(Extremadura and Castilla)

8 Days / 7 Nights

Self-Drive

Hometown of many of the famous “Conquistadors” of America (Pizarro, Hernan Cortes…) presently a unique collection of towns declared ‘’Humankind Heritage’’ by the UNESCO

Day 1: Madrid Airport: Pick up rental car and drive approximately 80 minutes to El Escorial.  We suggest that you visit the Monastery of El Escorial, the best representation of the Spanish Empire from the XVIth century, when under the Spanish crown were more than half of the known world (America, Philippines, a big part of present Italy, Holland, etc.). Next, you will drive approximately 50 minutes to Avila where you will spend the night. We suggest for you to arrange accommodations at Palacio de los Velada Hotel (inside an XVIth century building, with a courtyard which is a masterpiece from the XVIIth century) 

Day 2: Avila:  Breakfast, and overnight at Hotel Palacio de los Velada In the morning, we suggest to visit Avila (Cathedral) and its impressive wall perfectly preserved around the middle age downtown. In the afternoon, travel to the nearby town of Segovia (67 kms, 50 minutes) to visit the Alcazar Cathedral where you will be amazed by the best preserved roman aqueduct in the world. Return to your hotel in Avila.

Day 3: Avila: Breakfast and overnight at Hotel Palacio de los Velada.  Today, travel to Salamanca (75 minutes), where we suggest that you visit the Old and New Cathedral, the University and the beautiful Main Square. Return to your hotel in Avila.

Day 4: Avila: Breakfast: Candelario: Wonderful example of the popular mountain architecture. Hervas: Short stop to around the old ‘Juderia’ (Jewish quarter till the XVth century). Plasencia: Short stop and visit to Cathedral. Caceres: Overnight in Hotel. We suggest that you stay at Melia Caceres located inside a building of XVI and XVIIth century. 

Day 5: Caceres: Breakfast and overnight at hotel.  We suggest that you arrange a morning guided city tour. Spend the afternoon taking an excursion to Merida to visit probably the best preserved Roman ruins in Spain (a wonderful theater which is still used). Return to your hotel in Caceres.

Day 6: Caceres: Breakfast. Trujillo: Nice old downtown full of old palaces of ‘Indianos’ , the people who returned rich from their experience in America in XVII and XVIIIth century. Pizarro was born here. Guadalupe: Visit a very important monastery in relation to the discovery of the new world, America. Most of the Conquerors (Conquistadores) of America came from this region, Extremadura, and Guadalupe was the Virgin of this region, that is the reason this monastery has a wonderful art treasure and you can find the name of Guadalupe in hundreds of towns, villages, and monasteries in Latin America. Toldeo: In the evening we suggest a walk along the stone streets.  When almost all tourists coming from Madrid are gone the town remains a relaxing province town. Their medieval streets will bring us to other centuries. Return to your hotel.

Day 7: Toldeo: Breakfast and overnight in Hotel. We suggest visiting the Cathedral, St Tome Church, Synagogue…the list of art treasure is very long. Or if you want in the afternoon you can visit the nearby city of Aranjuez, as royal residence for many years, it has a fantastic garden and a Royal Palace. 

Day 8: Toldeo: Breakfast and then departure to airport (approximately 100 minute drive to airport). Madrid Airport:  Return rental car

Inclusions:

• 7 nights’ accommodation in Bed & Breakfast 
• 8 days car rental

**It is possible to customize your itinerary

Contact Us at 800-621-2259 or info@tourcrafters.com to book today!