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Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating self-drive journey through Spain's historic heartland with the "Classical Extremadura" tour. Begin in the vibrant city of Madrid, exploring its grand palaces and renowned art galleries. Venture to Salamanca, home to one of the world's oldest universities, and soak in its rich academic atmosphere. Continue to the medieval town of Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history comes alive through its ancient architecture. Discover the Roman legacy in Mérida, with its impressive ruins and enduring monuments. Travel along the ancient Silver Way, experiencing the cultural tapestry of Spain. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour with comprehensive car hire options, staying in superior accommodations throughout your journey. This cultural adventure promises a blend of art, history, and scenic beauty, all at your own pace. ...more ...less
Highlights
Madrid: Visit Europe’s largest palace and the Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picasso’s Guernica.
Trujillo: Explore the hometown of conquistador Francisco Pizarro with its palaces and churches.
Silver Way: Discover the former Roman capital of Merida, the walled town of Plasencia, and the monastery of Yuste.
Caceres: Wander through this UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 50 historic buildings.
Salamanca: Visit Spain’s oldest university and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Plaza Mayor.
Merida: Experience the breathtaking Roman heritage, including a still-used Roman bridge and theatre.
Itinerary
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Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Arrive at Madrid airport, pick up your hired car, and drive to your hotel. The Spanish capital is one of Europe’s liveliest and most elegant cities, boasting beautiful boulevards, vast parks, bustling plazas, and numerous historic churches and palaces.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 2
:
MADRID – SALAMANCA (215km – 2.15hrs)
Location: Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Sercotel Artheus Carmelita or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning, after indulging in a tasty breakfast. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz. At the time of the university’s founding in 1134, Salamanca was in the Kingdom of Leon. Head to the heart of the action at the magnificent Plaza Mayor and savour the atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history such as the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis, the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen and the Clergy Church.
Overnight in Salamanca.
Day 3
:
SALAMANCA – CÁCERES (205km – 2h)
Location: Salamanca, Cáceres
Accommodation Name: Hospederia Parque Monfrague or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Salamanca after breakfast at the hotel, heading for Cáceres in the region of Extremadura. Not to be outdone by its provincial neighbour, the medieval walled old town of Caceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fortified homes, Renaissance palaces and historic churches. The walled area is compact and there are two main clusters of monuments. In the Santa Maria-Golfines area can be found the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary. The area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace.
Overnight in Cáceres.
Day 4
:
CÁCERES – MÉRIDA – CÁCERES (150 Km – 2 hrs)
Location: Cáceres, Mérida, Cáceres
Accommodation Name: Hospederia Parque Monfrague or similar 3*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast and drive along the southern stretch of the ancient Silver Way to Merida, which was one of the Roman capitals of Spain. With a Roman bridge and a theatre that are both still in use, the classical heritage of Merida is breathtaking. See the ruins of the adjacent amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum, before returning to Caceres.
Overnight in Caceres.
Day 5
:
CÁCERES – MADRID (300km – 3h)
Location: Cáceres, Madrid
Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast drive back to Madrid. Madrid is also home to the legendary golden triangle of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces so don't leave without visiting some of these galleries.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 6
:
DEPART MADRID
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to Madrid after breakfast at the hotel, driving towards the airport. Drop off the car at the rental office. Catch your departure flight back home.
What's Included
Car Hire
Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, featuring options like the Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, inclusive of unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Car Hire Insurance
The car hire includes Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD) and Vehicle Theft Protection (STP).
Local Taxes
Applicable local taxes (VAT) are included in the car hire.
Airport/City Surcharge
The car hire includes airport/city surcharge.
What's Not Included
Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
Additional Expenses
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section are excluded.
Flights
National or International flights are not included.
Insurance
All types of insurance except mentioned car insurance are excluded.
Entry Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity are not included.
Car Hire Exclusions
Damage to a third party or the hire vehicle due to negligence or inappropriate driving, loss or damage to vehicle components, theft of the vehicle with keys left in the ignition, fines due to breaking traffic laws, additional driver fee, young driver surcharge, one way fees, petrol refueling charge, any extra equipment (GPS, baby seat etc), and no insurance coverage in Gibraltar are not included in the car hire. ...more ...less
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Spain though a warm jumper and jacket are advisable in the cooler months. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
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Please Note
Drivers age from 26 to 75 years old (must have had their driver´s licence for a minimum of one year)
Drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver’s licence together with the original from their country of origin
Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, from 08:00 to 21:59. Pick-ups and returns outside these hours (if available) may incur a surcharge
If the customer returns the vehicle earlier than the agreed upon drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund the customer for any unused days
Deposit credit card Visa or MasterCard only
Accident/theft reporting must be notified within 48hours of the incident
In cases where, following the return of the vehicle, additional cleaning is required due to the car being dirty beyond the level expected from normal vehicle use, an additional charge shall apply, against evidence of the cost of the service provided.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 & 5 Madrid:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Day 2 Salamanca:
Superior Hotel Category = Sercotel Artheus Carmelita or similar 4*
Day 3-4 Caceres
Superior Hotel Category = Hospederia Parque Monfrague or similar 3*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group Category B = Seat Ibiza or similar
Car Group Category C = Seat Leon or similar
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with a self-drive car hire, featuring options like the Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, inclusive of unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights of superior accommodation in Spain, including stays at the Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4* in Madrid, Sercotel Artheus Carmelita or similar 4* in Salamanca, and Hospederia Parque Monfrague or similar 3* in Caceres.
Accommodation options
ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS
Day 1 & 5 Madrid:
Superior Hotel Category = Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Day 2 Salamanca:
Superior Hotel Category = Sercotel Artheus Carmelita or similar 4*
Day 3-4 Caceres
Superior Hotel Category = Hospederia Parque de Monfrague or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar
Check out our Q&As
What type of car is included in the self-drive tour?
The self-drive tour includes a car hire with options like the Seat Ibiza or Seat Leon, featuring unlimited mileage, 24-hour road assistance, and comprehensive insurance coverage.
What are the accommodation options during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights of superior accommodation in Spain. You will stay at the Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4-star hotel in Madrid, Sercotel Artheus Carmelita or similar 4-star hotel in Salamanca, and Hospederia Parque Monfrague or similar 3-star hotel in Caceres.
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 5 breakfasts.
What are some of the historical sites visited during the tour?
The tour visits several historical sites including the medieval walled old town of Caceres, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Roman ruins in Merida, such as the Roman bridge, theatre, and amphitheatre.
What is the age requirement for drivers on this tour?
Drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and must have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year.
Is an international driver's license required for non-EU citizens?
Yes, drivers who are not citizens of the European Union must present an international driver's license along with the original from their country of origin.
Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Reviews of this operator
Maria R
Very informative tour
05-Dec-2022
Very informative, creative and charming guide Sol made the experience one to remember. Highly recommend to give you an overview of the area.
Andrew W
Great Scenery
08-Aug-2022
Spectacular scenery. Lovely lunch. The two villages were lovely to see. The stops were short. Best to pre-plan a walk through the villages beforehand to make the most of the time there. The guide was very informative and helpful
Sandra F.
Great tour! Northern of Spain, Galicia & Portugal (Multi country)
15-Nov-2022
We took an 16-day tour with this firm, and everything exceeded our expectations. The sights we saw were breathtaking, and our tour guides were outstanding. We went on an English/Spanish tour, and the majority of our group was from South America and spoke Spanish. The extra package that includes lunch and select entertainment is highly recommended. Thank you very much for this opportunity!
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Grace B
Down South, Self-drive, couldn't be better
16-Oct-2022
Loved the self-drive tour, gave us the ability to stay on our own schedule. Locations were great with lots to explore in each town as well as along the drive. Ronda and Seville were our favorite! We had the ability to stop while on the road to wine and olive oil taste too, as well as explore Castillo de Almodovar, a beautifully restored castle near Seville where they shot several scenes of Game of Thrones. Location of hotels were good too, easy to get to so you didn't have to drive through some of those difficult narrow one way streets. Only issue was having to pay for parking at some of the hotels, this should have been part of the package. Other than that, it was a great tour!
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Steve G
Excellent Volcano and Village Tour
17-Nov-2022
Amazing volcanic scenery, beautiful village set in deep valleys. Ivan was a very knowledgeable local guide who was great with our toddler!
Destination Services Spain requires a minimum deposit of
25%
or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services spain charges.
Up to 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 17 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 9 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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At the time of the university’s founding in 1134, Salamanca was in the Kingdom of Leon. Head to the heart of the action at the magnificent Plaza Mayor and savour the atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history such as the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis, the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen and the Clergy Church. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Salamanca.</strong></p>","lat":"40.970104","lng":"-5.66354"},{"title":"Day 3: SALAMANCA – CÁCERES (205km – 2h)","name":"Salamanca","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Bid farewell to Salamanca after breakfast at the hotel, heading for Cáceres in the region of Extremadura. Not to be outdone by its provincial neighbour, the medieval walled old town of Caceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fortified homes, Renaissance palaces and historic churches. The walled area is compact and there are two main clusters of monuments. In the Santa Maria-Golfines area can be found the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary. The area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Cáceres.</strong></p>","lat":"40.970104","lng":"-5.66354"},{"title":"Day 3: SALAMANCA – CÁCERES (205km – 2h)","name":"Cáceres","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Bid farewell to Salamanca after breakfast at the hotel, heading for Cáceres in the region of Extremadura. Not to be outdone by its provincial neighbour, the medieval walled old town of Caceres is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with fortified homes, Renaissance palaces and historic churches. The walled area is compact and there are two main clusters of monuments. In the Santa Maria-Golfines area can be found the Renaissance Toledo-Moctezuma Palace as well as the Co-cathedral of St Mary. The area around the Plaza de las Veletas-Plaza San Mateo is dominated by the 15th century Cigüeñas Palace. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Cáceres.</strong></p>","lat":"39.475533","lng":"-6.373466"},{"title":"Day 4: CÁCERES – MÉRIDA – CÁCERES (150 Km – 2 hrs)","name":"Cáceres","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy breakfast and drive along the southern stretch of the ancient Silver Way to Merida, which was one of the Roman capitals of Spain. With a Roman bridge and a theatre that are both still in use, the classical heritage of Merida is breathtaking. See the ruins of the adjacent amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum, before returning to Caceres. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Caceres.</strong></p>","lat":"39.475533","lng":"-6.373466"},{"title":"Day 4: CÁCERES – MÉRIDA – CÁCERES (150 Km – 2 hrs)","name":"Mérida","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy breakfast and drive along the southern stretch of the ancient Silver Way to Merida, which was one of the Roman capitals of Spain. With a Roman bridge and a theatre that are both still in use, the classical heritage of Merida is breathtaking. See the ruins of the adjacent amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum, before returning to Caceres. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Caceres.</strong></p>","lat":"38.919144","lng":"-6.340806"},{"title":"Day 4: CÁCERES – MÉRIDA – CÁCERES (150 Km – 2 hrs)","name":"Cáceres","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Enjoy breakfast and drive along the southern stretch of the ancient Silver Way to Merida, which was one of the Roman capitals of Spain. With a Roman bridge and a theatre that are both still in use, the classical heritage of Merida is breathtaking. See the ruins of the adjacent amphitheatre and the columns of the Temple of Diana in the former Forum, before returning to Caceres. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Caceres.</strong></p>","lat":"39.475533","lng":"-6.373466"},{"title":"Day 5: CÁCERES – MADRID (300km – 3h)","name":"Cáceres","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">After breakfast drive back to Madrid. 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Madrid is also home to the legendary golden triangle of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces so don't leave without visiting some of these galleries. </p><p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\"><strong>Overnight in Madrid.</strong></p>","lat":"40.416728","lng":"-3.703291"},{"title":"Day 6: DEPART MADRID ","name":"Madrid","description":"<p style=\"font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.6; color: #57646f; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em\">Bid farewell to Madrid after breakfast at the hotel, driving towards the airport. Drop off the car at the rental office. Catch your departure flight back home. </p>","lat":"40.416728","lng":"-3.703291"}]
