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Journey through the Heart of Spain
Journey through the Heart of Spain
8 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Segovia, Ávila, Salamanca, Mérida, Cáceres, Sierra de Aracena, Toledo
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
12 - 18
Physical rating:
Low
Age range:
15-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Art, Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
From:
$2353 (USD) including Flights from the UKThis tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry
Tour Overview
Take a journey through Spain's cultural heartland and explore a selection of historic regions full of surprises. On this tour, experience some of the best-preserved medieval cities in the country along with delicious local delicacies. You also take in the three UNESCO-listed cities of Segovia, Salamanca and Toledo.
Taste Iberian ham in a traditional cella.
Stay in well-located, characterful properties.
Visit the Monastery of Yuste, once the home of Emperor Charles.
Admire Merida's Roman ruins, arguably the most impressive outside of Italy.
Highlights
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Ham & wine tasting at a cellar door
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Visit to the Iberian Ham Museum in Monesterio
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Explore the Aracena caves
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Small group size - maximum 18 people
Places You'll See
Itinerary
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People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Foodie and Wine tours in Spain Foodie and Wine tours Tours in Spain Small Group tours 50 plus tours Singles tours Sightseeing tours Walking tours Art toursDay 1 : Fly To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor
Meals Included: Dinner
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Madrid with British Airways. Transfer to the historic city of Salamanca and stay at Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor (or similar) for 2 nights. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
Day 2 : Segovia - Avila
Location: Segovia, Ávila
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Catalonia Plaza Mayor
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walking tour of Segovia, including its first century Roman aqueduct. Continue to Ávila, one of the oldest cities in Spain. Take a walking tour around the 14-metre-high walls, which date back to the 11th century. At the conclusion of the tour, return to Salamanca.
Day 3 : Salamanca - Mérida
Location: Salamanca, Mérida
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Parador de Merida
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Half-day walking tour of Salamanca's historic city centre, including the Plaza Mayor, one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Spain; the cathedral; and the university, which - founded in 1134 - is the oldest in the Hispanic world. Depart Salamanca for Merida, pausing en-route to visit the Monastery of Yuste, once home to the Habsburg Emperor Charles V. Check in at the Parador de Merida (or similar) for 3 nights.
Day 4 : Cáceres
Location: Cáceres
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Parador de Merida
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Half-day walking tour of Cáceres, one of the most charming cities in Extremadura. Explore the maze of narrow, cobbled streets that twist and turn amongst ancient palaces, mansions, arches and churches. From the defence walls, enjoy views of the turrets, spires and gargoyles that have watched over the city for almost a millennium.
Day 5 : Aracena
Location: Sierra de Aracena
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Parador de Merida
Meals Included: Breakfast
Full-day gastronomy tour to discover some of Spain's best-loved delicacies. Drive to the scenic Sierra de Aracena on the northern edge of Andalucía. Continue to a cellar and drying house to learn about the drying process before enjoying a tasting of the ham with two wines. Conclude in Aracena, a typical whitewashed village, with a visit to its caves and Ham Museum. Return to Mérida.
Day 6 : Mérida - Toledo
Location: Mérida, Toledo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Maria Cristina
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today it is the capital of Extremadura, but Mérida was also once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. See the extensive Roman ruins - some of Spain's most impressive - including the amphitheatre. Continue to Toledo, pausing en route to visit the picturesque village of Trujillo. Stay 2 nights at the Hotel Maria Cristina (or similar).
Day 7 : Toledo
Location: Toledo
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Maria Cristina
Meals Included: Breakfast
Half-day tour to explore this historic city, formerly the capital of Spain and where Jews, Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully - as reflected by its interesting mix of historical buildings. Morning tour of the main sights, including the 13th-century gothic cathedral, St Tome Church and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, followed by time at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a farewell drink at your hotel.
Day 8 : Fly To London
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Morning transfer to the airport, approximately one hour from Toledo, and fly to London with British Airways.
What's Included
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UK departure and overseas airport taxes
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Accommodation, Itinerary & meal basis as described
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Local Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
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Fully escorted by an English-speaking guide throughout
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Entrance fees unless otherwise stated
What's Not Included
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Country Entry Visas
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Tipping and Gratuities
Check out our Q&As
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms.
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Are flights included in this tour?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do so, the cost will be deducted from the tour price.
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Superior: Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere.
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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What is the maximum group size?
All Cox & Kings group tours have a maximum group size of 18 and average just 14 guests. Travelling in such a small group allows you to make stronger and deeper connections with fellow travellers.
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes. We only work with passionate local guides who have a firm grasp of English – so they can answer all your questions and offer invaluable insight into your destination.
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
Yes. Quoted prices include all entrance fees.
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What is the difference between a 'single' supplement and 'sole' supplement?
A 'single' traveller is someone occupying a single room while travelling with one or more other people, for example a single person travelling on a group tour. A 'sole' traveller is someone travelling on their own. As a single traveller on a group tour (except those in the SoloTravellers collection), please check the single supplement price. If you wish to add an extension to that tour, please th
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When will I get my tickets?
Travel documents will be sent approximately two weeks prior to departure (third party suppliers' policies may vary), unless your booking is made within six weeks of departure, in which case final documents will be sent as soon as possible.
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When do I need to pay my final balance?
Final payment must be made no less than 75 days before departure.
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Why do I have to pay more for my holiday if I am a single traveller?
Most hotels around the world charge more per person for a single occupancy room than for a shared twin room, because the cost of maintaining a room for one person can be almost as high as it is for two. In addition, many single occupancy rooms are the same as twin / double rooms. The Solo Travellers collection of small group tours is specially created to include accommodation based on single occu
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Can Cox & Kings arrange my visa?
We cannot arrange your visa but we can recommend a reputable visa assistance company who can help with your application. Please contact your tour consultant for details.
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Do your prices include flights?
All prices for Cox & Kings holidays include international flights, except where indicated. Australasia and Canada holidays do not include international flights so that you may benefit from the best prices at the time you choose to book, taking advantage of major seasonal variations and short term special offers. For all destinations, you may be able to arrange your own flights. If you wish to do
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What is a non-exclusive escorted group tour?
The vast majority of our group tours are exclusive to Cox & Kings clients. However, there are a few exceptions where holidaymakers who booked their tour with another travel company travel in the group.
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When will I get a detailed itinerary?
If you are travelling on a group tour, you will receive a detailed itinerary with your travel pack. If travelling on a private basis, you will receive your detailed itinerary with your confirmation invoice.
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What are the four tour categories
***LUXURY These are our most comfortable tours and will usually feature 5-star deluxe accommodation throughout*** ***SUPERIOR Most Cox & Kings tours fall under this category and are based in 4- or 5-star accommodation where available, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***STANDARD Simpler in emphasis, these itineraries typically feature 4-star or good 3-star accommodation throughout, or the best alternative elsewhere*** ***DISCOVERY Best suited to the hardier traveller, these tours typically include some quite basic accommodation, possibly longer and rougher road journeys and, in some cases, more strenuous activities, such as trekking***
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Do I need inoculations?
Many of our destinations have recommended health precautions, which you can read about in our regional documents and health pages. However, we recommend that you contact your doctor who will be able to give you professional advice, arrange any vaccinations and give advice on malaria protection. Alternatively, visit the NHS website for more information.
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What happens if a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers? Will it be cancelled?
If a group tour does not reach its minimum numbers, we will either offer for you to take your holiday on a private basis (which may involve a supplement), or you will be fully refunded.
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Reviews from Travellers on this Tour
A Relaxed Way to Book a Holiday
Sue and I have travelled with Cox & Kings a number of times and have always booked direct with them. For this latest trip, I again contacted them direct and spoke to their travel advisor for the chosen area for a tailor-made holiday. I found him empathetic, knowledgeable and understanding of my requirements. An initial itinerary was prepared which after due consideration and discussion was cheerfully amended and agreed on. There was no pressure put on me and I found it, as usual, a good experience. Holiday now booked and I am looking forward to the trip.
Great itinerary and great service
Great itinerary and great service from Cox & Kings. I will definitely use them in the future.
Exceptional Service
I have frequently used Cox and Kings and they never disappoint. They organise whatever I want and the great thing about their group tours is that they always include some free time. Other companies tend to pack far too much in to their schedules. I have found everyone I have ever dealt with keen to provide the best possible service.
Delighted Customers!
My partner and myself have been regular travellers for over 20 years and up to now been loyal to a rival company. After an incident with them, we decided to change loyalty and try C&K. Was absolutely a good move. For the past couple years I have spoken to Sabastian Gittany, what a delight to be able to speak to the same consultant! I was immediately impressed with the service, he was extremely helpful, polite and nothing is too much trouble. Sabastian has an immense knowledge through his own travel experiences, which in turn helped us to ensure we booked the right holiday for us. As a result of the excellent service we received from Sabastian we have booked 4 holidays for 2022, the first being Egypt Nile Cruise, which he tailored and with lots discussions finally created an itinerary for us, so we are delighted.
Well looked after before and during
We were well looked after before and during our vacation. Top class accommodation and guides.
Knowledgeable Staff and Excellent Service
Knowledgeable staff and excellent service that 'goes the extra mile'. I have been on several holidays through Cox and Kings over the last 20 years and have always been more than satisfied
Dates & Availability
Thursday - Thursday
May 16, 2024 - May 23, 2024Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Jun 20, 2024 - Jun 27, 2024Operator discount: -$248 (USD)
Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Sep 26, 2024 - Oct 03, 2024Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Oct 10, 2024 - Oct 17, 2024Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
May 08, 2025 - May 15, 2025Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
May 15, 2025 - May 22, 2025Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Jun 05, 2025 - Jun 12, 2025Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Jun 19, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Sep 25, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Including UK Flights
Thursday - Thursday
Oct 09, 2025 - Oct 16, 2025Including UK Flights
Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Cox & Kings requires a minimum deposit of 15% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 75 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cox & kings charges.
Up to 75 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 74 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Not what you're looking for?
People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:
Foodie and Wine tours in Spain Foodie and Wine tours Tours in Spain Small Group tours 50 plus tours Singles tours Sightseeing tours Walking tours Art tours