SPAIN - Europe by Eurail 2015: Touring Europe by Train - page 499

the jade green waters of the river favorably foster the growth of trees, as eviden-
ced by the city's Circus of the Twelve Streets, a square from which 12 beautifully
shaded avenues radiate.
The PalacioReal (Royal Palace) is a lavish palace that would vie with Versailles
in extravagance. Its 18 magnificent rooms include the Porcelain Salon, the Throne
Room, and The Museum of Royal Robes, which displays the court dress of sov-
ereigns up to the 19th century. Another highlight is the grand staircase built during
the reign of Philip V. Hours: Spring and summer: 1000-2000 daily; autumn and
winter: it closes two hour earlier. Visit www.patrimonionacional.es .
The Farmer's Cottage, with its resplendent furnishings, can be reached through
the Prince's Garden. The Casa de Marinos, the sailor's house that holds the royal
vessels, displays Spain's dominant maritime history. And among the gardens, the
Parterre Garden and the Jardin de la Isla (Island Garden) are most memorable.
You can purchase a combination ticket that includes a guided tour of the Royal
Palace. The tours operate 1000 to 1800 April through September; 1000 to 1715
October through March. Note that all of the museums are closed on Monday.
Trains to Aranjuez depart every 20 to 30 minutes from Madrid's Atocha Cercani-
as Station. For a real treat, take the 19th-century El Tren del Fresa (the Straw-
berry Train). Yes, strawberries are served onboard by attendants in period cos-
tumes.