7-Day Parador Routes Along the Via de la Plata
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Overview
On this seven-day Spain trip, you'll traverse the routes of Arabs, Christians, Romans and pilgrims before you as you travel along the Parador routes of the Via de la Plata.
In Roman times, and especially during the reigns of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian, a grand access route was created in the west of the peninsula that linked the Cantabrian coast with the lands of the south of Hispania.
Goods, troops, traders and travellers moved in continuous transit along this trail, which favoured the spreading of Roman culture, its language and way of life. This trail continued to be used over the centuries, both by Arabs as well as Christians during the Middle Ages, and went on to play an important role in the communications network of the Iberian Peninsula.
On this trip, you'll use this trail to experience the real Spain like no other: cities and villages of great charm and untouched beauty will unveil their secrets to you and you drive from Zafra to Mera, Leon, Plasencia, Caceres and Gijon.
In Roman times, and especially during the reigns of the emperors Trajan and Hadrian, a grand access route was created in the west of the peninsula that linked the Cantabrian coast with the lands of the south of Hispania.
Goods, troops, traders and travellers moved in continuous transit along this trail, which favoured the spreading of Roman culture, its language and way of life. This trail continued to be used over the centuries, both by Arabs as well as Christians during the Middle Ages, and went on to play an important role in the communications network of the Iberian Peninsula.
On this trip, you'll use this trail to experience the real Spain like no other: cities and villages of great charm and untouched beauty will unveil their secrets to you and you drive from Zafra to Mera, Leon, Plasencia, Caceres and Gijon.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Seville, Pick up Rental Car & Scenic Journey to Zafra
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Upon arrival, you'll pick up your rental car in Seville, either at the airport or at the railway station, and start the journey northwards crossing the Sierra de Aracena Natural Park to Zafra. Soon we get to Zafra, the 'small Seville', let your imagination flow as you enter your Parador today, located in a 15th-century castle. Not so many Paradores can offer such great patio or impressive walk through the corridors of the first floor. Dinner will be served in the restaurant.
Accommodation
Parador de Zafra★4 star
Activities
ZafraOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Seville to Zafra
Meals
Dinner
Destinations
Zafra
Day 2
Journey to Plasencia via Merida
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After breakfast, you'll drive to Plasencia, right in the heart of the Jerte Valley, where the best cherries in Spain are hand-picked. On the way, you'll visit Mérida to admire an impressive city carrying a wide Roman past. You can visit one of the best-preserved Roman complexes of Spain, including the theatre, the amphitheatre, the museum, the forum and much more. You'll then continue your drive to arrive at your Parador to enjoy well-earned dinner.
Accommodation
Parador de Plasencia★4 star
Activities
MéridaOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Zafra to Plasencia
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Zafra
Mérida
Plasencia
Day 3
Explore Plasencia & Caceres
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Plasencia, founded in the 13th century, will be a nice surprise along your route. But your visit would not be complete if you don't explore the great nearby city of Caceres, whose old town is listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Ruled by powerful rival factions from 14th to 16th century, impressive testimonies of the past splendour are its fortified houses, palaces and towers. Another interesting option for the day would be to visit the nearby National Park of Monfragüe. The choice is yours!
Accommodation
Parador de Plasencia★4 star
Activities
CáceresOptional Activity
PlasenciaOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
Plasencia
Cáceres
Day 4
Scenic Drive to Leon with Stops Along the Way
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After breakfast, you'll start your journey to León. Along the way, there will be many interesting sites that you can stop off and explore including Salamanca, Avila, Astorga and Las Médulas before arriving at your Parador in Leon. Salamanca, listed as UNESCO Heritage, is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Its historic centre offers a kaleidoscope of Romanesque, Gothic, Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque monuments.
Accommodation
Parador de León - Hostal de San Marcos★5 star
Activities
Free Time in SalamancaOptional Activity
Salamanca UniversityOptional Activity
Free Time in ÁvilaOptional Activity
AstorgaOptional Activity
Las MédulasOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Plasencia to León
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Plasencia
Salamanca
Ávila
Astorga
Castile and León
León
Day 5
A Day to Explore Leon
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Today, after your breakfast, you'll devote your day to León, whose great cathedral, “humid quarter” and more will fill up both your spirit and your stomach. León is also a city on the Camino de Santiago (St James Way), which has always afforded a warm welcome to the pilgrims, travellers and tourists who have made it their home for a few hours or days at a time. In the evening, dinner at the restaurant will help to relax after such busy days in the area.
Accommodation
Parador de León - Hostal de San Marcos★5 star
Activities
LeónOptional Activity
León CathedralOptional Activity
Basílica de San IsidoroOptional Activity
Convento de San MarcosOptional Activity
Meals
Breakfast and dinner
Destinations
León
Day 6
Scenic Drive Through Green Mountains & Villages to Gijon
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After breakfast, you'll embark on your last journey through a very scenic landscape, as you enter the greenest part of Spain. Great mountains, rivers and valleys are to be spotted as your road leads to Gijón on the Cantabrico sea. Picturesque villages like Mieres, Aller, Lena or Riosa will offer a memorable stop on your way to savouring local cheeses, homemade cider or a tasty stew. Upon arrival in Gijón, a warm and relaxing atmosphere welcomes you.
Accommodation
Parador de Gijón★4 star
Activities
GijónOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from León to Gijón
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
León
Gijón
Day 7
Explore Gijon & Departure
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After breakfast at the Parador, you can use the last few hours of your Spain trip to explore the city of Gijón. Later, you'll check our and return your car at the railway station or continue to the near airport of Oviedo for your flight to onwards destination.
Activities
GijónOptional Activity
Transportations
Rental Car from Gijón to Asturias Airport
Meals
Breakfast
Destinations
Gijón
Included in Price
- 6 nights accommodation
- 6 breakfasts and 4 dinners
- Airport transfer
- Ground transportation
- Licensed English speaking guides
Not Included in Price
- Alcohol beverages
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Entry visas / airport departure tax
- Gratuities
- International flights
- Laundry
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Trekking permits
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Low season price starting fromAU$1,857
per traveller sharing Terms and Conditions
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Book this trip today with a deposit and pay the rest 60 days before departure.
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