Spain: Castles & Cathedrals TourJoin us in beautiful Spain where time stands still and great food and wine are endless. And of course, we will do some cycling along the way to burn off those extra calories! Spectacular vistas, impressive castles and cathedrals, and time to explore Madrid make this an unforgettable trip.
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Book this tour!To book this tour, please call Judy McElfresh of Tour Group Planners at (217) 422-5002.
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Tour highlights:● Segovia ● Ávila ● 9 castles & cathedrals including El Escorial (last resting place of Spain’s monarchs) and King Ferdinand & Queen Isabella’s castle (one of the inspirations for Cinderella’s castle) ● Segovia's impressive Roman aqueduct ● Madrid ● Palacio Real (Royal Palace) de Madrid ● Plaza Mayor ● Puerta del Sol ● Prado Museum
Tour dates:22-31 May 2015
Tour price:$3300
Tour includes:
Tour does not include:
Be sure to bring:
*Prices are per person, based on double occupancy:
● Single room costs n/a ● Triple room costs n/a ● Documents required: valid passport; no shots or visa required at this time ● Insurance: See www.tourgrouppro.com/insurance for details of coverage and cost (which varies by age group) to cover cancellation charges and other terms at www.tourgrouppro.com/faq ● Cost to upgrade from Trek hybrid bike to Trek 1.5 or 1.2 aluminum road bike = no charge ● Advise your American Airlines AAdvantage Frequent Flier number and copy of passport ● Acct. 140522R
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Tour itinerary:Day 1: Your flight to Madrid
You will need to plan your flight departure and arrival times accordingly so that you can arrive in Madrid on Day 2 in the morning. Day 2: Flight Arrival-Madrid You arrive in Madrid in the morning and Todd takes us directly to the village of Pedraza de la Sierra for two nights. As we walk along the cobbled streets, we will visit the castle originally built in the 13th century as well as the Iglesia de San Juan, also from the same period. (D) Day 3: Ride to Sepúlveda
We begin our cycling tour with a ride north across the Castillian plain to the medieval town of Sepúlveda. The plaza mayor (main square) is often used as a film set. We then continue on to Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park to take in the stunning vistas of the gorges cut by the Duratón river. Total distance: 31 or 82 km (19 or 51 mi). (CB) Day 4: Cinderella's castle!
Today, we head to Segovia with the beautiful Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range as its backdrop. We spend two nights here giving us plenty of time to explore the impressive Alcázar (castle) de Segovia, dating back to the 12th century. There are some traces of construction hinting at a fortress around Roman times, which is not entirely implausible given the spectacular Roman aqueduct, one of the finest examples in the world, just a short walk away. Even more, this castle is rumored to be one of the inspirations for Cinderella's castle. We must save time to visit the magnificent Catedral de Segovia. Built in the 16th century, this late Gothic-style cathedral is known as the "Lady of Spanish cathedrals" for its grace and beauty. Total distance: 52 km (32 mi). (CB) Day 5: Two spectacular palaces! We ride across the beautiful plains to the Palacio Real (Royal Palace) de La Granja de San Ildefonso. A hunting lodge in former times, the current palace was erected in the baroque style in the 18th century. Felipe V modeled the palace and gardens on the Palace of Versailles, which was built by his grandfather, Louis XIV of France. We then continue on to the Palacio Real de Riofrío. After the death of Felipe V, his step-son, Ferdinand VI, ascended the throne and built the Royal Palace of Riofío for the widowed Queen Elizabeth Farense. This palace was built in the Italian style as a nod to Elizabeth's Italian birth. We return to Segovia to finish any sightseeing from the day before. Total distance: 42 km (26 mi). (CB) |
Day 6: Ávila
Keeping the mountains to our left, we travel west to the walled city of Ávila, dating back to pre-Roman times (5th century BC). We will take time to explore this historic city, admiring its impressive walls, and visit the Catedral de Ávila, Spain's oldest Gothic cathedral. Total distance: 77 km (48 mi). (CB) Day 7: Sierra de Gredos Spectacular vistas await us today with olive trees and cherry blossoms decorating the valleys. We start with an initial ascent and then descend along the river Alberche for an easy ride crossing through La Sierra de Gredos mountain range. We arrive in the wine-producing village of Cebreros to try the local wine and spend the night. Total distance: 72 km (45 mi). (CB) Day 8: El Escorial
Another beautiful ride takes us through pine forests on our way to the magnificent monastery and summer palace of San Lorenzo de El Escorial built in the 16th century. El Escorial is the last resting place of Spain's Kings and Queen Isabella II. If we wish, we can extend our ride to El Valle de Los Caídos (The Valley of the Fallen), a basilica and monument carved into the side of a granite ridge in the Sierra de Guadarrama range to honor those who gave their lives in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). It is also the controversial burial tomb of Francisco Franco who commissioned the construction. Total distance: 40 or 64 km (25 or 40 mi). (CB) Day 9: Madrid! This morning, we will transfer to our hotel in Madrid, drop off our luggage in our rooms, and hit the streets! Todd starts the sightseeing at the Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor, and then we make our way to the Palacio Real de Madrid and the Catedral de la Almudena. Our last visit will be the Prado Museum to see the incredible collection of artwork by the Spanish masters—Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco (The Greek). Even though El Greco was born in Greece, he lived half of his life in Spain and is considered by the Spanish to be one of their own. Farewell dinner included tonight. (CB, D) Day 10: Chicago! We say goodbye to beautiful Spain and our new friends, but we will hold fond memories of the impressive castles and cathedrals of Castille, beautiful landscapes, and the rich history and culture of the region...until our next cycling adventure! (CB) |