Heart of Spain Self-Drive

Arrive at Madrid airport and collect your hire car before driving into the city. Madrid is one of Europe’s most vibrant and elegant capitals, known for its wide boulevards, expansive parks, lively plazas, and numerous historic churches and palaces. It is also home to the renowned ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which display some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. Settle in for your overnight stay in Madrid.

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we explore Madrid’s key sights by car, driving along iconic routes such as the Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Los Cibeles, and Gran Vía. We visit the Royal Palace, Europe’s largest, with over 3,000 rooms showcasing a diverse mix of interiors—from Victorian clutter to exotic oriental styles. The palace’s walls are adorned with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Goya, while period furniture complements the lavish interiors. Its sober baroque and neoclassical exterior faces Almudena Cathedral and overlooks the Campo del Moro gardens. Later, we visit the Reina Sofía Museum, home to one of the world’s finest modern art collections. Here, you can admire works by Spanish artists including Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris and Pablo Picasso, whose powerful Guernica is displayed alongside contextual exhibitions. We spend the night in Madrid.

After breakfast, we leave Madrid and drive to Cáceres in the Extremadura region. The medieval walled old town here is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its fortified houses, Renaissance palaces and historic churches. The compact walled area centres around two main clusters of monuments. In the Santa María-Golfines district, 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, we drive along the southern section of the ancient Silver Way to Mérida, once one of Roman Spain’s capitals. Mérida’s classical heritage is remarkable, with a Roman bridge and theatre still in use today. We explore the ruins of the nearby amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum before returning to Cáceres for the night.

After breakfast, we explore Salamanca, home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in 1134 when the city was part of the Kingdom of Leon. The university brings a vibrant energy to the city. We visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the lively heart of Salamanca, before discovering historic landmarks such as the Irish College, Casa de las Conchas palace, Monterrey Palace, and the Casa Lis museum, which features Art Nouveau and Art Deco collections. We also see the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen, and the Clergy Church. Overnight in Salamanca.

After breakfast, we depart Salamanca and drive to Valladolid, a city in Castile and León known for its impressive architecture. Here, you will see the 16th-century Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, a notable example of the city’s heritage. You may wish to enjoy a meal at one of Valladolid’s excellent restaurants before returning to Salamanca for the night.

After breakfast, we depart for Ávila, a city renowned for its remarkably well-preserved medieval walls stretching over 2.5 kilometres, featuring 88 towers and nine gates. Within these ramparts lies a city rich in heritage, where we visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent. We take a leisurely walk through the historic streets, showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture, and admire the elegant Plaza de Santa Teresa. Afterwards, we continue to Segovia to explore its famous Alcázar, an imposing fortress that inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle, and marvel at the impressive Roman aqueduct dating back to the first century, which dominates the city centre. We stay overnight in Segovia.

After breakfast, we drive back to Madrid. The city is renowned for its ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, home to some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces. We recommend visiting one or more of these galleries to complete your experience. Overnight in Madrid.

After breakfast, leave Madrid and drive to the airport. Return your hire car at the rental office before checking in for your departure flight home.