Spain's Golden Age

Fly from Heathrow to Madrid, and transfer to Alcalá de Henares, for a four-night stay at the 4-star RafaelHoteles Forum Alcalá. Just 30km from the capital, this charming place is known for its centuries-old university in the 16th-century old town, and for its feast of tapas bars, which we sample in a Special Event this evening, taking you on a walking tour of the town.
(D)

 A walking tour in Madrid begins with a visit to the Royal Palace. Continue to the historic centre of the city to see the popular Plaza de Santa Ana, a lively hub of eateries; the nearby Puerta del Sol, a semi-circular centre-point, where all is overseen by its famous clock; and the stylised symmetry of the Plaza Mayor, the city’s ceremonial grand square.
(B)

Travel to El Escorial to visit the palace/monastery complex, built in the 16th century by King Felipe II, liberally adorned with fountains and sculptures. Continue to Segovia, its history on view in medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a Gothic cathedral, the hilltop Alcázar fortress and, the symbol of the city, the stunning Roman Aqueduct.
(B)

 A tour of Madrid passes the long and elegant Paseo de Castellana, from the modern business area to the iconic Plaza de Colón and Las Ventas Bullring, the largest in Spain; culminating with entrance to the Prado Museum, renowned worldwide for its Flemish and Italian art, and for its unrivalled collection of Spanish paintings. Remain in Madrid to explore at leisure, returning to Alcalá independently by train.
(B)

Travel to Ávila for a walking tour. Ávila’s 1,700m city walls are strolling grounds with stunning views, surrounding cobbled streets, intriguing churches, and an air of tranquillity. Continue to Toledo, the birthplace of El Greco, crammed onto a hill above a gorge, and semi-moated by the Rio Tajo; for three nights at the 4-star Hotel San Juan de los Reyes.
(B)

Enjoy a walking tour of Toledo, known as ‘the city of three cultures’. In the Middle Ages, Toledo became an icon of religious tolerance, where followers of the three main religions coexisted peacefully and, within the walled Roman, Arab, Spanish-imperial town, mosques, synagogues, and churches jostled for space with palaces and fortresses.
(B)

Tour to Aranjuez, to visit to its Royal Palace and gardens. Built in the 16th century, and recently restored to its full glory, the summer palace is a confection of Rococo, Elizabethan, Chinese and Moorish influences. Continue to the enchanting town of Chinchón, its central square still steeped in its 15th century origins and traditional Castilian design.
(B, D)

Transfer to Madrid airport for the return flight to London.(B)

Fly from Heathrow to Madrid, and transfer to Alcalá de Henares, for a three-night stay at the 4-star RafaelHoteles Forum Alcalá. Just 30km from the capital, this charming place is known for its centuries-old university in the 16th-century old town, and for its feast of tapas bars, which we sample in a Special Event this evening, taking you on a walking tour of the town.
(D)

A walking tour in Madrid begins with a visit to the Royal Palace. Continue to the historic centre of the city to see the popular Plaza de Santa Ana, a lively hub of eateries; the nearby Puerta del Sol, a semi-circular centre-point, where all is overseen by its famous clock; Teatro Real and the stylised symmetry of the Plaza Mayor, the city’s ceremonial grand square.
(B)

A tour of Madrid passes the long and elegant Paseo de Castellana, from the modern business area to the iconic Plaza de Colón and Las Ventas Bullring, the largest in Spain; culminating with entrance to the Prado Museum, renowned worldwide for its Flemish and Italian art, and for its unrivalled collection of Spanish paintings. Remain in Madrid to explore at leisure, returning to Alcalá independently by train.
(B)

Travel to El Escorial to visit the palace/monastery complex, built in the 16th century by King Felipe II, liberally adorned with fountains and sculptures. Continue to Segovia, its history on view in medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a Gothic cathedral, the hilltop Alcázar fortress and, the symbol of the city, the stunning Roman Aqueduct. Travel to Ávila for three nights at the 4-star Palacio de Valderrabanos Hotel.
(B)

Enjoy a walking tour of Ávila; it’s 1,700m city walls are strolling grounds with stunning views, surrounding cobbled streets, intriguing churches, and an air of tranquillity. Afternoon at leisure.
(B)

Travel to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Salamanca for a guided tour of the medieval old town including entrance to the oldest university in Spain, and passing by the 15th century Casa de las Conchas (‘house of shells’) and the 16th-17th century Gothic ‘New Cathedral’, with free time to explore the area around the majestic Plaza Mayor and to perhaps explore the Casa Lis Art Deco Museum. Return to Ávila.
(B)

Travel to Toledo, the birthplace of El Greco, crammed onto a hill above a gorge, and semi-moated by the Rio Tajo; for overnight at the 4-star Hotel San Juan de los Reyes. Enjoy a walking tour of Toledo, known as ‘the city of three cultures’. In the Middle Ages, Toledo became an icon of religious tolerance, where followers of the three main religions coexisted peacefully and, within the walled Roman, Arab, Spanish-imperial town, mosques, synagogues, and churches jostled for space with palaces and fortresses.
(B, D)

Transfer to Madrid airport for the return flight to London.
(B)