Three train journeys from Madrid to immerse yourself in literature, wine tourism and history
November’s program combines Cervantes-inspired literature, Rueda wines and the historic Canal of Castile
In November, three unique train journeys depart from Madrid, offering much more than just the ride itself: the Cervantes Train, the Valladolid Wine Train and the Canal of Castile Train each provide a full day of sightseeing, gastronomy and entertainment. Their routes lead to Alcalá de Henares, the Rueda Wine Route and Medina de Rioseco, inviting travelers to explore literature, historical heritage, wine culture and a remarkable eighteenth-century navigable engineering marvel. The journey begins long before the destination is reached. This is the shared vision behind all three experiences, designed to make the journey itself part of the story and to offer seamless, organized day trips. From captivating onboard theatre to guided monument tours, winery visits and boat rides along a historic canal, each itinerary crafts a distinctive experience with a schedule designed to make the most of your day. The Cervantes Train marks its 2026 edition of a tradition begun in 1997, dedicating four November departures —on the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th— to celebrating the life of the writer born in Alcalá de Henares in 1547. Travelers are greeted at Madrid’s Atocha Cercanías station by actors dressed in period costume, who accompany them during the journey and continue the immersive experience throughout the city with characters and scenes inspired by Cervantes’ works. The train journey lasts approximately 35 minutes. Arriving at Alcalá marks the beginning of a journey through some of its most important cultural and historical landmarks. The itinerary features the Church of Santa María la Mayor; the medieval town and its historic neighborhoods; the University City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the San Ildefonso College and its assembly hall; the squares of San Diego, Cervantes and the Santos Niños; the Magistral Cathedral; Calle Mayor; the Archbishop’s Palace; the House of the Interview; and the Archaeological and Paleontological Museum of the Community of Madrid, formerly known as the Regional Archaeological Museum. Visitors’ return to Atocha is scheduled for 7:14 pm.
On Saturday, November 7, the Valladolid Wine Train departs from Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor, offering a getaway centered around the Rueda Wine Route. After arriving in Valladolid, the tour continues by bus to Medina del Campo to visit Emina Wineries and explore one of the province’s four notable designations of origin alongside Ribera del Duero, Cigales and Toro. This option also allows travelers to begin the train journey from Segovia Guiomar station. The day includes lunch at Ultramarinos El Canario and a guided tour of Alcazarén titled “In Search of Luis Candelas.” The program blends wine tourism, gastronomy and heritage with nine different departures throughout the year, visiting wineries, vineyards, castles, archaeological sites and monasteries across various locations in Valladolid province. The return train departs from Valladolid at 7:40 pm and arrives in Madrid at 8:45 pm. The schedule concludes on Sunday, November 29, with the Canal of Castile Train, connecting Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor and Valladolid via an Avant service, with the option to start the journey at Segovia Guiomar. The experience features live dramatizations during the outbound journey, bus transfers, guided tours, a meal and a one-hour boat ride along the Canal of Castile, an 18th-century engineering marvel stretching over 200 kilometers across three branches. Before boarding in Medina de Rioseco, travelers participate in the “Bourgeois Valladolid” tour and then take a bus from San Pablo Square to enjoy lunch nearby. After the boat ride, the program continues at the San Antonio Flour Factory, beside the canal basin. The train departs from Valladolid at 8:35 pm and arrives in Madrid at 9:40 pm, concluding a day that blends landscapes, urban heritage, industrial history and Castilian gastronomy. Departures are scheduled from both Atocha Cercanías and Madrid Chamartín-Clara Campoamor stations. The Cervantes Train departs at 10:36 am, while the two Valladolid-bound options leave at 10:15 am. The return from Alcalá de Henares arrives at Atocha at 7:14 pm; the Wine Train reaches Madrid at 8:45 pm; and the Canal of Castile Train concludes its journey back in the capital at 9:40 pm.