11 incredible trips around Spain for train lovers
All aboard: Spain is on the horizon
You're reading while being served a coffee or a delicious dinner, listening to a piano play in the background, and then suddenly you look out of the window of a historic carriage and see the sun set on the horizon, and everything seems perfect. This scene, or something similar, is what you can expect to experience on several tourist trains around Spain, and these trains mean the journey is as exciting as the destination. You can go on luxury week-long journeys that hark back to the long railway journeys of the past, even with day trips that are brought to life by actors. Travelling by train is one of the great tourist pleasures that a traveller can experience, especially if it is accompanied by buffet breakfasts, product tasting, exclusive visits...
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Costa Verde Express and Transcantabrico
The Costa Verde Express is one of the quintessential Spanish tourist trains. This route is a dream: travel around the north of Spain, known as Green Spain for its stunning landscapes overflowing with this colour, on board a train that preserves the romanticism of the great trains of the early 20th century but also has modern facilities. It has a more glamorous version, the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, which goes from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela (or vice versa) on an 8-day tour. Travellers can try the cuisine of the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia, while enjoying gala evenings, live music on board and tickets to museums and monuments with a multilingual guide.
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Al-Andalus
People say the Al-Andalus Train is like a palace on wheels. In fact, the carriage-suites are part of the very series constructed to transport the British Royal family between Calais and the Côte d'Azure. Passengers on this train will visit Andalusia over seven days, beginning in Seville and ending in Granada (or vice versa). The experience of travelling on one of the world's most spacious trains is combined with the chance to try dishes by prestigious chefs and discover cities such as Cadiz, Ronda, Cordoba, Úbeda and Baeza and sights like the Alhambra in Granada.
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Galicia's tourist trains
Did the previous ideas tempt you to visit Galicia? Then you will be happy to hear that every year in Galicia, they run various themed tourist trains. They usually run between March and October and travel the most beautiful routes, such as the Lighthouses Route, the Mansions and Historic Gardens Route, the Cheese Route, the Monasteries Route, etc. Galician wine has become very famous, and one of the most original ways to try it is on board one of these trains, on routes such as the Rías Baixas Wine Route. Get ready to see through the window landscapes of valleys and vineyards, monasteries hidden among the mountains or incredible coastal landscapes.
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La Robla Express
Still in the north of Spain, for three days and nights this train offers a journey through the nature and culture of the area, for the most part following the Camino de Santiago or St James' Way. The Bilbao and Leon itinerary is a journey usually offered from June to October. Inside, you can expect classic decoration, and outside, you will see the natural landscape of the north of Spain. Plus, fine dining is an important part of this route.
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Tren dels Llacs
The landscape on this route is equally stunning. We are going to the province of Lleida (in Catalonia) to travel on the Lakes Train. You have two options: a journey in vintage carriages, which have been lovingly restored, or on board modern, panoramic trains. The route takes you to a multitude of locations and has plenty of activities to take part in. For example, there are stops arranged at one of the oldest liquor factories in Catalonia and trips to the Gerri de la Sal salt flats or the Aigüestortes i Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, and much more. You can enjoy a trip on this historic train most Saturdays from April to October. The panoramic trains are also available some Saturdays in July and August.
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The Cervantes Train
As well as trips over several days, there are also interesting day trips. The Cervantes Train departs from Madrid and arrives in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of the most famous Spanish writer of all time: Miguel de Cervantes. Even the journey itself is entertaining, as various actors in 17th-century costume accompany the travellers. When you arrive, you can visit iconic places in Alcalá such as the Calle Mayor, the University, the Cathedral and, of course, the home of the author of Don Quixote. The train usually runs on Saturdays in the spring and autumn seasons.
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A journey through La Mancha
All aboard! Castilla-La Mancha has a lot to offer and various tourist trains to discover it. From a visit to the mining sites in the area to a tour of the Spanish Provence. Hop on the Classical Theatre Train (Almagro), Mercury Train (Almadén), Wine Train (Valdepeñas) or Lavender Train (Brihuega).In addition, you can experience the legendary adventure of Don Quixote in Campo de Criptana, Ciudad Real, who fought against the “giants”, by hopping on the Train of the Mills. Departing from Madrid, the excursion includes a guided tour of the Albaicín neighbourhood, the Luis Cobos Park and the Ermita del Cristo de Villajos, where you will discover the unique Pozo de Nieve (Snow Well). You can also visit the winery of the La Mancha Designation of Origin and enjoy a tasting session..
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The Strawberry Train
This is a great idea for the weekends in Spring and Autumn. The route? From Madrid to Aranjuez, a location famous for its delicious strawberries and whose Cultural Landscape is listed as World Heritage. Aranjuez is primarily known for the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and its stunning gardens that are great for walking around. During the journey, you will travel in wooden carriages constructed between 1914 and 1930, and you will be offered strawberries to sample. Once you arrive in Aranjuez, depending on which itinerary you have chosen, you can visit places such as the Palace or the gardens, or climb aboard a boat or sightseeing bus-train.
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Philip II Train
Passengers are taken to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, just over 50 kilometres from Madrid, in a 20th-century locomotive. Once the train arrives, and depending on the ticket type, the trip includes a guided tour of the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This amazing monument was built by King Philip II in the 16th century and was considered the “Eighth Wonder of the World”. It houses the Royal Pantheon, the Basilica, the Library, the Hapsburg Palace and more. That is why walking around inside is an experience worthy of kings. The tour can also include a panoramic route through La Herrería forest or the Casita del Infante gardens.
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Sóller railway
Climbing aboard this period train with wooden carriages is one of the best experiences on the island of Mallorca. The railway itself is really beautiful, but what you can see through its windows is even more so: It leaves the city of Palma, passes through the Serra d'Alfàbia, overcomes a difference in altitude of almost 200 metres and crosses 13 tunnels, several bridges and the Cinc-Ponts viaduct. Once the train reaches the beautiful village of Sóller, the smell of orange blossom mixes with the sea and having a coffee outside with the mountainous landscape in the background is a truly delightful experience.
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Canal de Castilla Trains, José Zorrilla and Wine Trains in Valladolid
Did you know that there is a navigable canal that runs through Castilla y León for more than 200 kilometres? Leaving from Madrid or Segovia, this dramatised train will take you to visit Medina de Rioseco and its flour factory, tour the canal by boat and take different routes through the city of Valladolid. Discover and enjoy this 18th century engineering masterpiece! If you fancy tasting some of the wines of the designation of origin of well-known provinces, such as Ribera de Duero, Rueda, Cigales or Toro, the wine train offers a round-trip from Madrid to visit different wineries and vineyards. Another alternative is to take a literary getaway: Enjoy a weekend in the hometown of José Zorrilla, the famous poet and playwright and author of “Don Juan Tenorio”. A perfect plan for lovers of culture and good food.
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