SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Seville

Fly from London to Seville and check into the Hospes Las Casas del Rey de Baeza, an 18th century building with a picturesque central courtyard, just a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral. You spend two nights in Seville.

Day 2: In Seville

Spend your day in Seville getting to grips with the Moorish influences on the town, from the Real Alcázar to La Giralda tower. The Real Alcázar is a Moorish Palace, decorated with cusped and keyhole arches that are typical of the style, has pools in the centre of its inner courtyards and tranquil landscaped gardens around it. La Giralda tower is the cathedral’s bell tower, and its design is reminiscent of the minarets of Morocco.

The cathedral itself is defined by large stone domes and freestanding archways. We include a 2.5 hour guided tour around the Barrio de Santa Cruz, the most culturally intriguing quarter of the city, characterised by its whitewashed houses and pretty lanes. Guests can also choose between viewing an authentic Andalucian flamenco show and a Corte de Jamón workshop, which demonstrates the art of cutting the Iberian ham at the centre of so many popular Spanish dishes, particularly tapas.

We recommend a relaxed stroll around the waterfront and across the bridges of the Plaza de España, as well as a visit to the market stalls around the Plaza del Salvador.

The local businessmen sell primarily arts and crafts, including the famous Azulejo, a form of painted Spanish ceramic work. Other attractions in Seville include the horse-drawn carriages in the Maria Luisa Park, the iconic Metropol Parasol wooden sculpture, the 18th century Plaza de Toros bullring, the Museum of Fine Arts and, of course, the annual Feria in April.

A rooftop pool terrace at your hotel offers delightful views across the city roofs throughout the day, but it is at its most atmospheric in the evenings.

Day 3: Seville to Cáceres by car

Collect your hire car and drive to the Hospes Palacio de Arenales, located just outside Cáceres. This 17th century hotel is an idyllic rural retreat, which combines charming history with chic, contemporary design. You spend two nights in Cáceres.

Day 4: In Cáceres

The walled city of Cáceres itself has been heavily influenced by its dramatic history of battles between the Moors and Christians. As a result, the architecture bears marks of Roman, Islamic, Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles, though the settlement is said to pre-date Roman times. A long wander along Cáceres’ streets will reveal many fortified houses, palaces and towers that sculpt the city’s horizon, over 30 of which are in the Islamic style. The Torre de Bujaco, which dates back to the 12th century and overlooks the central Plaza Mayor, is the most famous.

On a quiet day, or in the evenings, the medieval appearance of Cáceres will become most apparent and its atmosphere will be at its richest. The austere and medieval Concatedral de Santa María is situated on a plaza of the same name and was built in the 15th century. Inside a magnificent towering cedar altarpiece was added in the 16th century, while there are also several noble tombs and chapels and an ecclesiastical museum.

The bell tower offers unrivalled views across the Old Town. The Arco del Cristo on the Puerta del Río, though unassuming amidst the winding passages and steep streets of the Old Town, is a gateway that dates back to Roman times.

Some other intriguing sights within Cáceres include the Iglesia de San Francisco Javier, an 18th century Jesuit church on the Plaza de San Jorge, and the Renaissance-style Palacio de la Diputación. This historic city offers much in the way of cultural attractions, as well as capturing the essence of Spanish rural life. Your short stay here will have a noticeably different tone to your stay in Seville, as well as Salamanca, where you progress on to next.

Day 5: Cáceres to Salamanca

Today leave Cáceres for Salamanca, the capital of Castilla y León. You will spend two nights in Salamanca.

Day 6: In Salamanca

The city of Salamanca gains its lively, youthful atmosphere from the Universidad de Salamanca, and is dominated by the grand sandstone architecture for which it is known. Spend time in the dynamic old and new cathedrals, the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum at Casa Lis, and in one of the cafes on the spectacular Plaza Mayor watching the world go by.

The old and new cathedrals together form the Cathedral of Salamanca, with the new effectively leaning against the old, but both have distinctive appearances and histories.

The old cathedral was founded in the 12th century but wasn’t completed until the 14th century, with Romanesque and Gothic additions. On top of the large cycle of 53 tableaux in the apse, the main attraction of this cathedral is the medieval Arabic dome which crowns the building. Inside, the central cavernous hall reaches up into the dome’s lavishly decorated peak.

From the outside the dome sometimes takes on a blueish tinge, and rises high above the rest of the city. The new cathedral was finished in the 18th century and combines both the Baroque and Gothic style. The Baroque dome and the bell tower distinguish this cathedral from its neighbour. New exterior sculptures, including modern additions such as astronauts, were added in the 20th century to repair the damage of time.

You may also wish to visit the Casa de las Conchas, a Gothic palace whose walls have been adorned with shells. This stop includes a guided 2.5 hour tour of Salamanca’s history, as well as a choice between a tasting session of authentic regional tapas or an exclusive visit to the Convent of San Esteban, with access to parts of the building restricted to tourists.

After a busy morning exploring the city’s culture, perhaps take a stroll across one of the many bridges and along the waterways. It is perhaps in this way that visitors can uncover Salamanca’s true beauty. For a day trip outside the city, perhaps visit a small town such as Toro. The vineyards of this town pre-date Roman times, making it the perfect place to sample some of the Castilla y Leon wines, particularly the robust reds. The town of Rueda produces many of its own aromatic variations on Verdejo, Sauvignon, and Espumoso wines. The Rueda Dorada is a fortified white wine named after its golden colour.

Day 7: Salamanca to Leon

Leave Salamanca in the early morning and travel north to the medieval walled city of Leon, for one night at the NH Collection hotel on the Plaza Mayor. Perhaps take a short detour to Astorga en route to see the fairy-tale Episcopal Palace, with its narrow turrets, blue-black pointed roofs, arched windows and the unusual hue of its stone. Or stop off in picturesque La Bañeza to see the colourful townhouses and charming irregular squares.

The Parador de Leon is housed in the converted Convent of San Marcos, which was once a hospital for those on the pilgrim’s route, and still retains its Plateresque façade and the Jacobean medallions within. Begin your afternoon with a visit to the 13th century cathedral, often referred to as the ‘House of Light’ due to its stunning stained-glass windows, which make up 1,200 square foot across the building’s walls and cast a golden glow on the vast central chamber. The Casa de los Botines in Leon was designed by Antoni Gaudi. Though it is more reserved than his work in Barcelona, the building still has the fluidity typical of his style, with a soft-rounded appearance, thin turrets and curved roofs.

The Old Town of Leon is characterised by narrow one-way streets, arcaded squares, and lively tapas bars typical of old cities such as this. The Basilica of San Isidoro is built into the old surrounding walls, on the site of the ancient temple of Mercury. Built in the 11th century, it provided the blueprint for the other Romanesque churches across northern Spain.

Its curved colourful ceiling and shorter Corinthian pillars give the building unmistakable charm. For something a little more modern, peruse the contemporary experimental exhibitions at the MUSAC, which prides itself on its revolutionary outlook. You spend one night in Leon.

Day 8: Leon to Santiago de Compostela

After exploring Leon, drive northwest to Santiago de Compostela, the Galician capital. Punctuated by green open spaces, this city captures the essence of northern ‘Green Spain’. Stay for two nights in the Parador de Santiago de Compostela, a historic hotel that captures the elegance and luxury of this devout city.

Day 9: In Santiago de Compostela

The focus of your full day in Santiago de Compostela is the cathedral just across the square from your hotel. It is believed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Apostle, and consequently the revered endpoint of both the Saint James Pilgrimage Route and the Silver Way. The breathtakingly decorative, elaborate and iconographic front façade was not added until the 18th century, but has become something of an icon for the city. Enter through the triple-columned ‘Door of Glory’, one of the cathedral’s finest additions. Tours are available to elaborate on the intricate carvings.

Inside allow time to walk around the Plateresque cloister, accessible through the museum and reportedly one of the most important and beautiful in Spain. Annexed to the cloister are the library, Chapter Room, and the Chapel of Relics, all of which offer a valuable insight into why this cathedral is so inspirational to religious Spaniards. Through the museum you will also be granted access to parts of the Archbishops’ Palace, a large tapestry and the stunning third floor views across neighbouring Praza do Obradoiro.

On the outskirts of Santiago de Compostela is the City of Culture, a dynamic complex of museums, libraries, art exhibitions and stunning architecture, designed by an American. The artwork of local and national artists is celebrated at the Galician Museum of Modern Art, situated beside the peaceful and idyllic Bonaval Park.

For the best views in the city, head to the Paseo da Ferradura in the Alameda Park. See the cathedral rise majestically above the buildings of the city in the day and appreciate the atmospheric lighting that illuminates the building’s ornate towers in the evening. If time permits, on your last day in Spain it is worth driving west to the Atlantic Coast to enjoy the phenomenal scenery of the Rias Baixas inlets, and taste some of the shellfish and white wine that this region is famous for.

Day 10: Santiago de Compostela to London

On your final day, return your hire car and fly from Santiago de Compostela to London.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Local car hire and flights from London are included, with regional departures on request.

We offer a choice of hotels at different prices, so please discuss your requirements with us. All hotels are subject to availability.

Before your departure, you will receive personalised holiday information including recommended routes and suggestions on places to visit, to help you get the most from your holiday.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance, vehicle breakdown cover and an appropriate driving licence. The AA and the FCO should also be consulted.