Soul of Spain, Self-drive

Journey deep into the heart of Spain enjoying the privilege to visit the mesmerising historic regions of Castile. Discover ancient Roman ruins, timeless medieval towns and historic cities. Visit temples, churches, cathedrals, basilicas and monasteries along the ancient Silver Way and admire Spanish art from classical times to the contemporary ones. Explore the birthplaces of Spain’s conquistadors and admire the old-world elegance of Spain’s most prestigious seat of learning.  Spain will conquer your heart at every turn during this memorable eight-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.

Aranjuez: This town was once a getaway for the Spanish royal family; nowadays its architectural masterpieces display the wealth of the era.

Toledo: Known as the "City of Three Cultures," Toledo is rich in medieval history, with landmarks like the Toledo Cathedral, the Alcázar, and the El Greco Museum.

Salamanca: A university city with a beautifully preserved Plaza Mayor, a famous university, and two cathedrals.

Avila: Known for its impressive medieval walls that surround the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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

San Lorenzo de El Escorial: Admire Philip II’s massive monastery, a fascinating masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

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

Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Discover all the main sights and attractions by driving through famous locations like the Paseo de la Castellana, the Plaza de Los Cibeles, and the Gran Via. Visit the Royal Palace - Europe’s largest - and the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The Royal Palace has more than 3,000 rooms and the appearance of those seen during the guided tour is an eclectic mix, ranging from cluttered Victorian to exotic oriental décors. Works of art by great masters such as Caravaggio, Velazquez and Goya adorn the walls while period furniture graces every room. The lavishness and opulence of the interiors stand in contrast to the sober baroque and neo-classical exterior, which faces the Almudena Cathedral and overlooks the Campo del Moro gardens. The Reina Sofia Museum boasts one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. Admire works by Spanish masters such as Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris, and Pablo Picasso, whose vast and haunting Guernica is complemented by an exhibition of other works and resources, which help put the iconic painting in context. 

Overnight in Madrid. 

Day 3: MADRID – ARANJUEZ – TOLEDO – SALAMANCA (380km – 4.5hrs)

Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to charming Aranjuez. Visit the Royal Palace and gardens. Find the inspiration for Joaquin Rodrigo’s famous ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ classical Spanish guitar piece, based on his experiences at the palace gardens. Then, continue to Toledo. 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 the 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, with an interior that presents one of the best-preserved examples of Mudejar architecture in Castile. Then bid farewell to Toledo and drive to Salamanca.

Overnight in Salamanca.

Day 4: SALAMANCA

Discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning after having breakfast at the hotel. 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. If time permits, also catch a glimpse of the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen and the Baroque Clergy Church. 

Overnight in Salamanca.

Day 5: SALAMANCA – AVILA (130km – 2hrs)

Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Avila. Stroll the streets of the city´s old town, a place 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, and take in the splendour of the Plaza de Santa Teresa. 

Overnight in Avila.

Day 6: AVILA – SEGOVIA (65km – 1hr)

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.

Overnight in Segovia.

Day 7: SEGOVIA – SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL – MADRID (110km – 1.5hrs)

Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, head to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. 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, one of the two dozen monarchs whose final resting place is the Pantheon of Kings. 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. After admiring this lovely city, continue to Madrid and check in at the hotel. 

Overnight in Madrid.

Day 8: DEPART 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.