Day 1 – To Avila: Fly from London Heathrow to
Madrid with British Airways. Transfer to Avila
and stay 5 nights at the Palacio de la Velada
Hotel. This afternoon, take a short orientation
walk of this Unesco world heritage city to see
a number of churches, the monastery of San
Tomas and the cathedral. This evening, enjoy a
welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Day 2 – Segovia & La Granja: This morning,
travel to Segovia, home to two of Spain’s
most famous sites; the 2,000-year-old Roman
aqueduct and the fairytale-castle Alcázar. This
afternoon, visit the royal palace of La Granja,
an 18th-century baroque palace and former
summer residence of the kings of Spain. (B)
Day 3 – Escorial & Avila: This morning, visit
the monastery of El Escorial, which was built
to commemorate the Spanish victory over the
French in the battle of Saint Quentin. Works by
Titian, Bosch, El Greco, and Velázquez hang in
the chapter rooms, and the walls and ceilings
are adorned with 1,600 paintings and more
than 500 frescoes. This afternoon, return to
Avila to walk along the city walls and explore the many archways and turrets that once
protected the city. (B)
Day 4 – Valladolid: Today, explore Valladolid,
a city with a rich history that is visible
through its architectural diversity. Stroll
through its streets, discovering its plazas and
gothic buildings as well as some fascinating
sights, including the 16th-century cathedral,
designed by architect Juan de Herrera and the
house where the Spanish author Miguel de
Cervantes lived between 1604 and 1606 when
his masterpiece Don Quixote was published.
Visit the museum of San Gregorio, which
houses a permanent sculpture collection,
before returning to Avila. (B)
Day 5 – Salamanca: Today, explore the Unesco
world heritage city of Salamanca. See the
facade of the university, visit the 12th-century
old cathedral and the 16th- to 18th-century new
cathedral, then discover the 15th-century Casa
de las Conchas. Our visits will also include the
Plaza Mayor, the church of San Estaban, and the
Convento de las Duenas, a picturesque 16th century building with a beautiful cloister. (B)
Day 6 – To Toledo: This morning, drive to
Toledo, known as the ‘city of the three cultures’,
because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived
together here for centuries. Explore Toledo’s
artistic and cultural legacy in the form of
churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and
synagogues and see many of its beautiful sites,
including the 13th-century cathedral renowned
for its gothic art and the El Greco masterpieces.
Evening farewell dinner and overnight stay at
the Hotel San Juan de los Reyes. (B, D)
Day 7 – To London: Morning sightseeing in
Toledo. Transfer to Madrid airport for a return
flight to Heathrow with British Airways. (B)
Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay for
more independent sightseeing, please contact
Cox & Kings for details.
Meal Basis: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner, (N) = No Meals
