Madrid, Salamanca and Toledo

It seems incredible that despite Spain being one of the most visited countries on earth, so much of it still remains unknown! However, during the past few years the historic cities of inland Spain, its stunning countryside and unique monuments have been brought to the attention of the discerning traveller, so we have created this tour to see some of the best it has to offer.

Spain is one of the largest and most diverse countries in Europe, rich with the legacies of the Romans and Moors. In Segovia, capital of the old kingdom of Castile, you have the most perfectly preserved Roman aqueduct in existence, some 2,000 years after it was first used. In Toledo, capital of Spain until the 16th century, you will find evidence of Christian, Jewish and Moorish civilisations. Salamanca, home to one of Europe's oldest universities, boasts a wealth of lovely buildings and a highly ornate style of architecture known as Plateresque. The capital Madrid is a great European city where you can visit the Prado museum, home to one of the world's greatest art collections, including many works by the famous master, Goya; or see arguably Picasso's best work, Guernica, in the Reina Sofia museum nearby. Make sure you take time to just simply sit and watch the world go by from the tranquillity of a pavement cafe in the Plaza Mayor, Madrid's most beautiful square. During the evening, Spain really comes to life and nowhere more so than in Madrid. Lively as can be, the main squares are full of street entertainers and musicians; you might even catch a spontaneous performance of Flamenco. The Spanish countryside is lovely, remarkably empty of people, and as varied as you can possibly imagine, from the snow-capped mountains of the high Sierras to the splendid aridity of the plateaux and the lush meadows of the river valleys. You can see innumerable tiny villages perched on hilltops, little changed since Columbus set sail for the Americas over 500 years ago. Much of Spain remains unchanged by the passing centuries; combine this with nearly forty years of isolationism during the Franco era and you have a state of preservation that adds greatly to its charm.

Spanish food and drink are varied and can be superb. Dishes such as paella and gazpacho and of course the excellent Rioja and Cava wines are well-known, but there is so much more to discover. Try the excellent Serrano hams, chorizo, and roast suckling pig or Spain's seafood which is amongst the finest you will ever find. One of the country's greatest gifts to the world though, is the wonderful invention of tapas: available in bars these are the tasty tit-bits that allow you to experiment with the local specialities over a glass of wine! In this tour we feel we have succeeded in conveying our love for this fantastic and unique country, its people and culture in a manner which you will appreciate, so come with us and see for yourself.