Soul of Spain Self-Drive

Arrive at Madrid Airport and collect your rental car before making your way into the vibrant city. Check in to your accommodation and take some time to explore Madrid’s elegant boulevards, expansive parks, lively plazas, and historic churches and palaces. The city is renowned for its ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, home to some of the world’s most celebrated masterpieces. Spend the night in Madrid.

After breakfast at the hotel, we explore Madrid’s key sights by car, including the elegant Paseo de la Castellana, the iconic Plaza de Los Cibeles, and the bustling 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 is adorned with masterpieces by Caravaggio, Velázquez and Goya, and its grand exterior faces the 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 such as Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris and Pablo Picasso, including the powerful Guernica, displayed alongside contextual exhibitions. We spend the night in Madrid.

After breakfast, we depart for Aranjuez to visit the Royal Palace and its gardens, which inspired Joaquín Rodrigo’s famous classical guitar piece, the Concierto de Aranjuez. From there, we continue to Toledo, a city often described as a living museum that reflects the rich blend of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures from medieval Castile. You will explore the narrow streets dominated by the impressive cathedral and the Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. Highlights include the Santo Tomé Church, home to El Greco’s renowned painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, and the former synagogue, one of the finest examples of Mudejar architecture in the region. After your visit, we leave Toledo and drive on to Salamanca for the night.

After breakfast, explore Salamanca, home to Spain’s oldest university and the third-oldest in the world, founded in 1134 when the city was part of the Kingdom of Leon. The university brings a vibrant energy to the city, setting it apart from the rest of Castile. We visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, the lively heart of Salamanca, where history is palpable at every turn. Discover notable landmarks including the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, and the Casa Lis Museum, which showcases Art Nouveau and Art Deco collections. Time permitting, we also see the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen, and the Baroque Clergy Church. Overnight in Salamanca.

After breakfast, we depart for Ávila, a city renowned for its remarkably preserved medieval walls. These ramparts stretch over 2.5 kilometres, featuring 88 towers and nine gates, enclosing a historic centre rich in architectural heritage. We explore the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent, then wander through streets showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. The day concludes with a visit to the elegant Plaza de Santa Teresa, before settling in for an overnight stay in Ávila.

After breakfast, we travel to Segovia, a city renowned for its remarkable historical landmarks. Explore the striking Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar, a fortress that inspired Disney’s Cinderella castle. You will also see the impressive Roman aqueduct, an engineering marvel dating back to the first century during Emperor Domitian’s reign, which spans the city centre. We stay overnight in Segovia.

After breakfast, we travel to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, a charming town home to one of Spain’s most significant Renaissance landmarks – the Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This vast complex served as the royal palace of Philip II and houses the Pantheon of Kings, the final resting place of around two dozen monarchs. Explore highlights such as the Hall of Battles, featuring grand frescoes of Spanish military victories, the richly decorated library with its frescoed ceilings, and the striking basilica. After the visit, we return to Madrid for check-in and overnight stay.

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