The Toledo Run IC5
Northern Spain to Toledo via the Heritage Cities of Castilla y León
Based on 14 nights self-drive independent tour in Spain
Discover the immensely rich heritage and awesome landscapes of inland Spain.
Cruise to Spain by ferry or take the short flight down and explore the immense mountain Sierras of Castille and the enchanting ‘dehesa’ of Extremadura, with landscapes and wildlife not to be found anywhere else in Europe.
This unique tour takes in monumental cathedrals, royal palaces, historic universities and awe-inspiring Roman remains – and so much more besides…
You’ll discover a rich living culture and excellent regional gastronomy with wines to match at each stop along the way and a friendly welcome wherever you go.
- Tour Highlights:
- World Heritage at every stop!
- Cathedrals of Burgos and León
- Salamanca – oldest university city in Spain
- Ávila's walls and Segovia’s aqueduct
- Wines of Ribera del Duero, Toro, Rioja or Rueda
- Historic Cáceres and Trujillo; Roman Mérida
- Toledo ‘City of the three cultures’
- Birdwatching in Monfrague Nature Park
£2025 p/p
* Indicative mid-season price (including car hire – flights not included) in our suggested hotels. Ferry-drive, based on 2 people, from £2175p.p. for 14 nights.
Day 1 & 2 - León
- Crossroads of Camino de Santiago and Via de Plata
- Cathedral of Santa Maria – beautiful stained glass
- Tapas in ‘la Zona Humeda’ in Leon old-town
- The true Holy Grail? In the Colegiata de San Isidoro
- Lovely Astorga with its Gaudi palace
Day 3 & 4 - Salamanca
- Salamanca – truly monumental university city
- Toro, Rueda & Sierra de Salamanca wines
- Delicious jamon from Guijuelo
- Historic Tordesillas, Toro & Zamora
- Cruise on the river in the Arribes del Duero
- Sierra de Francia & villages of Las Batuecas
Day 5 & 6 - Cáceres
- Old Town of Cáceres – UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Monfrague National Park – a lesser known gem
- Trujillo with its imposing castle
- Take a pilgrimage to Guadalupe
- 2nd century Roman bridge at Alcántara
- Excellent local cheese and game dishes
Day 7 & 8 – Toledo
- Churches, synagogues & mosques – The City of the Three Cultures
- Cathedral of Toledo – 13th Century´s Gothic masterpiece
- Ancient Alcázar – Toledo´s Army Museum
- Old Town & Jewish Quarter
- Toledo´s walls – from the Romans to the Christian Reconquest
- El Greco “The Greek” Museum – life and work of the painter
Day 9 & 10 - Segovia
- Segovia – World Heritage Site – Roman Aquaduct, Moorish Alcazar, Cathedral and large Jewish Quarter.
- Sierra de Guadarrama National Park
- Sepúlveda & Hoces del Duratón Nature Park
- Medieval Pedraza & Cuellar
- La Granja de San Ildelfonso – the Spanish Versailles
Day 11 & 12 - Burgos
- Essential stop on the Camino de Santiago
- Truly awesome cathedral, recently restored
- The city of El Cid Campeador
- Bustling old town; lively bars & restaurants
- Spain’s best lamb & delicious black pudding
- Atapuerca & the Museum of Human Evolution
Day 13 & 14 - Western Cantabria
- Historic seaside towns of San Vicente, Comillas or Santillana del Mar
- Sandy beaches and craggy protected coves
- Carmona, Barcena Mayor in the beautiful valleys
- Prehistoric cave paintings at Altamira and many more
- Wonderful walks along the coast or in the rolling hills
The itinerary includes the following:
- Accommodation in our listed hotels – 2 sharing 1 std. double ensuite, B&B
- Ferry crossings with Brittany Ferries (car + 4 berth outside cabin)
- Or economy 4dr car hire
- Guide book covering the touring area
- Personal Travel App including highlights, weather forecast and restaurant suggestions for all areas en-route
- Instructions to find all accommodation
Not included:
- Flights – but we are able to advise
- The following car hire extras – these can be added at pick-up point
- extra driver
- child seats
- GPS
- Garage parking where applicable (mostly city stops) – please ask us about parking charges
Getting there
A premier circular route, this itinerary has excellent access by air and sea:
- Ferry: if you wish to bring your own car, classic car or motorbike we can include the ferry crossings as part of the package
- Flight connections from-to:
- Stansted: Santander with Ryanair
- Gatwick: Bilbao with Vueling-Easyjet
- Dublin: Santander with Ryanair / Bilbao with Aer Lingus
- Manchester: Bilbao with Easyjet
- Edinburgh; Santander with Ryanair
- Plus most UK and international airports to Madrid – please ask for more information (see also IC4 Madrid & heritage Cities Tour).
Getting around
For passengers travelling by air we will include a hire car as part of the package. Normally we include a 4 door economy class car but please let us know if you would like something different.
For those coming on the ferry you will use your own vehicle but in either case we will provide full instructions to arrive at each hotel, complete with GPS coordinates.
