Thirteen Spanish cities recognised by Unesco as World Heritage Sites have joined forces to keep their precious cultural heritage alive and kicking. And that results in a round trip where you will encounter one surprise after another. Welcome to the beating heart of Spain!
Passing from village to city through impressive landscapes, you will discover masterpieces of painting, medieval city walls, impressive monasteries and cathedrals, spectacularly located castles and underground bodegas...
An overwhelming amount of sightseeing, but in the evening you will be able to unwind in one of the beautiful hotels we selected for you.
Day 1: Departure to Madrid / Toledo
You fly to Madrid where your rental car awaits you. Depending on your flight time, you can visit Chinchón on the way, with its beautiful Plaza Mayor where bull runs still take place in summer, and Aranjuez, world-famous for its 'concerto' by Joaquín Rodrigo.
Day 2: Toledo
Beautifully situated city on a hill and three-quarters surrounded by the Tagus River. El Greco, the painter, lost his heart here and let his artistic talent run wild. His masterpiece 'The Burial of the Count Orgaz' can be admired in the church of Santo Tomé.
Day 3: Ávila-Salamanca
Through the Sierra de Gredos, you will drive up to Ávila with its impressive medieval city walls. In the historic centre, visit the cathedral, the Basilica of San Vicente and the Monasterio of Santo Tomás. Afterwards, you will head to Salamanca, where you will overnight at the Palacio de San Esteban.
Day 4: Salamanca
In this cosy university town, must-sees include the Plaza Mayor, the Convento de las Agustinas, La Casa de las Conchas, the cathedral, the university library, the Convent of Las Dueñas and the Convent of San Esteban.
Day 5: Zamora - Toro - Tordesillas
Passing Roman Zamora, with its impressive cathedral, you will head to Toro, famous for its quality wines. Afterwards you will continue your trip to Tordesillas, where the treaty dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal was signed. This is also where Juana la Loca was imprisoned after being declared insane.
Day 6: Valladolid - Medina del Campo - Peñafiel
Choice of visiting Valladolid, visiting the impressive Castillo de la Mota castle or the castle of Peñafiel, the most spectacular due to its location on a narrow ridge.
Day 7: Aranda de Duero - Pedraza - Segovia
Through Aranda de Duero, known for its many underground bodegas and medieval Pedraza, which is a particularly charming medieval village with only 1 gateway, you will reach Segovia, one of Spain's most beautiful cities. The city breathes history, impressive buildings, a Roman viaduct, monasteries, medieval streets and city walls. There is so much to see that you won't know where to look first.
Day 8: Segovia - El Escorial
Luckily there's another day, explore this extraordinary fortified city at leisure or take a trip to the impressive El Escorial: the castle, abbey and mausoleum of Philip II of Spain.
Day 9: Going home
Your trip is over. You'll fly back home. Unless you still have some vacation days left, then we'd be happy to arrange a few more days in Madrid just for you. A lively city full of culture, gastronomy and trendy spots.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Unique collection of boutique hotels in Europe
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- New finds every month
- 30 years specialist in Europe
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
- Flexible cancellation (ex. non-refundable)
