Travel Tips
When should I plan to arrive ?
We recommend arriving at least 1 day prior to your tour so that you may acclimate and relax prior to embarking on your exciting rail journey. Instructions regarding the starting point of the journey will be printed on your travel voucher.
How much should I expect to tip?
Tipping is not mandatory, and is left to the sole discretion of the traveler. This is a decision that should be made based on your enjoyment of the journey and the service.
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1 . What are the passport/visa requirements for travel to Spain? Please ensure that your passport has at least three blank pages and that it is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from Spain. Please check with your local embassy regarding visa requirements. |
| 2 . 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. |
| 3 . 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. |
| 4 . 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 cakeThis is a plated dinner menu provided by the San Nicolas restaurant, which overlooks the Alhambra. If you have special dietary needs, please notify your travel agent when making booking arrangements. |
| 5 . 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. |
| 6 . How big are the suites? A standard suite is 6.72m2. A superior suite is 8.4m2 |
| 7 . 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 |
| 8 . 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 into a 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. |
| 9 . I am a US Citizen. Do I need a visa to go to Spain? No. Citizens of the United States do not need a visa for Spain. All other nationalities should check with the local Spanish consulate for Visa requirements. Palace Tours does not provide Visa service. |
| 10 . How many travelers can fit in each room? In a deluxe room, two people can sleep comfortably. If you need more room, you may upgrade to a suite to comfortably service three people. This option is especially attractive to parents travelling with a child. If you are travelling with more than one child or more than three people, you will need to reserve two rooms. |
| 11 . Are the cities wheelchair accessible? Yes, they are. Many cities have cobblestone streets and the person with the wheelchair would need someone who is able to help them on these more difficult streets. The monuments are wheelchair accessible, but many do not have elevators and if there is a floor higher than ground level it may not be accessible. |
| 12 . Is the cuisine in Spain dietary restriction friendly? Spanish cuisine’s staples are often ham, seafood, and wheat products. While being a vegetarian in Spain is not easy, it is doable! One classic dish from Spain is the Spanish omelets, which is made with eggs and potatoes. Now vegetarian restaurants are popping up all over Spain to accommodate more people. You can find other classic dishes made without meat, such as paella and cocido. Before ordering a drink in Andalucia, where a complimentary tapa is customary, be sure to mention any dietary restrictions you may have. |
| 13 . What type of clothes should we pack? This depends on the time of year you are going. All year long we suggest packing comfortable walking shoes, and in the spring and fall to wear layers. In those seasons it’s often chilly in the morning and warm in the afternoon sun. Sunglasses are recommended as well, as the sun in Spain is very strong. |
| 14 . Is it customary to tip people in Spain? While the tipping culture is nothing like the United States, it is typical to tip a euro or two at a restaurant if you are a) a large group of people dining, or b) you really loved the service and the restaurant! |