Train journeys have something special that cannot be matched by other forms of transport. I’m not talking, of course, about the daily commutes to work, but about tranquil journeys where not only the destination matters but also enjoying the journey.
In Spain there are several wonderful rail itineraries (such as the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo that runs along the north of the country), which transport us back in time and make you feel as if you were aboard the mythical Orient Express. One of the most remarkable reminisces the route of Madrid’s first railway, built in 1851.
A train steeped in history
The tourist steam train itself is also steeped in history: it comprises a van and a carriage from the 1960s, four wooden coaches from the 1920s, and a metal coach from the 1940s. The wooden cars with small balconies at their ends, known as the “Costa” cars, are unique in Spain. Their name was used in the vicinity of the Catalan coast.
The journey begins at the old Madrid-Delicias station, a building with nearly a century and a half of history and which houses the Madrid Railway Museum.
The Royal Site of Aranjuez
Along the way, a group of actors re-enacts the history of the train and its final destination: the Royal Site of Aranjuez, a historic and scenic complex designated a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape in 2001 as part of the Cultural Landscape of the Tagus Valley in Aranjuez.
It is an old royal residence with a palace, gardens and orchards designed for the leisure and hunting of the Spanish monarchy.
The train takes its name from one of Aranjuez’s flagship products, strawberries, which can be enjoyed aboard the train on the return journey to Madrid.
The Strawberry Train itineraries
In addition to the round trip on the historic train (the Natural Strawberries route), the Strawberry Train offers different itineraries that include additional activities (besides the train ride to Aranjuez):
- Strawberries and Cream Itinerary: includes a ride on the tourist train “Chiquitrén” around Aranjuez and a guided visit to the Parterre and Island gardens.
- Strawberries of the Tagus Itinerary: in addition to the train journey, a ride on a tourist boat on the Tagus and a guided visit to the historic gardens (Parterre, Island and Prince).
- Royal Strawberries Itinerary: includes transfer to the monumental area and guided visits to the Royal Palace and the Museum of the Falúas and to the Prince’s Garden.
- Strawberries Cyclists Itinerary: a guided route on electric bikes through orchards and groves, plus a walk through the historic gardens.
- Strawberries from the Orchard Itinerary: includes a guided visit to the historic orchards and to the Orchard Interpretation Centre, with a tour of the gardens.
- Strawberries Between Kayaks Itinerary: includes a two-hour kayak excursion on the Tagus and a guided tour of Aranjuez’s historic gardens.
- Strawberries with Music Itinerary: includes access to activities of the Aranjuez Early Music Festival.
There are also combined routes:
- Tagus Cream Route: combines the Chiquitrén (an urban ride) and a boat trip on the Tagus.
- Royal Cream Route: combines a ride on the Chiquitrén with a visit to the Royal Palace.
- Tagus Royal Route: combines a boat trip on the Tagus with a visit to the Royal Palace.
The Strawberry Train operates in spring and autumn, and some of these itineraries are only available intermittently, so it is worth checking availability on the official Strawberry Train website, where tickets can also be purchased.
The Christmas Train
During the Christmas period, the historic Costa cars of the Strawberry Train are used on the Christmas Train.
This magical train runs from 20 December to 5 January (except 24, 25 and 31 December, and 1 January), with two daily trips lasting around an hour.
It departs from the Madrid Railway Museum and travels along a stretch of Madrid’s railway network, between the Railway Museum and Getafe, and returns.
Passengers will enjoy, during the journey, a live Christmas-themed performance inviting you to embrace the festive spirit. And on 5 January, you can personally hand in your letters to the Three Wise Men, who will visit the train accompanied by their Pages.
