Castillian Way - Self Drive

Castillian Way - Self Drive

Journey deep into the heart of Spain during this spellbinding six-day tour exploring the historic regions of Castile. Discover ancient Roman ruins, timeless medieval towns and historic cities. Visit temples, churches, cathedrals, basilicas and monasteries, admire Spanish art from classical times to the contemporary. Spain will conquer your heart every day of this fascinating tour starting and ending in Madrid.

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID

Pass By: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Arrive at Madrid airport, meet with a rent-a-car representative to assist you in picking up the rental car, and drive to your hotel. The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, as well as numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which houses some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces.

Overnight in Madrid.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = NH Ventas or similar 4*

Day 2: MADRID – ARANJUEZ – TOLEDO (100 Km – 1.5 hrs)

Pass By: Sercotel Alfonso VI, Cuesta de los Capuchinos, 2, 45001 Toledo, Spain
Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Aranjuez. Visit the Royal Palace and gardens. Find the inspiration to Joaquin Rodrigo’s famous ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ classical Spanish guitar piece, based on his experiences at these mesmerising palace gardens. Continue to Toledo and check in to your hotel on arrival.

Overnight in Toledo.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Alfonso VI or similar 4*

Day 3: TOLEDO

Pass By: Sercotel Alfonso VI, Cuesta de los Capuchinos, 2, 45001 Toledo, Spain
Explore the historic core of Toledo after breakfast at the hotel. Discover this living museum, which evokes the mix of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures of medieval Castile. 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 Spanish history. Visit Santo Tome Church – where El Greco’s epic canvas ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is displayed – and the former synagogue, offering one of the best-preserved examples of Mudejar architecture in Castile.

Overnight in Toledo.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Alfonso VI or similar 4*

Day 4: TOLEDO – AVILA - SEGOVIA (200 Km – 3 hrs)

Pass By: Hotel Eurostars Plaza Acueducto, Av. Padre Claret, 2, 4, 40001 Segovia, Spain
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.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = Eurostar Plaza Acueducto or similar 4*

Day 5: SEGOVIA – SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL – MADRID (110 Km – 1.5 hrs)

Pass By: Hotel NH Madrid Ventas, Calle Biarritz, 2, 28028 Madrid, Spain
Head to San Lorenzo de El Escorial after a tasty breakfast at the hotel. This pretty and prosperous town is the location of one of Spain’s most important Renaissance monuments, the magnificent monastery of El Escorial, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex also served as the royal palace of Philip II. Other attractions of El Escorial include the Hall of Battles, where large frescoes depict important Spanish military triumphs, the lavish library with frescoed ceilings, and the breathtakingly beautiful basilica. Continue to Madrid and check in at the hotel.

Overnight in Madrid.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Superior Hotel Category = NH Ventas or similar 4*

Day 6: DEPART MADRID

Pass By: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Bid farewell to Madrid after breakfast at the hotel, driving towards the airport. Drop off the car at the rental office. The rent-a-car shuttle service will transfer you to the terminal for you to catch your departure flight back home.

Breakfast included.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.