Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid
You'll arrive at Madrid airport and collect your rental car for the drive to your hotel in Spain's capital. Madrid itself is one of Europe's liveliest cities, with beautiful boulevards, vast parks, and historic churches and palaces scattered throughout. Take some time to settle in and get oriented with your surroundings once you reach the hotel.
- Day 2
Madrid to Salamanca
After breakfast, you'll drive to Salamanca to see Spain's third-oldest university, one of the country's most venerable seats of learning. Walking through the magnificent Plaza Mayor gives you a feel for the city's grandeur, and there's plenty to explore including the Irish College, Casa de las Conchas palace, Monterrey Palace, Casa Lis museum, Clavero Tower, and several convents and churches from different periods.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Salamanca University
- Explore Plaza Mayor
- Visit Irish College
- Visit Casa de las Conchas palace
- Visit Monterrey Palace
- Visit Art Noveau and Art Deco Museum at Casa Lis
- Visit Clavero Tower
- Visit Convent of Las Dueñas
- Visit Convent of St Stephen
- Visit Clergy Church
Landmarks/POIs Salamanca University Plaza Mayor Casa de las Conchas Monterrey Palace Casa Lis Clavero Tower Convent of Las Dueñas Convent of St Stephen Clergy Church - Day 3
Salamanca to Cáceres
Following breakfast, head to Cáceres in Extremadura to explore the medieval walled old town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area features fortified homes, Renaissance palaces, and historic churches throughout. You'll want to check out the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace and the Co-cathedral of St Mary in the Santa Maria-Golfines area, then make your way to the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace near Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
Optional Activities
- Explore walled old town of Cáceres
- Visit Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace
- Visit Co-cathedral of St Mary
- Visit Cigüeñas Palace
Landmarks/POIs Cáceres Old Town Toledo-Moctezuma Palace Co-cathedral of St Mary Cigüeñas Palace - Day 4
Cáceres - Mérida - Cáceres
After breakfast, drive south along the ancient Silver Way to Mérida, one of the Roman capitals of Spain. The Roman bridge there is still in use today, and you can see the well-preserved theatre as well. Take time to walk through the ruins of the amphitheatre and see the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum before heading back to Cáceres for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Roman bridge in Mérida
- Visit Roman theatre in Mérida
- View amphitheatre ruins in Mérida
- Visit Temple of Diana in Mérida
Landmarks/POIs Roman Bridge of Mérida Roman Theatre of Mérida Amphitheatre of Mérida Temple of Diana - Day 5
Cáceres to Madrid
You'll drive back to Madrid after breakfast and spend the day exploring the legendary golden triangle of art galleries. These museums house some of the world's most treasured masterpieces, so plan to spend several hours walking through the collections and taking in the works on display.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
Optional Activities
- Visit Madrid art galleries of the golden triangle
- Day 6
Madrid
After breakfast, drive to the airport and return your rental car. Head to your departure gate and catch your flight back home, wrapping up your trip through central Spain.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
