Extremadura Tour
As is the case with all our small group tours, the itinerary is entirely
flexible and will be finalised through correspondence by email between Spanish
Fiestas Ltd. (us) and the client (you).
In this tour of Extremadura we propose
beginning and ending the tour in Madrid. However, this is purely as a frame of
reference to help us begin preparing a personalised itinerary.
For instance you
may prefer to meet us in Extremadura and take day excursions with us to all the
main places of interest. Alternatively, you may wish to proceed onto Andalucia
or to Portugal. This final itinerary will be perfected to your wishes following
your initial enquiry.
The historical sites on our itinerary include the medieval city of Cáceres;
Guadalupe Monastery - religious centre of the Spanish empire; and the ruins of
the great Roman city of Mérida, all three of which have been designated by
UNESCO as World Heritage sites for their special significance as artistic and
historical monuments to great eras in Spain's (and the New World's) past.
Here then is our proposed itinerary:
DAY 1: Madrid to Jarandilla de la Vera via Avila
We'll collect you at your hotel in Madrid and head out of the city to the
north-west with a first stop at Avila where you can visit the birthplace
of Santa Teresa. We continue on the N110 through the Valle del Jerte to
Plasencia which was the birthplace of many conquistadors. This town has one
of Spain's most beautiful cathedrals with dozens of storks' on its spires. After
lunch we visit the Yuste Monastery, the retirement home of Holy Roman
Emperor Charles V, who administered Spain's empire when it was at its most
powerful. We then head to the Parador at Jarandilla de la Vera where Carlos V
lived in a fortified palace before Yuste. Overnight at the
Parador of Jarandilla de la Vera.
DAY 2: Plasencia to Trujillo via Monfragüe
This morning we head south out of Plasencia to the Monfragüe Natural Park
which is an excellent example of an authentic Mediterranean ecosystem, and one
of Europe's premier birdwatching sites, known for its easily observed colonies
of birds of prey. In the park we will take a walk guided by a biologist
to observe raptors, and then continue on along park trails to visit a Moorish
castle for spectacular views overlooking the area. From the park we transfer to
the town of Trujillo, which was the birthplace to Francisco Pizarro and
more other conquistadors than any other one town. Overnight at the
Parador of Trujillo.
DAY 3: Trujilo to Merida via Caceres
Spend the morning exploring the fascinating town of Trujillo which is the
most exquisitely preserved example of the effect the discovery of America had on
local lives in medieval Extremadura. It is surrounded by walls and towers, it
has a lovely main square, cobblestone streets, numerous palaces, noble homes and
churches as well as a 10th century Moorish castle. Then we'll take the short
journey to Caceres in time for lunch. Afternoon sightseeing in Caceres
then transfer to the Roman town of Merida. Overnight at the
Parador of Merida.
DAY 4: Merida Sightseeing
Mérida is designated as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. This was once the
most important city in the Roman's Iberian empire and the extensive Roman
ruins here are considered to be the best-preserved and finest outside Italy.
This morning we will meet a local tour guide who will take us on a tour of the
Roman ruins. Afternoon free for sightseeing. No vehicle/driver service today.
DAY 5: Merida to Madrid via Guadalupe
We leave Merida early this morning and head for the famous monastery of
Guadalupe which is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Guadalupe was the key
religious centre of the Spanish Colonial Empire. Before their voyages, most of
Spain's most famous explorers and sailors visited to pray for success and
protection and on their returns they came to give thanks to the Virgin of
Guadalupe who became the patron saint of the Americas. After visiting the
monastery we can return to Madrid to end the tour or you might prefer to spend a
night in Toledo before returning to Madrid.
More Information and Prices of this Extremadura Tour.
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