Historical Central Spain

Day 1  Madrid            
Arrive into Madrid and transfer to your hotel. Spend your afternoon discovering the symbolic heart of the city, Plaza de Cibeles where the beautiful Cibeles Palace, now City Hall, and iconic fountain are situated. Meander the pathways of one of the largest parks in Europe, El Retiro Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site or perhaps watch a Flamenco show in one of the local bars.          
         
Day 2  Madrid            
After breakfast, unearth the historical secrets of the city by visiting the impressive Royal Palace, the largest palace in Western Europe and explore its rooms filled with national treasures. Later, amble down the famous Gran Via known as Golden Mile, the capital’s lively main street showcasing an array of 20^th Century architecture and charming boutique stores. Treat your tastebuds by sampling some sumptuous traditional Spanish tapas in a local restaurant. Patatas bravas anyone?

Day 3  Madrid to Salamanca      
Pick up your car and head from the capital to Salamanca. Stop enroute in Ávila and explore the 1700m footpath along the medieval city walls, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sample some authentic local cuisine.        

Day 4  Salamanca            
Spend the day exploring the World Heritage City of Salamanca. Stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic quarter, taking in the stunning architecture. Wander through the glorious Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and view the various carved medallions of historic Spanish people. Visit the two stunning cathedrals with their characteristic golden stone or try and find the symbolic frog carved into the stone at the University.          

Day 5  Salamanca to Valladolid      
Today, drive to Valladolid, home to an interesting collection of Renaissance architecture. Spend the afternoon exploring this former Spanish capital and beautiful University town situated on the banks of the Pisuerga River. Visit the emblematic cathedral and marvel at the extravagant altarpiece or go to the iconic Royal Palace. In the evening, follow the Rivers of Light route through the city finishing at the alluring Plaza Mayor.

Day 6  Valladolid      
Day at leisure. Relax in the architectural delights and beautiful surroundings of your accommodation whilst enjoying some regional wine.    

Day 7  Valladolid to Burgos      
Drive to Burgos, another former capital of the region, Castille and Leon and also one of the major stops on the famous route, Camino de Santiago. Why not take a tour of one of the many vineyards enroute to discover how local wine is made?    

Day 8  Burgos to Segovia      
This morning, visit one of the masterpieces of Spanish Gothic, the Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before leaving for Segovia. Spend the afternoon walking round Segovia’s famous ‘green belt’ to see a variety of flora and fauna native to the area.

Day 9  Segovia          
Segovia is a World Heritage City and is renowned for its rich architectural legacy. Famous for its imposing aqueduct which is an iconic structure in the city.Meander the cobbled streets of the charming Jewish Quarter and visit the medieval Alcazar de Segovia, a beautiful 12^th Century castle which stands between the Rivers Eresma and Clamores.  

Day 10  Segovia to Madrid          
Following a leisurely morning, head back to Madrid airport to return your car and catch your onward flight.