Basic Programs Day Excursions
- Full day Toledo excursion: Drive from Madrid to Toledo. Toledo was the capital of medieval Spain until 1560 and to this day remains one of the country’s greatest cities where the Jewish, Moorish and Christian cultures once lived together in relative harmony. Nowadays Toledo is a living museum of synagogues, mosques and churches which provide outstanding architectural diversity throughout the city. Walk through its narrow streets and visit to the Cathedral, Church of St. Thomas and the synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca.
The Cathedral which took over 250 years to complete, displays magnificent architecture from the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. Next, visit the Church of St. Thomas which houses one of El Greco's most commended paintings, 'El Entierro del Conde de Orgaz' (Burial of the Count of Orgaz). The Synagogue of Santa Maria La Blanca was once the main 12th-century synagogue in Toledo. It obtained its present title after its conversion to a church. The building's structural similarity to a mosque is explained by the fact that Muslim craftsmen constructed it. The synagogue has had many uses that include being a convent for 'fallen' women, a Catholic chapel and an army barracks. Return to Madrid after having some time at leisure.
- Full day Avila and Segovia Excursion: Drive to Avila (wonderfully well-preserved middle-age walled city). Upon arrival, you will visit the Cathedral and Santa Teresa Church. The Cathedral is the oldest Spanish Gothic cathedral. Building began in the Romanesque style, but the master Fruchel later took charge of the project and built one of the first Gothic cathedrals in Castile. The Sanctuary of the cathedral is built into the wall, making it part of the city’s defenses. The Convent of St. Teresa is one of two main destinations for Catholic pilgrims to Ávila. The 17th-century convent was built after the canonization of St. Teresa (1515-82) over the house where she was born. It contains her relics, along with those of her friend St. John of the Cross, in a small museum.
Continue to drive to Segovia (includes the famous Roman aqueduct) and visit the Alcazar and the Cathedral. See the aqueduct, which was probably built by the Romans between the late 1st and 2nd century AD. This amazing construction was built to bring water from the Acebeda River, situated near the Royal Palace of La Granja (around 10 kilometres away). The Romans used no other material apart from stone to hold the structure together and those stones are as solid today as they were the day they were first lifted into place. Next, visit the Alcazar. It is probably one of its most famous monuments. It is said that its design influenced the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty. There has been some sort of fortress situated on the site of the Alcázar since the 12th century. It has a number of impresive towers and a large hall.
Finally, have a visit to the Cathedral. It is located in the city's Plaza Mayor and is called the dame of Spanish cathedrals. Its location is on the highest point of the city and is built on the site of the old Romanesque cathedral. It was begun in 1525 and was completed in 1528, during the reigin of Carlos V and was a very impressive building. Return to Madrid following this tour.