The magic of the Paradores

9-day tour of Spain


Real Sitio de San Ildefonso - Salamanca - Plasencia - Cáceres - Toledo

Your journey at a glance

If the hotel itself is an experience, then you are probably staying in one of the atmospheric Paradores. They combine warm Spanish hospitality with magnificent, often historic houses. Spend the night in old aristocratic palaces, once mighty monasteries or modern works of art. Here you live in the heart of the country's history, of which you will see many more highlights in addition to the Paradores on this 9-day tour through central Spain.
If the hotel itself is an experience, then you are probably staying in one of the atmospheric Paradores. They combine warm Spanish hospitality with magnificent, often historic houses. Spend the night in old aristocratic palaces, once mighty monasteries or modern works of art. Here you live in the heart of the country's history, of which you will see many more highlights in addition to the Paradores on this 9-day tour through central Spain.
  • 9 days - 5 places
  • Real Sitio de San Ildefonso (1 night)
  • Salamanca (2 nights)
  • Plasencia (2 nights)
  • Cáceres (1 night)
  • Toledo (2 nights)
  • Further highlights
  • Madrid
  • Segovia
  • Ávila
  • Zamora
  • Hervás
  • Valle del Jerte
  • Cuacos de Yuste
  • Granadilla
  • Cáparra
  • Trujillo

Geotoura – Hotel concept

When we include a hotel in our programme, it is not only a high standard of quality that is important to us. We prefer typical local accommodation, often boutique hotels with a special ambience. They emphasise the character of an individual trip: Panoramic views, particularly lovely furnishings, a location in historic centres, no mass tourism and, of course, exceptionally friendly hosts – these are important criteria for us.

We divide our hotels into four separate Geotoura categories. Of course, you have the choice and can also combine the categories on one trip.

Boutique Hotels – Four categories

Encantador (“Charming”): Our most affordable option. Lovingly furnished rooms that offer everything the discerning traveller expects.

Especial (“Special”): Hotels with a special ambience – historic palaces, monasteries, haciendas or beach hotels with exceptional charm. Perfect for the classic cultural tour.

Extraordinario (“Extraordinary”): Luxurious hotels in excellent locations and with the highest level of comfort, often in centuries-old aristocratic palaces, old oil mills or haciendas.

Luna de Miel (“honeymoon”): For the honeymoon – span. Luna de miel – or if you want to treat yourself to something out of the ordinary …

Character of this travel idea

Do you love this lively country and appreciate something special? Then this 9-day round trip will take you to wonderful paradises in some of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the heart of Spain.

Experience culture

Not far from Cáceres, in the centre of modern city life in Mérida, you suddenly find yourself back at the gates of antiquity as you stroll through the city. Emperor Octavius Augustus once built the city as a reward for the loyal veterans of his wars. The striking columns of the Temple of Diana, the wide field of the former circus and many a Roman mansion bear witness to this period.

On the steps of the amphitheatre, you can almost still hear the crowd jeering when gladiators and wild animals make their entrance. Today, people still gather here – but for cheerful festivals and concerts against the magnificent backdrop of the two-tiered forest of columns.

On this 9-day round trip, the Parador of Plasencia, the 15th century monastery of Santo Domingo, takes you back to the Spanish Middle Ages. However, the elegant hotel is just a first impression, which the city with its medieval treasures confirms time and time again. The cathedral in particular, with elements ranging from Romanesque to Renaissance, is an absolute feast for the eyes.

Central Spain - hearty delicious

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.

The authentic Spain

El Greco’s paintings continue to inspire art fans all over the world to this day. But who was this master? In Toledo, you can immerse yourself in his life and work right across the city. Discover “The Burial of the Count of Orgaz” in the medieval church of Santo Tomé – in the original, of course.

But also discover the painter himself. You could almost imagine seeing him scurrying around the corners of the houses in the Jewish Quarter. On this 9-day round trip, it is not only the paradores of central Spain that will fascinate you. You can also meet a very great (Spanish) Greek here.

Why can't I find any prices on geotoura.com?

We do not offer standardised packages. Your Geotoura trip is customised according to your wishes.

We make this possible thanks to our high level of expertise and in-depth knowledge of the country as well as our excellent network of partners. You can look forward to extraordinary experiences, charming boutique hotels and very special insider tips on site.

Geotoura stands for the perfect planning of your personalised dream trip. Your individual price will therefore only include what really enriches your holiday.

Compared to standard holidays, this price is competitive. You will usually receive the comprehensive holiday design within 24 hours on working days.

Highly personalised trips are our speciality and the pleasure you deserve.

The special moment ...
... was a visit to a cheese dairy followed by a tasting of Manchego cheese.

Experiences
of our customers

February 2023
Ann-Kathrin B.
Switzerland
Central Spain, in particular Extremadura, is a beautiful region with great natural scenery and many medieval towns. The trip there was very well organised and we had a great travel experience.
November 2022
Hans K.
Switzerland
A rich journey through Central Spain, historic cities with an immense wealth of art and history, wide plains and mountainous surroundings in one, even in small towns there are places of interest, a very clean country with friendly and helpful inhabitants.
August 2021
Sandra M.
Germany
Our trip to Extremadura was wonderfully organised by Geotoura! I felt very well looked after and informed (even during the pandemic with rebooking of hotels and flights and the special conditions). The hotels were magnificent and I have warm memories of the cities.
September 2019
Heribert S.
Bavaria
A wonderful journey through the Extremadura for people who want to take it easy, manageable driving routes, very calming due to the uniformity of the landscape. Without knowledge of foreign languages it can be difficult in the countryside. Suggestions and support were excellent. I would therefore travel with Geotoura again at any time.
September 2024
Dietlind F.
Germany
Responses to questions in advance of the northern Spain trip were answered promptly and clearly. My wishes were taken into account. Hotels and rental cars were well organised.
September 2024
Iris B.
Austria
Geotoura organised a great trip to northern Spain for us, tailored to our individual needs: the route, hotels, flights and the booklet with information and tips put together especially for our trip were simply perfect.
September 2024
Wilhelm G.
Switzerland
If you have a flair for Arabic, Oriental and African customs and traditions, Andalusia is the right place for you. It's amazing what the Andalusians have done with all these influences. From snow-capped mountains to the sea in 2 hours by car. From fertile regions to absolute drought in less than 2 hours by car. Geographically as interesting as it is culinary.
August 2024
Susanne T.
Hamburg
The trip to Northern Spain with Geotoura was very successful overall. Beautiful hotels, great cities, some of which could be described as as yet undiscovered gems, travel planning that worked one hundred per cent and saved us a lot of our own time. We have already recommended Geotoura to others and would book here again at any time. Thank you very much for the wonderful moments!
June 2024
Tobias L.
Germany
When we plan a trip with Geotoura, we can count on relaxed and empathetic people who listen to us and then put together a dream route. Thank you Geotoura for our wonderful trip through northern Spain along the Camino France.
July 2024
Thomas und Barbara P.
Switzerland
Our trip to northern Spain offered a real carefree package for basic needs. There is enough leeway for your own creativity and wishes. Highly recommended.

Many other options are waiting for you

What kind of traveller are you? Just a few steps to your individual round trip
With our vacation planner, you can easily customize your own trip.
Individual planning
We accompany you to your personalized dream holiday.

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