Extremely beautiful Extramadura | Spain Vacation

Extremadura did not steal its name. This stretch of central interior was for a long time the most backward region of Spain. Life under the scorching sun there was extremely harsh. Now the region is mostly extremely beautiful, thanks to the magnificent palaces and villas that the famous conquistadores had built after their conquests as a sign of wealth.

You visit medieval towns with resounding names like Guadalupe, Trujillo and Toledo. You will discover unique places full of Roman remains, Renaissance buildings and palaces of the conquistadores, which are now Unesco World Heritage Sites. And you will be immersed in an irresistible blend of Christian, Islamic and Jewish culture. An extremely unique experience in every way!

Day 1: Departure to Madrid - Jarandilla de la Vera

After picking up your rental car, you will drive via Talavera de la Reina, known for its ceramics, to Jarandilla de la Vera, a medieval palace-castle, where Emperor Charles V also stayed for several months.

Day 2: Yuste - Trujillo

At 9 km is the famous monastery of Yuste in a beautiful and serene landscape: this is where Emperor Charles V retired after his abdication. Afterwards, you will travel on to Plasencia, with its numerous Renaissance buildings and remarkable cathedral. On its rooftops and towers, storks nest in great numbers.

Day 3, 4 and 5: Trujillo, Guadalupe, Mérida and Cáceres

Over the next three days you will visit each of these unique places. In Mérida, the Roman remains are especially worth a visit: the aqueduct, the amphitheatre and - the absolute best - the Museo Nacional de Arte Romano. Trujillo is the city of the conquistadores: the original Plaza Mayor, with its statue of Pizarro - the conqueror of the Inca empire - exudes a peculiar atmosphere. Guadalupe is an important Spanish place of pilgrimage, where Columbus worshipped Virgin Mary before and after his conquests: the impressive monastery, with its 'mudéjar' cloister and extraordinary art collection (including by Zurbarán), is really worth a visit. Cáceres achieved fame in the 16th century, when the first 'Extremeños' returned from America laden with gold. Their palaces fill the attractive historic centre, which was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1986.

Day 6: Trujillo - Toledo

From Trujillo, Guadalupe (80 km) or Cáceres (40 km) drive to Toledo via the Montes de Toledo. Take time to enjoy the beautiful scenery and of course the essential snack and drink in time and place now and then.

Day 7: Toledo

Visit this medieval city, a blend of Christian, Muslim and Jewish culture & enjoy!

Day 8: Going home

That's a wrap. Return your rental car to Madrid airport and fly back home with satisfaction. Still need some more vacation? Stay a few more days in Madrid and discover what else this beautiful city has to offer you.