Al Andalus Luxury Train Extremadura Route: Seville-Madrid

Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. #107 Miami FL 33181 USA 800-724-5120 / 786-408-0610 Call Us 1-800-724-5120

Step aboard the luxurious Al Andalus, the Palace on Wheels of Spain, for an unforgettable journey filled with rich history where you will feel like royalty throughout. In this delightful journey you will visit the captivating cities of Seville, Huelva, Merida, Plasencia, Monfrague, Toledo, Aranjuez and Madrid. Learn all about the fascinating culture and history of these places while exploring Museums, touring Natural Parks and enjoying a boat ride along the way. While the train travels from one town to the next, just kick back, relax and enjoy some exquisite meals prepared by our onboard chefs. Spend free time as you wish in each city and get a chance to shop or learn more about each destination. A wonderful and incomparable luxury tour! Tour Highlights:

All Inclusive Train Cruise in Spain No Packing and Unpacking Visit the Roman city of Emerita Augusta Visit the World Heritage cities of Caceres and Toledo Culinary Tastings of Local Products Visit the Monfragüe Natural Park

Itinerary Day 1 - June 16, 2018: Welcome Aboard the Al Andalus in Seville Rendezvous at Hotel Alfonso XIII in Seville at 10.30am. Luggage will be transferred to the train while we visit the capital of Andalusia, boasting the most extensive historic city centre in Spain, home to the Gothic Cathedral, its bell tower named Giralda, the Royal Alcazar and the General Archive of the Indies. Return to the Al Andalus and welcome cocktail with the crew. Lunch onboard while travelling to Zafra. Visit this historic town that preserves significant traces of its rich past. Dinner and overnight in Zafra.

Day 2 - June 17, 2018: Tour of Mérida and Visit the National Museum of Roman Art

Just as every day, we begin the journey with a delicious buffet and a la carte breakfast while the train takes us to Mérida, capital of Extremadura, where we will spend the day. Visit an Iberian pig farm, the Lake Proserpine, Milagros Aqueduct and the town’s Roman temples. After lunch, we will discover the National Museum of Roman Art, the Amphitheatre and the Roman Theatre. Free time before dinner.

Overnight in Mérida. Day 3 - June 18, 2018: Tour and Lunch in Cáceres Journey to Cáceres, an impressive Roman-origin city with an almost intact historic city centre listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Guided city tour followed by lunch and free time. Optional activities include a visit of Vostell Museum or Helga de Alvear Foundation. Dinner onboard and overnight in Cáceres. Day 4 - June 19, 2018: Visit Monfragüe Natural Park

We will travel to Monfragüe while having breakfast to enjoy a morning in nature, visiting this National Park home to over 200 species of vertebrates, and many more that winter here or can be seen during migration to other latitudes. After the tour, enjoy lunch and entertainment onboard. Dinner and overnight in Monfragüe.

Day 5 - June 20, 2018: Visit Torrijos, Toledo and Aranjuez

Al Andalus Luxury Train Extremadura Route: Seville-Madrid(© www.palacetours.com) 1/7 The Al Andalus train will take us to Torrijos, from where we will board our coach for Toledo. Visit to the Visigoth capital listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, an "Imperial City" where the Christian, Muslim and Jewish cultures coexisted for centuries. Once we have lunch, there will be free time to get embraced into Toledo’s enchanting spell. Back at the train and while having dinner, we will go to Aranjuez, the Royal Site of the Spanish Crown since the 16th century. Overnight in Aranjuez.

Day 6 - June 21, 2018: End Your Journey in Madrid After enjoying our last breakfast onboard, we will visit the town of Aranjuez, with its magnificent Royal Palace and extensive manicured gardens, before visiting the historic winery Carlos III. Back on the train, and over lunch, the Al Andalus will take us to Madrid, where the trip ends.

Destination Information Aranjuez Aranjuez is a town lying 48 km south of Madrid, at the confluence of the Tagus and Jarama rivers. Aranjuez is known for the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, one of the Spanish royal sites, and its vast gardens. The Tagus valley has been intensively farmed since medieval times and the strawberries of Aranjuez are famous throughout Spain. Internationally, Aranjuez has become known through the Concierto de Aranjuez by Joaquin Rodrigo.

Cáceres Cáceres is the capital of the same name province, in the autonomous community of Extremadura, Spain. It was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1986 because of the city's blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance architecture. Long ago, in Extremadura, Cáceres was, and still is, a city that offers an excellent example of evolution. Well defined by two time periods or eras: The Arabic fortress and the feudal city. Still maintains its roots and history thanks to the people, who have been able to pass on to the next generation, and has been able to protect, one of the best examples of the medieval and renaissance eras of the world. Its palaces and ancestral homes, once inhabited by lords' families and public institutions, with their coats of arms, their towers and machicolations, demonstrating the defensive character of the city. The attraction for the traveler to the city's beauty will create the desire to get lost within its labyrinth of medieval streets and plazas, under its arches, its towers and its battlements; within its churches, beautiful convents and amazing palaces. The traveler will discover the mixture of styles in its architecture from the Arabic through the northern Gothic, the Italian renaissance and the influential legacies of the Americas. He or she will always find peace, quietness and temperance within its inns and restaurants, that with their country cuisine and wines from excellent grapes, will rejuvenate in the stillness of a patio or simply a refreshing shadow. Cáceres is a city we are certain will occupy a privilege place in the memories of the visitor.

Madrid Madrid is the capital and largest city of Spain. The culture of Madrid was dominated by its religious and royal history, evident by enormous, monolithic cathedrals and churches, although nowadays Madrid is just as much a cosmopolitan city as Berlin or London, full of new architecture, life style and nightlife. Madrid is best known for its great cultural and artistic heritage, and is considered one of the top European destinations concerning art museums. Best known is the "Golden Triangle of Art," located along the Paseo del Prado and comprising three museums, the Prado Museum, the Thyssen Bornemisza Museum, and the Reina Sofia Museum, which is home to Pablo Picasso's Guernica.

Merida

Monfrague

Seville

Al Andalus Luxury Train Extremadura Route: Seville-Madrid(© www.palacetours.com) 2/7 Seville is the artistic, cultural, and financial capital of southern Spain, and capital of Andalusia. The Cathedral of Seville is now arguably the largest church in the world when compared using the measurement of volume, and is also the final resting place of the remains of Christopher Columbus. La Giralda is a large and beautiful minaret tower, originally intended for the chief mosque, but now is the magnificent bell tower of the Cathedral and prominent symbol of Seville. The Real Alcázar is a beautiful palace, built in Mudéjar (Moorish) style in the 14th century. With its myriad of rooms, extravagant architecture, lavish gardens with many courtyards, ponds and secrets to be explored, it is a fascinating place to visit.

Toledo An often overlooked gem, Toledo sits majestically above the the Tagus River in central Spain. The history of Toledo dates back to Roman occupation (Toletum) circa 192BC, followed by Visigothic rule, Muslim rule and finally the Reconquest of Toledo in 1085AD. Toledo was the capital of the Spanish empire until the mid 1500's when the royal court moved to Madrid. Toledo was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage and place of coexistence of Christian, Jewish and Moorish cultures. Don't miss the centerpiece of Toledo, its Cathedral, and the baroque Transparente behind the main altar. The Cathedral also has a great art gallery with works by Raphael, Rubens, Goya, Titian, and one of El Greco's major works, The Disrobing of Christ.

Price Chart

Your tour price includes:

Accommodation onboard in Grand Class Room. A la carte and buffet breakfasts every day. All dinners and lunches, with the finest cuisine aboard the train or in top restaurants (including wine, water, soft drinks and coffee). Welcome drink and snack. Farewell party. Traveling toiletries bag courtesy of Renfe Viajeros (with amenities and slippers). Free mineral water available in the cabin’s minibar. Activities on board: music and live performances, parties in the pub car, show cooking and cocktails, dancing, etc. Tickets to museums, attractions and shows. Excursions and scheduled tours. Luxury coach accompanying the train along the trip. Two Renfe train tickets with a 50% discount: one to the starting point and the other back from the end of the tourist trip. Taxes and services. Newspapers and magazines on board. Security service. Multilingual guide throughout the tour. Excellent crew available (Expedition Leader, guide, waiters, cooks, technicians, etc). Your tour price does NOT include: Domestic or international airfare Travel insurance or visa fees Items of a personal nature, such as laundry and souvenirs Any additional hotel accommodations pre- or post-tour Any items not specifically mentioned as "included"

Al Andalus Luxury Train Extremadura Route: Seville-Madrid(© www.palacetours.com) 3/7 Accommodation Al - Andalus Luxury Train , Seville (4 ****) Al - Andalus Luxury Train The carriages of the "Al Andalus" were used by the British Royal family in the earlier days as they journeyed from Calais to the Cote d'Azur. The train has also recently remodeled seven suite sleepers, five of which were built in France in 1929. The "Al Andalus" has a total of 32 suites consisting of 12 Junior Suites and 20 Gran Lujo Suites, all of which have separate air conditioners. Five of the Gran Lujo suites will come with an extra bed for triple occupancy and four of the Junior Suites will come with matrimonial bed as opposed to twin beds. Facilities • Daily laundry service • Medical service • safe • 2 television units • VCR • games console • HiFi system • double air-conditioning unit • PC with free internet connection • wireless telephone • mini-bar • large bathroom • hydro massage • steam sauna • hair-dryers

** The above accommodations are for reference and all efforts will be made to give these accommodations. In some circumstances if they are not available, alternate arrangements will be made in similar hotels Travel Tips & FAQ's

1 . How big are the suites?

A standard suite is 6.72m^2. A superior suite is 8.4m^2.

2 . What size are the beds in the suites?

The size of the bed is dependent on the type of suite you reserve. Standard Suite with 2 beds will contain (1) bed that is 0.80 x 1.9 m and (1) bed that is 0.70 x 1.8 m. The superior suite has one double/matrimonial bed that is 1.5 x 1.9 m. If your suite has one extra bed, it is 0.70 x 1.8 m

3 . What kind of meals are provided on this tour?

Here is a sample menu: Appetizer: "Remojon Granadino" Salad served with cinnamon vinaigrette Main Course: Pork sirloin grilled in mozarabic sauce with crispy aubergine fingers Dessert: Sacromonte cake

4 . Is there a dress code on the train?

The dress code is casual, although you may dress up for dinner if you would like. We suggest packing comfortable walking shoes and layers of clothing, since the temperatures do fluctuate from day to night.

Al Andalus Luxury Train Extremadura Route: Seville-Madrid(© www.palacetours.com) 4/7 5 . What is the difference between a Standard and Superior Suite?

The Superior Suites are spacious and elegant and combine the comforts of the 21st century with the original appearance of this historic train. Features:

Ample space distributed between bedroom and bathroom. Two meter long double bed which can be turned into a sofa during the day. Possibility of adding an extra bed for a third passenger. Equipped with safe, varied minibar, wardrobe, luggage rack and climate control. Comfortable and spacious bathroom, with hairdryer and a varied set of welcome items.

The Standard Suite is a charming room, which retains the dimensions and Belle Epoque charm of the original compartments. Features: A bedroom and bathroom layout. Two single beds which can be turned into armchairs during the day. Equipped with small minibar, safe, wardrobe, luggage rack and climate control. Functional bathroom with maximum use of its space, equipped with shower and a hairdryer.

6 . What does my trip include?

In Standard Suite: • Accommodation in Standard Suite compartment on the train. • The best food in dinners and lunches at top restaurants or on the train (including wine, coffee and spirits). • Breakfasts with buffet and menu. • Music and entertainment in the Pub coach. • Programmed excursions with entrance to museums, cathedrals, cloisters, etc. • Luxury coach accompanying the train all the way. • Daily newspapers and magazines. • Permanent security service. • Multilingual guide throughout the tour. • An excellent team at your disposal. In Superior Suite: Everything included in the Standard Suite plus: • Accommodation in Superior Suite on the train. • Option of enjoying two private dinners/lunches in your compartment. • All non-alcoholic beverages requested at any time throughout the trip. • Transfers: including two Renfe transfers, one to take you to the starting point of the tour and another one to take you back from the end point of the tour.

7 . Will I have internet connection on the train?

The Al Andalus train does have wifi in the lounge of the train, although the signal is not strong and may not reach outside of the lounge car. (The signal is also best when the train is stationed.) You may use the computer in the lounge provided for guests' convenience, or you may connect to the train's wifi using your personal laptop, tablet or device.

Al Andalus Luxury Train Extremadura Route: Seville-Madrid(© www.palacetours.com) 5/7 Terms & Conditions PAYMENT TERMS: 40% of total tour cost due at the time of booking 60% or balance no later than 35 days prior to tour departure date CANCELLATION FEES: Up to 30 days before departure: refund less 15% of total cost. Between 30 and 15 days : refund less 25% of the total. Between 14 and 5 days: refund less 50% of the total. Between 4 and 1 day(s): refund less 80% of the total. Less than 24 hours or failure to turn up: No refund, 100% of the total is payable. Since these are international terms an additional 5 days will be added in order to process refunds An additional 15% Administrative fee will be charged from Palace Tours against refunds

Cancellations should be intimated by FAX to the corporate office in Miami FL. The above times are based on local time of the destination where the tour is provided. In order to provide enough time for processing cancellation, guests need to add 3 business days to the above timeframes. An administration fees of 15% on any monies to be refunded to the client will be charged prior to refund. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover the losses incurred in case of cancellation. For information on available plans or to purchase travel insurance, please visit www.palacetours.com/insurance.

Our Corporate Offices are located in Miami, FL. Click here to schedule a phone call or visit to our Miami Office You can contact us by Phone or live chat on the website or feel free to walk in to our office where our Luxury Travel Experts are available to assist you during business hours. Office: Palace Tours 12000 Biscayne Blvd. Suite #107 Miami, FL 33181 WEB: www.palacetours.com EMAIL: [email protected] PHONE: 1-800-724-5120 USA: Miami, FL: 786-408-0610 Princeton, NJ: 1-609-580-1372 New York, NY: 1-212-920-2543 Houston, TX: 1-832-446-2709 INTERNATIONAL: United Kingdom: 0330 808 4654 Australia: 1-800-156-671 New Zealand: 0800-442-510 FAX: 1-609-683-9772