Journey deep into the heart of Spain exploring the historic regions of Extremadura. 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. Explore the cradles from which Spain’s conquistadors set off to colonise the new world and let Spain conquer your heart every day of this fascinating six-day tour starting and ending in Madrid.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:
Madrid: Visit Europe’s largest palace and the Reina Sofia Museum, where Picasso’s harrowing Guernica is among the masterpieces on display.
Trujillo: The hometown of conquistador Francisco Pizarro boasts a wealth of palaces and churches built with riches brought back from the New World.
Silver Way: Explore the former Roman capital of Merida, the walled town of Plasencia and the monastery of Yuste, while stopping along this ancient Roman trade route.
Caceres: This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a walled town with more than 50 historic buildings.
Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID
Arrive at Madrid airport, pick up your hired car, and drive to your hotel. 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.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 2: MADRID – SALAMANCA (215km – 2.15hrs)
Discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning, after indulging in a tasty breakfast. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz. 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 atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history such as the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis, the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen and the Clergy Church.
Overnight in Salamanca.
Day 3: SALAMANCA – CÁCERES (205km – 2hrs)
Bid farewell to Salamanca after breakfast at the hotel, heading for Cáceres in the region of Extremadura. Not to be outdone by its provincial neighbour, the medieval walled old town of Caceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fortified homes, Renaissance palaces and historic churches. The walled area is compact and there are two main clusters of monuments. In the Santa Maria-Golfines area can be found the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary. The area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace.
Overnight in Cáceres.
Day 4: CÁCERES – MÉRIDA – CÁCERES (150km – 2hrs)
Enjoy breakfast and drive along the southern stretch of the ancient Silver Way to Merida, which was one of the Roman capitals of Spain. With a Roman bridge and a theatre that are both still in use, the classical heritage of Merida is breathtaking. See the ruins of the adjacent amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum, before returning to Caceres.
Overnight in Caceres.
Day 5: CÁCERES – MADRID (300km – 3hrs)
After breakfast drive back to Madrid. Madrid is also home to the legendary golden triangle of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces so don't leave without visiting some of these galleries.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 6: DEPART MADRID
Bid farewell to Madrid after breakfast at the hotel, driving towards the airport. Drop off the car at the rental office. Catch your departure flight back home.
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.
