Day 1
We fly to Madrid and transfer to our parador in Alcalá de Henares where we stay overnight with dinner included.
Day 2 – Alcalá de Henares & Segovia
Founded by the Romans, Alcalá de Henares is a sun-drenched maze of historical sandstone buildings. With picturesque pavement cafés, bell-towered churches and convents at every turn, it’s no wonder the city boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site status. During our guided city tour we admire the top sites, including the elaborate Renaissance buildings and the university; founded in 1499, it became one of the most important academic institutions in Europe. We also take a stroll along Calle Mayor, the longest colonnaded street in Spain. Don’t forget to try the traditional sweet costrada pastries, baked by the local nuns.
For our next visit we head north to Segovia, where we take a guided tour to find out how this UNESCO World Heritage city is so utterly steeped in legend. Rumoured to have been founded by Hercules himself, the city boasts the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in the world, with its 166 arches spanning over ten miles through the valley’s rolling landscape. It’s also home to the fairytale Alcázar fortress, which inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.
We check in to nearby Parador de Segovia, where we stay for the next two nights. We then enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant.
Day 3 – Ávila
In keeping with our magical kingdom theme, we make our way to Ávila, where we enjoy a guided walking tour. Clasped in the embrace of the perfectly preserved medieval walls which offer no less than 88 watchtowers and more than 2,500 turrets, the old city is crammed with Renaissance churches and has attracted pilgrims to the site of Teresa of Ávila, the patron saint of the sick, for centuries. The cathedral itself offers a patchwork of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance interior decoration.
Day 4 – Madrid & Chinchón
Checking out of the hotel we make our way to the Parador de Chinchón, where we stay for the next three nights. En route, we spend the day in Madrid and enjoy a guided tour on foot and by coach to explore the Spanish capital, its cityscape awash with domes, spires and frilly Belle Époque architecture. We take in an array of impressive landmarks including the Plaza Mayor lined with cafés, shops and restaurants, the Royal Palace and the glorious gardens of the Retiro Park. And, no city does fine art quite like Madrid; from Picasso and Dalí to Miró, its world-class galleries have got the lot!
Day 5 – Royal Palace of Aranjuez
Horseshoed at the confluence of the Tagus and Jarama rivers, the Royal Palace of Aranjuez and its stunning gardens have served as royal residence to Spain’s monarchy since the late 1800s. A trio of kings (Philip II, Ferdinand VI, and Charles II) were integral to its construction and the opulently decorated rooms are filled with portraits and other treasures exploring Spain’s royal history. Highlights include the Throne Room of Elizabeth II, the Prince's Gardens, the Parterre and the Island. There is even an onsite museum featuring a collection of Spain’s royal pleasure barges. After our visit, we enjoy lunch together in Aranjuez.
We return to Chinchón where the afternoon is free to explore at leisure. Take a stroll around the galleries or enjoy a sangria in the town’s lovely courtyards.
Day 6 – Toledo
For our last excursion, we head to Toledo. Atmospheric, cobbled lanes scurry down to serene river paths, which gaze out at the pretty San Martin Bridge arching over the River Tagus. During our guided walking tour we pass streets peppered with a contrasting mix of mosques, synagogues and churches and discover the Gothic cathedral, packed with famous works of art by El Greco. Don’t leave without stocking up on delicious handmade marzipan or capturing a snap of the imposing fortress, protectively watching over the city.
This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together in a local restaurant.
Day 7
We check out of our hotel and transfer to Madrid airport for our flight home.
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