Madrid Heritage Cities Self-Drive

Arrive at Madrid Airport and collect your rental car before making your way to the vibrant city of Madrid. Check in to your accommodation and take some time to explore this dynamic capital, known for its elegant boulevards, expansive parks, lively plazas, and numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid is also home to the renowned ‘Golden Triangle’ of art galleries, which display some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, we travel to Segovia to explore its remarkable landmarks. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar, a fortress that inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle. See the impressive Roman aqueduct, built during Emperor Domitian’s reign in the first century, which runs through the city centre. We then continue to Ávila, where you can stroll the charming old town enclosed by nearly 2.5 kilometres of uninterrupted medieval walls, featuring 88 towers and nine gates. Within the ramparts, visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent. Wander the ancient streets showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and take in the splendour of Plaza de Santa Teresa. We stay overnight in Ávila.

After breakfast, explore Salamanca, home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1134 when the city was part of the Kingdom of Leon. We visit the University of Salamanca, along with the old and new cathedrals, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere the student population brings to this Castilian city. You will have time to enjoy the lively Plaza Mayor, a magnificent square at the heart of the city. We also visit notable landmarks including the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, and the Casa Lis, which houses the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum. Overnight in Salamanca.

After breakfast, we explore Salamanca’s remarkable architecture, beginning with the Clavero Tower – a distinctive 15th-century octagonal fortress that stands as a testament to the city’s medieval heritage. We then visit the Convent of Las Dueñas, an exquisite example of Mudéjar architecture featuring intricate cloisters and elegant courtyard arches. Next, we head to the Convent of St Stephen, famed for its stunning Plateresque façade crafted from golden stone that catches the sunlight, showcasing Salamanca’s skill in ornate Gothic design. Our final stop is the Baroque Clergy Church, a grand building richly decorated and reflecting the city’s deep religious history. We spend the night in Salamanca.

After breakfast, we drive to Cáceres to explore its remarkable historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medieval walled old town is compact and rich in history, featuring fortified houses, Renaissance palaces and ancient churches. In the Santa María-Golfines area, we visit the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace and the Co-cathedral of St Mary. Around the Plaza de las Veletas and Plaza San Mateo, the 15th-century Cigüeñas Palace stands prominently. We spend the night in Cáceres.

After breakfast, drive to Toledo and explore its ancient streets, dominated by the impressive cathedral and the historic Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town features architecture spanning nearly every period of Spanish history. We visit the cathedral to admire its Gothic vaulting and intricate altarpiece, along with notable artworks including frescoes, stained glass, and paintings by El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Goya. We continue to the Church of Santo Tomé to see El Greco’s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. You may also choose to wander the charming streets of Toledo at your leisure. Afterwards, enjoy a scenic drive back to Madrid for your final night.

Start your final day in Madrid with a hearty breakfast. At the arranged time, return your rental car to the designated company, concluding your journey.