (8th century) and for nearly a century (9th–10th centuries) extended its control from Fraxinet over the Alpine passes which connect Italy with the remainder of Western Europe.^[1][2][3] The name more generally describes the parts of the peninsula governed by Muslims (given the generic name of Moors) at various times between 711 and 1492, though the boundaries changed constantly as the Christian Reconquista progressed,^[4][5][6] eventually shrinking to the south around modern-day Andalusia and then to the Emirate of Granada.

Under the Caliphate of Córdoba, al-Andalus was a beacon of learning, and the city of Córdoba, the largest in Europe, became one of the leading cultural and economic centres throughout the Mediterranean Basin, Europe, and the Islamic world. Achievements that advanced Islamic and Western science came from al-Andalus, including major advances in trigonometry (Geber), astronomy (Arzachel), surgery (Abulcasis), pharmacology (Avenzoar),^[9] agronomy (Ibn Bassal and Abū l-Khayr al-Ishbīlī),^[10] and other fields. Al-Andalus became a major educational center for Europe and the lands around the Mediterranean Sea as well as a conduit for cultural and scientific exchange between the Islamic and Christian worlds.^[9]

For much of its history, al-Andalus existed in conflict with Christian kingdoms to the north. Ultimately, the Christian kingdoms in the north of the Iberian Peninsula overpowered the Muslim states to the south. Although al-Andalus ended as a political entity in 1492, the nearly eight centuries of Islamic rule has left a significant effect on culture and language in Andalusia.^[12]

Al Andalus Cities and Sites on the Al Andalus Luxury Train Itinerary

Full details of the itinerary of Al Andalus luxury train are here.

Monday: Seville

The capital of Andalusia, Seville has Spain's most extensive historic city centre.

The Gothic Cathedral is the third largest church in the world, after St Peter's in Rome and the Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida, Brazil.

The impressive Plaza de España was built for Expo 29, the Ibero-American Exhibition of 1929.

Bizet set his 'Carmen' opera in Seville; seek out Le Secret de Carmen, a charming little shop with a very knowledgeable owner.

Tuesday: Jerez.

Jerez has been linked with sherry for centuries. Revisit the delicate taste and aromas of sherry at a sherry bodega.

Jerez is the home of the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art: watch an equestrian ballet with eighteenth century Spanish music and costumes.

Visit Sanlúcar de Barrameda overlooking the salt marshes of Doñana National Park and river Guadalquivir’s mouth.

Wednesday: Cádiz.

Take time in Cádiz, believed to be one of the oldest cities in Europe, Phoenicians, Romans and Moors have lived here.

The Phoenicians founded the settlement in 1100 BC and traded between Spain, Britain and into the Baltic. In the 1700s, the majority of Spanish trade with the Americas passed through the port.

The Torre Tavira was used for sighting ships. The 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral is on the waterfront.

Thursday: Ronda.

Ronda is split by a deep gorge - El Tajo - between the (15th century) new town and its old Moorish town. Puente Nuevo is the bridge across the gorge.

Plaza de Toros is a well-known 18th century bull-fighting ring. Palacio de Mondragón was a Moorish palace; there are mosaics and landscaped gardens.

Friday: Granada.

The ancient city of Granada has been central to Spanish history. The Moorish legacy is nowhere more apparent than in the Alhambra and the captivating Jardines del Generalife.

Albaicin, Sacramonte and its cathedral (the first Spanish Renaissance church) are further jewels in this city that crowns Andalusia.

Granada is famed for flamenco, not always a revered dance form but now much appreciated as essentially Spanish.

Saturday: Linares-Baeza and Ubeda

Olive Oil Museum

Úbeda and Baeza are the province of Jaén,. They are examples of the Renaissance in Andalusia in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Baeza has a remarkable Renaissance legacy and a fine Cathedral. The Palace of Jabalquinto and the Seminary of San Felipe Neri are worthy of admiration. The Plaza del Pópulo, with the Casa del Pópulo and the Fuente de los Leones fountain, are worthy of note.

In Úbeda, Plaza de Vázquez de Molina displays Renaissance architecture as well as El Salvador Chapel, Santa María de los Reales Alcázares and Las Cadenas Palace.

Other gems include the Palace of Marqués de Mancera and the Hospital of Santiago.

Sunday: Cordoba

Cordoba is a fusion of Roman, Moorish and Renaissance architecture. Of particular value are Reales Alcazares, built in 1328, and the incredibly beautiful Mosque / Cathedral of the Juderia.

Final destination, Seville. Journey ends: 17:00hrs approx.

Al Andalus Luxury Train

The lounge, bar, restaurant carriages and five of the sleeping cars of Al Andalus luxury train were built in France between 1929 and 1930 by the Wagon-Lits Company. They have been restored to their original splendour, which is matched by the attentive on-board service.

Al Andalus is the epitome of romantic travel; Belle Epoque charm mingles with the comfort of the modern age.

Al Andalus has seven sleeper cars. All suites are individually air-conditioned with private bathrooms. During the day, beds can fold into comfortable couches so that each suite becomes a private lounge.

Al Andalus has 20 Deluxe Suites with double beds and 12 Grand Class Suites with twin beds.

Contact for Booking Al Andalus Luxury Train

Please contact us to book Al Andalus luxury train or to ask any questions.