Heart of Spain, Self-drive

Journey into the heart of Spain, exploring the historic regions of Castile and Extremadura, during a memorable 9-day self-drive tour. Discover ancient Roman ruins, timeless medieval towns, and historic cities. Visit temples, churches, cathedrals, basilicas, and monasteries along the ancient Silver Way and admire Spanish art from classical times to the contemporary. Explore the cradles from which Spain’s conquistadors set off to colonise the new world and behold the old world elegance of Spain’s most prestigious seat of learning. Spain will conquer your heart every day of this fascinating round-trip starting and ending in Madrid.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Madrid: Visit Europe’s largest palace and the Reina Sofia Museum, where Picasso’s harrowing Guernica is among the masterpieces on display. 

Caceres: This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a walled town with more than 50 historic buildings. 

Silver Way: Explore the former Roman capital of Merida, the walled town of Plasencia, and the monastery of Yuste in stops along this ancient Roman trade route. 

Salamanca: Home of the oldest university in Spain, Salamanca conquers the hearts of all curious visitors. 

Avila: This is a fascinating walled city that is home to a fortified Gothic cathedral and the Convent of St Teresa of Jesus.

Segovia: Admire the mesmerising Roman Aqueduct and visit the fairy-tale Alcazar and the Gothic cathedral. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID

Arrive at Madrid airport, pick up your hired car, and drive towards Spain´s capital. Madrid is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas and numerous historic churches and palaces. It is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. 

Overnight in Madrid.

Day 2: MADRID

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Discover all the main sights and attractions driving through famous locations like the Paseo de la Castellana, the Plaza de Los Cibeles, and the Gran Via. Visit the Royal Palace - Europe’s largest - and the Reina Sofia Museum of modern and contemporary art. The Royal Palace has more than 3,000 rooms and the appearance of those seen during the guided tour is an eclectic mix, ranging from cluttered Victorian to exotic oriental décors. Works of art by great masters such as Caravaggio, Velazquez and Goya adorn the walls while period furniture graces every room. The lavishness and opulence of the interiors stand in contrast to the sober baroque and neo-classical exterior, which faces the Almudena Cathedral and overlooks the Campo del Moro gardens. The Reina Sofia Museum boasts one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. Admire works by Spanish masters such as Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris, and Pablo Picasso, whose vast and haunting Guernica is complemented by an exhibition of other works and resources, which help put the iconic painting in context. 

Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3: MADRID – CÁCERES (300km – 3hrs)

Bid farewell to Madrid after breakfast at the hotel, heading for Cáceres in the region of Extremadura. Not to be outdone by its provincial neighbour, the medieval walled old town of Caceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fortified homes, Renaissance palaces and historic churches. The walled area is compact and there are two main clusters of monuments. In the Santa Maria-Golfines area can be found the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary. The area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace. 

Overnight in Cáceres.

Day 4: CÁCERES – MÉRIDA – CÁCERES (150km – 1.45hrs)

Enjoy breakfast and drive along the southern stretch of the ancient Silver Way to Merida, which was one of the Roman capitals of Spain. With a Roman bridge and a theatre that are both still in use, the classical heritage of Merida is breathtaking. See the ruins of the adjacent amphitheater and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum, before returning to Caceres. 

Overnight in Caceres.

Day 5: CACERES – SALAMANCA (200km – 2hrs)

Discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning, after indulging in a tasty breakfast. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz. At the time of the university’s founding in 1134, Salamanca was in the Kingdom of Leon. Head to the heart of the action at the magnificent Plaza Mayor and savour the atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history such as the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau, and the Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis, the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen, and the Clergy Church. 

Overnight in Salamanca.

Day 6: SALAMANCA – VALLADOLID – SALAMANCA (245km – 2.45)

Enjoy breakfast and depart towards Valladolid. Valladolid is also in the province of Castile and León, a not to big city but with an impressive architectural scene. Among other things, you will be able to contemplate the Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción built in the 16th century. Don't leave the city without eating in any of its greatest restaurants. 

Overnight in Salamanca.

Day 7: SALAMANCA – AVILA – SEGOVIA (200 Km – 2.5 hrs)

Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Avila, whose old town is still surrounded by uninterrupted medieval walls. The perimeter of more than 2.5 kilometres is dotted with 88 towers and nine gates. Behind the ramparts is a city of immense beauty and heritage. Visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent. Stroll through its ancient streets, with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles evident, and take in the splendour of the Plaza de Santa Teresa. Continue to sensational Segovia with its Alcazar, which was one of the inspirations for Disney’s Cinderella castle. See also the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, which dates from the reign of Emperor Domitian in the first century and cuts through the city centre. 

Overnight in Segovia.

Day 8: SEGOVIA – MADRID (95km – 1.10hrs)

After breakfast drive back to Madrid. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces so don't leave without visiting some of these galleries. 

Overnight in Madrid.

Day 9: DEPARTURE MADRID

Bid farewell to Madrid after breakfast at the hotel, driving towards the airport. Drop off the car at the rental office. Catch your departure flight back home.

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain though a warm jumper and jacket are advisable in the cooler months. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.