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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive tour through Spain's cultural heartland with the "Madrid & World Heritage Cities" itinerary. Begin your journey in the vibrant capital, Madrid, exploring its grand palaces and renowned art galleries. Venture to Segovia to marvel at the Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcazar, then continue to Avila, a city encircled by medieval walls. Discover Salamanca's historic university and architectural gems before heading to the UNESCO-listed town of Caceres, rich with Renaissance palaces. Conclude your adventure in Toledo, where the spirit of El Greco lingers in its ancient streets and historic churches. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the freedom of a rental car, allowing you to explore at your own pace. This tour promises a blend of history, art, and stunning landscapes, offering an unforgettable Spanish experience. ...more ...less
Highlights
Madrid: Visit Europe’s largest palace and the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica.
Segovia: Admire the Roman aqueduct and visit the fairy-tale Alcazar and Gothic cathedral.
Avila: Explore the walled city with its fortified Gothic cathedral and the Convent of St Teresa.
Salamanca: Stroll the historic streets and visit the oldest university in Spain.
Caceres: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 50 historic buildings.
Toledo: Experience the spirit of El Greco while exploring ancient streets and historic churches.
Itinerary
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Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive at Madrid Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards the beautiful city of Madrid to check in and explore the city. 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. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 2
:
Madrid – Segovia – Avila (170Km – 2Hrs)
Location: Ávila
Accommodation Name: Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head towards sensational Segovia. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar, which was one of the inspirations for Disney’s Cinderella castle. See also the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, which dates from the reign of Emperor Domitian in the first century and cuts through the city centre. Continue to Avila and stroll the beautiful streets of its old town, surrounded by uninterrupted medieval walls. The perimeter of more than 2.5 kilometres is dotted with 88 towers and nine gates. Behind the ramparts is a city of immense beauty and heritage. Visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent.Stroll through its ancient streets, with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles evident, and take in the splendour of the Plaza de Santa Teresa.
Overnight in Avila.
Day 3
:
Avila – Salamanca (110Km – 1.5Hrs)
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning, visiting theUniversity of Salamanca, as well as the old and new cathedrals. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz, unlike the rest of Castile. 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 inspiring atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history! Visit the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and the Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis.
Overnight in Salamanca.
Day 4
:
Salamanca
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today, after breakfast, dive into Salamanca’s architectural treasures, starting with the striking Clavero Tower. This unique 15th-century fortress-like structure rises above the city with its octagonal shape, a reminder of Salamanca’s medieval past. Next, explore the Convent of Las Dueñas, a stunning example of Mudéjar architecture with intricate cloisters and beautiful courtyard arches. Continue to the Convent of St. Stephen, renowned for its magnificent Plateresque façade and golden stone that glows in the sunlight, revealing Salamanca’s mastery of ornate Gothic design. Finally, visit the Baroque Clergy Church, a grand masterpiece adorned with elaborate decorations, embodying the rich religious heritage of the city.
Overnight in Salamanca.
Day 5
:
Salamanca – Caceres (200Km – 2Hrs)
Location: Cáceres
Accommodation Name: Hospedería Parque de Monfrague or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards Caceres to explore its magnificent historic centre. 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, you can find the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace, as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary while the area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace.
Overnight in Caceres.
Day 6
:
Caceres – Toledo – Madrid (330Km – 3.5Hrs)
Location: Toledo
Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, drive to Toledo and wander through ancient streets dominated by the stunning cathedral and the legendary Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town boasts buildings from almost all periods of the Spanish history. Visit the cathedral and admire the Gothic vaulting and the elaborate altarpiece. Admire the numerous works of art such as frescoes, stained glass, altarpieces, and paintings signed by artists like El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Goya. Continue to Santo Tome Church where El Greco’s epic canvas ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is displayed or just stroll the beautiful streets of Toledo. Then, enjoy a scenic drive back to Madrid, where you'll spend the final night of your tour.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 7
:
Departure Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your last day in Madrid with a tasty breakfast. Then, at the agreed time, head towards the rental company to return the vehicle.
What's Included
The tour includes car hire with applicable local taxes (VAT), unlimited mileage, emergency contact service, full-full petrol rate, and basic and super collision damage waiver (CDW, SCWD), vehicle theft (STP), and supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels).
What's Not Included
Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
Flights
National or international flights are not included in the tour package.
Insurance
All types of insurance except for the mentioned rent-a-car insurance are not included.
Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to aerials, jack, safety triangles and vests, windscreen wipers, petrol cap, luggage covers, or any other fixed or mobile component of the vehicle, damage to the engine through negligence, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, damage caused to the vehicle or to persons through driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fines due to breaking traffic laws and regulations during the hire period, each additional driver fee, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance cover in Gibraltar are not included.
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Requirements
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.
Please Note
Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s licence for a minimum of one year)
Pick-up hours are from Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times are subject to a surcharge
Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s licence together with the original from their country of origin
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48hours of the incident
In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,6 Madrid
Superior Hotel Category = Soho Boutique Opera or similar 4*
Day 2 Avila
Superior Hotel Category = Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
Day 3 Salamanca
Superior Hotel Category = Altheus Carmelita or similar 4*
Day 4 Caceres
Superior Hotel Category = Boutique Casa Don Fernando or similar 4*
Day 5 Toledo
Superior Hotel Category = Alfonso VI or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
VEHICLE CAR GROUP
VW Polo or similar B
VW Golf or similar D
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1,6 Madrid
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Day 2 Avila
Superior Hotel Category = Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
Day 3-4 Salamanca
Superior Hotel Category = Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
Day 5 Caceres
Superior Hotel Category = Hospedería Parque de Monfrague or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group B = Seat Ibiza or similar
Car Group C = Seat Leon or similar
Mode of Transport
This self-drive tour includes car hire options with unlimited mileage, featuring vehicles like the Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, ensuring a comfortable journey through Spain's historic cities.
Accommodation
Enjoy 6 nights of superior accommodation in 4-star hotels, including Silken Puerta de Madrid in Madrid, Palacio de los Velada in Avila, Altheus Carmelitas in Salamanca, and Hospedería Parque de Monfrague in Caceres.
Check out our Q&As
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 6 nights of accommodation in superior hotel categories. In Madrid, you will stay at Silken Puerta de Madrid or a similar 4-star hotel. In Avila, the accommodation is at Palacio de los Velada or similar. In Salamanca, you will stay at Altheus Carmelitas or similar, and in Caceres, the accommodation is at Hospedería Parque de Monfrague or similar.
What is included in the car hire for the self-drive tour?
The car hire includes applicable local taxes (VAT), unlimited mileage, emergency contact service, a full-full petrol rate, and basic and super collision damage waiver (CDW, SCWD), vehicle theft protection (STP), and supercover (cover against damage without excess except windows or wheels).
Are there any age restrictions for drivers on this tour?
Yes, drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and must have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year.
What are the pick-up hours for the rental car?
The pick-up hours for the rental car are from Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 22:00 hrs. Pick-up outside of these times is subject to a surcharge.
What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings during the tour?
Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings.
What happens if I return the rental car earlier than the agreed drop-off date?
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Reviews of this operator
Maria R
Very informative tour
05-Dec-2022
Very informative, creative and charming guide Sol made the experience one to remember. Highly recommend to give you an overview of the area.
Andrew W
Great Scenery
08-Aug-2022
Spectacular scenery. Lovely lunch. The two villages were lovely to see. The stops were short. Best to pre-plan a walk through the villages beforehand to make the most of the time there. The guide was very informative and helpful
Sandra F.
Great tour! Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)
15-Nov-2022
We took an 16-day tour with this firm, and everything exceeded our expectations. The sights we saw were breathtaking, and our tour guides were outstanding. We went on an English/Spanish tour, and the majority of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. The extra package that includes lunch and select entertainment is highly recommended. Thank you very much for this opportunity!
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Grace B
Down South, Self-drive, couldn't be better
16-Oct-2022
Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!
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Steve G
Excellent Volcano and Village Tour
17-Nov-2022
Amazing volcanic scenery, beautiful village set in deep valleys. Ivan was a very knowledgeable local guide who was great with our toddler!
CTS demo white label allows you to make 20 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
Low Deposit
CTS demo white label requires a minimum deposit of
55%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
[{"title":"Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID ","name":"Madrid","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Arrive at Madrid Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards the beautiful city of Madrid to check in and explore the city. 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. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Madrid. </strong></p>","lat":"40.416728","lng":"-3.703291"},{"title":"Day 2: MADRID – SEGOVIA – AVILA (170km – 2hrs)","name":"Ávila","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head towards sensational Segovia. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar, which was one of the inspirations for Disney’s Cinderella castle. See also the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, which dates from the reign of Emperor Domitian in the first century and cuts through the city centre. Continue to Avila and stroll the beautiful streets of its old town, surrounded by uninterrupted medieval walls. The perimeter of more than 2.5 kilometres is dotted with 88 towers and nine gates. Behind the ramparts is a city of immense beauty and heritage. Visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent.<strong> </strong>Stroll through its ancient streets, with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles evident, and take in the splendour of the Plaza de Santa Teresa. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Avila. </strong></p>","lat":"40.656685","lng":"-4.681209"},{"title":"Day 3: AVILA – SALAMANCA (110km – 1.5hrs)","name":"Salamanca","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning, visiting the<strong> </strong>University of Salamanca, as well as the old and new cathedrals. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz, unlike the rest of Castile. 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 inspiring atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history! Visit the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and the Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Salamanca. </strong></p>","lat":"40.970104","lng":"-5.66354"},{"title":"Day 4: SALAMANCA","name":"Salamanca","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Today, after breakfast, dive into Salamanca’s architectural treasures, starting with the striking Clavero Tower. This unique 15th-century fortress-like structure rises above the city with its octagonal shape, a reminder of Salamanca’s medieval past. Next, explore the Convent of Las Dueñas, a stunning example of Mudéjar architecture with intricate cloisters and beautiful courtyard arches. Continue to the Convent of St. Stephen, renowned for its magnificent Plateresque façade and golden stone that glows in the sunlight, revealing Salamanca’s mastery of ornate Gothic design. Finally, visit the Baroque Clergy Church, a grand masterpiece adorned with elaborate decorations, embodying the rich religious heritage of the city.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Salamanca.</strong></p>","lat":"40.970104","lng":"-5.66354"},{"title":"Day 5: SALAMANCA – CACERES (200km – 2hrs)","name":"Cáceres","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Indulge in a delicious breakfast at the hotel and head towards Caceres to explore its magnificent historic centre. 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, you can find the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace, as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary while the area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Caceres. </strong></p>","lat":"39.475533","lng":"-6.373466"},{"title":"Day 6: CACERES – TOLEDO – MADRID (330km – 3.5hrs) ","name":"Toledo","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Begin your day with a delectable breakfast at the hotel. Then, drive to Toledo and wander through ancient streets dominated by the stunning cathedral and the legendary Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town boasts buildings from almost all periods of the Spanish history. Visit the cathedral and admire the Gothic vaulting and the elaborate altarpiece. Admire the numerous works of art such as frescoes, stained glass, altarpieces, and paintings signed by artists like El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens, and Goya. Continue to Santo Tome Church where El Greco’s epic canvas ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is displayed or just stroll the beautiful streets of Toledo. Then, enjoy a scenic drive back to Madrid, where you'll spend the final night of your tour.</p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: rgb(87, 100, 111); margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Madrid. </strong></p>","lat":"39.86283","lng":"-4.027307"},{"title":"Day 7: DEPARTURE MADRID ","name":"Madrid","description":"</br><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Begin your last day in Madrid with a tasty breakfast. Then, at the agreed time, head towards the rental company to return the vehicle.</p>","lat":"40.416728","lng":"-3.703291"}]