The Douro River waters the heart of the wine growing regions of Rueda and Toro, the objective of this route is to explore two adjoining regions each with its own distinct personality. Rueda is made up of 72 villages spread across the provinces of Valladolid, Segovia and Avila. For this reason, the Parador de Tordesillas is the ideal point from which to visit some of its 39 wineries, which for the last 25 years have been producing a series of excellent white wines based on the Verdejo variety of grape. Not far away, located between Rueda and Los Arribes, is the officially certified winegrowing area of Toro. Situated close to the parador of Zamora and Parador of Salamanca - ideal places to eat and spend the night-, its 43 wineries have, for the past seven years, been making the most of the Toro variety grape to produce some magnificent red wines, and of the Garnacha, Verdejo and Malvasía varieties to produce white and rosé wines.

Madrid, Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, Avila, Salamanca, Zamora, Leon and Burgos with rent a car.

Madrid, Lerma, Burgos, Santo Domingo de la Calzada, Logroño, La Rioja wine country, Medinacelli, and Siguenza with a rent a car.

Cuenca, Alcalá de Henares, Segovia, Ávila and Salamanca are five Castilian cities that all share the honor of having been declared Heritage of Mankind sites by UNESCO. This the chance to visit the historic centers of these magnificent cities and discover their museums, mosques, cathedrals, universities, palaces, courtyards, etc. and revel in a feast of archaeology, history, art and literature. In Cuenca, the old convent of San Pablo enjoys a privileged location in the Hoz of Huécar opposite the famous Hanging Houses. In Alcalá de Henares, the Hostería (Inn) in the Colegio Menor (Hall of Residence) of San Jerónimo, founded in 1510 by Cardinal Cisneros. The Parador de Ávila is housed in a historical palace built right up against the city walls. In Segovia and Salamanca, the Paradores are of modern construction and overlook the finest historical panoramas of their respective cities.

Along with the Road to Santiago, the almost 800 kilometers from Zafra to Astorga comprise one of the most popular historical routes to discover the architectural and gastronomic heritage of the Iberian Peninsula. The Roman Silver Road, which has nothing to do with the metal from which it takes its name, was built for military purposes in I BC, like all other Roman roads. It was paved and bridges were constructed which remain standing to this day, as well as Millaria (granite scrolls) and mansios (places for travelers to rest, the origin of some current-day settlements). During the period of splendor of the Mesta (the association of sheep and cattle farmers), the Cañada Real de la Plata -the Royal Silver Track- ran parallel to the Roman road itself and was used for moving animals to pastures. The Route was also traveled by Arabs and Christians during the Reconquista, and no less important was its use as a pilgrimage route to Santiago. This route passes through six cities in Extremadura: Zafra, Mérida, Cáceres, Trujillo, Jarandilla and Plasencia, all of them home to historic Paradores hotels which will help make your visit even more enjoyable.

Barcelona, Girona, Cordoba, Toledo, Segovia and Madrid by rail and rent a car.

Madrid, Seville, Merida, Trujillo, Ciudad Rodrigo, Zamora, Astorga, and Burgos with the Ave train and a rent a car.

These names echo the majesty that was and is Spain. These are cities unique in the entire world, so special that UNESCO has awarded them "Heritage of Mankind" status. This is the monumental Spain - with architectural treasures on a scale and of a grandeur rarely encountered anywhere else in the world. To visit these fascinating cities is to really touch the very soul of Spain.

Madrid is not only the modern capital of Spain; it also occupies a geographical position that places it in the heart of the country. Madrid is surrounded by several of Spain`s finest tourist destinations - `must see` cities that form a convenient circle around the capital. Segovia - Avila - Toledo - Chinchon - Cuenca - Siguenza: Each within an easy and leisurely driving distance from the next, and each a wonderful destination for travelers wishing to experience this heartland of Iberia.

Guadalupe, Plasencia, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, Zamora, Benavente and León lie peacefully along the Portuguese border. These beautiful cities provided food and shelter along a section of one of the most emblematic routes of the Roman Hispania: the Silver Route. In the Middle Ages, it was one of the drover`s roads of the Mesta and part of the Road to Santiago, whose tradition is still very much alive. This route enters the green Spain and along it there are many superb examples of Romanesque, Gothic and Spanish Renaissance architecture. Guadalupe greets travelers, flanked by the steep mountains. The ecclesiastical significance is very much in evidence in the rich sacred Heritage of Plasencia. In the province of Salamanca, the monumental wealth of Ciudad Rodrigo and its landscape are worthy preludes to Salamanca itself, always teeming with university life. The route rests in Zamora and Benavente with a lesson in Romanesque art. The icing on the cake: León and its monumental Parador hotel.

Kings, monks and princes traveled the lands which now open up before you, so that you can explore a thousand and one spots filled with art, culture, natural beauty, and more. And let us not forget the fascinating world of wine which awaits your discovery.

Madrid, Seville, Cordoba, Merida, Caceres, Salamanca, Leon, Burgos and Avila by rail and rent a car.

Your journey through these different and distinct areas of Spain will provide a wonderful cross-section and broad view of some of the traditions and cultures that have combined and shared in the formation of this majestic land. The Paradors at which you will stay are unsurpassed. These are the most excellent in Spain - and rival the finest hotels in the world. All aspects of your stay will be, not just first-class, but of an inspired and superlative level that will surely surpass even the highest of your expectations.