Echoes of Castile

Welcome to Madrid!!! Where our tour director will greet you and transfer you to the hotel. You will have the rest of your day free to settle in and explore the surrounding area.

• Accommodation: Luxury heritage 4-star hotel or higher.

Our cultural journey begins with a visit to the Royal Palace of Madrid, one of the largest palaces in Europe and a symbol of Spain’s regal past. We’ll wander its opulent halls and learn about the country’s monarchy and historical milestones.

Just a short walk away is the Almudena Cathedral, a neo-Gothic masterpiece that blends tradition and modernity, standing in contrast to the royal residence.

From there, we head to the historic Plaza Mayor, a lively central square surrounded by baroque architecture and brimming with atmosphere. Around the corner lies San Miguel Market, the perfect spot to sample traditional sweets or enjoy churros con chocolate, a local favourite.

We’ll stop for lunch in the La Latina district, a hotspot for tapas and local vibes. Expect a feast of traditional small plates and regional wine — the perfect way to immerse yourself in Madrid’s culinary scene.

In the afternoon, unwind with a peaceful stroll through Retiro Park, a green sanctuary once reserved for royalty. Take time to visit the Crystal Palace, relax by the lake, or enjoy the sculptures and gardens scattered throughout.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Royal Palace (tickets and guide included)

This morning, we leave the capital and head north into the heart of Castilla.

Our first stop is the Monasterio de Santo Domingo de Silos, a Benedictine abbey renowned for its Romanesque cloister and haunting Gregorian chants. We’ll explore the intricate stone carvings and learn about monastic life through the centuries.

Next, we arrive in Covarrubias, one of the best-preserved medieval villages in Spain. Walk among half-timbered houses, and visit the Colegiata of San Cosme and San Damian, home to noble tombs and Gothic treasures.

Enjoy a traditional Castilian lunch, featuring specialties like morcilla de Burgos (black pudding) or lechazo asado (roast lamb).

In the afternoon, we proceed to Burgos, a city rich in history and home to the magnificent Burgos Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Spain’s finest examples of Gothic architecture.

Later, you can enjoy free time to stroll through the historic centre, try some tapas, or relax along El Paseo del Espolon, a beautiful tree-lined promenade.

• Accommodation: NH Palacio de Burgos / Crisol M.del Cid / Etc...
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Silos Monastery and Abbey (tickets and full guided)

We dedicate today to the historic city of Burgos. Our morning begins at the Burgos Cathedral, where we’ll explore its chapels and stained glass, and visit the tomb of El Cid, the legendary Spanish knight and folk hero.

From there, we wander the charming old town, stopping at Plaza Mayor and discovering artisan shops and medieval corners that have stood the test of time.

For lunch, we recommend trying cordero asado (roast lamb) and morcilla de Burgos, paired with a glass of Ribera del Duero wine — a local classic.

In the afternoon, we visit the Monasterio de las Huelgas, a former royal monastery that reveals the connection between royalty and religion. Explore its peaceful cloisters, chapels, and unique blend of Romanesque and Gothic design.

Later, you’ll have the option to either:

Take more time to explore the historic streets and sculptures of Burgos

Or join a guided visit to the Museum of Human Evolution, showcasing prehistoric artefacts from Atapuerca, one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites

We end the day with a traditional dinner featuring local cheeses such as queso de Burgos, cured meats, and regional wines — a perfect close to your immersive Castilian experience.

• Accommodation: NH Palacio de Burgos / Crisol M. del Cid / Etc...
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activities: Burgos Cathedral & Las Huelgas Monastery (tickets and guided included)
• Activities (On Request): Atapuerca Prehistoric Museum

Today, we journey into Spain’s Roman past with visits to two of its most impressive archaeological sites: the Roman villas of La Olmeda and La Tejada.

At La Olmeda, you’ll discover some of the best-preserved Roman mosaics in the Iberian Peninsula. These intricate artworks depict scenes from mythology and everyday Roman life. A guided tour will offer fascinating insights into the architecture and lifestyle of Roman aristocracy.

A short drive brings us to La Tejada, another remarkable Roman villa. Here, we’ll explore the remains of thermal baths, mosaic floors, and the layout of what was once a luxurious countryside residence — providing a vivid glimpse into elite life in Roman Hispania.

We’ll stop nearby for a traditional Castilian lunch, featuring regional favourites such as lechazo asado (roast lamb) or sopa castellana (garlic and bread soup), served with local red wines.

In the early evening, we arrive in León, a city steeped in Romanesque art and a key stop on the Camino de Santiago. Our cultural visit continues with the awe-inspiring León Cathedral, celebrated for its towering Gothic architecture and one of the most stunning stained-glass collections in Europe. We’ll also explore the San Isidoro Basilica, often called the Sistine Chapel of Romanesque art, a richly decorated site filled with medieval frescoes and royal tombs.

After checking into our historic accommodation, we’ll enjoy a regional dinner featuring Leon’s iconic cured meats, such as cecina (air-dried beef) and botillo (a hearty smoked pork dish), paired with a glass of Bierzo wine — a regional treasure.

• Accommodation: Parador de Leon / Hotel Real C. San Isidoro
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activities: Roman Villages / Leon Cathedral (tickets and guide included)

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast, setting the tone for a day of cultural exploration in the heart of León.

Our first stop will be Casa Botines, an architectural gem designed by the renowned Antoni Gaudi. This modernist building, now a museum, provides a fascinating insight into Gaudi’s work beyond Barcelona, as well as the city’s rich history and art. 

Next, we will head to Plaza Mayor, the bustling central square of Leon. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a coffee at one of the local cafes, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere while admiring the 17th-century architecture that defines the square.

For lunch, we will make our way to Barrio Humedo, the historic quarter of Leon, famous for its lively taverns and traditional bars. This charming area offers an excellent opportunity to indulge in local tapas such as cecina (cured beef) and morcilla (blood sausage), accompanied by a glass of Bierzo wine, a regional specialty.

In the afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore more of the city at your own pace. Alternatively, you can opt for a visit to the Convento de San Marcos, a stunning Renaissance building that now houses a luxury hotel and museum. This historic monument will transport you back in time, offering a glimpse into Leon’s religious and architectural legacy.

Dinner will be a celebration of local flavors, featuring botillo (a traditional meat dish), caldereta de cordero (lamb stew), or more cecina, all paired with local wines for a true taste of Leon’s culinary heritage.

• Accommodation: Parador de Leon / Hotel Real C. San Isidoro
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activities: Convento San Marcos (tickets and guided included)

Today, we depart early from León and begin our journey westward to Astorga, a historic town nestled at the crossroads of the Camino de Santiago and ancient Roman roads. As a major pilgrimage hub, Astorga offers a deep connection to centuries of spiritual and cultural movement across Spain.

Our first visit is the striking Episcopal Palace, a neo-Gothic marvel designed by Antoni Gaudi. Now home to the Camino de Santiago Museum, this architectural masterpiece invites us to delve into the history, symbolism, and personal stories tied to one of the world’s most iconic pilgrimage routes, which continues to welcome over 320,000 pilgrims annually.

Next, we step into the majestic Astorga Cathedral, where Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements intertwine. During our guided tour, you’ll discover how this cathedral has served as a spiritual anchor for pilgrims and a symbol of regional devotion for centuries.

Lunch brings us an unmissable local experience: cocido maragato, a traditional stew unique to the region, served in reverse—starting with meats, followed by vegetables and chickpeas, and ending with a rich broth. We’ll pair this hearty dish with Bierzo wine and finish with mantecados de Astorga, a beloved local sweet.

In the afternoon, we travel deeper into El Bierzo to reach Ponferrada, where history takes on a medieval hue. Our highlight here is the Templar Castle, a formidable fortress once controlled by the Knights Templar. We’ll walk its towers and walls, explore its courtyards, and uncover stories of knights, mysticism, and power that shaped this frontier.

• Accommodation: Luxury Rural Heritage Hotel
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Ponferrada Templar Castle (guided included)

After a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll through the medieval streets of Ponferrada, we begin our journey eastward toward Zamora, making two fascinating cultural and culinary stops along the way.

Our first visit takes us into the heart of the Bierzo wine region, where we’ll explore a local winery specialising in Mencia wines. During our guided visit, we’ll learn about the region’s unique terroir and traditional winemaking methods, followed by a tasting of select wines paired with local cheeses, showcasing the rich gastronomic identity of El Bierzo.

From there, we travel to La Bañeza, a charming town steeped in cultural heritage and known for its strong culinary traditions. Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Plaza Mayor, and admire the Church of Santa Maria, a Gothic gem nestled in the heart of town. 

We then visit the Museo de la Alubia y la Gastronomia, a delightful museum celebrating La Bañeza’s culinary identity, with a special focus on its famed legumes and artisan sweets. Here, we’ll enjoy a tasting of alubias a la bañezana, a hearty and traditional bean stew that captures the essence of the region’s flavours.

In the afternoon, we continue to Zamora, a city renowned for its Romanesque architecture and medieval charm. 

After checking in at our historic accommodation, the evening is yours to enjoy. You may choose to explore Zamora’s atmospheric streets, visit some of its more than twenty Romanesque churches, or climb the walls of the Castle of Zamora for panoramic views of the Duero River and the city skyline.

• Accommodation: Parador de Zamora
• Meals: Breakfast
• Tasting: Mencia Wine & White Bean Stew Tastings

Today is devoted entirely to discovering Zamora, often referred to as the capital of Romanesque architecture in Spain. With more than 20 Romanesque churches, Zamora offers one of the most extraordinary concentrations of medieval heritage in Europe. We begin with a relaxed walk through the city’s charming medieval old town, where every street echoes with centuries of history.

Our first stop is the Zamora Cathedral, with its iconic Byzantine-inspired dome and rich artistic heritage. Then we continue to the Castle of Zamora, a historic fortress offering panoramic views over the city and the Duero River. As we explore the ramparts and towers, we uncover stories of Zamora’s strategic importance throughout the centuries.

Zamora is also renowned for its Semana Santa (Holy Week), a deeply rooted tradition that transforms the city every spring. We’ll visit the Holy Week Museum, home to intricate religious sculptures and processional artefacts, where a guided tour will shed light on the artistic and spiritual legacy behind one of Spain’s most powerful celebrations.

As the day winds down, we take in sunset views from the city’s ancient walls and continue exploring Zamora’s rich architectural and cultural gems.

This evening, we gather for a special dinner in an atmospheric underground winery, a hidden gem beneath the city. Here, we’ll indulge in a tasting menu of local delicacies – from cured meats and artisan cheeses to regional wines.

It promises to be an unforgettable gastronomic and cultural experience.

• Accommodation: Parador de Zamora
• Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (Underground Bodega)
• Activities: All Day City Tour (Cathedral & Holly Week Museum (full guided and tickets included)

After breakfast, we set off for Toro, a historic city in the heart of Castilla known for its impressive medieval legacy and acclaimed wines and cheeses. With more than 300 wineries in the region, Toro is a cornerstone of Spanish winemaking.

We’ll visit a traditional bodega to experience a guided wine and cheese tasting, and explore the surrounding vineyards and plains, dotted with charming villages and renowned sheep cheese producers.

Continuing our journey, we arrive in Tordesillas, a town of immense historical importance. Here, Spain and Portugal signed the Treaty of Tordesillas, dividing the newly discovered world between their two empires. We’ll visit the Treaty House and the serene Convent of Santa Clara, gaining insight into the political and cultural legacy that shaped the Age of Exploration.

We stop for lunch in a local village, where the pace of life remains delightfully unchanged. This part of Spain preserves its traditional adobe houses and underground cellars, offering a glimpse into the architecture and rural customs of the region.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Salamanca, one of Spain’s most magnificent university cities. After checking into our accommodation, you’ll have free time to wander its elegant streets. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the iconic Plaza Mayor, or admire the stunning details of the Casa de las Conchas, a symbol of Salamanca’s golden age.

• Accommodation: Hotel D.Gregorio / Palacio San Esteban / NH Palacio Castellanos,etc...
• Meals: Breakfast
• Activities: Convent of Santa Clara (tickets and guided included)
• Tasting: Toro Wine & Cheese Tasting

Get ready for a full day in Salamanca, discovering the city’s rich cultural and architectural legacy.

We’ll explore some of its most iconic landmarks, including the magnificent Old and New Cathedrals, the impressive Convent of San Esteban, the elegant Palacio de la Salina, and the striking Casa Lis Art Deco Museum.

Salamanca is a city that leaves no one indifferent—every street and stone tells a story, revealing layers of history, learning, and artistry.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll savour traditional Castilian dishes made with regional ingredients—a perfect way to end a day immersed in one of Spain’s most beautiful heritage cities.

• Accommodation: Hotel D.Gregorio / Palacio San Esteban / NH Palacio Castellanos,etc...
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activities: Full day Salamanca tour (tickets and guided included)

Our final day on the route begins with a classic Castilian breakfast before we head towards Avila, a city renowned for its medieval walls and rich history.

As we explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, we’ll visit the Avila Cathedral and wander through the historic center, taking in the medieval churches, palaces, and cobbled streets that evoke the spirit of centuries gone by.

After a morning steeped in history, we’ll continue to Segovia, where we’ll indulge in its famous cochinillo (roast suckling pig), a regional specialty. We’ll then visit the Roman aqueduct, an extraordinary feat of Roman engineering that has stood the test of time.

Next, we’ll explore the Plaza Mayor, the majestic Gothic cathedral, and the fairytale-like Alcazar, a former royal palace that will transport us into the realm of kings and queens.

Our journey ends in Madrid, where we’ll arrive in the early evening, filled with memories of Spain’s rich heritage

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast & Lunch (Roast Suckling Pig)
• Activities: Segovia Alcazar (tickets and guided included)

On our final day of the tour, you will have the opportunity to complete your Madrid experience, revisiting your favorite spots or discovering hidden gems that you may have missed during our initial visit.

Spend time exploring iconic museums like the Prado or Reina Sofia, visit historic neighborhoods such as Barrio de las Letras, or admire stunning landmarks like the Royal Palace or Retiro Park.

You may choose to continue your exploration with our expert guide or take some time to relax, perhaps enjoying a leisurely stroll through the city’s shopping districts or sampling local treats at charming cafés.

The day will culminate with a memorable farewell dinner at a special venue, where we will raise a glass to the experiences shared and the memories made.

• Accommodation: Luxury Heritage Hotel 4-star or higher
• Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
• Activities (On Request): Madrid Tour Day

It’s time to say goodbye after an unforgettable journey through Spain. After breakfast, we’ll arrange your private transfer to the airport, train station, or your next destination—ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure.

¡hasta pronto!

• Meals: Breakfast