Between the Community of Madrid and the extensive region of Castilla y León, there are plenty of day trips to explore the rich heritage of the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. For starters, there are numerous monuments declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, such as the old towns of Avila, Salamanca and Segovia, to name a few. Here we propose some excursions, but there are undoubtedly many more.

Ávila and Segovia, Full day excursion

From Madrid, we suggest you visit these two magnificent medieval cities in a private vehicle. If you prefer to visit only one of the two, or if you are staying somewhere other than Madrid, we can also organize it for you!

Take part in this wonderful excursion into medieval Spanish culture. In Ávila, you will visit the longest and most complete walled city in Spain: 2.5 km/1.5 miles. Not to be missed the small market square and the first Gothic cathedral in Spain or the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Jesus.

Segovia is a true jewel, where you can admire one of the best and most impressive monuments of Roman origin in the Iberian Peninsula. The Aqueduct, with almost 2000 years of history, was in use until recently. During this visit, you can see the elegant cathedral and continue to the medieval castle: El Alcázar. Segovia is not only full of history, but it is also famous for its gastronomic delights. No visit would be complete without tasting the wonders of Castilian cuisine in one of its magnificent inns.

Salamanca, Full day excursion

Salamanca’s treasure is not only the knowledge that its walls and squares contain, thanks to the University but also the fact that some of the best jams in Spain are made in the area.

About two and a half hours from Madrid, you will discover the city of charros and students. Salamanca’s students have become great historical figures. Admire the splendid decoration of the university, the old and new cathedrals and the impressive Plaza Mayor. Meet the astronaut on the façade of the cathedral or treat yourself to the delicious local Iberian Jamón or typical Hornazo! Salamanca’s unique beauty and magical charm make it well worth a visit.

Day Excursion to the Monastery of El Escorial &  the Valley of Cuelgamuros

There are incredible gems to be discovered in and around Madrid. The monastery of El Escorial is a place you will never forget, as it was a temporary residence for the Spanish monarchy. We will find an incredible library, highly decorated and full of the knowledge accumulated by a group of monks over so many centuries. Or a magnificent mausoleum where we will see all the ornate tombs of the Spanish kings of the last 500 years. Or an impressive church full of the history of the Spanish Civil War, the symbols of the military regime that followed under Franco, or the largest cross in the Christian world, in the valley of Cuelgamuros.

More ideas in Castilla y León and around Madrid

The village of Medinaceli is simply one of the most beautiful in the region, an ideal place to base camp and explore the area. Sigüenza (Castilla-La Mancha) is located nearby and well worth visiting.

Castilla means land of castles. There are a large number of scattered remains of castles. Some are more ruined, others are better preserved. Most of them give the visitor an idea of the history and how the whole medieval period was a struggle for control of the land. You can visit castles in every corner of Castilla y León, just tell us what you are interested in and we will help you find the “fairytale” or fortress-like ones.

Gaudí‘s architecture in Castilla y León. There are few works by this brilliant architect outside Catalonia. One is in Comillas, in Cantabria, and two are in Castilla y León: the neo-Gothic Palacio Episcopal de Astorga and the Casa Botines in the city of León, just 40 minutes away by car and a great excuse to explore the north of Spain’s most extensive and sparsely populated region, whose agricultural landscape is one of its most valuable features.

León and Burgos have some of the most spectacular Gothic cathedrals, among Europe’s must-see Catholic monuments.

Finally, the natural heritage of the region is worth mentioning: Picos de Europa (shared with Asturias and Cantabria), Las Médulas or the Arribes del Duero. And don’t forget our gastronomic heritage, which is the reason why so many of our visitors come back, and rightly so! You’ve got to try it!