Madrid: Tour of the Medieval Jewels of Avila and Salamanca

Set out on a captivating journey from Madrid to the medieval marvels of Avila and Salamanca. Enjoy the stunning Salamanca Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the prestigious University of Salamanca. After indulging in local culinary delights, explore the enchanting streets of Avila, home to impressive medieval walls and historic sites that showcase the city’s rich heritage. This 11-hour tour promises an unforgettable experience, unveiling the captivating stories…

Key Points

• Immersive 11-hour tour exploring the medieval cities of Salamanca and Avila, with a maximum group size of 6 participants.
• Visit the iconic Salamanca Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site blending Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
• Discover the University of Salamanca, one of Europe’s oldest universities, and witness the tradition of spotting the "lucky frog" on its Plateresque façade.
• Savor local culinary specialties during a lunch in Salamanca, including hearty regional dishes like hornazo and chanfaina.
• Explore the well-preserved medieval walls, towers, and historic center of Avila, offering a unique perspective on the city’s rich medieval heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers an immersive experience in the medieval splendor of Salamanca and Avila, lasting 11 hours and priced from $141.45 per person.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 6 participants, with tours available in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

Small group sizes, with tours offered in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

Guests can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and can reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

Highlights include visiting Salamanca Cathedral, exploring the historic University of Salamanca, and touring the medieval walls of Avila, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortifications.

Salamanca Cathedral

Salamanca Cathedral stands as an architectural masterpiece, embodying the harmonious blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles.

Its striking ensemble features the Old Cathedral, a 12th-century Romanesque structure, and the New Cathedral, an impressive Gothic edifice completed in the 16th century.

Visitors are captivated by the cathedral’s intricate façade, adorned with ornate carvings and detailed sculptures.

Inside, the vast nave and towering columns create a sense of grandeur, while the stunning altarpiece and vaulted ceilings showcase the region’s rich artistic heritage.

This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see for those exploring the historic wonders of Salamanca.

University of Salamanca

One of Europe’s oldest universities, the University of Salamanca is renowned for its Plateresque façade and historic classrooms.

Highlights of a visit include:

1. Admiring the intricate carvings and architectural details of the Plateresque main entrance, a stunning blend of Renaissance and Gothic styles.

2. Exploring the university’s historic lecture halls, where generations of scholars have studied, debated, and shaped the course of knowledge.

3. Searching for the famous "lucky frog" concealed among the ornate carvings on the façade, a tradition that brings good fortune to those who spot it.

The University of Salamanca stands as a testament to the enduring pursuit of learning and the preservation of academic excellence.

Lunch in Salamanca

After exploring the historic University of Salamanca, guests can savor local specialties during a satisfying lunch.

The tour includes a chance to try hearty regional dishes like hornazo, a savory meat pie, or chanfaina, a stew made with lamb, pork, and paprika.

Those with a heartier appetite may opt for grilled meats accompanied by a glass of robust local wine.

Lunch provides a chance to refuel and immerse in the culinary traditions of Salamanca before continuing the tour to the medieval walled city of Avila, another highlight of this enriching day.

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Exploring Avila

The tour now moves on to the medieval city of Avila, one of Europe’s best-preserved fortifications. Guests will marvel at the impressive medieval walls, walking along the towers and battlements for stunning views of the city.

The highlights of the Avila portion of the tour include:

Exploring the well-preserved medieval walls, taking in panoramic vistas, and discovering the charming historic center of Avila.

1. Exploring the well-preserved medieval walls, which stretch over 2.5 km and date back to the 11th century.

2. Taking in panoramic vistas from the towers and battlements along the walls.

3. Discovering the charming historic center, with its Gothic churches and Renaissance palaces.

Walls and Towers of Avila

Towering over the historic center of Avila, the city’s medieval walls stretch for over 2.5 kilometers, forming one of Europe’s best-preserved fortifications.

Visitors can walk atop the walls, admiring the stunning views of the surrounding countryside from the towers and battlements. The walls were built between the 11th and 14th centuries to protect the city from invaders.

Today, they stand as a testament to Avila’s rich history, offering a glimpse into its past. Exploring the walls is a must-do activity for any visitor to this enchanting city, providing a unique perspective on its medieval heritage.

Inclusions and Meeting Point

What does the tour include? The tour includes entrance fees to the Cathedral of Salamanca, the University of Salamanca, and the Walls of Avila.

The tour includes entrance fees to the Cathedral of Salamanca, the University of Salamanca, and the Walls of Avila.

Plus, bottled water, lunch, and a gratuity for the guide are provided.

The meeting point for the tour is at the corner of O’Donnell Street and Menéndez Pelayo Avenue, near Puerta de O’Donnell.

Guests should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure, as no refunds will be given for late arrivals (more than 15 minutes).

The tour has a maximum group size of 6 participants and is offered in Spanish, English, and Portuguese.

Preparation and Restrictions

Guests should bring their passport or ID, as well as wear comfortable shoes and clothes for the tour.

They’ll be exploring medieval towns on foot, so proper footwear is essential.

To ensure a smooth experience, guests aren’t allowed to bring their own food or drinks into the vehicle.

Plus, unaccompanied minors aren’t permitted.

Punctuality is also important – guests should arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time, as there are no refunds for late arrivals of more than 15 minutes.

Following these simple guidelines will help everyone enjoy the full tour of Avila and Salamanca’s medieval jewels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

Pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour’s important information clearly states that only "Passport or ID, comfortable shoes and clothes" are permitted. Bringing pets would not be permitted and could disrupt the tour experience for other participants.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens?

The tour does not offer a specific senior citizen discount. However, it’s recommended to contact the tour operator directly to inquire about any potential discounts or special accommodations for senior travelers.

Can I Take Pictures Inside the Cathedrals?

Yes, participants can take photos inside the cathedrals during the tour. However, flash photography isn’t allowed to preserve the historic sites. Guests should be respectful and avoid disrupting the sacred spaces.

How Much Time Will We Have in Each Location?

The tour provides approximately 2 hours in Salamanca Cathedral and University, and 2 hours in Avila to explore the medieval walls and towers. Guests can expect to spend around 5 hours total at the two destinations.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour has a set duration of 11 hours and doesn’t offer an option to extend it. However, guests can choose to spend more time exploring Salamanca and Avila independently after the guided portions of the tour.

The Sum Up

Set out on a captivating 11-hour tour from Madrid to the medieval jewels of Avila and Salamanca. Explore the stunning Salamanca Cathedral, the prestigious University of Salamanca, and the enchanting streets of Avila with its impressive medieval walls and historic sites. This unforgettable journey offers a glimpse into the rich heritage of these captivating Spanish cities.

You can check availability for your dates here: