From our base in a comfortable 3* hotel a little north of Madrid
we travel each day to one of these fabulous 3 cities which are
set deep in the heart of the country.
Our arrangement is half board with wine and water included
- 3* HOTEL, HALF BOARD
- Dates:
June 25-28,
Sep 3-6
Oct 22-25 - Price held from last year 199€ . HOTEL 3* HALF BOARD
Alongside the mountains of central Spain and only a fairly short drive from the Capital city of Madrid are three of the most outstanding cities of Spain. From a base just north of Madrid it is easy for us to visit and spend time in each of these contrasting cities.
Guadalajara, the smallest of the three towns sits very close to the city of Madrid. In medieval Spain this was the power base of the powerful Mendoza family. Probably the most famous member of this notorious family was Cardinal Pedro Gonzalez de Mendoza who was confessor to non other than the Catholic Monarchs, Isabelle and Ferdinand. The name of the town meant in Arabic "river of stone". The most noteworthy building is the castle of the 2nd Duke of Infantado. Built at the north entrance to the town in the 15 century, and sadly suffering some damage during the ferocious fighting that took place in and around Guadalajara during the late stages of the Spanish civil war. Now restored, this magnificent building serves as the Provincial museum of Guadalajara. For this town is the capital of the province of the same name.
A special treat involves a visit to the small nearby town of Pastrana. This quaint little town has its place marked in history as the home of the notorious, precocious, one eyed, Princes of Eboli. This apparently beautiful princess, although much favoured by Philip the 2nd, created such unrest in the Carmelite convents of Santa Teresa of Avila, that she incurred the wrath of this wilful and strong minded woman of God.
Moving on to our comfortable hotel for an evening meal and a couple of drinks before bed see us fit and ready for city number two. Salamanca is larger and orbits round the largest Plaza Mayor in the country. In spring time storks circle over head and nest in the upper extremities of the attractive buildings which form the borders of a square, which provides a meeting, eating and drinking centre for locals and tourists alike.
Uniquely, Salamanca boasts not one, but two universities and again uniquely two cathedrals. The unusual gold coloured stone used to construct the buildings glinting in the late evening sunshine, and taken form a nearby quarry, can be seen from a long way off across the flat planes surrounding the town. Boat rides are offered on the ample waters of the river Tormes which is straddled by a Roman bridge. Reminding us that not only the Romans, but before them the Carthaginians, and after them the Moors and then the Christian Monarchs ruled this land. A day in Salamanca opens the door to ancient Spanish culture mingling with the energy of young Spain. Many young people fill the Plaza Mayor, the streets and the cafes. These are young people who come here from all over the world to study in the world famous universities of a town of great character which has over the centuries, marked its place in history as an outstanding centre of learning.
Finally it is Segovia. Built on a rock, this city has the appearance of a ship sailing between the mountain ranges. The ships bough formed by the fairytale castle sitting right at the front peak of the rock and overlooking a valley cut out by two rivers, Eresmas and Clamores. This medieval marvel has looked over the valley for centuries. Its rooms are filled with souvenirs of a fascinating past which include some of the most important people in Spanish history. Statutes and paintings which amount to a gallery of who's who in medieval Spain, fill large grey walled rooms. While the castles location offers magnificent views over the well irrigated landscape which tumbles down to the burbling water of the two rivers.
The massive cathedral, situated in the centre of the rock provides the sail for our ship. Sitting alongside a town square where people watching could become addictive, some time should be given to the interior of this stunning building. But even before you reach any of this, you are confronted with the most magnificent entry gate to any city anywhere in the world. The Segovia Roman Aqueduct. This 92 feet high, 2,883 feet long marvel of Roman architecture has stood in its present position, welcoming visitors to the town for over 2,000 years. A sight once seen, never to be forgotten. This is central Spain at its memorable best. Yet we have only scratched the surface of three monumental cities and delightful little Pastrana.
The good news is that you can see all this and more for yourself and without breaking the bank.
199€. Based in a 3* hotel north of Madrid and on a half board basis, with all excursions included.
