Al Andalus: Seville-Santiago de Compostela

After arriving in Seville, head to your deluxe hotel in the old town. Wide avenues along the Guadalquivir river await you on your panoramic drive. In the evening, take a short walk to the restaurant where your welcome dinner awaits you in a charming city palace in the old town. (D)

During your visit to a traditional Andalusian hacienda today, you will gain exciting insights into the breeding and keeping of Spanish thoroughbred horses, the Pura Raza Española. A tour of the stables, tack room and carriage collection awaits you. A member of the famous Andalusian family Rafael Carrión will also guide you through the private area of the hacienda, which is the work of the famous Spanish architect Aníbal Gonzaléz. Afterwards, the olive takes center stage. During your tour of the production facilities, you will not only learn about the production of olive oil, but of course you will also taste the locally produced delicacy. After your traditional Andalusian lunch, you will return to Seville and have some free time before a delicious dinner awaits you. (BLD)

During your voyage of discovery through Seville, you will marvel at the largest Gothic cathedral in the world with the city's landmark, the Giralda, the former minaret of the Almohad mosque, and the medieval Alcázar Royal Palace, one of the outstanding examples of Andalusian Mudejar architecture. You can feel the magic of flamenco in Cristina Hoyos' Flamenco Museum. A meal of local delicacies will fortify you for the train journey ahead. Then it's time to board: Please board and close the doors! In the afternoon, you board the legendary Al Ándalus special train at Santa Justa station. Its Belle Époque-style interior, its comfortable suite sleeping cars, the spacious saloon cars from the 1920s, the culinary delights ... Look forward to an enjoyable journey with five overnight stays on board. After a warm welcome, familiarize yourself with your comfortable compartment and enjoy a typical Andalusian dinner in the excellent on-board restaurant as the Al Ándalus rolls towards Córdoba. (BLD)

Today, Córdoba awaits you, where Moorish Spain experienced its intellectual, cultural and economic heyday. What was achieved here was to radiate far beyond the borders of Andalusia for a long time to come. The Caliphate of Córdoba was established in the 10th century. At this time, around 500,000 people lived in Córdoba, which was one of the largest cities in the known world. Christians, Jews and Muslims mostly lived together peacefully. During your tour of the old town, you will discover the city's most important monument - the Mezquita with its fascinating forest of columns, formerly the main mosque and now a Christian cathedral. After a stroll through the old alleyways of the former Jewish quarter, continue your journey on the Al Ándalus. In the evening, the Al Ándalus reaches the UNESCO World Heritage town of Aranjuez in the province of Toledo. Aranjuez has been one of the royal family's summer residences since the 16th century - and Schiller's Don Carlos also spent pleasant days here. (BLD)

Toledo not only enchants with its charm, but is also impressively situated. The city's churches, palaces and oriental-style houses are piled up on a granite hill surrounded on three sides by the River Tagus in a deep gorge. History at your fingertips, that's Toledo. There's no need to list all the sights, because Toledo is not a city with a lot to see - Toledo is a single sight. And for good reason, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety. This makes Toledo the perfect destination for those who enjoy strolling through historic streets and soaking up the atmosphere of a romantic city where time seems to have stood still. However, the capital of the Castilla-La Mancha region is home to more than just Spanish history. In the city of three cultures, as Toledo is known, Christians, Moors and Jews have left their mark everywhere. You will see the cathedral, the monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the synagogue of Santa María la Blanca and the famous painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz by El Greco in the church of San Tomé. The afternoon is at your leisure. During your dinner on board, the Al Ándalus rolls northwards. (BLD)

After breakfast, the journey takes you into the heart of Castile-León to Ávila (UNESCO World Heritage Site), whose mighty fortifications from the 11th century are among the best-preserved medieval city fortifications in the world. The city walls enclose a real gem of art. At an altitude of 1,128 m, everything that makes Castile so beautiful is concentrated in a very small space: Gothic mansions, winding alleyways, magnificent Romanesque churches and, not to forget, the city's landmark, the imposing 2.5 km long city wall with its 28 mighty towers, are testimony to Ávila's incomparable history. In the afternoon, your special train reaches Quintana Raneros. From here, a short excursion takes you to the historic episcopal city of León, one of the most important destinations for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. A must-see in León: your visit to the Gothic cathedral, which rises above the Plaza de Regla with its almost 70-metre-high towers. Continue by coach to Astorga, where the Al Ándalus awaits you. (BLD)

Welcome to the Ribeira Sacra, a Spanish wine-growing area in the south-eastern region of Galicia, close to the Portuguese border. An entertaining river trip awaits you in the impressive Sil Canyon, with gorges dropping up to 500 meters. You will be surprised by the wild beauty of the landscape, which is dominated by vineyards, mountains and the waters of the Sil River. Did you know that the oldest Christian communities in Spain are located here? Monastic orders and hermits settled here 1,500 years ago, dedicating themselves to perfecting meditation and contemplation for centuries. Continue with the Al Ándalus to Ourense on the Río Miño. Visit to the historic city center. (BLD)

The Al Ándalus travels northwards through Galicia's magical mountain world and then reaches Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the Way of St. James and the destination of thousands of pilgrims who visit the tomb of the Apostle James here. For the next two nights, you check into the Hotel Parador Santiago de Compostela, located right next to the famous cathedral. The beautiful 15th century building - once a royal hospice for pilgrims - is considered one of the oldest hotels in the world. Together with your tour guide, you will stroll through the alleyways of this magical place. The historic center of the city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But that's not the only reason to come to Santiago. Narrow alleyways alternate with squares and centuries-old granite buildings, some of which date back to the Middle Ages. The cathedral with its majestic façade is particularly outstanding. (BLD)

Amidst fabulously beautiful forests, the Atlantic Ocean reaches deep into the land and forms the four narrow bays of Rías Baixas. Beautiful beaches and wild nature, but also a unique gastronomy with dishes for all tastes await you in this part of Galicia. Folk traditions are also still very much alive here: According to legend, the densely overgrown mountains are home to the so-called Meigas and the Santa Compaña, witches and ghosts. You will definitely be enchanted by the fjord coast with its countless deserted islands. The world's best mussels are farmed here. The seafood is freshly prepared and served with a good Albariño wine. Enjoy your boat trip to the Cíes Islands (weather permitting)! This seemingly paradisiacal group of islands is the jewel in the crown of the Islas Atlánticas National Park. The watercourses and rocks are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. A walk on the fine sand or a quick dip in the clear water will round off your relaxing morning. You return to Santiago de Compostela in the afternoon. Here you have the opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere of the medieval city on your own. Or you can get to know the green side of Santiago de Compostela on an optional excursion together with your tour guide: The walk in the popular Alameda Park takes you past botanical rarities and valuable sculptures to the landscaped courtyard of the architectural treasure Colegio Fonseca - part of the University of Santiago, one of the oldest educational institutions in Europe. (BLF)(B) = breakfast, (L) = Lunch (D) = dinner

In the course of the day, drive to the airport and return flight to Switzerland; this trip is also available in the opposite direction with the same services.