Your itinerary
Day 1: UK - Madrid.
Fly to Madrid, where you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two-night stay.
(D)
Day 2: Madrid - Toledo - Madrid.
Spain's regal capital bursts with energy, grand plazas, palaces and museums as well as an infectious zest for life. Welcoming and energetic, the city offers endless delights to the visitor and this morning, you'll get the chance to experience some of its most famous and impressive landmarks. Our guided sightseeing tour takes in its Royal Palace and other principal sights, then gives you time to visit the grandiose Prado Museum, one of the world's greatest art galleries, housing works by Goya, El Greco, Velazques and Rubens. This afternoon, your sightseeing continues with an excursion to Toledo, a key centre in European medieval history. Known as the 'City of Three Cultures' because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived here harmoniously for centuries, this majestic city offers a wealth of monuments, churches, palaces and mosques within its fortified walls. Gaze in awe at its mighty Gothic cathedral, medieval fortress, synagogues and squares - all testifying to its grand past as capital of Spain until 1560.
(B)
Day 3: Madrid - Segovia - Avila.
This morning, set out into the picturesque Castilla y Leon region towards Avila. En-route, you'll enjoy a visit to Segovia, a meeting point of the great Roman, Christian, Arabic and Jewish civilizations over the centuries. The undoubted highlight of this stunning, millennial World Heritage city is its incredible 163-arched Roman aqueduct, an architectural hymn to Roman engineering, yet in legend built by the devil in exchange for a young girl's soul. Wandering Segovia's narrow streets, you'll admire this walled city's great plaza, medieval churches, and fairytale Alcázar castle. Later, arrive in the glorious city of Avila, for an overnight stay.
(B)
Day 4: Avila - Salamanca.
One of the finest remnants of Europe's medieval era, Avila boasts a turbulent past of Arab, Christian and Roman occupation, as well as a rich history as a monastic centre. Enclosed by imposing 11th century walls with nine gateways, there's time this morning to experience this fascinating World Heritage city's bustling market, peaceful convent and ornate Cathedral. In the afternoon, drive to Salamanca for a two night stay.
(B)
(D)
Day 5: Salamanca.
Today the pleasure of waking up to another of Spain's superb cities. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities, buzzing Salamanca resonates with the life of today's and yesteryear's students and brims with Renaissance and Baroque splendour. On this morning's locally guided tour, revel in its two fine cathedrals, convents and elaborate Casa de Conchas or House of Shells, as well as its handsome Plaza Mayor. This afternoon is free for you to discover this vibrant city for yourself, perhaps climbing up its cathedrals' towers to glory in the skyline, people-watching from a pavement café or sampling its local delicacy of roast suckling pig in a traditional, charming azulejo-tiled restaurant.
(B)
Day 6: Salamanca - Valladolid - Burgos.
An early morning start as you weave through gentle wine-growing countryside to Valladolid. Another former capital of Spain, this historic city boasts a bustling economic life, together with graceful plazas, a cathedral and lovely central park, the Campo Grande. Its elegant Plaza Mayor is well worth admiring for its beautiful columnade dating back to the 16th century. After leaving Valladolid, you'll stop at a local wine bodega for an informative wine-tasting session, before continuing on to Palencia to admire its austere 14th century cathedral, dubbed the 'Unknown Beauty' and home to lavish artworks. Next on to Burgos, where you'll arrive in the early evening for an overnight stay.
(B)
(D)
Day 7: Burgos - Madrid.
This morning enjoy a sightseeing visit with a local guide to discover the many charms of Burgos, once a stop for pilgrims en-route to Santiago de Compostela. Founded in 884, this captivating city displays its historical treasures for all to see with an array of great monuments all swathed in its mellow Castillian atmosphere. Marvel at its all-dominating Gothic cathedral and richly decorated Miraflores monastery with its royal mausoleum. Before leaving for Madrid, enjoy an interesting visit to the nearby Atapuerca archaeological site, where ancient caves have revealed stone tools and bones from Europe's earliest humans, the Homo Antecessor, believed to have lived up to one million years ago.
(B)
Day 8: Madrid - UK.
After breakfast this morning, transfer to Madrid airport for your return flight back to the UK.
(B)
Hotels On Tour
Madrid: Praga (4*); Avila: Cuatro Postes (3*) or similar; Salamanca: Monterey (4*); Burgos: Corona de Castilla (4*).
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