ROUTE OF THE HISTORIC CITIES OF SPAIN

ROUTE OF THE HISTORIC CITIES OF SPAIN

5 days / 4 nights – Departure from Barcelona

This tour will take us through some of the most emblematic cities in the history of Spain, where kings left their mark through impressive palaces, medieval fortresses, historic squares and a gastronomy that has endured over time. From the majesty of Madrid, passing through the city of three cultures, Toledo, to the impressive monuments of Segovia and Ávila, this tour is a journey to the heart of the Spanish imperial legacy.

Day 1: Barcelona – The legacy of Gaudí and trip to Madrid

Our trip begins in Barcelona, ​​a vibrant city where art, history and architecture merge in every corner. On this first day, we will immerse ourselves in the legacy of Antoni Gaudí, the visionary architect who redefined the urban landscape of the city with his unique and unmistakable style.

We will take a 6-hour private tour, visiting three of the most iconic works of Catalan modernism:

Park Güell – A park that seems straight out of a fairy tale, with its iconic undulating plaza, the famous mosaic dragon and paths surrounded by nature and organic architecture.
Sagrada Familia – Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece and Barcelona’s most iconic monument. We will explore its luminous interior, where columns look like trees and stained glass floods the space with vibrant colors.
La Pedrera (Casa Milà) – One of the most innovative buildings of its time, with its surprising rooftop full of sculptural chimneys and its undulating structure that breaks with the conventional lines of architecture.

After a day immersed in Gaudí’s creative genius, we will head to Sants station, where we will take the high-speed train (AVE) to Madrid. During the approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes of the journey, we will cross the heart of Spain, enjoying the landscapes of the central plateau.

Upon arrival in Madrid, you will have free time for dinner, with multiple options ranging from traditional restaurants to modern gastronomic proposals. It will be the perfect opportunity to taste typical dishes such as Spanish omelette, Iberian ham or the famous calamari sandwiches, before moving to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day.

Night in Madrid

Day 2: Madrid

Madrid is a city where history and modernity intertwine, creating a vibrant setting in which every corner tells a story. Its importance as a capital began in 1561, when Philip II established the seat of royal power here. Under the reign of the Austrias, the city flourished with the construction of monumental squares, churches and convents, consolidating its role as the political epicenter of the kingdom.

In the 18th century, with the arrival of the Bourbons, Madrid underwent a radical transformation: wider streets, majestic palaces and French-inspired gardens gave the capital a renewed air. Today, Madrid remains the cultural heart of Spain, a city where art, history and gastronomy are lived with passion.

After breakfast, we will enter the Madrid of the Austrias and the Bourbons, visiting its most emblematic squares, markets and monuments.

Our first stop will be the Plaza Mayor, an imposing porticoed square built in the 17th century under the reign of Philip III. This space has witnessed historical events, from markets and royal celebrations to the autos-da-fé of the Inquisition. Its symmetrical buildings and vibrant atmosphere transport us to the golden age of the Spanish monarchy.

A few steps away, we find the Mercado de San Miguel, a covered market dating from 1916 that has become the gastronomic epicentre of the city. Here, travelers can enjoy a selection of Iberian acorn-fed ham, Manchego cheeses, homemade croquettes and fresh seafood, in a setting full of history and tradition.

We will continue our tour at Puerta del Sol, the kilometer zero of Spain and one of the most emblematic squares of the capital. At this key point in the city are the iconic statue of the Bear and the Strawberry Tree, symbol of Madrid, and the Clock of the Casa de Correos, protagonist of the Spanish tradition of the twelve grapes on New Year’s Eve.

Our next stop takes us to the Almudena Cathedral, a religious and architectural symbol that took more than a century to complete. Its design combines neoclassical, neo-Gothic and neo-Romanesque influences, and in its crypt rest the remains of historical nobles and aristocrats.

Before sunset, we will head to the Sabatini Gardens, a space designed in an elegant neoclassical style that offers an exceptional panoramic view of the Royal Palace. Surrounded by statues of medieval monarchs, we will continue to the Plaza de Oriente, an enclave that invites you to stroll and admire the architecture of the area.

To close the day, you will have time to enjoy dinner and return to the hotel or enjoy an evening stroll along Gran Vía, admiring the lighting of the historic buildings and the hustle and bustle of Madrid life.

Overnight in Madrid

Day 3: Toledo and Segovia – Monumental treasures of Spain

After breakfast in Madrid, we leave by private car for Toledo, the historic city where Christians, Muslims and Jews coexisted, leaving a unique architectural and cultural legacy. Located on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, Toledo is a true open-air museum, with medieval streets that transport us to another era.

Upon arrival, we explore the historic center, visiting its most emblematic squares and monuments. We will visit the Alcázar of Toledo, a fortress with a history marked by wars and reconquests, and the Primate Cathedral, one of the most impressive in Europe, with its spectacular Gothic interior. We will walk through the Jewish quarter, discovering ancient synagogues and narrow passages that preserve the essence of medieval Toledo.

For lunch, we will enjoy Toledo cuisine, with specialties such as roast suckling pig, stewed partridge or Toledo marzipan, a traditional sweet with centuries of history.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey by private car to Segovia, another jewel of Spanish heritage. Upon arrival, we find its iconic Roman Aqueduct, an imposing work of engineering that has withstood the passage of centuries.

On our city tour, we will visit the Alcázar of Segovia, a fairytale fortress that served as inspiration for fantasy castles and was the royal residence of the Castilian monarchs. We will walk through its old town, discovering the Segovia Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral built in Spain, with its impressive architecture and majestic tower.

At the end of the day, we will check into our hotel in Segovia, where we will spend the night, enjoying the tranquility of this monumental city before continuing our tour the next day.

Overnight in Segovia

Day 4: Ávila and Salamanca – Medieval Walls

After breakfast in Segovia, we continue our tour by private car to Ávila, one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Spain. Declared a World Heritage Site, its silhouette is dominated by the impressive Walls of Ávila, a fortification more than 2,500 meters long that has protected the city since the 11th century.

Upon arrival, we will stroll through its historic center, where we will discover the Cathedral of Ávila, one of the first Gothic cathedrals in Spain, which combines elements of a military fortress with impressive religious architecture. We will also visit the Basilica of San Vicente, a jewel of Spanish Romanesque, and walk through the narrow streets where Santa Teresa de Jesús left her mark, learning about her legacy at the Convent of Santa Teresa.

After our visit, we will enjoy a traditional lunch in Ávila, where we can taste dishes such as the Ávila steak, famous for its quality, or Santa Teresa egg yolks, a typical sweet from the city.

In the afternoon, we will resume our journey by private car to Salamanca, a vibrant city with an impressive academic and architectural legacy.

Upon arrival, we will tour its Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, with its elegant baroque design. Then, we will visit the University of Salamanca, founded in 1218, the oldest in Spain and one of the most prestigious in Europe. We will admire the famous Plateresque façade, full of details carved in stone, and discover the legend of the frog of Salamanca, a symbol of the city.

We will continue towards the New Cathedral, where Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles are combined, and we will walk along the Roman Bridge, a vestige of the passage of the Roman Empire through the city.

As evening falls, we will check into our hotel in Salamanca, where we will spend the night, enjoying the student atmosphere and the nighttime illumination of its monuments.

Night in Salamanca

Day 5: Return to Madrid with a stop at El Escorial – End of the Tour

After breakfast in Salamanca, we begin our journey by private car to Madrid, but before reaching the capital, we will make a final stop at one of the most emblematic places in Spain: The Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Built in the 16th century by order of Philip II, El Escorial is a monumental complex that reflects the grandeur of the Spanish Empire. During our visit, we will explore its Monastery and Basilica, where the remains of the Spanish monarchs rest in the Pantheon of the Kings. We will walk through its majestic halls and galleries, discovering the Renaissance frescoes, the imposing library with thousands of historical volumes and the architectural symbolism that represents the power of the monarchy.

After the visit, we will continue our journey to Madrid, where we will arrive at noon, closing an unforgettable journey through the history, culture and monumental wealth of Spain.

End of the Tour in Madrid

What does the tour include?

• Private vehicle transportation with driver throughout the tour
• High speed train Barcelona – Madrid in tourist class
• Accommodation in hotels
• Local guides specialized in each city
• Tickets included to the main monuments: Royal Palace of Madrid – Toledo Cathedral – Alcázar of Toledo – Alcázar of
• Segovia – Cathedral of Segovia – Walls of Ávila – Cathedral of Ávila – Convent of Santa Teresa in Ávila – University of Salamanca – Old Cathedral and New Cathedral of Salamanca
• Guided tours in each destination
• Gastronomic experience in Toledo
• Basic travel insurance

What is not included in the tour?

• Flights or trains to the starting point of the tour in Barcelona
• Lunches and dinners (except those mentioned in the itinerary)
• Drinks and additional consumption in restaurants
• Personal expenses and tips
• Optional activities not mentioned in the plan

Maximum capacity: 15 people.
Meeting point: Pick up at the hotel.
It is essential to have received confirmation of the reservation.

CANCELLATION CONDITIONS

One-day tours can be cancelled up to 24 hours before.