Castile: Toledo & Salamanca

It is not so much for the scenery that you visit this part of Spain, it is for the spectacular architecture. This is one of those destinations which offers the greatest diversity of natural landscapes in Europe, as well as spectacular monuments and a varied gastronomy. There are a whole host of places which are well worth visiting, including towns like Avila, Salamanca and Segovia (all three World Heritage Cities).

Roam the region of Castile, starting in Toledo — so well-preserved and packed with cultural wonder that the entire city has been declared a national monument, on to Segovia for a festive day out with the locals, then to Ávila for a dose of medieval architecture, and finishing with a traditional stroll in Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor.

• Avila – surrounded by the best medieval walls in Europe. Punctuated by 88 towers the wall is truly amazing.
• Salamanca – one of the most beautiful cities of all of Spain. Packed with fine Renaissance architecture the city has a golden glow due to the beautiful colour of its stone. The Plaza Major is surrounded by incredible buildings, there are two cathedrals, a lovely 15th century tower with Mudejar detail, one of Europe’s oldest and finest universities and much more.
• Segovia – situated on a rocky outcrop above the rivers Eresma and Clamores. Segovia has an amazing gothic cathedral and the Alcazar a Moorish castle which dominates the city. The town also boasts a splendid Roman aqueduct.
• Toledo is so well-preserved and packed with cultural wonder that the entire city has been declared a national monument. It’s an ideal place to savour the delights of Spain: cultural, historic and tasty.