Travelpack

Madrid • Aranjuez • Toledo • Salamanca • Avila • Segovia

Discover the soul of Spain on this unforgettable self-drive journey from Madrid through some of the country’s most historic and enchanting cities. Begin in Spain’s vibrant capital, renowned for its grand boulevards, world-class art museums, and royal heritage, before exploring iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the Reina Sofia Museum. Travel through charming Aranjuez and medieval Toledo, where three cultures, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim, once flourished side by side. Continue to the golden sandstone city of Salamanca, home to one of the world’s oldest universities and a lively historic centre. Wander the perfectly preserved walled city of Ávila and marvel at Segovia’s fairy-tale Alcázar and extraordinary Roman aqueduct. Conclude your adventure at the majestic Monastery of El Escorial before returning to Madrid. This captivating journey blends culture, architecture, history, and breathtaking scenery, perfect for travellers seeking freedom, discovery, and the true spirit of Spain.

Day 1: Soul of Spain, Self-drive/Arrival Madrid
Flight from London Gatwick Airport to Madrid Barajas International Airport
Arrive at Madrid Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards the beautiful city of Madrid to check in and explore the city. The Spanish capital is one of Europe's liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, and numerous historic churches and palaces. Madrid is also home to the legendary golden triangle of art galleries, which house some of the world's most treasured masterpieces.
Overnight in Madrid.

Day 2: Madrid
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Discover all the main sights and attractions by driving through famous locations like the Paseo de la Castellana, the Plaza de Los Cibeles, and the Gran Via. Visit the Royal Palace - Europe's largest - and the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The Royal Palace has more than 3,000 rooms, and the appearance of those seen during the guided tour is an eclectic mix, ranging from cluttered Victorian to exotic oriental decor. Works of art by great masters such as Caravaggio, Velázquez and Goya adorn the walls while period furniture graces every room. The lavishness and opulence of the interiors stand in contrast to the sober baroque and neoclassical exterior, which faces the Almudena Cathedral and overlooks the Campo del Moro gardens. The Reina Sofia Museum boasts one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. Admire works by Spanish masters such as Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris, and Pablo Picasso, whose vast and haunting Guernica is complemented by an exhibition of other works and resources, which help put the iconic painting in context. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3: Madrid Aranjuez Toledo Salamanca (380km 4.5hrs)
Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to charming Aranjuez. Visit the Royal Palace and gardens. Find the inspiration for Joaquin Rodrigo's famous Concierto de Aranjuez, a classical Spanish guitar piece, based on his experiences at the palace gardens. Then, continue to Toledo. Discover this living museum, which evokes the mix of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures of medieval Castile. Wander through ancient streets dominated by the stunning cathedral and the legendary Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town boasts buildings from almost all periods of Spanish history. Visit Santo Tome Church, where El Greco's epic canvas The Burial of the Count of Orgaz is displayed, and the former synagogue, with an interior that presents one of the best-preserved examples of Mudejar architecture in Castile. Then bid farewell to Toledo and drive to Salamanca. Overnight in Salamanca.

Day 4: Salamanca
Discover Spain's most venerable seat of learning after having breakfast at the hotel. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world, and the college gives the city a lively buzz, unlike the rest of Castile. At the time of the university's founding, in 1134, Salamanca was in the Kingdom of Leon. Head to the heart of the action, at the magnificent Plaza Mayor and savour the inspiring atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history! Visit the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Nouveau and the Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis. If time permits, also catch a glimpse of the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen and the Baroque Clergy Church. Overnight in Salamanca.

Day 5: Salamanca Avila (130km 2hrs)
Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Avila. Stroll the streets of the city's old town, a place still surrounded by uninterrupted medieval walls. The perimeter of more than 2.5 kilometres is dotted with 88 towers and nine gates. Behind the ramparts is a city of immense beauty and heritage. Visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent. Stroll through its ancient streets, with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, and take in the splendour of the Plaza de Santa Teresa. Overnight in Avila.

Day 6: Avila Segovia (65km 1hr)
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head towards sensational Segovia. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar, which was one of the inspirations for Disney's Cinderella castle. See also the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, which dates from the reign of Emperor Domitian in the first century and cuts through the city centre .Overnight in Segovia.

Day 7: Segovia San Lorenzo de El Escorial Madrid (110km 1.5hrs)
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, head to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This pretty and prosperous town is the location of one of Spain's most important Renaissance monuments, the magnificent Monastery of El Escorial, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex also served as the royal palace of Philip II, one of the two dozen monarchs whose final resting place is the Pantheon of Kings. Other attractions of El Escorial include the Hall of Battles, where large frescoes depict important Spanish military triumphs, the lavish library with frescoed ceilings, and the breathtakingly beautiful basilica. After admiring this lovely city, continue to Madrid and check in at the hotel. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 8: Depart Madrid
Begin your last day in Madrid with a tasty breakfast. Then, at the agreed time, head towards the rental company to return the vehicle.

Prices & Departures
a97547 Gatwick from £1015pp
Deposit £125pp
a97556 Manchester from £1059pp
Deposit £125pp
a97564 Glasgow from £1079pp
Deposit £125pp
a97570 Dublin from £1855pp
Deposit £250pp
a97625 Single Supplement £729pp
Deposit £125pp

Terms & Conditions
Based on 2 adults sharing

Offer Includes

Meal Plans