Railway to heaven? New pilgrim route launched
If you're seeking penance or perhaps enlightenment but don't fancy roughing the well-worn pilgrimage path on foot, a new luxury locomotive route to Santiago de Compostela may be the answer to your prayers.
Al Andalus, the luxury 'palace on wheels' that is synonymous with Spain’s moorish south is to travel a very different route this summer, the country’s train operator has announced.
The train, more usually associated with Spain’s Islamic history will take a more Christian route in July, travelling along part of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in northern Spain.
Run by national rail operator Renfe, the train will head north between July 13th and 20th to take passengers along part of the world famous and Unesco reognised Roman Catholic pilgrimage route, setting off from the city of Leon.
Eat in luxury in Al Andalus' exclusive dining carriage. Photo: Renfe
The five day, four night journey includes travel, accommodation, day trips, dining in the the onboard restaurant and visits to some of the most exclusive eating establishments along the route.
Rather than lug around a backpack, passengers are greeted on board the locomotive with a cocktail, before setting off for the beautiful town of Astorga, then travelling on to Monforte de Lemos and Orense, in Galicia.
In Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the famous pilgrimage route, travellers can enjoy a guided tour of the city before sitting down to a lavish dinner at the five-star parador, Hostal dos Reis Católicos.
After leaving Santiago, passengers will take a relaxing boat trip along the river Arousa in the town of Villagarcía de Arousa before heading to the town of Cambaros.
The final day will be spent in the Galician capital of A Coruña before boarding the train back to Leon.
Pilgrims usually walk or cycle along the camino. Photo: Miguel Riopa/AFP
Al Andalus is renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious trains; its coaches were originally built for the British royal family to travel between Calais and the French Riviera and retain a host of Belle Epoque features.
So if you have always wanted to travel the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, but could not quite bring yourself to don the walking boots and brave the bedbugs at the pilgrim shelters along the way, your prayers may have just been answered.
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Al Andalus, the luxury 'palace on wheels' that is synonymous with Spain’s moorish south is to travel a very different route this summer, the country’s train operator has announced.
The train, more usually associated with Spain’s Islamic history will take a more Christian route in July, travelling along part of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in northern Spain.
Run by national rail operator Renfe, the train will head north between July 13th and 20th to take passengers along part of the world famous and Unesco reognised Roman Catholic pilgrimage route, setting off from the city of Leon.
Eat in luxury in Al Andalus' exclusive dining carriage. Photo: Renfe
The five day, four night journey includes travel, accommodation, day trips, dining in the the onboard restaurant and visits to some of the most exclusive eating establishments along the route.
Rather than lug around a backpack, passengers are greeted on board the locomotive with a cocktail, before setting off for the beautiful town of Astorga, then travelling on to Monforte de Lemos and Orense, in Galicia.
In Santiago de Compostela, the end point of the famous pilgrimage route, travellers can enjoy a guided tour of the city before sitting down to a lavish dinner at the five-star parador, Hostal dos Reis Católicos.
After leaving Santiago, passengers will take a relaxing boat trip along the river Arousa in the town of Villagarcía de Arousa before heading to the town of Cambaros.
The final day will be spent in the Galician capital of A Coruña before boarding the train back to Leon.
Pilgrims usually walk or cycle along the camino. Photo: Miguel Riopa/AFP
Al Andalus is renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious trains; its coaches were originally built for the British royal family to travel between Calais and the French Riviera and retain a host of Belle Epoque features.
So if you have always wanted to travel the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, but could not quite bring yourself to don the walking boots and brave the bedbugs at the pilgrim shelters along the way, your prayers may have just been answered.
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