Day 1: Fly to Madrid
Fly from London (regional connections available) to Madrid with British Airways. Transfer to the Melia Princesa (or similar) for 1 night.
Day 2: Madrid to Segovia via Avila & Salamanca
Travel from Madrid to Salamanca via the Unesco world heritage cities of Segovia and Avila. Walking tour of Segovia including the first-century Roman aqueduct. Continue to Avila, one of the oldest cities in Spain. Walking tour round the 14-metre-high walls that date back to the 11th century. Transfer to Salamanca and stay at the NH Salamanca (or similar) for 1 night.
Day 3: Salamanca to Cáceres
Half-day walking tour of Salamanca’s historic city centre including Plaza Mayor, one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Spain; the cathedral; and the University Building, which is the oldest in the Hispanic world, founded in 1134. Time at leisure before transferring to Cáceres. Stay at Cáceres Palacio (or similar) for 1 night.
Day 4: Cáceres to Mérida
Half-day walking tour of Cáceres, one of the most charming cities in Extremadura. Explore a 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. In the evening, drive to Mérida and stay at the Parador de Mérida (or similar) for 2 nights.
Day 5: Rural Extremadura
Full-day gastronomy tour to discover some of Extremadura’s best known delicacies. The first stop is the Iberian Ham Museum in Monesterio to learn about the history of this mouthwatering cured meat. Continue to a cellar and drying house to learn about the drying process before enjoying a tasting of the ham with cheese and two wines. Lunch in Aracena, a typical whitewashed village. Evening visit to the Aracena caves to view their extraordinary rock formations and underground lagoons. Return to Mérida.
Day 6: Mérida to Toledo
The capital of Extremadura, Mérida was also formerly the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. See the extensive Roman ruins, which are some of the most impressive in all of Spain, including the Roman amphitheatre. Transfer to Guadalupe, a historic village with cobbled streets and traditional homes. Visit the Unesco-listed Royal Monastery of Santa Maria de Guadalupe. Continue to Toledo and stay at the Hacienda del Cardenal (or similar) for 2 nights.
Day 7: Toledo
Full day to explore this historic city, formerly the capital of Spain and a city where Jews, Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully, forming a unique culture. Morning tour of the main sights including the 13th-century gothic cathedral, Alcázar and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, followed by time at leisure.
Day 8: Fly to London
Morning transfer to the airport, approximately one hour from Toledo, and fly to London with British Airways.
