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ClassicClassic

Madrid & Paradors of Central Spain

 
Duration
11 days
From per person
£3,599
Tour code
MDJ27
Mobility Rating 3
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Experience the deeply historical cities and ever-changing views of the Madrid region on this exceptional Spanish holiday, featuring accommodation in three luxurious Parador hotels

A celebration of rich culture, this journey delves into central Spain on an itinerary featuring three remarkable Parador hotel properties throughout the Madrid region - Parador de Alcalá de Henares, Parador de La Granja, and Parador de Toledo.

Explore Madrid and its Royal Palace, journey on the renowned Strawberry Train, and set out on guided tours of the 'Golden City' of Salamanca and the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Visit UNESCO-listed destinations, such as Avila, Burgos and Segovia, and enjoy olive oil tasting at Finca La Pontezuela.

Unforgettable Experiences

Staying in three historic Paradors
Staying in three historic Paradors
An unrivalled itinerary unique to Great Rail Journeys, stay Parador de Alcalá de Henares, housed in 17th-century convent schools; Parador de La Granja in the Guadarrama Mountains; and Parador de Toledo, with views of Toledo.
Savouring award-winning olive oil at Finca La Pontezuela
Savouring award-winning olive oil at Finca La Pontezuela
 Uncover more than 50 years of tradition at Finca La Pontezuela through interactive experiences, from a virtual reality viewing of late Roman Toledo to touring the modern mill and tasting the award-winning olive oil.
Reliving Spain’s railway heritage on the Strawberry Train
Reliving Spain’s railway heritage on the Strawberry Train
 Relive the early days of rail travel onboard the Strawberry Train, crossing the Spanish countryside on the first rail route to Madrid, with hostesses in period costume serving fresh strawberries from the Aranjuez region.
Touring two beloved Spanish cities – Madrid and Salamanca
Touring two beloved Spanish cities – Madrid and Salamanca
 Discover the iconic landmarks of two of Spain’s most notable cities – the capital, Madrid, and the ancient university city of Salamanca – while on sightseeing tours with expert guides.
Admire the artistry of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Admire the artistry of the Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial
Dating back to the 16th century, this extensive building complex is one of the most significant monuments of the Spanish Renaissance, brimming with period art, intricate architecture and decorative gardens.

Step Inside the Parador Hotels

Showcasing quintessential Spain for more than a century
Showcasing quintessential Spain for more than a century
Paradors originated in 1910, when the Spanish Government commissioned the Marquis Benigno de la Vega-Inclán with the project of creating hotels in authentic accommodation, promoting Spanish tourism and preserving historic sites.  
Excellent regional cuisine in exceptional spaces
Excellent regional cuisine in exceptional spaces
Paradors offer regional and local cuisine in unique spaces, linked to the different Spanish region of each of its hotels. The hotel group takes pride in using high-quality, local ingredients, all while actively promoting sustainability.
Each Parador offers a unique experience
Each Parador offers a unique experience
From Renaissance palaces and restored convents to sleek modern hotels, each Parador in Spain is individual. The one consistent feature is the high level of comfort, service and luxury you will experience at each Parador.   
Bringing together history, culture & nature
Bringing together history, culture & nature
Of the 98 Paradors in Spain, each one is ideally situated: either close to iconic monuments, set in a historic city or within reach of spectacular natural wonders. Some offer all three features.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1 From London to San Sebastián

 Your Spanish holiday begins this morning at London St Pancras, where you meet the Tour Manager and your travel group and together, board the Eurostar to Paris. Travelling in spacious Eurostar Plus class with a light meal served at our seats, we travel to Paris, from where we continue by First Class rail to the town of Hendaye, on the border of France and Spain.

A coach meets us at the station in Hendaye and takes us to our hotel, situated in the heart of the ancient city of San Sebastián. Located on the Bay of Biscay in the beautiful Basque Country, just south of the French border, this distinctive Spanish destination is our home for the night. After getting settled, we walk to a nearby restaurant to enjoy our first dinner in Spain.

Includes
  •  Eurostar Light Meal
  • Dinner
DAY2 Exploring Madrid & the Parador de Alcalá de Henares

 Waking in San Sebastián, we enjoy breakfast at our hotel before a coach transfer takes us to the station for our journey through Spain's countryside to Madrid. Taking our First Class seats, we can watch as the foothills of the Pyrenees transform into sprawling plains, and eventually, urban scenery.

Arriving in Madrid in the afternoon, we set out on a guided tour that introduces its highlights. From the historical buildings lining its streets to the city's vast green park, 'El Retiro', and the magnificent Palacio Real, or Royal Palace, there is much to uncover throughout the city.

Afterwards, our coach takes us to our first historic Parador, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares, set just outside of Madrid. Alcalá de Henares is the birthplace of the renowned author of 'Don Quixote', and our Parador here is housed in three 17th-century convent buildings. Despite its historic location and charming features, extensive renovations have added modern touches for ultimate comfort.

We have some free time to unwind and enjoy our exceptional accommodation ahead of dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3 Reliving railway history on the Strawberry Train

 A holiday highlight beckons this morning as a coach takes us to Madrid to board the Tren de la Fresa, or Strawberry Train. Opened to tourists in 1984, this line utilises fully restored train cars that date back to the 1920s. We are welcomed aboard by costumed hostesses for our hour-long journey, which recreates the first rail route in Spain.

Admire tranquil scenes of the Spanish countryside enroute to Aranjuez, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Aranjuez cultural landscape. As we arrive, a guided walking tour introduces the city's attractions before some free time to explore.

In addition to its history, the region's fertile soils grow exceptional produce, including strawberries, which we taste on the train during our return journey to Madrid. Our coach takes us back to the Parador de Alcalá de Henares from here, where there's an evening at leisure.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY4 Uncovering ancient Segovia & the scenic Parador de La Granja

 Heading north of Madrid today, we join the train to Segovia at Madrid's station. This UNESCO World Heritage city is backed by views of the Guadarrama mountains and framed by ancient architecture, including the 1st-century Aqueduct of Segovia and the Alcázar of Segovia, dating to the 12th century.

Arriving late morning, the day is yours to soak up the historical ambience and local attractions at your own pace. You could visit the Plaza del Azoguejo for the best views of the aqueduct. Entering one of the seven gates surrounding the Old Jewish Quarter, medieval buildings and stunning views over the surrounding scenery are revealed. When it is time for lunch, Segovia's local specitality is cochinillo asado, a roasted suckling pig, so tender that it's typically carved with a plate.

We reconvene in the afternoon for a short coach journey to Parador de La Granja, housed in the 18th-century Casa de los Infantes. Enjoy three inner courtyards, viewable through semi-circular arches, and surrounding mountain scenery. After some free time to unwind, we end our day with dinner together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY5 The Camino de Santiago city of Burgos

 This morning's journey takes us into the Castile region by First Class train, following the ancient pilgrimage route of Camino de Santiago to Burgos. This city was the capital of the unified kingdom of Castile and León for more than 500 years and is awash with stunning architecture, including its cathedral. Awarded World Heritage status in the 1980s - the only cathedral in Spain awarded this distinction by UNESCO - the cathedral's façade has a French Gothic style, while its decorative elements date to the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

As we arrive, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and a free afternoon to explore the Old Town and see its masterful cathedral. Burgos is also a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and beloved for its Castilian cuisine, featuring items such as morcilla de Burgos (similar to black pudding) and cured sheep's milk cheese.

We return to our Parador in the afternoon with a relaxing evening ahead. You could book a treatment in the serene spa, have a drink on the terrace or enjoy dinner with views of the lush mountains.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch
DAY6 Discovering Salamanca’s old-world charm and flavours

 The UNESCO World Heritage site of Salamanca awaits today as we set out by coach for Segovia's station and board the train to the classical 'Golden City'. Nicknamed after the honey-coloured glow of its sandstone buildings, we discover Salamanca on arrival with a guided tour.

Our route weaves past top attractions that introduce the city's rich heritage, and an excursion highlight comes as we arrive at Salamanca's New and Old Cathedrals. These two outstanding cathedrals, built in the 16th and 12th centuries, respectively, connect into one breathtaking complex.

Our guide also takes us to a local bakery, where we can try a hornazo, a Spanish meat pie, before there's free time to continue exploring or lunch independently. We make the return journey into the Guadarrama mountains to the Parador de La Granja in the late afternoon, and you can take some time to unwind amidst the beautiful surroundings before our group dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY7 To the walled city of Ávila & the Parador de Toledo

 The third Parador of our holiday lies ahead as we depart the mountains and make our way south towards Toledo, pausing in the UNESCO-listed city of Ávila.

Founded in the 11th century, the 'City of Saints and Stones' is the birthplace of St Teresa and beloved for its well-preserved medieval architecture. More than 2,500 metres of original stone walls surround Ávila, complete with 82 towers and nine gates, and within them, beautiful palaces, monasteries and cathedrals create a fairytale setting. We arrive with a free afternoon to explore the Old Town, and you might like to visit the Monastery of St Thomas Aquinas to see the original burial place of the Grand Inquisitor Torquemada, or lunch locally before we transfer by coach to our final Parador.

The Parador de Toledo is housed in a Mudejar-inspired building on a hill overlooking Toledo - including its cathedral and Alcázar. Called the 'City of Three Cultures', Toledo has a skyline brimming with incredible architecture, thanks to the coexistence of the Christian, Muslim and Jewish communities.

After checking in, we have dinner together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8 Learning the art of olive oil-making at Finca La Pontezuela

 For more than 50 years, Finca La Pontezuela has been producing award-winning olive oil in the lush Spanish countryside, and we experience it for ourselves after breakfast.

Our coach takes us from our hilltop Parador into the rolling olive groves outside Toledo. On arrival at Finca La Pontezuela, a full-day guided tour introduces the property, and we learn about extra virgin olive oil production from the experts. We begin with a short video recounting the region's history before a virtual reality experience plunges us into Roman Toledo. Our guide then explains olive oil-making at the mill facility and presents the world of olive oil through advanced technology in the Olive Grove Interpretation Centre.

After our tour, we have the opportunity to taste the oils, which have accumulated more than 75 national and international awards, before sitting down to lunch in the onsite restaurant.

Returning to Parador de Toledo, you could relax on the terrace while savouring views of the Toledo skyline under evening skies or take a dip in the pool before we have dinner together.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY9 Spanish Renaissance history at San Lorenzo de El Escorial

 Step back in time to the Spanish Renaissance today with a coach journey to the Royal Site of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Dating to the 1560s, this vast building complex was built as a retreat for Philip II and as a burial place for his father, Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. On-site, the church, monastery, royal palace, college and library each speak to classical, monumental architecture, all surrounded by spectacular mountain views and gardens.

We are introduced to its rich historical significance and remarkable artistry on a guided tour, during which we can enter the monastery. Dazzling frescoes adorn the ceilings, and each room is decorated with an opulence reflecting the royal title. We can see exceptional pieces of art, as well as centuries-old books and artefacts, as our guide introduces the property.

Returning to our Parador by coach, you can spend some time relaxing with a view before we reconvene for dinner.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY10 Coastal San Sebastián and onwards to Biarritz

 An early breakfast is served at the Parador de Toledo ahead of our day of travel towards the seaside resort of Biarritz, located in the French Basque Country, just across the Spanish border. We first transfer to Madrid by coach and then continue onwards to San Sebastián by First Class rail.

As we depart, Madrid's metropolitan scenes fade into golden plains and rolling foothills, and finally, the lush scenes of the Spanish Basque Country pass by our windows. On arrival in San Sebastián, there's time to wander round the city centre before our travels continue by coach to Biarritz, located beside the sea in the French Basque Country.

We check in to our hotel on arrival and then set out for the final dinner of our holiday at a local restaurant.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11 Homeward bound

 Based in three of Spain's refined Parador properties, this holiday captured the colourful history and endless culture around Madrid. From a scenic recreation of Spain's first rail route to visits to Segovia, Burgos, Salamanca, and Ávila and an unforgettable olive oil experience at Finca La Pontezuela, each experience further immersed us in beautiful Spain.

After breakfast, your holiday draws to a close with a coach transfer to Biarritz station, where we take our First Class seats on the morning train to Paris. Switching to the Eurostar in Paris, we enjoy a light meal in Plus class before arriving at London St Pancras, from where you are free to travel home.

Includes
  • Breakfast
  • Eurostar Light Meal

Additional information

Classic collection

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Departure times

Travel timings in your Holiday Confirmation are provisional and are subject to change. We will confirm your travel times in your final itinerary around 10-14 days before your departure. Eurostar or Flight times will be confirmed to you approximately 30-50 days before departure.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. If you’d like to discuss any particular holiday with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us.

Hotels

Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage - Handwritten Collection, Biarritz
Hotel Plaza Biarritz Plage - Handwritten Collection, Biarritz
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 Parador de Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares
 Parador de Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares
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 Parador de La Granja, La Granja de San Ildefonso
 Parador de La Granja, La Granja de San Ildefonso
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 Parador de Toledo, Toledo
 Parador de Toledo, Toledo
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Trains & Ships

More information on the different trains and ships that are used on this tour.

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Eurostar
Eurostar

Step aboard the high-speed international rail service, linking London St Pancras to Paris and Lille in France, Brussels in Belgium and Amsterdam in the Netherlands.

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Tren de la Fresa

 Opened to tourists in 1984, the Tren de la Fresa or Strawberry Train follows a route first conceptualised in 1851 as part of a larger line connecting the capital with the Mediterranean coast. Today, travellers can step aboard for an hour-long journey between Aranjuez and Madrid which recreates the first rail route in Spain. Costumed hostesses join the journey as we pass through the Spanish countryside in fully restored carriages dating back to the 1920s.

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Enhance your holiday

Flight upgrades

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Flight upgrades
London Hotels

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

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We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

London hotels
UK rail connections

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

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We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.

UK train tickets