Tour Overview
Embark on the "Soul of Spain, Self-drive" tour and explore the rich cultural tapestry of Spain at your own pace. Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Madrid, where you can marvel at Europe's largest palace and the renowned Reina Sofia Museum. Drive through the historic landscapes of Aranjuez, Toledo, and Salamanca, each offering a unique glimpse into Spain's royal and medieval past. Discover the medieval walls of Avila, the Roman aqueduct in Segovia, and the architectural grandeur of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Enjoy the freedom of a self-drive tour with unlimited mileage and stay in superior 4-star accommodations. This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Spain's artistic and historical treasures. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : ARRIVAL MADRID
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Arrive at Madrid Airport, pick up your rental car and head towards the beautiful city of Madrid to check in and explore the city. 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. Madrid is also home to the legendary ‘golden triangle’ of art galleries, which house some of the world’s most treasured masterpieces.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 2 : MADRID
Location: Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Plaza de Los Cibeles, Madrid, Gran Via, Madrid, Royal Palace, Madrid, Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid, Almudena Cathedral, Madrid, Campo del Moro Gardens, Madrid
Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Discover all the main sights and attractions by driving through famous locations like the Paseo de la Castellana, the Plaza de Los Cibeles, and the Gran Via. Visit the Royal Palace - Europe’s largest - and the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The Royal Palace has more than 3,000 rooms and the appearance of those seen during the guided tour is an eclectic mix, ranging from cluttered Victorian to exotic oriental décors. Works of art by great masters such as Caravaggio, Velazquez and Goya adorn the walls while period furniture graces every room. The lavishness and opulence of the interiors stand in contrast to the sober baroque and neo-classical exterior, which faces the Almudena Cathedral and overlooks the Campo del Moro gardens. The Reina Sofia Museum boasts one of the greatest collections of modern art in the world. Admire works by Spanish masters such as Joan Miro, Salvador Dali, Juan Gris, and Pablo Picasso, whose vast and haunting Guernica is complemented by an exhibition of other works and resources, which help put the iconic painting in context.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 3 : MADRID – ARANJUEZ – TOLEDO – SALAMANCA (380km – 4.5hrs)
Location: Madrid, Aranjuez, Toledo, Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to charming Aranjuez. Visit the Royal Palace and gardens. Find the inspiration for Joaquin Rodrigo’s famous ‘Concierto de Aranjuez’ classical Spanish guitar piece, based on his experiences at the palace gardens. Then, continue to Toledo. Discover this living museum, which evokes the mix of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures of medieval Castile. Wander through ancient streets dominated by the stunning cathedral and the legendary Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town boasts buildings from almost all periods of the Spanish history. Visit Santo Tome Church – where El Greco’s epic canvas ‘The Burial of the Count of Orgaz’ is displayed – and the former synagogue, with an interior that presents one of the best-preserved examples of Mudejar architecture in Castile. Then bid farewell to Toledo and drive to Salamanca.
Overnight in Salamanca.
Day 4 : SALAMANCA
Location: Salamanca, Salamanca University, Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, Casa de las Conchas, Salamanca, Monterrey Palace, Salamanca, Casa Lis, Salamanca, Clavero Tower, Salamanca, Convent of Las Dueñas, Salamanca, Convent of St Stephen, Salamanca, Baroque Clergy Church, Salamanca
Accommodation Name: Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover Spain’s most venerable seat of learning after having breakfast at the hotel. Salamanca University is the third-oldest in the world and the college gives the city a lively buzz unlike the rest of Castile. 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 inspiring atmosphere. Every corner of Salamanca exudes history! Visit the Irish College, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, the Monterrey Palace, the Art Noveau and the Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis. If time permits, also catch a glimpse of the Clavero Tower, the convents of Las Dueñas and St Stephen and the Baroque Clergy Church.
Overnight in Salamanca.
Day 5 : SALAMANCA – AVILA (130km – 2hrs)
Location: Salamanca, Ávila, Ávila Cathedral, Basilica of St Vincent, Plaza de Santa Teresa
Accommodation Name: Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Depart after breakfast at the hotel, heading to Avila. Stroll the streets of the city´s old town, a place still surrounded by uninterrupted medieval walls. The perimeter of more than 2.5 kilometres is dotted with 88 towers and nine gates. Behind the ramparts is a city of immense beauty and heritage. Visit the fortified Gothic cathedral and the Romanesque Basilica of St Vincent. Stroll through its ancient streets, with Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, and take in the splendour of the Plaza de Santa Teresa.
Overnight in Avila.
Day 6 : AVILA – SEGOVIA (65km – 1hr)
Location: Segovia
Accommodation Name: Hotel Candido or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, head towards sensational Segovia. Visit the Gothic cathedral and the Alcazar, which was one of the inspirations for Disney’s Cinderella castle. See also the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, which dates from the reign of Emperor Domitian in the first century and cuts through the city centre.
Overnight in Segovia.
Day 7 : SEGOVIA – SAN LORENZO DE EL ESCORIAL – MADRID (110km – 1.5hrs)
Location: San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Madrid
Accommodation Name: Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, head to San Lorenzo de El Escorial. This pretty and prosperous town is the location of one of Spain’s most important Renaissance monuments, the magnificent Monastery of El Escorial, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex also served as the royal palace of Philip II, one of the two dozen monarchs whose final resting place is the Pantheon of Kings. Other attractions of El Escorial include the Hall of Battles, where large frescoes depict important Spanish military triumphs, the lavish library with frescoed ceilings, and the breathtakingly beautiful basilica. After admiring this lovely city, continue to Madrid and check in at the hotel.
Overnight in Madrid.
Day 8 : DEPART MADRID
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Begin your last day in Madrid with a tasty breakfast. Then, at the agreed time, head towards the rental company to return the vehicle.
What's Included
The tour includes car hire with unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and airport/city surcharge.
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenses
Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, laundry, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
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Flights
National or International flights are not included in the tour package.
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Insurance
All types of insurance except for the mentioned rent-a-car insurance are not included.
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Visas
Entry visas to Spain and Gibraltar (if applicable) are not included.
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Entrance Tickets
Entrance tickets to any venue, museum or activity are not included.
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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. ...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.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
Day 1-2, 7 Madrid
- Superior Hotel Category = Soho Boutique Opera or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Alfonso VI or similar4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Artheus Carmelita or simila 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Hotusa or similar 4*
CAR HIRE OPTIONS
VEHICLE CAR GROUP
VW Polo or similar B
VW Golf or similar D
Accommodation options
Day 1-2, 7 Madrid
- Superior Hotel Category = Silken Puerta de Madrid or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Altheus Carmelitas or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Palacio de los Velada or similar 4*
- Superior Hotel Category = Hotel Candido or similar 4*
- Car Group B = Opel Corsa or similar
- Car Group C = Ford Focus or similar
Mode of Transport
Travel at your own pace with a self-drive tour, featuring car hire options like Opel Corsa or Ford Focus, complete with unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver, and Vehicle Theft Protection for a seamless experience.Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of superior accommodation in 4-star hotels, including Silken Puerta de Madrid, Altheus Carmelitas, Palacio de los Velada, and Hotel Candido, ensuring comfort and style throughout your journey.Check out our Q&As
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What type of car can I expect to drive during the tour?
You can expect to drive a car from Car Group B, such as an Opel Corsa or similar, or from Car Group C, such as a Ford Focus or similar.
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What is included in the car hire for the tour?
The car hire includes unlimited mileage, Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCWD), Vehicle Theft Protection (STP), applicable local taxes (VAT), and an airport/city surcharge.
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Are there any age restrictions for drivers on this tour?
Yes, drivers must be between 26 to 75 years old and must have had their driver's license for a minimum of one year.
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What should I do if I need to return the rental car earlier than planned?
If you return the vehicle earlier than the agreed drop-off date stated in the rental contract, the rental company will not refund you for any unused days.
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What are some of the key attractions I will visit in Madrid during the tour?
In Madrid, you will visit the Royal Palace, which is Europe's largest, and the Reina Sofia Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which houses works by Spanish masters such as Picasso and Dali.
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What historical sites can I expect to see in Toledo?
In Toledo, you will see the stunning cathedral, the legendary Alcazar, Santo Tome Church with El Greco's 'The Burial of the Count of Orgaz', and a former synagogue with Mudejar architecture.
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What is special about the city of Salamanca on this tour?
Salamanca is home to one of the world's oldest universities and features a lively atmosphere with historical sites like the Plaza Mayor, the Casa de las Conchas Palace, and the Art Nouveau and Art Deco Museum at the Casa Lis.
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What can I expect to see in Segovia?
In Segovia, you will visit the Gothic cathedral, the Alcazar, which inspired Disney's Cinderella castle, and the Roman aqueduct that dates back to the first century.
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What are the highlights of visiting San Lorenzo de El Escorial?
In San Lorenzo de El Escorial, you will visit the Monastery of El Escorial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes the Pantheon of Kings, the Hall of Battles, a lavish library, and a beautiful basilica.
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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.
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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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.
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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.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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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.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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Low Deposit
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.
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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.
Soul of Spain, Self-drive
8 Days Starting and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Madrid, Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid, Plaza de Los Cibeles, Madrid, Gran Via, Madrid, Royal Palace, Madrid, Reina Sofia Museum, Madrid, Almudena Cathedral, Madrid, Campo del Moro Gardens, Madrid, Aranjuez, Toledo, Salamanca, Salamanca University, Plaza Mayor, Salamanca, Casa de las Conchas, Salamanca, Monterrey Palace, Salamanca, Casa Lis, Salamanca, Clavero Tower, Salamanca, Convent of Las Dueñas, Salamanca, Convent of St Stephen, Salamanca, Baroque Clergy Church, Salamanca, Ávila, Ávila Cathedral, Basilica of St Vincent, Plaza de Santa Teresa, Segovia, San Lorenzo de El Escorial ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
34814
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
