Avila with Walls & Segovia with Alcazar from Madrid

Depart Madrid by air-conditioned coach and relax onboard as you travel toward your first stop, Segovia, a history-steeped city with Roman roots, set between the Eresma and Clamores rivers. Admire the stunning, 2-tiered Roman aqueduct, one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Spain. Learn about the construction of the aqueduct during the 1st century, and its 166 arches and 120 pillars. Next, head to the Alcazar, a spectacular 11th-century fortress-palace that was one of the inspirations behind Walt Disney's Cinderella Castle. Take a guided tour of the UNESCO-listed, building as you hear how it served as a royal palace, prison, and artillery college. Afterward, explore some of old Segovia’s other highlights, including Segovia Cathedral, the last Gothic cathedral to be built in Spain (if you've upgrade your ticket to include the monument). Enjoy free time for lunch (own expense) during your explorations or opt to upgrade to enjoy either a simple tourist-style meal or a delicious gastronomic feast showcasing Segovian delicacies such as roasted suckling pig. Then, continue to Avila. En route, listen as your guide provides fascinating commentary about this beautifully preserved medieval city, the birthplace of the Spanish mystic, Saint Teresa, in the 16th century. Stop at the viewpoint of the Four Posts (Cuatro Postes) for sweeping views of the UNESCO-protected, old walled city. Admire the 11th-century walls and towers, and then explore two of the town’s most impressive Romanesque and Gothic churches. Take in the fortress design and alabaster chapels of Avila Cathedral, and visit the Basilica of St. Vincent. After your time in Avila, return to Madrid where your tour concludes at the start point.