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TRAIN : Al Andalus

JOURNEY : to de Compostela Journey Duration : Upto 7 days

Introduction

Spain’s luxurious, broad-gauge train resumed service in May, 2012, with its 1920s-era cars newly renovated. Enjoy the mesmerizing Spanish landscape on the Al-Andalus as you travel between two of ’s and Madrid. The train is a combination of impeccable service; elegant decor and delicious along with sheer luxury which will make you feel like royalty and ensure an unforgettable experience.

Day to Day Itinerary

Madrid- - - León – Astorga– – - A Coruña- Santiago de Compostela

Check-in 11:00hrs at Madrid Chamartin Station.

Day 1: Saturday. Madrid – El Escorial Travellers’ reception at 11am at Madrid Chamartin station. Welcome drink, presentation of the crew and accommodation in suites. We will then start the tour of the Spanish capital, home of art treasures such as the Royal , the Cathedral of Almudena, San Francisco El Grande . After at a traditional local restaurant, we will continue with the tour. Return to the train to continue the trip to the town of El Escorial. Dinner and night in El Escorial.

Day 2: Sunday. El Escorial – Segovia – Astorga

Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte . Our coach will then take us to Segovia, listed as a World Heritage City by UNESCO. After visiting this historic and beautiful city, we will return to San Lorenzo de El Escorial for lunch. The day www.luxurytrains.in Page 1

------continues with a visit to the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo, a masterpiece of Spanish . Back onboard, enjoy dinner in the train’s 1920s historic dining car while we travel to Astorga, a Roman-origin city with monuments such as the Cathedral and its Episcopal Palace, a modernist masterpiece by Antonio Gaudí. Night in Astorga.

Day 3: Monday. Astorga-León-Monforte de Lemos

We will start the day visiting León, with an home to some of the most important monuments in Spain: the Gothic Cathedral, the Romanesque frescoes in the Basilica of San Isidoro and the impressive facade of the Hospital of San Marcos. After lunch and before we continue the train journey, visit Astorga and its monuments. In the afternoon will board the train and travel into , enjoying again the experience of dining onboard while the beautiful scenery goes past through our picture widows. Arrival in Monforte de Lemos and overnight.

Day 4: Tuesday. Monforte de Lemos-Ourense

From Monforte de Lemos we will visit the most spectacular part of Ribeira Sacra, a picturesque region famous for its natural attributes, consisting of an extensive ecosystem rich in green and scenic assets. It is also famous for being a wine region, producing the so called “mencía” wines (deriving from the mencía grapes), very appreciated in traditional in Galician cuisine. Next will be Santo Estevo to visit the magnificent monastery and enjoy lunch. Return to Al Andalus, parked in Ourense, where we will have dinner and spend the night. But before that, enjoy a tour of the city, or optionally an exclusive thermal session at Outariz Spa, by river Minho.

Day 5: Wednesday. Ourense-Pontevedra-A Coruña

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------This morning presents us with breakfast while we travel to Pontevedra, where we will be taken to visit the internationally known spa island of La Toja. After this visit, from the port of , we will board a catamaran with underwater windows, on a tour through the de Arousa, where we will be shown the traditional platforms where seafood is grown, in addition to being served delicious mussels. Sail to , a historical town carved in granite. Visit of a typical Galician palace () and tasting of Albariño wine. After lunch we will return to Pontevedra, with free time to explore at our own pace one of the most beautiful and best preserved historic areas of Galicia. You can also choose to join the to , Galicia's economic powerhouse and the largest city in the region. Back on the train, we will go to A Coruña, where we will have dinner and stay overnight.

Day 6: Thursday. A Coruña-Santiago de Compostela

We will start the day visiting A Coruña, a historic port and nowadays an elegant and vibrant city that preserves a great collection of treasures from its past; get to know its famous , the only remaining working Roman lighthouse, listed as a World Heritage Site. After the , the Al Andalus will head to Santiago de Compostela. Join the tour of the city, which has been the goal of devotees for over a thousand years, featuring breathtaking places such as the Cathedral or the Plaza del Obradoiro. Dinner and overnight in Santiago.

Day 7: Friday. Santiago de Compostela

With Santiago de Compostela as a backdrop, we will enjoy our last breakfast aboard the Al Andalus train. Then our luxury coach will take us to the , where we can join the last and most emotional stage of the , walking down to the doors of the Cathedral. Optionally, travellers may enjoy free time in Santiago. After our experience, return to the train, where the crew will be waiting for us for the farewell. End of trip.

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