Luxury Trains Offer Unique Tours of Spain

If your clients are looking to see Spain without driving, a luxury "train cruise" is a swank and comfortable alternative.

Operated by Feve, Spain’s luxury tourist trains offer several itineraries specifically designed to meet the needs of sophisticated travelers. (Think gourmet cuisine, live entertainment and amenities that include hydro massage and steam sauna in certain suites.) Trains include the Transcantabrico with its two options—the newly launched Gran Lujo or the Clasico; La Robla; or Al Andalus, which is scheduled to be re-launched in 2012.

Transcantabrico: The weeklong tour through Northern Spain between San Sebastián to Santiago de Compostela includes stops in Bilbao for a chance to visit the Guggenheim Museum, as well as the city of Gijon and the landscapes of Ribadeo and Viveiro. Take your pick between Gran Lujo, an elegant train launched in May 2011 that accommodates a maximum of 28 guests, or Clasico, a train with over 27 years of experience in railway cruises. Good to know: The trains remain stationary overnight to ensure maximum comfort for all the guests.

La Robla: To accommodate time-constricted guests, La Robla’s itineraries take up two to four days, traveling from Gijon to Santiago and back, from Bilbao to Leon and back, or from Gijon to Ribadeo and back.

Al Andalus: Scheduled to be launched in 2012, this itinerary includes a six-day train cruise through Andalusia, between Seville and Córdoba. The train stops in Granada, with a dedicated visit to Alhambra and Generalife, Ronda, Cadiz as well as Jerez, home to “Sherry” wine.