UNESCO WORLD HERIGAGE
UNESCO is the United Nations educational, scientific and cultural lrganisation. Among its many functions, UNESCO works to promote understanding and appreciation for the value of each civilisation and culture. The World Heritage List is a list of sites forming part of the cultural and natural Heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value, of which Spain has 40. This itinerary visits a selection of these significan sites, including the old town of Avila, the old city of Salamnca, the old city of Cáceres, the archaelogical ensemble of Merida and the historic centre of Córdoba
DAY 1: Madrid
Arrival in Madrid where you will make your way to your hotel in the heart of the city centre. Madrid’s main attractions include three internationally famous art galleries, a Royal Palace, Grand public squares and many museums filled with the treasures of Spain’s history.
Overnight in Madrid
DAY 2: Madrid – Avila – Salamanca
Breakfast. Pick up your hire car and drive westward out of Madrid in the direction of Salmanca. On the way be sure to visit San Lorenzo de El Escorial, the imposing Palace / monastery built by Philip II, as his residence. Continue to Salamanca. Overnight
DAY 3: Salamanca
Breakfast. Visit monumental Salamanca, wonderful University town, with great traditions and a magnifican old quarter.
Overnight Salamanca
DAY 4: Salamanca – Cáceres
Breakfast. Drive south from Salamanca to historic Cáceres passing some interesting medieval towns on the way. Your journey takes you via Bejar and Hervas, both worth a visit, then on to Plasencia. Cáceres has a superb, historic old quarter incorporating many noble houses of the 16th century and winding cobbled streets. The city has been declared Patrimony of Mankind by UNESCO. Overnight Cáceres
DAY 5: Cáceres
Breakfast. A full day at leisure for sightseeing. Perhaps visit the Church of Santa Maria which faces the Palacio Episcopal. This Gothic – Renaissance church has a beautiful cedarwood reredos and a 15th Century crucifix – the Black Christ “Cristo Negro”. Overnight Cáceres.
DAY 6: Cáceres – Mérida
Breakfast. Departure for Mérida. This intersting town founded by the Romans has impressive ruins located in its centre which are well worth seeing. The Roman ruins include a large Amphitheatre and many interesting mosaic floors of the original houses of the settlement. Overnight Mérida.
DAY 7: Mérida – Zafra – Córdoba
Breakfast. Head south towards pretty Zafra, capital of Tierra del Barros and an important agricultural centre. Continue of your journey southeast towards Cordoba. On arrival, drop off your hire car and taxi to your hotel. You will spend the next two nights enjoying this historic city. Overnight Córdoba.
DAY 8: Córdoba
Breakfast. This morning you can visit the Alcazar the Los Reyes Cristianos, the palace – fortress of the Catholic Monarchs built in the 14th century. Your tour should also include the city’s great Mosque and a stroll through the atmospheric Jewish quarter. Free afternoon. Overnight Córdoba.
DAY 9: Córdoba – Madrid
Breakfast. Take a taxi to the train station to board the AVE high speed train north to Madrid, a journey of just 1,5hrs. Arrival and head to your hotel for a final night in the capital. Overnight Madrid.
DAY 10: Madrid
Breakfast. Farewell the city as you check-out of your hotel and depart Madrid.
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