Cox and Kings Journey through the Heart of Spain

• Accommodation as described
• Flexible – extensions, room & flight upgrades available
• Small group size (max 18 people)
• Direct international flights with British Airways
• Transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
• Experienced local guides in each destination
• 7 breakfasts and 3 dinners
• Guided sightseeing & entrance fees

• Taste Iberian ham in a traditional cellar
• Stay in well-located, characterful properties
• Visit the Monastery of Yuste, once the home of Emperor Charles V
• Admire Merida’s Roman ruins, arguably the most impressive outside of Italy

Day 1: Fly to Madrid

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Madrid with British Airways. Transfer to the historic city of Salamanca. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner.
(Dinner)

Day 2: Segovia – Ávila

Walking tour of Segovia, including its first century Roman aqueduct. Continue to Ávila, one of the oldest cities in Spain. Take a walking tour around the 14-metre-high walls, which date back to the 11th century. At the conclusion of the tour, return to Salamanca.
(Breakfast)

Day 3: Salamanca & Mérida

Half-day walking tour of Salamanca’s historic city centre, including the Plaza Mayor, one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Spain; the cathedral; and the university, which – founded in 1134 – is the oldest in the Hispanic world. Depart Salamanca for Merida, pausing en-route to visit the Monastery of Yuste, once home to the Habsburg Emperor Charles V.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 4: Cáceres

Half-day walking tour of Cáceres, one of the most charming cities in Extremadura. Explore the maze of narrow, cobbled streets that twist and turn amongst ancient palaces, mansions, arches and churches. From the defence walls, enjoy views of the turrets, spires and gargoyles that have watched over the city for almost a millennium.
(Breakfast and dinner)

Day 5: Aracena

Full-day gastronomy tour to discover some of Spain’s best-loved delicacies. Drive to the scenic Sierra de Aracena on the northern edge of Andalucía. Continue to a cellar and drying house to learn about the drying process before enjoying a tasting of the ham with two wines. Conclude in Aracena, a typical whitewashed village, with a visit to its caves and Ham Museum. Return to Mérida.
(Breakfast)

Day 6: Mérida – Toledo

Today it is the capital of Extremadura, but Mérida was also once the capital of the Roman province of Lusitania. See the extensive Roman ruins – some of Spain’s most impressive – including the amphitheatre. Continue to Toledo, pausing en route to visit the picturesque village of Trujillo
(Breakfast)

Day 7: Toledo

Half-day tour to explore this historic city, formerly the capital of Spain and where Jews, Christians and Muslims coexisted peacefully – as reflected by its interesting mix of historical buildings. Morning tour of the main sights, including the 13th-century gothic cathedral, St Tome Church and Santa Maria La Blanca Synagogue, followed by time at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a farewell drink at your hotel.
(Breakfast)

Day 8: Fly to London

Morning transfer to the airport, approximately one hour from Toledo, and fly to London with British Airways.
(Breakfast)