Tourist trains that travel through Spain and make the trip itself as exciting as getting to know the destination. From luxurious week-long journeys reminiscent of the great railway journeys of the past, to one-day excursions enlivened by actors. Traveling by train is one of the great tourist pleasures that a traveler can experience, especially if it is accompanied by buffet breakfasts, product tasting, exclusive visits…
Transcantábrico
The Transcantábrico train is surely the Spanish tourist train by excellence and the most veteran. Its proposal is a dream: to travel through the north of the country, known as “Green Spain” for its breathtaking landscapes, aboard a train that retains the romanticism of the great expresses of the early twentieth century but with modern comforts. It has a more glamorous version, the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo, which goes from San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela in an 8-day journey. Travelers can sample the gastronomy of Castilla y León, the Basque Country, Cantabria, Asturias and Galicia and enjoy gala parties, live music on board and tickets to museums and monuments with a multilingual guide.
Al-Andalus
It is said that the Al-Andalus train is like a palace on wheels. In fact, its suite cars belong to the same series as those built for the British monarchy’s travels between Calais and the Côte d’Azur. Those who opt for this train, will make an itinerary through Andalusia for 7 days and departing from Seville. In addition to the experience of traveling on one of the largest tourist trains in the world, there is the possibility of tasting the dishes of prestigious chefs and visiting cities such as Cadiz, Ronda, Cordoba, Ubeda or Baeza and monuments such as the Alhambra.
Pilgrim Train
Santiago de Compostela can be reached on foot, by bicycle… and now also on rails. The proposal of the Pilgrim Train is to travel a variant of the famous route of the Camino de Santiago in a different way. With a duration of five days, it departs from Madrid to Santiago de Compostela and passes through places like Vigo, Pontevedra or Vilagarcía de Arousa. Dinners and breakfasts are offered on the train and the trip includes some visits to monuments and gastronomic tastings. Bicycles are allowed on board, so pilgrims who wish to do so, can also make stages by bike or on foot to get the Compostela.
La Robla Express
We do not leave the north of Spain, because for three days and two nights this train offers a trip to the nature and culture of the area following much of the route of the Camino de Santiago. The Bilbao-León itinerary is a journey that usually takes place in July, September and October. Inside, a classic decoration awaits, and outside, the scenic nature of northern Spain. In addition, the gastronomy has a strong protagonism.
Train des Llacs
In the lands of Lleida (in Catalonia) to tour them in the Train of the Lakes. You have two options: to do it aboard its carefully restored vintage carriages or aboard modern panoramic trains. The tour allows you to visit a lot of spaces and participate in activities. For example, stops are organized at one of the oldest liquor factories in Catalonia, a lunch of a typical Pallares menu or visits to the salt mines of Gerri de la Sal, the Castell de Mur, an artisan cheese factory or the National Park of Aigüestortes and Estany de Sant Maurici… The historic train can be enjoyed most Saturdays between April and October. For its part, the panoramic models offer some Saturdays in July and August.
Cervantes Train
Beyond the multi-day trips, there are also interesting one-day excursion options such as this one. The Cervantes Train de Cervantes departs from Madrid and arrives in the historic city of Alcalá de Henares, where the most famous Spanish writer of all times, Miguel de Cervantes, was born. The ride itself is already entertaining, as several actors dressed in 17th century costumes accompany travelers. Once there, you will visit emblematic places of Alcalá such as the Main Street, the University, the Cathedral or, of course, the house of the writer of Don Quijote de la Mancha.
Sigüenza Medieval Train
About 130 kilometers from Madrid awaits Sigüenza, known as the City of the Doncel, one of the few places that still retains its three walls and that surprises with its medieval air. During the journey of this train, troubadours, knights and princesses will enliven the tour through music and theater and a tasting of sweets will be offered. Upon arrival in Sigüenza, a tour guide will accompany you to know the most important points of the city: the Castle, the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor or the Casa del Doncel. In addition, you can try typical dishes such as migas, Castilian soup or the delicious yemas del Doncel. It is usually open between April and November.
Strawberry Train
During spring and autumn seasons, weekends are the perfect time to make this very appealing plan. From Madrid to Aranjuez, a town famous for its rich strawberries and whose Cultural Landscape is a World Heritage Site. The fact that this place is so well known is mainly due to the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and its dazzling gardens that invite you to take long walks. During the trip, you will ride in wooden carriages built between 1914 and 1930 and you will be offered a strawberry tasting. Once there, depending on the type of itinerary you have chosen, a visit to the Palace and gardens will be included, or you will be able to ride on a boat or a tourist train.
Campos de Castilla Train
Travel to Soria from Madrid and spend a weekend between poetry and gastronomy. Riding on this train means going in search of the footsteps of the famous poet Antonio Machado through his experiences there, more than 100 years ago. Before the train arrives in Soria, in Sigüenza, some “special” passengers get on board: actors who animate the journey with anecdotes about Machado. Once in Soria, we visit the baroque hermitage of San Saturio, the splendid monastery of San Juan de Duero, the ancient city of Numancia or the enigmatic and captivating Laguna Negra.
