Madrid & World Heritage Cities, Self-drive

Journey deep into the heart of Spain enjoying the privilege to visit some of the world’s most beautiful World Heritage Cities. Take a tour into the past and discover ancient Roman ruins, timeless medieval towns, and idyllic historic cities. Visit fascinating temples, churches, cathedrals, basilicas, and monasteries. See the cradle of Cervantes and wander around mesmerising places where Arabs, Christians, and Jews coexisted peacefully. Spain will conquer your heart at every turn during this memorable seven-day self-drive tour. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

Salamanca: Stroll the beautifully arranged streets of Salamanca and Visit the oldest university in Spain.

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

Toledo: Get closer to the spirit of El Greco while wandering around the ancient streets of this beautiful city and admiring its historic churches and medieval synagogue.

Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID

Arrive at Madrid Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards the beautiful city of Madrid to check in and explore the city. The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, and numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid 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 – SEGOVIA – AVILA (170km – 2hrs)

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head towards sensational Segovia. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the 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. Continue to Avila and stroll the beautiful streets of its old town, 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. 

Overnight in Avila. 

Day 3: AVILA – SALAMANCA (110km – 1.5hrs)

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning, visiting the University of Salamanca, as well as the old and new cathedrals. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz, unlike the rest of Castile. 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 inspiring atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history! Visit the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and the Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis.

Overnight in Salamanca. 

Day 4: SALAMANCA

Today, after breakfast, dive into Salamanca’s architectural treasures, starting with the striking Clavero Tower. This unique 15th-century fortress-like structure rises above the city with its octagonal shape, a reminder of Salamanca’s medieval past. Next, explore the Convent of Las Dueñas, a stunning example of Mudéjar architecture with intricate cloisters and beautiful courtyard arches. Continue to the Convent of St. Stephen, renowned for its magnificent Plateresque façade and golden stone that glows in the sunlight, revealing Salamanca’s mastery of ornate Gothic design. Finally, visit the Baroque Clergy Church, a grand masterpiece adorned with elaborate decorations, embodying the rich religious heritage of the city.

Overnight in Salamanca.

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

Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards Caceres to explore its magnificent historic centre. 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, you can find the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace, as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary while the area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace.

Overnight in Caceres. 

Day 6: CACERES – TOLEDO – MADRID (330km – 3.5hrs)

Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, drive to Toledo and wander through ancient streets dominated by the stunning cathedral and the legendary Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town boasts buildings from almost all periods of the Spanish history. Visit the cathedral and admire the Gothic vaulting and the elaborate altarpiece. Admire the numerous works of art such as frescoes, stained glass, altarpieces, and paintings signed by artists like El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Goya. Continue to Santo Tome Church where El Greco’s epic canvas ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is displayed or just stroll the beautiful streets of Toledo. Then, enjoy a scenic drive back to Madrid, where you'll spend the final night of your tour.

Overnight in Madrid. 

Day 7: DEPARTURE MADRID

Begin your last day in Madrid with a tasty breakfast. Then, at the agreed time, head towards the rental company to return the vehicle.

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.