Sightseeing trips to Central Spain

 This is a trip like nothing you have experienced before. We offer you the opportunity to visit the 5 main UNESCO World Heritage sites of Central Spain (Toledo, Ávila, Salamanca, Segovia & El Escorial) while, at the same time, having the unique chance of discovering what life in the rural part of the country is like.

Every morning we'll visit a different Site accompanied by a knowledgeable and experienced English-speaking tour guide. You'll have the chance to sample the exquisite local cuisine and marvel at 2000 year old Roman monuments, fortified Medieval Towns, Christian, Muslim & Jewish quarters, ancient Visigothic churches, stunning Cathedrals and some of the oldest Universities in the world.

In the afternoon, by contrast, you'll be able to get a taste of what life in the rural part of Spain is like. We'll be staying in a beautiful holiday cottage in a small community in the Sierra de Gredos mountains, surrounded by pristine nature and breathtaking views. The possibilities for hiking, birdwatching or nature photography are endless. The house is also strategically located in the middle of all our sighseeing destinations, allowing for a more efficient use of time. Come with us and enjoy this trip of a lifetime!

After meeting in Madrid, we will transfer to our first World Heritage destination: Toledo. This is a place like no other in Spain. The spiritual heart of country, the capital of the ancient Visigothic Kingdom, the city where Christian, Jewish & Muslim cultures coexisted peacefully for centuries. Its strategic position in of Tagus river has made the area inhabited since time immemorial. Walking its cobblestone, sometimes impossibly narrow streets, you'll be able to breath in the History of this magical city.

 Founded by the Romans, conquered by the Moors and reconquered by Christians, Ávila reached it's full splendour in the 15th and 16th centuries, when influential figures such as Queen Isabella I of Castile or Santa Teresa were born here and the city boasted numerous palaces. But the undisputed highlight of this city is its incredible medieval wall, one of the best preserved in the world. With its quiet, elegant and austere atmosphere, Ávila is perhaps the quintessence of a Castilian town. At almost 1,200 meters of altitude, it is also the highest town in Europe with a population over 50,000. This means winter can be chilly, but spring and summer are usually pleasant compared to many other regions of the country. 

 Salamanca is a pleasant and lively city with a huge student population thanks to its renowned University. Founded in 1218, the University of Salamanca is the oldest educational institution in Spain and the third oldest in the world (after Bologna and Oxford Univetsities). A town rich in Renassaince architecture, Salamanca enjoys a unique and huge central square, two Cathedrals, great views from the Tormes riverside and some of the best Iberico Ham that Spain has to offfer.

We're not exaggerating when we say Segovia is home to three of the most impressive monuments you will ever see: its unparalled 2000 year old Roman acqueduct, its fairytale Medieval Castle and the stunning Cathedral overlooking the surrounding Guadarrama mountains and the Castilian pleateau. This is a town that will leave you speechless and will last in your memory for the rest of your life. On top of that, Segovia has exquisite cuisine which includes its world famous suckling pig and the La Granja white beans.

Located in the middle of the Guadarrama mountains, El Escorial is a charming little town which boasts a massive 16th-century Royal Palace and Monastery built by king Philipp II at the height of the Spanish colonial power. This huge construction is probably the building that best sums up the spiritual and cultural aspirations of 16th-century Spain. The picturesque location among Scot pine and Ash forests only adds to its charm and it's only a short distance from Madrid, where we will end our tour at around 1:30 pm.