Individual tours
through central Spain 2024 & 2025

There is no shortage of culture in the centre of Spain. Whether Castile-León or Castile-La Mancha – the historical importance of central Spain becomes clear on our round trips through the numerous cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns. Visit Salamanca, the cradle of the Castilian language and home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Marvel at the colossal aqueduct of Segovia or the historic city centre of Ávila, which is still protected by an impressively well-preserved city wall.

If you are a fan of sacred art, the cathedrals of Burgos, León, Zamora and Palencia should be on your itinerary. This route is peppered with monasteries and castles, which make a stopover or two well worthwhile. Toledo, the former capital of Spain and home town of El Greco, is a veritable treasure trove of different stylistic periods and a centre of Judaism in the West. Let your imagination run wild and let Don Quixote fight the windmills in the Campo de Criptana or listen to the sounds of the Concierto de Aranjuez in the baroque gardens of the Royal Palace.

A trip through the Extremadura is no less exciting for culture vultures. Experience Roman antiquity in Mérida. Visit the Yuste Monastery, the last site of Emperor Charles V. Make a pilgrimage to the royal monastery of Guadalupe or travel back in time to the Middle Ages in the castles and medieval towns of Extremadura. Whatever you decide to do, you will enjoy it.

The nature and landscapes of central Spain offer a lot of variety – there is the Meseta – a steppe-like landscape surrounded by several mountains.

However, you also hike through extensive wine-growing areas, past huge grazing areas for cattle and through grazed stone and cork oak groves. These dehesas are a paradise for black pigs, which can eat their fill of acorns and aromatic herbs here. The sparse oak groves are also popular with the shy cranes, which, with a bit of luck, can be seen striding between the trees in winter.

Wetlands such as the Tablas de Daimiel National Park are of international importance as breeding and resting grounds for water birds, while the Monfragüe National Park is home to an impressively diverse flora and fauna. Plan enough time to observe numerous birds such as black vultures, griffon vultures, imperial eagles, short-toed eagles, golden eagles, black storks and falcons at close range at the Salto del Gitano. The climb up to the Castillo de Monfragüe is worthwhile, as here you can see the impressive birds of prey circling majestically above you. Or be amazed by the sight that awaits you in the Los Barruecos Nature Park: Here, storks have discovered the Peñas del Tesoro – huge granite boulders – for themselves and their nests. This lovely landscape has another surprise in store for visitors: the Museo Vostell, founded by Wolf Vostell and his wife, which opens the doors to an understanding of the Fluxus movement.

The cuisine of central Spain is hearty, meaty and extremely tasty. Stews such as cocido madrileño or pisto manchego and soups such as sopa de ajo are typical dishes and can be found on many menus. If you like garlic, you shouldn’t miss out on champiñones al ajillo – a classic of Castilian cuisine, as the bulb is produced here in large quantities, not only in white, but also in purple and, in the province of Cuenca itself, in black.

Not only is the world-famous Manchego cheese of high quality, but also the olive oil and the saffron grown here. The region’s wines are also better than their reputation, as a great deal has been invested in modernising the cellars and vineyards – with success. Other delicacies include the famous Serrano ham and, of course, the skilfully grilled and braised meat dishes. Meatless dishes, such as parillada de verdura or el asadillo, are also on the menu and with wild mushrooms and asparagus, the menu becomes a definitive culinary experience.

No sea in sight and you still have an appetite for fish? Then you should order bacalao al ajo arriero or tiznao manchego. For a sweet finish, you should look out for a tipsy sponge cake, bizcochos borrachos, honey cake from Cuenca, alajú, or bizcocho or torta de Alcázar.

If your round trip through central Spain takes you through Toledo, marzipan is a must, as this is where the country’s most famous producers are to be found. Is your round trip taking you to or through Extremadura? Then you have landed in a paradise of culinary specialities while passing through. Here you will not only find the Ibérico Bellota of the acorn-fed and grass-fed Pata Negra, but also a large number of dishes with river fish and flavoursome cheeses such as the Torta del Casar. Together with a good wine, they are perfect for a picnic in the countryside. The lamb, kid and game dishes, subtly flavoured with pimentón de la vera, will also make your mouth water.

Of course, you can also book guided tours of the most famous cities and culturally significant sites on your round trip through central Spain – and there are plenty of them.

But would you also like to get to know and understand the country and its inhabitants better and take a look behind the scenes? Then learn all about the Torta del Casar, an extremely flavoursome soft cheese made from sheep’s milk, during a visit to a cheese dairy followed by a tasting session. A guided tour through the Monfragüe National Park, on the other hand, will bring you closer to the spectacular world of birds of prey, not only in words but also through binoculars. There will be no shortage of special experiences on your round trip through central Spain.