The Alta Velocidad Espanola, the AVE, or high-speed train will inaugurate service from Madrid to Valencia making the trip in 90 minutes. On Dec. 19, the first trains will depart, traveling at speeds of up to 205 mph. Eventually, up to 20 trains a day will make the trip. The AVE will have two-class service in 12 coaches with 365 seats -- four Club Class coaches with 71 seats and eight for Tourist Class with 294 seats. Currently the train from Madrid to Valencia takes more than three hours and 45 minutes.

Upon arrival in Spain, Americans will be able to transfer seamlessly to this region on Spain’s Mediterranean in time for lunch. There are two stops on the Valencia-to-Madrid AVE -- Requena and Cuenca. Prices for the AVE are 90 euros, or about $125. The current Alaris train takes 3 hours and 50 minutes and costs 78 euros, or about $109. For more information, visit www.renfe.es.