Based on our own experience and the many tips we have received from enthusiastic holidaymakers, we have put together the most important highlights in the heart of Spain for you!
Based on our own experience and the many tips we have received from enthusiastic holidaymakers, we have put together the most important highlights in the heart of Spain for you!
Welcome to Spain’s beautiful metropolis, Madrid. The royal city in the heart of the country has been the Spanish capital and royal residence since the 16ᵗʰ century. Some of the representative buildings that still shape the cityscape today date from this period. At the airport, our friendly, English-speaking study tour guide warmly welcomes us. We travel by modern, air-conditioned coach to our 4-star hotel in the Madrid area. We can spend the rest of the day exploring the city according to our personal preferences.
Today, we immerse ourselves in the charm of Madrid, a vibrant global metropolis. On a delightful half-day panoramic tour, we’ll discover the city’s most famous sights. Highlights include the magnificent Royal Palace (Palacio Real) and the impressive Almudena Cathedral. We’ll also visit the lively Puerta del Sol and the historic Plaza Mayor, two of Madrid’s most iconic squares. Another highlight is the grand boulevard Paseo del Prado, which, together with the beautiful Retiro Park, forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage designation. After the tour, we continue our journey to Cuenca, where we’ll enjoy an overnight stay in 4-star comfort.
In the morning, we head to the idyllic city of Cuenca, which impresses with countless highlights and its historic old town (UNESCO World Heritage). You’ll have the opportunity to experience the city on an optional guided tour, exploring the heart of the old town and the Plaza Mayor, home to the Gothic Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de Gracia. Just Southeast of the cathedral we’ll admire the breathtaking Casas Colgadas, the so-called hanging houses from the 15ᵗʰ century, which were built on a rocky outcrop at the edge of a deep gorge. In the late afternoon we continue our journey to Toledo and have an overnight stay in a comfortable
4-star hotel.
Today, we delve into the fascinating history of Toledo, a medieval city recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1986. Behind its mighty defensive walls, we marvel at a rich historical legacy. Join us for an optional guided city tour, where you’ll discover how the harmonious coexistence of Muslim, Jewish, and Christian cultures over the centuries has shaped Toledo’s unique architectural style. A highlight of the tour is the famous Church of Santo Tomé, an imposing masterpiece that houses El Greco’s renowned painting The Burial of the Count of Orgaz. Afterwards, we continue to Salamanca, where we’ll round off the day with an overnight stay in a comfortable 4-star hotel.
After breakfast, we explore the renowned university city of Salamanca. Here stands one of the oldest universities in Europe (admission included). Its historic old town, featuring the Old Cathedral from the 12ᵗʰ century and the New Cathedral from the 16ᵗʰ century, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visit the magnificent Plaza Mayor of Salamanca, a former bullfighting arena. With its enchanting arcades, it is considered the most beautiful square in Spain. Another highlight is the famous Casa de las Conchas, the so-called Shell House. Together, we continue our travel to our modern 4-star hotel in the Ávila area, where we will enjoy the next three nights.
With the venerable city of Ávila, the next highlight awaits. You can explore this charming World Heritage city on your own or join us for an optional guided tour that takes you to the impressive city walls with 88 defensive towers, 9 gates and an integrated cathedral. Afterwards, you have the wonderful opportunity to visit Segovia, whose historic old town and majestic aqueduct are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In addition, the Alcázar Castle will delight you with its medieval architecture and spectacular views.
Today we enjoy the comforts of our 4-star hotel or stroll through Ávila to experience Spanish zest for life in one of the many quaint establishments with delicious tapas and a cerveza. Alternatively, join us for a fantastic optional excursion to the world-famous monastic residence of El Escorial. The mighty estate was built in the 16ᵗʰ century and was the political centre of Philip II’s empire. The breathtaking monastery complex was rightly designated a UNESCO World Heritage.
Today, it is time to say goodbye. A wonderful and eventful week comes to an end. Filled with unforgettable experiences and new friendships. We are heading to the airport and flying home content.


Cultural Package: The package includes guided city tours of the UNESCO cities Cuenca, Toledo (incl. admission to the Church of Santo Tomé), Ávila (incl. admission to the city walls) and Segovia (incl. admission to the Alcázar of Segovia) as well as a guided tour & admission to the El Escorial monastic residence (World Heritage): only £189 p. p.
Solo travellers are warmly welcome – single room surcharge: £349 p. p. (subject to availability)
Example hotels
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madrid | 11 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 23 | 30 | 32 | 32 | 29 | 22 | 15 | 12 |
| London | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 | 21 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
Below is an information overview. The conditions of entry, as well as the political and health situation, can change anywhere in the world at any time. We therefore recommend checking the website of the Foreign Office (www.gov.uk) before your departure.
Spain lies south-west of the Pyrenees on the Iberian Peninsula. Its neighbouring states are Portugal, Gibraltar, the Principality of Andorra and France.
Parliamentary constitutional monarchy.
Madrid
Roman Catholic
Spanish (Castellano) is the official language. The respective regional languages have official status in the autonomous regions of the Basque Country, Galicia, Catalonia and Valencia.
Madrid: Highland climate;
Castilian Meseta (2230 ft above sea level): dry, cold winters, hot summers (up to 40°C);
Coast: Mediterranean or Atlantic climate.
Electricity in Spain is supplied at a voltage of 230 V and in the form of alternating current with a frequency of 50 Hertz. You need an adapter in your hotel.
Spain is part of the Central European Time zone where GMT+1 applies, along with daylight saving time. The time difference to the UK is +1 hour throughout the entire year.
To make phone calls to the UK, predial 0044 (+44). To make phone calls from the UK to Spain, pre-dial 0034 (+34).
Spain is a country steeped in history and a rich cultural heritage. The people take great pride in their heritage, which is why traditions and cultural festivals play such a major role in Spanish life. Madrid, the vibrant capital, boasts world-class museums and an exciting nightlife. Historic cities such as Toledo and Segovia captivate visitors with their medieval architecture and significant landmarks, such as the Alcázar and the Roman aqueduct. Castile, in particular, is an ideal place to experience authentic Spain.
In Spain, tipping is not compulsory, but is always appreciated. Tipping guidelines: For the chambermaid, £1 to £2 per day per room is customary. In restaurants, tipping is not strictly necessary; if you wish to tip, 5 – 10 % of the bill is appropriate, or for smaller amounts, rounding up to the nearest euro. On group tours, it is advisable to give the tour guide around £2 per day per person, and the same to the coach driver. For local tour guides, £2 per person per tour is appropriate. Of course, it is entirely up to you whether to tip and how much to give.
Spain follows Schengen area rules. British citizens can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. When travelling into the Schengen area, you must meet certain requirements. Your ‘British citizen’ passport must be:
• Less than 10 years old on the day you enter (check the ‘date of issue’)
• Valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
Since 12 October 2025, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) of the European Union has been in force. When travelling into and out of the Schengen area, for short stays, you may need to register your biometric details and answer the Schengen Border Code questions. EES may take each passenger a few extra minutes to complete so longer waiting queues can be expected. For more information, please visit: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/ees.
In addition, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is expected to come into force at the end of 2026. This is valid for three years or until the expiry date of the passport (whichever comes first) and entitles the holder to stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Further information on fees, requirements and how to apply for ETIAS can be found on the official website: https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias.
Nationals of other countries are advised to enquire at the Spanish Embassy about the entry requirements applicable to them. Whilst we endeavor to provide guidance where necessary, we cannot be responsible for any problems encountered (whether at any point of entry or elsewhere) in the event that passport and visa requirements are not satisfied.
Your expert tour guides will be able to provide you with detailed information about the country, people, history, culture etc., and offer advice and assistance for organising your trip. They can also help with room allocation and look forward to welcoming you with initial information and a welcoming drink. Here you will find out all you need to know and useful information about the trip. We have put together a varied programme including numerous highlights, enabling you to experience the culture and diversity of landscape that Spain has to offer, and learn all about the country and its people.
Although your trip already includes a comprehensive package, you also have the option of choosing added extras. We recommend booking the following packages:
Gourmet Package: The package includes comfortable halfboard, i.e. 7× dinners as a 3-course menu at the hotel or in local restaurants:
only £159 per person.
Cultural Package: The package includes guided city tours of the UNESCO cities Cuenca, Toledo (incl. admission to the Church of Santo Tomé), Ávila (incl. admission to the city walls) and Segovia (incl. admission to the Alcázar of Segovia) as well as a guided tour & admission to the El Escorial monastic residence (World Heritage): only £189 per person.
* The packages can no longer be booked on site.
The euro has been the official currency in Spain since 2002. Exchange rate (as of August 2026): 1 GBP = 1.17 EUR; 1 EUR = 0.86 GBP.
Withdrawing cash from ATMs and paying by credit card is possible everywhere. Purchases can be made both in cash and with the most common credit cards, and in some cases also with debit cards. Cash withdrawals are possible with both credit cards and debit cards. Fees may be charged by the respective bank. Please check with your bank regarding this.
There are a number of products which have entry or exit limitations in Spain from outside the European Union, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. These include cultural goods, wild fauna and flora and products derived from these, vegetables and plant products, weapons and ammunition, medicines, tobacco and alcoholic beverages. Likewise, in the case of tobacco and alcoholic beverages, the amount must be declared and the corresponding taxes must be paid if you are carrying the following amounts or more: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars, 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of alcoholic beverages with a strength of more than 22%, 2 litres of alcoholic beverages with a strength of less than 22%, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer. You can only carry the medicines you need, and they must be accompanied by a copy of the prescription or medical report.
Cash and other similar means of payment: If you are taking cash or pay-to-cash cheques in euros or other currencies, or prepaid cards not linked to a bank account and/or certain gold items, or a combination thereof, totalling an amount equal to or exceeding 10,000€ (approx. £8,570) into or out of Spain, you must fill out a Declaration (in person or electronically) and present at Customs on departure or entry.
Souvenirs and gifts: Your purchases should not exceed 430€ (approx. £370) per person if you are travelling by sea or air.
More detailed customs information on importing goods can be obtained from the embassy of your destination country. Only there will you receive legally binding information.
Important: If you are travelling to Great Britain from outside the UK, your personal allowances mean you can bring in a certain amount of goods without paying tax or duty. If you go over your allowances you must declare all your goods and pay tax and duty on all the goods in that category. Please inform yourself about the current customs regulations: www.gov.uk/bringing-goods-intouk- personal-use/arriving-in-Great-Britain.
Crime: In particular, caution is advised regarding pickpocketing and petty crime, especially in larger tourist centres. It is recommended to store money, identification documents, driving licence, flight tickets and other important documents securely (for example in the hotel safe) and to carry only the cash required for the day (and the debit or credit card). Travellers should avoid crowds as much as possible and pay attention to their valuables at places frequented by tourists, airports (including in security areas), railway stations, underground, buses, etc.
Public alcohol consumption may be restricted, especially in tourist areas. Drinking alcohol in large groups in public places can lead to fines.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
To get medically necessary state healthcare in Spain, you need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC or EHIC does not cover.
If you need hospital treatment in Spain, you are more likely to receive appropriate care in public healthcare facilities. However, in some tourist areas there may not be any public healthcare facilities nearby. Some hotels may call private doctors or ambulances to take patients to private hospitals. The GHIC or EHIC will not be accepted there.
It is strongly recommended to take out international health insurance with the option of medical repatriation to the UK.
Customers must ensure that they are in good physical and mental health in line with the trip in question. Customers must enquire about the physical mobility and psychological autonomy required for this trip.
All information is subject to change/Last updated: August 2026