Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca

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To book or for more information please call: 0330 341 1117 and quote RTA

Live your travel story and save up to 15% on wish-list tours until Thursday, 13 March.

Uncover the colourful history of Spain’s central region with visits to its provincial centres and their most impressive UNESCO-listed landmarks. The pretty windmill-dotted landscapes and sprawling centres of regal Castile, Léon and La Mancha become the backdrop for a magnificent sightseeing escape. Based in the heart of each city, this holiday offers total immersion into this destination’s diverse cultures, and you’ll be perfectly placed to make the most of each stop. Take in the country’s capital cities, with visits to Madrid and Toledo, and discover medieval Segovia’s Roman heritage. Savour the scents and flavours of the region’s local cuisines and try a few traditional Castilian delicacies. Spain’s cultural glories and architectural wonders are the memorable highlights of stops in Salamanca and Ávila prior to a night spent in the literary hub Alcalá de Henares. Your Spanish getaway starts in the national capital, Madrid, and is followed by a day trip to historic Segovia, with its grand Romantic Alcázar and authentic Roman aqueducts. You’ll then explore the magnificent El Escorial Monastery, one of the country’s most significant royal sites and the largest Renaissance building in the world. Next, spend a morning in the spectacular former Visigoth capital, Toledo, where you’ll have the chance to witness the city’s famous steelworkers in action and enjoy a brief visit to sectarian Ávila, the birthplace of St. Teresa. Complete the holiday with a tour of the university city Salamanca and a unique stay in cultural Alcalá de Henares at a luxury parador.

Holiday Highlights

Meander through Madrid, Spain’s metropolitan capital, with a tour of its most lively public squares
Marvel at Segovia’s finest landmarks, from its 160-arch Roman aqueduct to the city’s famous medieval castle
Pay homage to a treasure of the Spanish Golden Age with a tour of the palatial El Escorial Monastery, one of the nation’s most extravagant royal sites
Explore Toledo, home to a diverse collection of religious quarters and a magnificent hilltop castle
Take in charming Ávila, with its rich Catholic heritage and grand 12th-century cathedral
Venture into Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its golden sandstone architecture
Enjoy an exquisite parador stay in literary Alcalá de Henares, with its 16th-century university

What's Included

Seven nights’ three/four-star bed-and-breakfast or half-board accommodation in Madrid (4 nights), Toledo (2) and Alcalá de Henares (1)
Seven breakfasts and one dinner
Tour of Madrid
Visit to Segovia
Entry to El Escorial Monastery
Tour of Toledo
Trip to Ávila
Tour of Salamanca
Visit to Alcalá de Henares
Return flights to Madrid
Air-conditioned coach travel and transfers throughout
Fully escorted by a friendly, experienced tour manager

Itinerary

Day 1

Your escape to Spain’s central region begins with a flight to the country’s capital, Madrid. You’ll meet your friendly tour manager before heading into the centre of the city to your first hotel, where you can enjoy an evening at leisure. Just a short walk away is Madrid’s bustling Gran Via, with its popular shopping areas and an assortment of restaurants.

Day 2

After breakfast, travel through Madrid’s Centro district to the Plaza Mayor, a stately public square lined with cafés and bistros, where you’ll enjoy a taste of life in the Spanish capital. Continue to the nearby Puerta del Sol, another well-known public square. From the former headquarters of the Francoist regime’s Ministry of Interior and State Security to the plazas’ various statues, which showcase the city’s artistic flair, time spent in the two squares promises the perfect introduction. Next, you’ll head south to the Barrio de Las Latinas, with its picturesque narrow alleys and bustling streets. Here, you'll discover the Plaza de la Armería, an expansive courtyard bordered by the spectacular Palacio Real (Royal Palace) and the Almudena Cathedral. Your expert local guide will offer captivating insights into the histories of these two regal landmarks, and you can marvel at their baroque exteriors before moving on to the elegant Campo del Moro gardens. After a brief wander around the park’s scenic trails, you’ll drive to the Templo del Debod. Originally dedicated to the Egyptian deities Amun and Isis, this ancient Nubian temple was gifted to Madrid in recognition of Spain’s generous disaster relief in aid of Aswan’s flood victims throughout the 1960s. Complete today’s tour in the Plaza de Espana, taking in its statue of Miguel Cervantes, one of the country’s famous authors. You can then head back along Gran Via or revisit some of your favourite spots from today for a closer look.

Day 3

Travel to historic Segovia after breakfast for a tour around its UNESCO-listed old city. During the hour-long drive from Madrid, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the expansive vistas of Spain’s central region, with its rolling hills and conifer forests. On arrival in Segovia, you’ll be able to seek out the city’s major sights on your own time. You can start at the magnificent 2,000-year-old Roman Aqueduct, believed to be the best-preserved of its kind in the world, or head further into the city. The Plaza de Medina del Campo, which commemorates the comuneros rebel leader, Juan Bravo, is presided over by a spectacular 12th-century Catholic church and makes for an ideal place to kick off your Segovian sightseeing. From here, you can visit the Plaza Mayor, a pretty tree-studded public square fringed with cafés, boutiques and bars. Wander around the plaza, which was once the city’s commercial centre, and perhaps enjoy a drink against the backdrop of the neighbouring Segovia Cathedral. You should also make time for a visit to the city’s majestic Alcázar for an unmissable step back into Segovia’s medieval past. Towering above the rest of the city, this hilltop palace is one of the world’s most-visited medieval castles and was once a royal palace of the Castilian monarchs. After a morning taking in the medieval treasures of Castile, you’ll head back south towards Madrid, stopping at the palatial El Escorial Monastery en route. Immense in size and significance, this grand UNESCO-listed monastery was built by King Phillip II and remains a symbol of the Spanish Golden Age. You’ll have the chance to walk El Escorial’s historic halls, admiring its opulent architecture and frescoed chapels as you go. This evening, you’ll return to Madrid.

Day 4

Head south after breakfast for a morning’s visit to the ‘Glass City’, Toledo. Nestled within the vineyard-laden stretches and mountain valleys of the Castilla La Mancha region, this was once the capital of Visigoth society and boasts a wealth of rich historical sites. After arriving in the city, meet your guide in the Plaza Zocodover, the colourful central hub of the city, before taking Toledo’s Christian, Muslim and Jewish quarters. Along the way, you’ll learn how the city’s three unique communities peacefully coexisted for centuries with visits to the El Transito Synagogue, home to stuccos, and the Moorish Mosque of Jesus the Light. Heading into Toledo’s bustling centre, you’ll have the chance to view its stately Alcázar and learn about its significance as a symbol of Franco’s Nationalist Rebellion. From here, you can admire the castle from below or, if you’d like, get a closer look with a walk up to the castle’s hilltop perch with panoramic views over Toledo. A final call at Saint Tomé’s Church, which features beautiful frescos, highlights the varied religious heritage that thrived throughout Toledo’s history. Later, travel back to Madrid for an afternoon at leisure, ticking off any last-minute sights off your wish-list.

Day 5

Enjoy breakfast before boarding a coach for the journey to the university town of Salamanca. On the way, you can take in the views over the rolling hills and far-reaching plains, as well as stop in the medieval city, Avila, enclosed by towering walls. Known as the birthplace of St. Teresa, a 16th-century saint, Ávila offers a number of spectacular sights. Explore at your own pace throughout the early afternoon, perhaps stopping for lunch in the Plaza Mercado Del Chico with its arcades and cafés. You can also take in the city’s ornate 12th-century Cathedral and St. Teresa’s Convent with its chapels, chambers and relics that influenced her life. In the afternoon, continue to Salamanca, a city renowned for its golden-coloured sandstone buildings, and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 6

Salamanca awaits today as you venture out on a tour of the city’s major highlights after breakfast. Join your fellow travellers in the Plaza Mayor, the city’s baroque focal point. After a brief pause in the square, enjoy the delightful Romanesque, Gothic and Moorish architecture on display throughout the winding streets with a walk to your next stop, the Casa de la Conchas. This unique building, adorned with over 300 carved seashells, was once a symbol of the nobility’s power but has since been repurposed as a public library. Next, you’ll continue to the majestic Anaya Palace, an impressive Neo-Classical building which now houses the University of Salamanca’s School of Philology. View the intricate facades and manicured grounds of this breath-taking landmark. Round your tour out at the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which is made up of old and new buildings. If you’ve worked up an appetite after the tour, consider stopping at one of the local eateries for a horzano, a traditional pastry filled with pork loin, chorizo and boiled eggs. Once you’re finished exploring the city, return to your hotel for a second overnight stay.

Day 7

Your final full day in Spain’s stunning central region sees you leave Salamanca for a drive east to Alcalá de Henares, the UNESCO-listed hometown of renowned author Miguel de Cervantes. After checking into your hotel, the exquisite Parador de Alcalá de Henares, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore. You can then discover the town’s artistic history with a visit to the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, which chronicles the life of one of Spain’s most distinguished writers. Wander through the chambers that Cervantes called home, and marvel at the author’s expansive personal library. Continue to the city’s lively Calle Mayor (Main Street), or enjoy the enchanting Moorish exteriors of Laredo Palace, which boasts a majestic blend of Gothic and Islamic architectural styles. Later this evening, return to the parador for a special farewell dinner in the company of your fellow traveller.

Day 8

At the end of a memorable week, have breakfast at the parador this morning before driving back to Madrid for your return flight to the UK.

Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca Touring Hotels

You will be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary. Hotel Catalonia Gran Via Madrid, Madrid (nights 1-4) Set in the heart of Madrid's Gran...

Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca Touring Hotels

You will be staying in a series of comfortable hotels that are conveniently located for your tour itinerary. Hotel Catalonia Gran Via Madrid, Madrid (nights 1-4) Set in the heart of Madrid's Gran...

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

All-inclusive packages

The all-inclusive package available at the Hotel Raga includes breakfast, lunch and dinner, plus soft or alcoholic drinks at lunch and dinner.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

Terms and conditions

The Save up to 15% offer discount applies to selected wish-list tours. This offer applies only to new bookings made between 23th December 2024 and 13th March 2025 inclusive, and cannot be retrospectively applied to bookings already confirmed.

This offer does not apply to holidays with late availability pricing, and excludes other location tours not on the wish-list offer, such as Ocean Cruise, River Cruise, Lapland, Andre Rieu and Wimbledon. This offer does not apply to child prices/child pricing. This offer cannot be combined or used in conjunction with any other discount, promotion, or concession. When booking a holiday as described above, prices shown will automatically have the discount applied. The discount applies to your final holiday price (excluding holiday insurance) at the time of booking.

This offer is subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Newmarket Holidays reserves the right to cancel, change or amend any tour. Holidays booked with Newmarket Holidays are financially protected in accordance with ABTA, ATOL & ABTOT regulations. Newmarket Holidays Limited is a company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 02238316

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Request Brochure - Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca

Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca

Live your travel story and save up to 15% on wish-list tours until Thursday, 13 March.

Holiday Highlights

What's Included

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca Touring Hotels

Madrid, Toledo & Salamanca Touring Hotels

Holiday provided by

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