Journey through the Heart of Spain

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Madrid

Fly from London (regional connections
available) to Madrid with British Airways.
Transfer to the Melia Princesa (or similar) for
1 night. (N)

Day 2: Madrid Segovia Avila Salamanca

Travel from Madrid to Salamanca via the
Unesco world heritage cities of Segovia and
Avila. Walking tour of Segovia including the
first-century Roman aqueduct. Continue to
Avila, one of the oldest cities in Spain. Walking
tour round the 14-metre-high walls that
date back to the 11th century. Transfer to
Salamanca and stay at the NH Salamanca (or
similar) for 1 night. (B)

Day 3: Salamanca Cceres

Half-day walking tour of Salamancas historic
city centre including Plaza Mayor, one of
the best examples of baroque architecture
in Spain; the cathedral; and the University
Building, which is the oldest in the Hispanic
world, founded in 1134. Time at leisure before
transferring to Cceres. Stay at Cceres Palacio
(or similar) for 1 night. (B)

Day 4: Cceres Mrida

Half-day walking tour of Cceres, one of the
most charming cities in Extremadura. Explore
a maze of narrow, cobbled streets that twist
and turn amongst ancient palaces, mansions,
arches and churches. From the defence walls
enjoy views of the turrets, spires and gargoyles
that have watched over the city for almost a
millennium. In the evening, drive to Mrida and
stay at the Parador de Mrida (or similar) for
2 nights. (B)

Day 5: Rural Extremadura

Full-day gastronomy tour to discover some of
Extremaduras best known delicacies. The first
stop is the Iberian Ham Museum in Monesterio
to learn about the history of this mouthwatering
cured meat. Continue to a cellar and
drying house to learn about the drying process
before enjoying a tasting of the ham with
cheese and two wines. Lunch in Aracena, a
typical whitewashed village. Evening visit to the
Aracena caves to view their extraordinary rock
formations and underground lagoons. Return
to Mrida. (B, L)

Day 6: Mrida Toledo

Your day will begin with a city tour of Merida including the extensive Roman ruins, which are some of the most impressive in all of Spain, highlights include the ancient theatre, Los Milagros aqueduct and the longest Roman bridge still in regular use in Europe. A visit to the impressive National Museum of Roman Art is also included in the tour. You will then depart the city for Toledo, stay at the Hacienda del Cardenal (or similar) for 2 nights. (B)

Day 7: Toledo

Full day to explore this historic city, formerly
the capital of Spain and a city where Jews,
Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully,
forming a unique culture. Morning tour of the
main sights including the 13th-century gothic
cathedral, Alczar and Santa Maria La Blanca
Synagogue, followed by time at leisure. (B)

Day 8: Fly to London

Morning transfer to the airport, approximately
one hour from Toledo, and fly to London with
British Airways. (B)