The Historical Paradors of Classical Spain NEW

The Historical Paradors of Classical Spain

Madrid

Alcalá de Henares

Chinchón Toledo Royal Palace of Aranjuez

Ávila

From £1,049 7 Days

DEPARTS 12 OCT Ancient Roman aqueduct, Segovia

Have you ever dreamt of staying in an atmospheric old convent or castle? This magical break features a trio of Spain’s quaintest paradors; unique hotels located in converted historic buildings. Our itinerary reads like a fairy kingdom treasure map, from stunning walled cities laden with watchtowers and turrets to hilltop fortresses and castles that inspired Walt Disney himself. We explore the beauty of Ávila, legendary Segovia, art-lovers’ Madrid and more on this special Spanish getaway.

ITINERARY YOUR BREAK INCLUDES

y Return flights to Madrid y Airport taxes and luggage allowance (one piece of checked-in hold luggage per person) y Airport transfers in Spain y 1 night at the 4-star Parador de Alcalá de

Henares with dinner & breakfast y 2 nights at the 4-star Parador de La Granja with breakfast y 3 nights at the 4-star Parador de Chinchón with breakfast y 2 dinners at local restaurants y Excursions to Segovia, Ávila, Madrid, Royal

Palace of Aranjuez & Toledo y Guided city tours of Alcalá de Henares, Segovia & Madrid y Guided walking tours of Ávila & Toledo y Escorted by a tour manager in Spain

YOUR HOTELS 

We’ll stay at a selection of 4-star paradors in Spain including the Parador de Alcalá de Henares, the Parador de La Granja and the Parador de Chinchón. Each parador features comfortable en-suite rooms as well as a bar and restaurant.

Day 1

We fly to Madrid and transfer to our parador in Alcalá de Henares where we stay overnight with dinner included.

Day 2 Alcalá de Henares & Segovia

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Alcalá de Henares is a sun-drenched maze of historical sandstone buildings, bell-towered churches and convents. During our guided city tour we admire the top sites, including the elaborate Renaissance buildings and the university. We also take a stroll along Calle Mayor, the longest colonnaded street in Spain. Next we head north to Segovia, where we take a guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage city which boasts the best-preserved Roman aqueduct in the world. It’s also home to the fairy tale Alcázar fortress, which inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. We check in to the Parador de La Granja on the outskirts of Segovia for two nights. We then enjoy dinner together in a local restaurant.

Day 3 Ávila

We make our way to Ávila, where we enjoy a guided walking tour. Embraced in the perfectly-preserved medieval walls punctuated with watchtowers and turrets, the old city is crammed with Renaissance churches. The cathedral offers a patchwork of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance interior decoration.

Day 4 Madrid & Chinchón

Checking out of the hotel we make our way to the Parador de Chinchón, where we stay for three nights. En route, we spend the day in Madrid and enjoy a guided tour on foot and by coach to explore the Spanish capital, awash with domes, spires and Belle Époque architecture. Impressive landmarks include the Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Retiro Park.

Day 5 Royal Palace of Aranjuez

The Royal Palace of Aranjuez has served as royal residence to Spain’s monarchy since the late 1800s. A trio of kings (Philip II, Ferdinand VI, and Charles II) were integral to its construction and the opulently decorated rooms are filled with treasures exploring Spain’s royal history. Highlights include the Throne Room of Elizabeth II, the Prince’s Gardens and the Parterre. After our visit, we return to Chinchón where the afternoon is free to explore at leisure.

Day 6 Toledo

For our last excursion, we head to Toledo. Atmospheric, cobbled lanes scurry down to serene river paths, which gaze out at the pretty San Martin Bridge arching over the River Tagus. During our guided walking tour we pass streets peppered with a mix of mosques, synagogues and churches and discover the Gothic cathedral. Don’t miss the imposing fortress, protectively watching over the city. This evening, we enjoy a farewell dinner together in a local restaurant.

Day 7

We check out of our hotel and transfer to Madrid airport for our flight home.

Hotel accessibility information

Parador de Alcalá de Henares - Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. 50 ground floor rooms. Parador de la Granja - Lift to all floors. 3 steps to entrance. 12 ground floor rooms. Parador de Chinchón - Lift to all floors. No steps to entrance. 15 ground floor rooms.

Alcázar fortress, Segovia

AIRPORTS & PRICES

DEPARTS Wed 12 Oct

FLY DIRECT FROM THESE REGIONAL AIRPORTS, PRICES FROM 9 Bristol £1,079 9 Gatwick £1,059 9 Heathrow £1,089 9 Luton £1,049 9 Manchester £1,079 9 Stansted £1,049