Palaces of Mediaeval Spain & the Route of Don Quixote — Atlantic to the Mediterranean — Page & Moy Ultimate Holiday Collection online holiday brochure

ATLANTIC TO THE MEDITERRANEAN Palaces of Mediaeval Spain & the Route of Don Quixote 9 days from �759 Consuegra Toledo Plaza Mayor, Madrid " Hotels with character in outstanding locations " Includes guided tours of Avila, Segovia, Madrid and Toledo " Featuring the route of Don Quixote Explore the very heart of Spain; discover mediaeval gems, vibrant cities and ornate palaces. Soak up the atmosphere of Castille; join our magnificent quest on the route of Don Quixote and each evening return to the comfort of our specially selected 4-star hotels. ITINERARY DAY 1 UK/Avila We fly to Madrid and transfer to Avila, a magnificent mediaeval walled city in the heart of Spain. We stay here for three nights with dinner included on the first evening. DAY 2 Avila This mornings tour in the company of an experienced local guide introduces us to Avila, built on a hill overlooking the Adaja River and the highest city in Spain. The city is famous for its amazingly wellpreserved walls, 2� kilometres long and reinforced by almost 90 turrets. The cathedral was built into the walls to act as both a church and a fortress. Admire the fortified facade decorated with strange beasts and the striking interior built from red and white stone. We see magnificent Renaissance mansions and the Convent of Santa Teresa, built on the spot where she was born. We also include a guided tour of the hotel to learn a little of the history of this former 16th-century palace that has been so lovingly restored. The afternoon is free. DAY 3 Salamanca Relax today in the grand surroundings of your palace hotel or join our optional full-day tour to the ancient university city of Salamanca. A local guide will show us the highlights of this dynamic, welcoming city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the grand Plaza Mayor, considered the finest arcaded square in Spain; the twin cathedrals, built right next door to each other; and the ancient Roman bridge spanning the River Tormes, from where we can enjoy a magnificent view over the city. Take a stroll through the cobbled streets to admire the many ornately carved sandstone colleges, and dont forget to sample tapas in one of the many bars and cafes as you watch the world go by. DAY 4 Segovia & Madrid Leaving Avila this morning we head for Madrid, stopping in Segovia en route. Set high on a rocky ridge and surrounded by rivers, Segovia is the most spectacularly sited city in Spain. Admire the breathtaking views from the Alcazar, an imposing Moorish fortress that dominates the city. A guided tour shows us the impressive Gothic cathedral and the magnificent Roman aqueduct, the finest example of its kind in existence today. On arrival in the capital, we check in to our hotel for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. DAY 5 Madrid Make the most of your day in the vibrant Spanish capital. A panoramic guided tour shows us the highlights before free time to explore independently. Time for a little shopping, or perhaps a visit to the world-famous Prado gallery or the opulent Royal Palace; youll be spoilt for choice. DAY 6 Toledo Theres an old Spanish saying that until you have seen Toledo, you havent seen Spain, and today youll understand why. Beautifully set on a rocky outcrop above the River Tagus, the best way to discover this atmospheric city is to take a stroll through its maze of cobbled lanes. A sightseeing tour this afternoon visits the monumental Gothic cathedral, Salamanca AVILA Segovia MADRID Chinchon Aranjuez TOLEDO S PA I N To view dates & prices click here 108 To book click here

Atlantic to the Mediterranean contd… Palaces of Mediaeval Spain & the Route of Don Quixote