CASTILLA Y LEON with the Romanesque treasure Zamora
5 nights / 6 days
2 nights Avila - 1 night Zamora - 2 nights in Madrid
Day 1: Madrid – Avila
Arrival in Madrid airport and transfer to
magnificent World Heritage City Avila. In the
evening you can get to know this city
through the popular custom of “tapeo”,
visiting the most remarkable tapas places
situated between Del Chico and Del Grande
Squares in the historical town centre.
Overnight in Avila.
Day 2: Avila – Segovia - Coca Castle
Morning guided visit of old town of Avila,
protected by one of the best preserved city walls in Europe. Inside and outside of the city walls
we find a large number of religious constructions and monuments, but also civil buildings: the
Cathedral, the Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation, St. Vincent's Basilica, Los Guzmanes
Tower, as well as the birthplace of Saint Teresa. Within the city walls there are medieval
corners like the Plaza de los Dávila, with more than twelve Renaissance noble houses,
including the mansion of Los Velada, the palace of Los Valderrábano, Núñez Vela or the most
surprising construction Los Dávila Palace.
In the afternoon we enjoy the city tour of another Heritage City, Segovia. We start our tour on
Azoguejo Square with impressive Roman Aqueduct from 1st century AD. Then we head down
the Cervantes Street passing by important buildings such as Los Picos House, Lozoya Tower
and the Church of San Martin to reach the Main Square with late gothic Cathedral of Segovia.
The Fortress, Alcazar of Segovia from 11th century is declared a World Heritage City by
UNESCO in 1985.
Before our return to Avila we visit the impressive Coca Castle from 15th century situated on
outskirts of Segovia.
Dinner and overnight in Avila.
Day 3: Avila – Salamanca – Zamora.
Breakfast in Avila and departure for the city of Salamanca. The historic centre of Salamanca
was declared a World Heritage Site by the Unesco. During our walking tour we discover its
most important monuments such a the Plaza Mayor Square, the two Cathedrals (the Old
Salamanca Cathedral, built in Romanic style and the New Cathedral, in late Gothic style), the
famous Casa de las Conchas House, the University and the Roman Bridge. Salamanca has a
Set Travel Viatges, S.A. – C/Sant Jaume, 159-161 – E 08370 Calella (Bcn) – Spain – Phone: +34 93 766 16 67 – Fax: +34 93 766 15 23 – Email: [email protected]
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rich history but also modern and dynamic atmosphere, due to its important student population.
For all this reasons Salamanca is a favourite destination for foreign students wanting to learn
Spanish.
Following our trip we arrive to the impressive City of Romanesque, Zamora, declared HistoricArtistic site, set on the Silver Route. Crossing the Stone Bridge we reach the old town that
preserves an important legacy of Romanesque art. Its buildings take us back to the Middle
Ages, a period when the city withstood sieges and attacks. The triple defensive ring of the city
walls provided to the city an excellent protection. Among the stretches of wall, three gates, the
Portillo de la Traición, the Puerta de Doña Urraca and the Puerta del Obispo, are really
outstanding. The Castle, fortress of Arab origin and the Roman style Cathedral from 12th
century are the most characteristic elements of Zamora. Through the narrow cobbled streets
we walk to the Plaza Mayor. In this area a fine set of Romanesque churches, like San
Ildefonso, La Magdalena or San Cipriano are worth admiring.
Overnight in Zamora.
Day 4: Zamora - Valladolid – El Escorial – Madrid.
On the route from Zamora to Valladolid we suggest to stop in Toro with its Collegiate Church of
Santa María la Mayor and Tordesillas with Monastery of Santa Clara.
Valladolid reached its peak in 15th century during the reign of the Catholic Monarchs. The old
quarter of Valladolid preserves an important heritage of monuments, formed especially by
aristocratic houses and religious buildings: the Church of Sta. Mª de la Antigua, San Gregorio
College with its collection of polychrome sculptures, the Church of San Pablo, House Museum
of Christopher Columbus and Cervantes and the Cathedral begun in 1527 with its characteristic
pure and sober style.
On our way back to the capital of Spain, we stop to admire one of the most important
monuments of Spain, the Royal Palace and Monastery of El Escorial, built by Felipe II in honour
of St. Lawrence as a symbol of the power of the Spanish Empire. We enjoy a guided visit of
two hours approximately.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 5: Madrid
In the End of our Castilian Tour we spend a day in the Spanish capital. During our morning
walking tour in the heart of Madrid we discover the Madrid of the Austria Dynasty: Royal
Palace, Plaza Oriente Square, Almudena Cathedral, Royal Theater and a typical Castilian
square Plaza Mayor. Admire the tapas and local Castilian products on Mercado San Miquel
Market.
Enjoy the free afternoon walking in the picturesque streets of the Barrio de las Letras (Literary
Madrid), only few minutes from Puerta de Sol, an old traditional neighbourhood where Spain’s
most celebrated Golden Age authors as Miguel de Cervantes, Lope de Vega, Calderón de la
Barca or Tirso de Molina lived during the 17th century.
Or you may prefer visiting one of the famous Madrid’s Museums and Galleries situated on
Paseo del Prado ?
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 6: Transfer to Madrid airport, departure.
Set Travel Viatges, S.A. – C/Sant Jaume, 159-161 – E 08370 Calella (Bcn) – Spain – Phone: +34 93 766 16 67 – Fax: +34 93 766 15 23 – Email: [email protected]
www.settravel.net