It seems incredible that despite Spain being one of the most visited countries on earth, so much of it still remains unknown! However, during the past few years the historic cities of inland Spain, its stunning countryside and unique monuments have been brought to the attention of the discerning traveller, so we have created this tour to see some of the best it has to offer.
Spain is one of the largest and most diverse countries in Europe, rich with the legacies of the Romans and Moors. In Segovia, capital of the old kingdom of Castile, you have the most perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct in existence, some 2,000 years after it was first used. In Toledo, capital of Spain until the 16th century, you will find evidence of Christian, Jewish and Moorish civilisations. Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities, boasts a wealth of lovely buildings and a highly ornate style of architecture known as Plateresque. The capital Madrid is a great European city where you can visit the Prado museum, home to one of the world’s greatest art collections, including many works by the famous master, Goya; or see arguably Picasso’s best work, Guernica, in the Reina Sofia museum nearby. Make sure you take time to just simply sit and watch the world go by from the tranquillity of a pavement café in the Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s most beautiful square. During the evening, Spain really comes to life and nowhere more so than in Madrid. Lively as can be, the main squares are full of street entertainers and musicians; you might even catch a spontaneous performance of Flamenco. The Spanish countryside is lovely, remarkably empty of people, and as varied as you can possibly imagine, from the snow-capped mountains of the high Sierras to the splendid aridity of the plateaux and the lush meadows of the river valleys. You can see innumerable tiny villages perched on hilltops, little changed since Columbus set sail for the Americas over 500 years ago. Much of Spain remains unchanged by the passing centuries; combine this with nearly forty years of isolationism during the Franco era and you have a state of preservation that adds greatly to its charm.
Spanish food and drink are varied and can be superb. Dishes such as paella and gazpacho and of course the excellent Rioja and Cava wines are well-known, but there is so much more to discover. Try the excellent Serrano hams, chorizo, and roast suckling pig or Spain’s seafood which is amongst the finest you will ever find. One of the country’s greatest gifts to the world though, is the wonderful invention of tapas: available in bars these are the tasty tit-bits that allow you to experiment with the local specialities over a glass of wine! In this tour we feel we have succeeded in conveying our love for this fantastic and unique country, its people and culture in a manner which you will appreciate, so come with us and see for yourself.
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Itinerary
You should arrive at the airport to take your flight to Madrid. On arrival a coach will take you to Salamanca, taking approximately two and a half hours, where we stay for the next two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is acknowledged by many Spaniards as one of the country’s most beautiful cities and when you see it, it really is difficult to disagree. Built virtually entirely of the local sandstone which gives it a gorgeous rose-coloured hue, it seems almost to glow, especially during the sunset. The beautiful setting, perched on a small hill on a bend in the serene River Tormes, is a picture of tranquillity despite the city’s violent heritage. Founded by the Romans, who built the 400 yard long bridge which is still in use, it was repeatedly fought over by Hannibal, the Moors and finally, the Duke of Wellington and Napoleon.
Today, the city is dominated by its two cathedrals and university, the oldest in Spain founded in 1215 and for four centuries one of the most important seats of study in the civilised world. The records of the Spanish Inquisition are still kept here, it made major contributions to international law and, as early, as the sixteenth century boasted some twelve thousand students. You can see all the beautifully preserved lecture halls with vaulted ceilings and the library where you can imagine the moment Christopher Columbus came to address the most learned men of the day.
So, after breakfast, we have a guided tour of Salamanca during which you will see all this and more, with the remainder of the day free to explore as you wish. You must visit the two cathedrals – the more recent dates from the 16th century! Whilst the buildings themselves dominate the skyline, their internal decoration is just as breathtaking. Salamanca is a wonderful place to just wander: tiny streets, medieval squares, traditional shops, gardens, market places all add to its atmosphere. The main square, the Plaza Mayor, is widely acknowledged as the finest in the country and the hub of Salamantine life. With plenty of cafés and places to sit and watch the locals go by, it is the perfect venue to soak up the lovely atmosphere. For one of the most memorable views, simply cross the river and look back at the Roman bridge and the rose red city rising in the distance -perfection indeed!
Signature Experience:
After a day of sightseeing, we enjoy an aperitif and soak up the unique atmosphere of Plaza Major square as you sample the authentic flavours of popular tapas at a local restaurant.
After breakfast we say goodbye to Salamanca, soon arriving in Segovia, capital of the old Kingdom of Castille and another lovely city. Dating back to Roman times, today it proudly boasts one of the most finely preserved Roman aqueducts in the world. Being over half a mile long and 100 feet high, this relic of the ancient world is all the more remarkable when you realise not a drop of mortar or cement has been used in its construction. It was also the home of Queen Isabella who commissioned Christopher Columbus to discover the New World. There are some superb Renaissance paintings in the cathedral but the fairytale Alcazar, or castle, dominates the superb old city and should be visited if only for the fantastic panoramic views over the whole area. Segovia, though, like the other old cities of Spain, is untouched by the excesses of modern tourism and nothing could be better than watching the locals going about their everyday business, shopping in the market, exchanging a few words with friends in the street or enjoying that most traditional of pastimes, sampling a few tapas in a local bar. It is this blend of olde-worlde charm and modern-day reality which makes Segovia such a joy in which to pass a few hours.
We then continue our journey to Madrid and our hotel for the next four nights, the four-star Catalonia Gran Vía, where we stay on a bed-and-breakfast basis with one evening meal included at a local restaurant. Built in 1917, the centrally located hotel occupies a charming building on a lively street renowned for its early 20th-century architecture and upscale shops.
This morning after breakfast, we will have a sightseeing tour of Madrid, during which we will see some of the sights for which this capital city is most famous: the beautiful Plaza Mayor, the vast square in the heart of old Madrid; the Prado Museum with one of the world’s finest art collections, housing many great works by artists such as Goya and Dali; the Royal Palace, former official residence of the Royal Family; the Plaza De España home to a statue of the legendary Don Quixote; the Puerta del Sol, the point from which all distances in Spain are measured and marks the official centre of the country, plus much more. During the afternoon you are free to explore as you wish.
Signature Experience:
Wander through the splendid galleries of the magnificent Prado Museum, home to one of the world’s greatest European art collections. View superb works by Goya, Velazquez, El Greco, Titian, Rembrandt and so many more of the great masters. Your ticket also includes an audio guide, allowing you to enjoy this special experience at your own pace. Mingle with the locals at one of Madrid’s most renowned restaurants and soak up the unique atmosphere as you sip on a glass of local wine. Delve into a selection of authentic and delicious tapas in these alluring surroundings - a classic Spanish dessert will be the perfect conclusion to a wonderful evening of food and wine in the heart of this vibrant city.
El Escorial
Today we head out of Madrid towards the Sierra de Guadarrama, an 80km range of mountains full of an ancient oak forest as well as pine and juniper groves, and the home to diverse flora and fauna. Our destination is the legendary monastery and former royal residence of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Once considered the eighth wonder of the world and now justifiably a UNESCO world heritage site, this vast complex was commissioned by King Phillip II. The construction started in 1563, taking just 21 years to complete and no expense was spared. Built in quadrangle with each corner dominated by impressive towers, one theory is that the design is based on descriptions for the temple of Solomon.
The imposing formal stone facade could not be more different from the interior and gives no hint as to the treasures within. The monastery has been richly decorated by many notable artists of the 16th and 17th centuries and the legacy of this royal patronage is an outstanding number of important frescoes, altar pieces and paintings throughout the monastery and palace building.
After time to explore the complex, you return to the hotel mid-afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
This morning we have a guided tour of the beautiful city of Toledo, standing out against the often luminously blue Castilian sky; a golden biscuit coloured city rising from the plain and circled by a steep ravine filled by the turbulent waters of the river. It is as spectacularly rich in history, buildings and art as any city in the world can be and we spend most of the day here. Being at the crossroads of several cultures during its long and often violent past, it takes its influences from Jewish, Christian and Moorish civilisations. It was Philip II, builder of the Spanish Armada who moved the capital from Toledo to nearby Madrid, thus ensuring Toledo would survive in its totally unspoiled form. Nowadays it is most well-known for its majestic Alcazar Palace perching on the top of the hill, its fantastic cathedral, richly adorned with treasures plundered from the New World, and its wealth of other buildings. Indeed El Greco lived here and you can visit his house where some of his paintings are displayed. The most lethal weapon of the 16th century world, the rapier, was invented here, and the city is still renowned today for its high quality metalwork. We leave Toledo late afternoon and return to our hotel.
Today, at the appropriate time, the coach will take us to Madrid airport to take our return flight home.
What's Included
Holiday Highlights
Guided tour of Toledo, immortalised by El Greco and Spain’s former capital
Sightseeing tour of Madrid seeing the Plaza Mayor, the Prado Museum and the Royal Palace
Visit to Segovia, seeing its spectacular ancient Roman aqueduct and castle
Walking tour of Salamanca, home to one of the world’s oldest universities, the ‘Inquisition’, Spain’s most attractive main square and two cathedrals
Six nights in three-star superior and four-star accommodation, including all local taxes, with breakfast and one dinner
The Signature Tour option includes all of the above as well as:
Discover the superb collection of art at the Prado Museum like, with fast track entry to avoid the queues, and an included audio guide so you can explore at your own pace whilst learning more about the masterpieces on display
Enjoy the unique atmosphere as you dine on authentic tapas dishes at one of Madrid’s most popular restaurants amongst the locals
Sip on an aperitif and sample traditional tapas as you drink in the spectacular views of Salamanca cathedral from the rooftop terrace of your hotel
Enjoy the more exclusive atmosphere of travelling in a small group with an average of 22 guests
Our Price Includes
The price of this holiday is per person based on two people sharing a twin room. Single rooms are subject to availability at the relevant supplement. The price includes:
Six nights' accommodation at three-star superior and four-star hotels
Daily breakfast
One dinner at a restaurant
All tours as mentioned
Airport departure taxes and transfers
All local accommodation taxes
Return flights
The services of a Riviera Travel tour manager
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Dates and Prices
Accommodation
3* superior San Polo - Salamanca -
The San Polo is an excellent three-star superior hotel, fully air-conditioned and well located on the edge of the old town very near the cathedrals. The hotel is modern, charming and very unusual in that part of it is built on the site of an 11th century church, the remains of which have been incorporated into the design of the hotel and terrace. All the rooms are air-conditioned with minibar, safe and satellite television. Please note: Where hotels feature a swimming pool, pools are open in the summer months weather permitting.
4* Catalonia Gran Via - Madrid -
★★★★
Situated in the centre of Madrid on a thoroughfare showcasing early 20th century architecture and one of the city’s most important shopping areas, between Puerta del Sol and Plaza de Cibeles. Located in a charming building dating back to 1917, it offers a seasonal rooftop pool, a bar and restaurant. The rooms are decorated in neutral tones and are air-conditioned.
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Other Information
Holiday code
R047
Holiday provided by Riviera Travel
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE: This holiday is sold and operated by Riviera Travel (ABTA V4744, ATOL 3430). These ABTA and ATOL bonds mean that, when you book a Riviera Travel holiday, you can be 100% sure that your money is safe.