Luxury hotel holidays to the Heart of Spain

Luxury holidays to the Heart of Spain: luxury hotel holidays, touring holidays and special interest holidays

An Expressions tailor-made holiday to the Heart of Spain feature some of the best four and five star hotels in central Spain, featuring vineyard hotels, rural estates and city properties. Located at the geographical heart of Spain is its vibrant capital, Madrid, where days can be filled with art galleries and atmospheric outdoor cafes, and evenings promise an energetic nightlife. Surrounding the city are the dry plains of the country's central plateau which are divided by spectacular mountain ranges and dotted with numerous castles, magnificent cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins. The regions which make up Spain's central plateau have all played a hugely important role in the history of modern Spain, which is evident in the numerous castles which were built to protect towns and villages as the Moors fought the Christians in the 10th and 11th centuries. These are some of the least visited parts of Spain where few tourists venture outside of the main cities, ensuring that visitors will leave feeling like they have discovered something new. At the centre of Spain is Madrid, where atmospheric cobbled streets link bustling squares which are filled with pavement cafes and flea markets, whilst tree-line boulevards are overlooked by neo-classical buildings. Surrounding the city are the dry plains of the country's central plateau which are divided by spectacular mountain ranges and dotted with numerous castles, magnificent cathedrals and ancient Roman ruins. To the north of Madrid is Castilla y León, an elevated region which has played a hugely important role in the history of modern Spain. Rolling countryside is littered with historic cities, isolated villages and mediaeval castles, built by the Christians to defend against the Moorish invaders. Salamanca, Avila, Segovia, León, Valladolid and Burgos are all home to a wealth of art and stunning architecture, including Gothic cathedrals and Roman structures. Away from the cities are natural attractions including mountain ranges and nature reserves, with wheat fields and vineyards covering the high plateaus. To the south and east of Madrid is Castilla-La Mancha, an expansive region with dry plains stretching towards mountains in the distance. The predominantly flat scenery is made up of olive groves, wheat fields, extensive vineyards, hilltop castles and the iconic windmills described by Cervantes. Head to the historic city of Toledo, where Christian, Jewish and Arab cultures blend to create a popular tourist destination, or to Cuenca, a dramatic town where houses seemingly dangle over a plunging gorge. Further west towards the border with Portugal is Extremadura, a region with green pastures and rolling hills, forests and fertile river valleys, as well as charming towns boasting stunning examples of Roman architecture. Elaborate palaces and manor houses are found in clusters throughout the region, built by conquistadors with gold from the New World.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to the Heart of Spai

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Highlights of the Heart of Spain

The three world-class art galleries which make up Madrid's Golden Triangle of Art, home to works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Francisco de Goya. The historical sights of Old Madrid, including the lavish Royal Palace, the grand Plaza Mayor and the city's spiritual centre, Puerta del Sol. Parque del Retiro, a popular spot for relaxation in the centre of Madrid with a boating lake. El Escorial, a large royal residence just outside Madrid which also functions as a monastery and is where many Spanish monarchs are buried. The Gothic cathedrals of León, Burgos and Toledo which feature stunning stained glass, mediaeval art and elaborate sculptures. The numerous castles which are scattered across the region including the Gothic-style Belmonte Castle, the Mudejár Coca Castle and the Moorish Alcazaba of Badajoz. The university city of Alcalá de Henares, birthplace of Cervantes, the 16th century author who wrote about the adventures of Don Quixote. The walled city of Ávila. The university city of Salamanca. Segovia, with its Roman Aqueduct and distinctive castle. Cuenca, a picturesque old town with houses which appear to hang over a gorge. The iconic windmills which sit on the plains near Consuegra. Roman ruins in Mérida. Elaborate palaces and manor houses in Trujillo and Cáceres. The wine-producing regions throughout central Spain including Ribera del Duero, La Mancha and Valdepeñas where visitors can visit vineyards and enjoy wine tastings. Mountain ranges which divide the central plateau, with many opportunities for walking and rock climbing.

Festivals in the Heart of Spain

February: Caja Madrid Flamenco Festival, February to March: Madrid Carnival, February to March: Madrid Contemporary Art Fair, March/April: Holy week celebrations, May: San Isidro bullfighting festival (Madrid), May/June: Toledo Corpus Christi processions (Toledo), July to August: Madrid summer arts festival, October: Saffron Rose Festival (Consuegra), October: Cervantes Week (Alcala de Henares), October to November: Madrid Autumn Festival

Gastronomy in the Heart of Spain

As expected, Madrid is home to some excellent restaurants serving a great range of cuisine from throughout Spain and around the world. Roasted meat and game as well as a variety of broths and stews are common features on menus throughout central Spain, where traditional cooking is simple and hearty. Cuisine varies slightly between the regions, with more paprika and saffron being used in the south. Various pulses are grown on the plains of Castilla y León, whilst Manchego cheese produced in La Mancha and high quality Ibérico ham is produced in Extremadura. There are a number of wine regions which produce high-quality red and white wines. Local dishes include ‘Pollo a lo Padre Pero’ (chicken with a spicy sauce), ‘El frite’ (fried lamb), ‘Sopa de ajo’ (garlic soup), ‘Pisto manchego’ (similar to ratatouille), ‘Yemas’ (a rich dessert made with egg yolks).

Climate in the Heart of Spain

The climate of central Spain is generally quite extreme, with extremely hot summers and bitterly cold yet dry winters. Rainfall is generally quite low thanks to the mountains which surround the region. Madrid can be almost unbearable in the summer months as temperatures reach 40 degrees, whilst during the temperatures regularly drop below freezing. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit as temperatures are warm and pleasant, although there is increased rainfall.

Heart of Spain travel information

The Heart of Spain is reached very easily from the UK by air and rail.

By air

Madrid-Barajas Airport is the largest within Spain and is served by a huge number of flights to the UK and other destinations around the world. There are a number of daily flights from London airports with British Airways, as well as flights with low-cost airlines to regional airports. Madrid airport is linked to the city centre by metro and bus. There are a few small regional airports in central Spain, but these operate a very limited number of flights to other cities in Spain.

Rail travel

High speed trains run between Madrid and other cities in Spain including Barcelona, Seville and Valencia. It is also possible to travel from Paris to Madrid, although it is necessary to travel via Barcelona. Most other towns and cities have a train station, allowing easy access to Madrid.

Car hire

As many important towns and cities are easily accessible by rail a hire-car is not essential but is advised as many local highlights are in rural locations. Hire-cars can be collected from a great range of locations.

Two centre recommendations

The starting point for most holidays to central Spain is Madrid, so combine a stay here with a long stay in a relaxing rural hotel, or discover the region's culture and history with a touring holiday visiting a number of important towns and cities.

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to the Heart of Spai

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Here you will find a map of Heart of Spain showing the locations of the hotels that we offer

Our bespoke, luxury hotel holidays can be

● Single centre or multi-centre
● Long or short stays
● Combine a number of different hotels in different regions
● Utilise a variety of transport arrangements to Spain and within Spain, combining flights, hire-car, rail, ferries and private transfers

Our special interest holidays to the Heart of Spai

● Food and wine holidays
● Golf holidays
● Art holidays
● Cultural holidays
● Private guided sightseeing
● Spa holidays
● Family holidays

Included in all our holidays

● Concierge service
● Handcrafted helpful hints and local information provided with all our holidays
● Personal service by your sales consultant who looks after all aspects of your holiday

Call us on 01392 441245

Ornate staircase with arches of building at the Plaza de Espana in Seville

A GRAND TOUR OF SPAIN

14-night grand tour of Spain by air, rail and hire-car staying in nine different places from Andalusia to Barcelona, to Madrid, San Sebastian and along the Saint James way ending in Santiago de Compostela. From £3,430 per person.
Old stone bridge over small river with rocks below and cliffs behind in the Sierra de Gredos Extremadura

ALONG THE SILVER WAY IN SPAIN TOUR

9-night fly-drive touring holiday following the pilgrimage route of the Silver Way from Andalusia north to Santiago de Compostela and witness the diverse culture and history of Spain. Also included are several authentic cultural experiences. From £2,130 per person.
The square shaped Alcazar of Toledo on hill top above city fortifications

FROM MADRID TO TOLEDO AND ANDALUSIA FLY-DRIVE TOUR

7-night fly-drive luxury touring holiday from Madrid, through Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha to the Andalusian cities and towns of Baeza, Cordoba and Ronda. From £1,520 per person.
Row of white and black windmills on sandy bank

CASTLES, PALACES AND WINDMILLS OF SPANISH CASTILE

7-night luxury fly-drive holiday to Spain visiting the castles, palaces and windmills of Madrid and central Spain including Don Quixote’s La Mancha. Stay in historic hotels and paradores. From £1,520 per person.
River in foreground with the square shape of the alcazar of Toledo on the hilltop above the city

MADRID AND HEART OF SPAIN BY RAIL

12-night fly-rail luxury touring holiday of central Spain, including Madrid, Castile la Mancha and Extremadura staying in historic cities off-the-beaten-track. From £2,230 per person.
Entrance to Toledo cathedral with three doors of stone with intricate carvings

SPANISH EXTREMADURA HISTORY AND HERITAGE TOUR

9-night fly-drive luxury touring holiday to the Spanish Extremadura, historic central region of Spain. Discover the heritage staying in five historic parador hotels. From £1,630 per person.
Hacienda Zorita Heart of Spain wine and cheese

FOOD AND WINE HOLIDAY IN THE HEART OF SPAIN

5-night food and wine luxury holiday at the 5-star Hacienda Zorita near Salamanca in central Spain. Dinner with wine, wine-tasting and olive or wine spa treatment included. From £1,850 per person.
Hacienda Zorita Heart of Spain exterior hotel building patio countryside surrounds

HACIENDA ZORITA near Salamanca

An elegant and luxurious 5-star hotel with just 40 rooms and suites situated on an estate producing wine and organic produce. Hearty local food, spa, swimming pool and estate activities.
Hospes Palacio de Arenales Heart of Spain patio hotel building

HOSPES PALACIO DE ARENALES near Caceres, Extremadura

Just four miles from historic Caceres, this 5-star hotel is boutique with 46 rooms. Historic ambience, spa, grounds and authentic local Extremadura cuisine.
Hospes Palacio de San Esteban Heart of Spain exterior by night building plants

HOSPES PALACIO DE SAN ESTEBAN Salamanca

A 5-star luxury boutique hotel in a 16th century converted monastery with 51 rooms in the old town. Well-preserved historic features blend with modern comforts.
Hotel Valdepalacios Heart of Spain exterior hotel building patio trees greenery

HOTEL VALDEPALACIOS Toledo

An exclusive, 5-star hotel with just 27 rooms, set in a grand manor house on a large estate near Toledo. Michelin-star restaurant, cookery courses, spa.

Palacio de la Merced Heart of Spain exterior park traditional architecture

NH PALACIO DE BURGOS Burgos

A 4-star hotel with 101 rooms in an elegant 16th century building in an excellent central location. Sleek and elegant furnishings and interiors. Wellness centre.
Palacio San Facundo Heart of Spain atrium indoor seating area marble floors columns modern décor

PALACIO SAN FACUNDO Segovia

This hotel in the centre of the city is 4-star with 33 rooms with a simple yet authentic style. Atrium courtyard where you can enjoy a drink. Lots of original features.
Parador de Alarcon yellow stone fortified castle with tower

PARADOR DE ALARCON Alarcon, Heart of Spain

A 4-star hotel housed in an 8th century medieval castle overlooking the village of Alarcón. Unique battlements, beautiful garden and regional restaurant.
Parador de Almagro exterior, hotel building, traditional architecture, courtyard, trees, iron gates

PARADOR DE ALMAGRO Almagro, Ciudad Real

This is an historic, 4-star hotel in a converted 16th century monastery. Peaceful setting with outdoor swimming pool and traditional restaurant.
Parador de Avila Heart of Spain hotel exterior stone building pathway trees shrubbery

PARADOR DE AVILA Avila, Castilla y Leon

An elegant and luxurious 4-star Parador with 61 rooms located within the ancient Roman walls of the city. Historic, charming courtyard, rich furnishings and restaurant serving Castilian cuisine.
Exterior of hotel a stone building with small windows

PARADOR DE CACERES Caceres, Extremadura

At the heart of the old town, this 4-star Parador has just 39 rooms and ample historic charm. Bar, regional gastronomy and alfresco dining.

Parador de Cuenca Heart of Spain exterior monastery building countryside surrounds

PARADOR DE CUENCA Cuenca, Castille La Mancha

A grand monument, this 4-star Parador has 63 rooms and is an imposing sight overlooking the Huecar Gorge in the World Heritage city of Cuenca. Rustic and town house style combined.
Parador de Lerma terrace, outdoor dinign area, patio, garden beds, hotel building

PARADOR DE LERMA Lerma, near Burgos

This 4-star hotel was once a 17th-century Ducal Palace. Located opposite the Plaza Mayor (main square), this hotel is centrally located, ideal for exploring Lerma’s historical gems. Restaurant and terrace.
Exterior entrance to hotel showing white stone building with flags outside

PARADOR DE MERIDA Merida, Extremadura

This is a boutique, 4-star Parador in a converted monastery dating from the 18th century located opposite the historic Plaza de la Constitucion. Traditional, discreet and comfortable.
Exterior of hotel showing swimming pool with sun loungers set up around the pool

PARADOR DE PLASENCIA Plasencia, Extremadura

This is a beautiful 4-star Parador with 66 rooms at the heart of this historic town. The building dates from the 15th century and retains many period features. An authentic treasure.
Exterior view of hotel with large castle like building in background on top of grassy mound

PARADOR DE SIGUENZA Siguenza, Guadalajara

A unique 4 star hotel in an impressive hilltop castle with mediaeval origins. Comfortable guestrooms with beautiful terrace, inner courtyard and traditional restaurant.
Parador de Toledo Heart of Spain pool hotel building view of city in background

PARADOR DE TOLEDO Toledo

This Parador is a 4-star hotel with 78 rooms located about 4 kms from Toledo on the Emperador Hill. Lovely views, understated elegance, intricate works of art and local gastronomy in the restaurant.
Parador de Tordesillas exterior, hotel building, traditional architecture, terrace, trees, lawn

PARADOR DE TORDESILLAS Tordesillas, Castilla y Leon

This 4-star hotel sits amidst a pine wood and a nurtured garden, offering beautiful natural scenery. Traditional restaurant, spa and outdoor pool.
Parador de Trujillo Heart of Spain courtyard benches lawns trees

PARADOR DE TRUJILLO Trujillo, Extremadura

A delightful Parador, 4-star with 50 rooms, in the historic centre of the town. Mediaeval interiors of vaulted ceilings and velvet fabrics. Classic Extremadura cuisine is served in the restaurant.
Parador de Villafranca del Bierzo exterior, hotel building, driveway

PARADOR DE VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO Villafranca del Bierzo, near Leon

A comfortable 4-star hotel surrounded by mountains in the historic town of Villafranca del Bierzo. Charming stop on the Way of St James pilgrimage route.