Madrid & World Heritage Cities, Self-drive
Madrid & World Heritage Cities, Self-drive
7 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca, Cáceres, Caceres, Toledo
Tour operator:
Tour code:
34579
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive tour through Spain's most enchanting World Heritage cities, starting and ending in the vibrant capital, Madrid. Discover the grandeur of Europe’s largest palace and the artistic treasures of the Reina Sofia Museum. Journey to Segovia to marvel at its Roman aqueduct and fairy-tale Alcazar, then explore the medieval walls of Avila. In Salamanca, visit Spain's oldest university and soak in the lively atmosphere of its historic streets. Continue to the UNESCO-listed town of Caceres, with its impressive collection of historic buildings, before heading to Toledo, where the spirit of El Greco lingers in its ancient streets. Enjoy comfortable accommodations and the freedom of unlimited mileage as you traverse this culturally rich landscape.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL MADRID
Location: Madrid
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: Madrid, Segovia, 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 the 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.
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: Salamanca, 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: Caceres, Toledo, Madrid
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 unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and airport/city surcharge.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks, and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
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Flights
National or International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Insurance
All types of insurance except for the mentioned rent-a-car insurance are not included.
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Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
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Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum, or activity are not included.
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Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence, loss or damage to vehicle components, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines due to breaking traffic laws, additional driver fee, young driver surcharge, one way fees, petrol refueling charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance coverage in Gibraltar are not included.
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)
- 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
- Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 21:59. Pick-ups and returns outside these hours (if available) may incur a surcharge
- 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
Day 1,6 Madrid
- Superior Hotel Category = Soho Boutique Opera or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Altheus Carmelita or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Boutique Casa Don Fernando or similar 4*
- 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
Day 1, 6 Madrid
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hospedería Parque de Monfrague or similar 4*
- Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
- Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar
Mode of Transport
Travel at your own pace with a self-drive tour, featuring car hire options like Opel Corsa or Ford Focus, complete with unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver, and Vehicle Theft Protection.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
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What type of car can I expect to drive during the tour?
You can expect to drive a car from Car Group B, such as an Opel Corsa or similar, or from Car Group C, such as a Ford Focus or similar.
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What is included in the car hire for the tour?
The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and an airport/city surcharge.
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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.
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What should I wear when visiting religious or official buildings during the tour?
Visitors should avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings.
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What happens if I return the rental car earlier than the agreed drop-off date?
If you return the vehicle earlier than the agreed drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund you for any unused days.
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What are the accommodation options during the tour?
Accommodation options include staying at the Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar in Madrid, Palacio de los Velada or similar in Avila, Altheus Carmelitas or similar in Salamanca, and Hospedería Parque de Monfrague or similar in Caceres, all in the superior hotel category.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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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.
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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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Free Date Changes
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.
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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.
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Terms and Conditions
