Al Andalus
Expreso
2003
The Journey
Step back in timeenjoy tranquillity, peace, relaxation, adventure, discovery, culture, and gastronomy on this unforgettable journey on this vintage train.
The Al Andalus Expreso affords us a journey through the centuries, through history and culture, without missing the slightest detail of the landscape along the way. Andalusia is one of the most beautiful and unique regions of Spain. It was occupied by the Arabs for six centuries. It is the birthplace of flamenco and "tapas". Today it remains unspoiled, with its immense olive groves, marvelous white villages, magnificent cathedrals and above all its people, the Andalusians.
Our select personnel will ensure that your journey is as pleasurable as possible. Travel through millions of olive trees and sunflowers or through mountains and fertile valleys, enjoying a game of cards, reading the newspaper or watching a video, all accompanied by your favorite drink.
The Train
The Al Andalus Expreso is a luxury hotel on wheels, offering
a unique vantage point from which to admire the Spanish countryside.
Traveling aboard this magic train across the vast and varied
landscape of Andalusia is an unforgettable experience
a privilege of romantic recollections with the mark of elegance
and distinction.
Al Andalus is made up of fourteen cars: a kitchen car, two restaurant cars (Alhambra and Gibralfaro), the Giralda bar car, a lounge and games car (Medina Azahara), seven sleeping cars, a staff car and the engine. The train has recently been completely restored, maintaining its original decor but at the same time adding the comforts of modern trains. The deluxe sleeping cars were constructed in France in 1929 with Belle Epoque décor. Cabins offer two beds and private bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. During the day one of the beds becomes a comfortable sofa while the other folds up, leaving space for a table and chair. There are drawers and a wardrobe for storage. The cabins have air conditioning/heating with individual controls and a safe.
The Cuisine
Along with the marvelous natural landscapes, monuments and artistic
performances that you will enjoy on your journey, we have included
gastronomic samples which, whether on board the train or in some
of the best restaurants of the areas we will visit, allow you
to take in the full range of Andalusian cuisine.
This region offers a wide variety of products that make up the Mediterranean diet, which is largely based on olive oil. Its coasts provide us with succulent fish and seafood. Its Serrano ham and Iberian cold meats are famous along with its cheeses, while the region's meadows and fields give us all our necessary vegetables. And what would Andalusia be without its gazpachos, desserts and handmade cakes? Don't forget its sherries and fine wines.
The Itinerary
SEVILLE SEVILLE
6 days/5 nights
DAY 1, SUNDAY: SEVILLE
CORDOBA (L, D)
Board the Al Andalus Expreso at Santa Justa train station just
after noon. Shortly thereafter, the train begins its route through
the incredible and fascinating cities of Andalusia. Lunch will
be served en route to Cordoba. Afternoon sightseeing tour of
Cordoba (Mosque, Jewish Quarter, ...), where several ancient
cultures are joined in perfect harmony like no other place in
the world. After the visit, we will dine in a typical restaurant
of the area, "El Churrasco." Return to the Al Andalus
for a comfortable overnight.
DAY 2, MONDAY: CORDOBA
BAEZA/GRANADA (B, L, D)
Breakfast on board the Al Andalus. We start the day with a visit
to the Almazara Museum, where we will see the process used to
extract oil from olives. Brief visit to the monumental city of
Baeza on foot. Lunch at "Valdelvira Restaurant" in
Baeza. After lunch we return to the train and enjoy dinner on
board while traveling to Granada. This evening we will also enjoy
a flamenco show at "Tablao Albayzin." Night spent on
the train.
DAY 3, TUESDAY: GRANADA
LA BOBADILLA (B, L, D)
Breakfast on board the train. Sightseeing tour of the Alhambra
fortress and palaces and the incomparable "Jardines del
Generalife". Lunch will be served at "La Ermita"
in Granada followed by free time to explore this enchanting city
and to perhaps buy some local crafts. Return to the train and
enjoy dinner on board while heading to La Bobadilla. A pianist
will offer evening entertainment in the "Giralda" bar
car. Overnight on board.
DAY 4, WEDNESDAY: BOBADILLA
RONDA JEREZ (B, L, D)
After breakfast on board the Al Andalus, transfer by coach to
Ronda. In Ronda, sightseeing in the Old City-scene of the last
great rising of the Moors against Ferdinand and Isabella. Sights
include the Palace of the Marqués de Salvatierra and the
oldest bullring in Spain. Lunch at the "Parador de Ronda."
Return to the train and departure for Jerez de la Frontera. Dinner
will be served on board, and musicians will entertain in the
bar car this evening. Overnight on the train.
DAY 5, THURSDAY: JEREZ
SEVILLA (B, L, D)
Sightseeing begins after breakfast on board with a coach excursion
to Jerez, the town whose name has been Anglicized to "sherry."
Enjoy a show at the Royal Spanish Riding School of Equestrian
Art, followed by an afternoon visit to local wineries. Enjoy
wine-tasting and a tapas lunch at the famous Gonzalez Byass.
Return to the train, which will depart for Seville. Upon arrival,
transfer by horse-drawn carriage to the restaurant "La Albahaca"
for a final dinner with live music. Return to the train for a
final overnight.
DAY 6, FRIDAY:
SEVILLE (B)
Breakfast on board the Al Andalus. Journey ends at Santa Justa
Station at 11:00 a.m.
Dates of Departure:
Train departs most Saturdays between March and November (limited departures in July and August):
March 16, 30
April 6, 13, 20, 27
May 4, 11, 18, 25
June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
July 6
August 3, 31
September 7, 14, 21, 28
October 5, 12, 19, 26
November 9, 23
2003 Per Cabin Rates
Double: $5,554
Single: $4,070
LAND ARRANGEMENTS INCLUDE
* Accommodation on board
"Al Andalus Expreso" 6 days / 5 nights
* All meals detailed in itinerary
* Visits and entrance fees to places of interest with special
guides.
* Wine, water and coffee with all meals.
* All applicable taxes.
(These rates exclude flights and transfers.)
City Packages:
MADRID CITY PACKAGE
Includes:
* Private transfer to hotel from Madrid airport
* 2 night stay at Hotel Ritz (Deluxe) or Hotel Lope de Vega (Superior)
* Transfer from hotel to Atocha Train Station* Round trip first
class tickets on AVE train, Madrid-Seville
Price, per person
in double at Hotel Ritz: $637; single: $868
Price, per person in double at Hotel Lope de Vega: $433; single:
$596
SEVILLE CITY PACKAGE
Includes:
* Private transfer to hotel from Seville airport or train station
* 2 night stay at Hotel Alfonso XIII (Deluxe) or Hotel Ciudad
de Sevilla* Transfer from hotel to Santa Justa train station
Price, per person
in double at Hotel Alfonso XIII: $488; single: $720
Price, per person in double at Hotel Ciudad de Sevilla: $195;
single: $326
Prices may fluctuate in Seville during Holy Week and April Fair. Available upon request.
Useful Information
SCHEDULED DEPARTURE
DATES
All departures are guaranteed.
PERSONNEL
There is a crew of about 25 people on board whose only aim is
to make your stay memorable and enjoyable.
* Hostesses: Three hostesses, who speak several languages,
will accompany you throughout the tour, during meals, visits
and sightseeing tours. They will be available to answer any questions,
guide you and help at any given moment.
* Local Guides: For all of our visits we have contracted
professional local guides, specially chosen for the Al Andalus
train.
CLOTHING
We recommend comfortable clothing and footwear, especially for
the excursions. We suggest more formal clothing for dining, but
black tie is not necessary.
CATERING ARRANGEMENTS
All breakfasts, the welcome cocktail, one lunch and three dinners
are served on board the train. The remaining meals are in restaurants
especially selected for this trip. The catering for the entire
journey, whether on board or in restaurants, is according to
previously arranged menus. In the case of any special dietary
needs, please inform your agent when making your reservation.
SAFES
There is a safe in each cabin for passenger use.
TRANSFERS AND EXCURSIONS
One or two luxury coaches accompany the train during the tour
and are used to take us on the visits to restaurants, sightseeing,
etc.
ON BOARD SERVICES
Telephone, games, brochures, videos, magazines, envelopes and
first aid kit are all available on request from the hostesses.
LUGGAGE
The Al Andalus does not have a weight limit for luggage. However,
due to the inherent limits within the train, we recommend travelling
as lightly as possible. On the AVE there is a weight limit of
15 kg. per person; any excess will be charged directly to the
passenger.
TIPS
If you wish to leave a tip please give it to any of our hostesses.
This will later be divided among the whole crew.
EXTRA NIGHTS
In our selected hotels, we feature special prices, only available
to Al Andalus passengers. Please request these upon booking.
INSURANCE
We highly recommend a personal insurance policy for medical assistance,
robbery and for cancellation arrangements. A brochure about tour
interruption/cancellation insurance will be sent upon confirmation
of your booking.
MISCELLANEOUS
Al Andalus reserves the right to modify or alter the program/prices
without previous notification or due to reasons beyond our control.
Terms & Conditions
Cancellation
Cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellation penalties
are as follows:
Date of cancellation
Penalty
* More than 60 days before departure $200 per cabin
* 60-31 days before departure date ......20% of tour cost
* 30-21 days before departure date ...40% of tour cost
* 21-1 days before departure date ...100% of tour cost
* No show......................................100% of tour cost
There is no refund for non-use of any service which is part of the program except AVE train tickets, which must be cancelled at least two days in advance. Refunds are subject to AVE penalties.
Cancellation charges may not be applied if the passenger is merely changing the departure date of the tour, always with a minimum of 30 days before departure date.
Insurance
This program is covered by Iberrail Basic Obligatory transport
insurance. This insurance will only cover the passenger during
the trip in the terms specified in the program and starting and
finishing at the departure city. All passengers are covered by
RENFE Accident Insurance, only in case of death, physical injuries,
health care assistance, goods damage, by insurance policy number
057-9509902411, while on board the train.
We highly recommend a personal insurance policy for medical assistance,
robbery and for cancellation arrangements also for accident or
medical injuries.
Cancellation of tour
If, due to circumstances beyond our control (i.e. strike, total
or partial breakdown of the train ), Iberrail S.A. reserves the
right to cancel one or all of the scheduled departures of the
Al Andalus Expreso. If, as a result, the client cannot travel,
Iberrail S.A. will return any deposits. However no compensation
payment will be made as the train is unique and cannot be replaced
by anything similar.
Confirmation of reservation
A deposit of $1,000 is required in order to confirm reservations.
This deposit will be subject to the general cancellation conditions.
The balance is due 60 days prior to departure.
Changes in price or
program
Al Andalus reserves the right to modify prices at any time, without
prior notice, before sending written confirmation of the reservation.
Al Andalus reserves the right to modify the tour program (visits,
restaurants, hotels, etc.).
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-478-4881 or 502-454-0277
www.irtsociety.com
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