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 short walk with a local guide 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.
Custom Tours of Spain
Please be aware that the above itinerary is purely for the purpose of giving you an idea as to what route you might like to take when visiting Extremadura. In association with our tour planner we can put together pretty much any route you would like with an English speaking driver and tour guides where needed. Sample prices of such tours including 4-star accommodation, English-speaking driver and some tour guides are as follows:
Of course these prices will vary for every trip according to when you travel, the length of your stay, your preferred accommodation, etc. Please complete the Custom Tours Enquiry Form to make an initial enquiry about this tour or any other custom Spain tour which might be of interest to you.