Itinerary
- Day 1
Madrid
You'll arrive at Madrid airport and pick up your rental car for the drive into Spain's capital. The city's known for its wide boulevards, large parks, busy plazas, and historic churches and palaces throughout. Once you get settled, that's it for the day so you can rest up before exploring.
- Start point
- Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Av. de la Hispanidad, s/n, Madrid, Madrid 28042, Spain (Car pick up at Madrid Airport)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Silken Puerta de Madrid)
- Day 2
Madrid
After breakfast, you'll spend the day checking out Madrid's main sights. You'll drive through Paseo de la Castellana, Plaza de Los Cibeles, and Gran Via to get a feel for the city's layout. The Royal Palace comes next with its 3,000 rooms and mixed architectural styles, followed by time at the Reina Sofia Museum where you'll see works by Spanish masters, including Picasso's Guernica.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Silken Puerta de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Guided driving tour through Madrid landmarks
- Visit Royal Palace
- Visit Reina Sofia Museum of modern and contemporary art
Landmarks Royal Palace Reina Sofia Museum Paseo de la Castellana Plaza de Los Cibeles Gran Via Almudena Cathedral Campo del Moro gardens 
- Day 3
Madrid to Cáceres
After breakfast, you'll head south to Caceres in Extremadura. This medieval walled old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with fortified homes, Renaissance palaces, and historic churches throughout. You'll explore two main monument clusters including the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace and the 15th century Ciguenas Palace.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hospederia Parque de Monfrague)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Explore medieval walled old town of Cáceres
Landmarks Cáceres Old Town Toledo-Moctezuma Palace Co-cathedral of St Mary Cigüeñas Palace Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo 
- Day 4
Cáceres to Mérida and Return
Following breakfast, you'll drive south along the ancient Silver Way toward Merida, one of Spain's former Roman capitals. There's a Roman bridge and theatre still in use today, plus amphitheater ruins and Temple of Diana columns in what used to be the Forum. After exploring, you'll head back to Caceres for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hospederia Parque de Monfrague)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Roman bridge in Mérida
- Visit Roman theatre in Mérida
- See amphitheater ruins
- View Temple of Diana columns
Landmarks Roman Bridge of Mérida Roman Theatre of Mérida Amphitheater of Mérida Temple of Diana 
- Day 5
Cáceres to Salamanca
After breakfast, you'll drive to Salamanca to see Spain's third-oldest university, founded in 1134. The magnificent Plaza Mayor is the main gathering spot where you can soak in the atmosphere. Later, you'll walk through historic areas including the Irish College, Casa de las Conchas palace, Monterrey Palace, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum, Clavero Tower, and various convents.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sercotel Artheus Carmelita)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Salamanca University area
- Explore Plaza Mayor
Landmarks Salamanca University Plaza Mayor Irish College Casa de las Conchas Monterrey Palace Casa Lis Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum Clavero Tower Convent of Las Dueñas Convent of St Stephen - Day 6
Valladolid Day Trip from Salamanca
After breakfast, you'll depart for Valladolid, a city in Castile and Leon with impressive architecture throughout. You'll see the Cathedral Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion, built in the 16th century. In the evening, you'll try one of the city's top restaurants for dinner.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Sercotel Artheus Carmelita)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción
Optional Activities
- Dining at Valladolid's finest restaurants
Landmarks Cathedral Nuestra Señora de la Asunción - Day 7
Salamanca to Ávila to Segovia
After breakfast, you'll head to Avila and walk the medieval walls still surrounding the old town. These walls stretch over 2.5 kilometers with 88 towers and nine gates along the way. You'll check out the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent, then wander the ancient streets with their mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and baroque styles. From there, you'll continue to Segovia to see the Alcazar castle (which inspired Disney's Cinderella) and the impressive Roman aqueduct from Emperor Domitian's time cutting through the city center.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hotel Candido)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Explore Ávila medieval walls and old town
- Visit fortified Gothic cathedral in Ávila
- Visit Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent
- Visit Alcazar castle in Segovia
- See Roman aqueduct in Segovia
Landmarks Ávila Medieval Walls Ávila Cathedral Basilica of St Vincent Plaza de Santa Teresa Alcazar Castle Roman Aqueduct of Segovia 
- Day 8
Segovia to Madrid
After breakfast, you'll drive back to Madrid and visit the legendary 'golden triangle' of art galleries. These museums hold some of the world's most treasured masterpieces and will be your final stop before wrapping up your stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Silken Puerta de Madrid)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
- Visit Madrid art galleries
- Day 9
Madrid Departure
After breakfast, you'll depart Madrid and head toward the airport. You'll drop off your rental car at the rental office and then catch your flight back home.
- End point
- Aeropuerto Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas (MAD), Av. de la Hispanidad, s/n, Madrid, Madrid 28042, Spain (Car drop off at Madrid Airport)
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at the hotel)
Included Activities
- Breakfast at hotel
