Castles and Manors of Spain,
The Land of Conquistadores

Day 01 - Depart for Spain

Day 02 - Madrid

When you arrive to cosmopolitan Madrid, Spain's regal capital, you'll be taken to your
centrally located hotel in the district of Salamanca, one of the most exclusive areas in the city. After you've rested for a few hours, enjoy a panoramic tour of this metropolis originally named Maherib by the Moors.

This evening our guide will welcome you and join you for dinner in the heart of Chueca a city within a city that never sleeps. Afterwards, he'll introduce you to the hot spots of the gay district.

Day 03 - Madrid

Spend the day becoming acquainted with both regal and old Madrid. Start with a comprehensive visit of El Prado Museum, which houses a renowned and impressive art collection of classical Spanish masters. Your guide will take you through a retrospective of these masters, who influenced the art movement in Europe.

This evening continue your walking tour of Madrid's historic quarter by the Plaza Mayor, embellished and made famous by the Spanish painter, Diego de Velazquez. Join the Madrilenos in the traditional ritual of eating tapas by the historic theater district.

Then return to the gay district and join the celebrations and activity which takes over the Chueca district on Saturday nights.

Day 04 - Oropesa

Today to the region of Extremadura, the land that gave birth to the Conquistadores.
Stay in the beautiful medieval castle of Oropesa. Spend the afternoon taking in the great views of the valleys or relaxing by the pool. This evening join the group for a dinner and sample the local wines and regional cuisine.

Day 05 - Oropesa - Toledo - Oropesa

Spend the day in the region of Castilla, immortalized by the famous Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes and visit the ancient city of Toledo. Your guide, a former University Professor and author of books on Toledo, will take you on a comprehensive visit of this enchanting city.

Visit the former Jewish Quarter with its magnificent synagogues. See El Greco's home,
one of Spain's most important painters and the permanent exhibit of his masterpiece, The Burial of Count Ordaz. Continue with the impressive Cathedral and sites where crucial events took place during the Spanish Civil War. Afterwards, delight in Toledo's regional dishes during lunch. Return to Oropesa.

Day 06 - Trujillo - Caceres

Today spend the day touring the medieval walled city of Trujillo, birth place Francisco Pizarro, Conquistador of Peru. Visit the Plaza Mayor, the Church of Santa Maria and
palaces built between the 14th and 16th century, along with Pizarros' home/museum and other sites found through out historic Trujillo. Take a break and enjoy a relaxing lunch in a former Monastery, before continuing your visit of this enchanting city.

Then depart for the heart of Extremadura, the walled city of Caceres, and spend the next two days in a medieval Manor.

Day 07 - Caceres - Merida - Caceres

Travel to Merida for the day, capital of the former Roman Empire in Iberia and enjoy a
comprehensive tour of this fascinating city. Visit the magnificent Art Roman Museum, the preserved Roman Amphitheater, the Temple of Diana and the remains of the Merida's former Roman Acueduct. Later, return to Caceres for a relaxing dinner and a quiet evening.

Day 08 - Caceres - Salamanca

Take a morning walking tour of this city's historic sites. Visit the former 15th century manors and palaces belonging to a long line of Royalty, the former Jewish Quarter, the convent of Saint Paul, the Plaza and Church of San Mateo, and the grouping of medieval buildings established by the Jesuit Order, a Church, Convent and School. Walk through the narrow street of Caceres, and go back in time to the15th century. Tonight enjoy a lovely dinner accompanied by their famed local wines.

Day 09 - Salamanca

Today you leave for the city of Salamanca, which houses the famed oldest University in Spain dating back to the 12th century, and considered the Oxford of the Spanish speaking world. After you've settled in your lovely accommodations a former historic manors, enjoy an evening walk through this university town and La Plaza Mayor (one of the largest squares in Spain) which comes alive at night and where bullfights still take place, during festivals and special festivities.

Day 10 - Salamanca

Today visit this amazing University and some of the departments which have made
international contributions to the educational and world of scholars. Then continue to the Old Cathedral dating back to the 12th century and the New Cathedral built around the 16th century, the Convent of San Esteban, La Casa de las Conchas (the house of shells) and the Art Museum. After lunch in the heart of this vibrant medieval city, visit additional sites of interest and see why Salamanca is such a fascinating destination and visitors never forget it.

Day 11 - Madrid

Today leave for Madrid where you'll spend you last day in Spain. Take this opportunity to do some last minute shopping. Join the locals in their favorite past time, people watching while sipping sangria in one of the many cafes lined along the avenues. Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner in the heart of the Chueca gay district and say good-bye to this regal metropolis by dancing the night away.

Day 12 - Madrid - Return to the USA

This morning your transfer will drive you to the airport for your flight back home.