Madrid, Salamanca and Toledo

This escorted tour by Riviera Travel begins in Salamanca, where the local sandstone buildings take on a warm rose hue as the sun sets. The old university city offers a mix of Roman bridges, medieval cathedrals, and student-filled squares like the Plaza Mayor. From there, the journey moves to Segovia, a city proud of its Roman aqueduct constructed without mortar and the fairy-tale Alcazar with sweeping views. The last leg is Madrid, with its expansive Plaza Mayor, the Royal Palace and the Prado’s art collection, punctuated by a tasting of churros con chocolate.

Beyond the cities, the tour features a visit to El Escorial monastery, commissioned by King Phillip II and known for its striking stone facade and richly decorated interiors. Toledo concludes the week with its blend of Jewish, Christian and Moorish heritage, centring on an imposing Alcazar palace and the house of El Greco. The itinerary allows free afternoons in Salamanca and Madrid to wander at leisure, taking in shops, bars or the flow of local life in squares and markets.

There is little haste in this itinerary despite the number of places visited; the pace leaves room for lingering observations and quiet discoveries in old stone streets and museums.