touring
ALONG THE SILVER WAY
This fascinating tour traces the ancient pilgrimage route of the Ruta de la Plata ( the Silver Way ), following the changes in both culture and scenery , from the white-washed houses of Andalucía to the rolling hills of Green Spain and the rugged Atlantic Coast . Begin by soaking up the rich Andalucían culture in Seville . Explore the Moorish architectural influences , and sample some of the regional cuisine , before beginning your journey north . Travel through mediaeval Cáceres , grand and youthful Salamanca , the walled-city of León , and on to Santiago de Compostela , the resting place of Saint James the Apostle .
SUGGESTED TOURING ITINERARY
DAY ONE
Fly from London to Seville , and check into the Hospes las Casas del Rey de Baeza , an 18th century building with a picturesque central courtyard , just a few minutes ’ walk from the Cathedral .
DAY TWO
Spend your day in Seville getting to grips with the Moorish influences on the town , from the Real Alcázar to the La Giralda tower . This holiday includes a 2.5 hours guided tour around the Barrio de Santa Cruz , the most culturally intriguing quarter of the city , characterised by its white-washed houses and pretty lanes . Guests can also choose between viewing an authentic Andalucían Flamenco Show , and a Corte del Jamón workshop , which demonstrates the art of cutting Iberian Ham . We recommend a relaxed stroll around the water and across the bridges of the Plaza de España . A rooftop pool terrace at your hotel offers delightful views across the city rooftops in the evenings .
DAY THREE
Collect a hire-car and drive on to the Hospes Palacio de Arenales , just outside Cáceres . This 17th century property is an idyllic rural retreat which combines charming history with chic , contemporary design .
DAY FOUR
Navigate the mediaeval streets of Cáceres , tracing the history of Moorish and Christian battles . Locate the 30 Islamic towers , the Roman Arco del Cristo , and the 18th century Jesuit Iglesia de San Francisco Javier . This holiday includes a 3 hour guided tour around Cáceres , as well as a choice between an authentic Ruta de la Plata lunch or dinner featuring Iberian ham , figs , and chestnut fondant , and an introduction to an aspect of the local culture . In the evenings , make the most of the hotel ’ s excellent spa facilities .
DAY FIVE
Leave Cáceres for Salamanca , the capital of Castile y León , where you will spend two nights at the Hospes Palacio de San Esteban . This hotel is rich in palatial ambience , with exposed stone archways throughout , but with simplistic modern comforts in the bedrooms . The city of Salamanca gains its lively , care-free atmosphere from the Universidad de Salamanca , and is dominated by the grand sandstone architecture for which it is known .
Andalucia
Green Spain scenery
DAY SIX
Spend time at the dynamic old and new cathedrals , the Art Nouveau and Art Deco museum at Casa Lys , and on the spectacular Plaza Mayor . This holiday also includes a guided 2.5 hour tour of Salamanca ’ s history , and a choice between a tasting session of authentic regional tapas , and an exclusive visit to the Convent of San Esteban , with access to parts of the building restricted to tourists .
DAY SEVEN
Leave Salamanca in the early morning and travel north to the mediaeval walled-city of León for one night at the NH Collection León Plaza Mayor . Begin your afternoon with a visit to the 13th century cathedral , often referred to as the House of Light due to its stunning stained-glass windows . The Casa de los Botines in León was designed by Antoni Gaudi . More reserved than his work in Barcelona , this building still has the fluidity typical of his style , with thin turrets and curved roofs .
DAY EIGHT
After exploring León , drive north-west to Santiago de Compostela , the Galician capital . Punctuated by green open spaces , this city captures the essence of Northern Green Spain .
DAY NINE
The focus of your day in Santiago de Compostela is the cathedral , believed to be the final resting place of Saint James the Apostle , and consequently the revered endpoint of the Saint James Pilgrimage Route . The breath-taking decorative and iconographic façade was not added until the 18th century , but has become something of an icon for the city . Inside , however , allow time to walk around the Plateresque cloister . If time permits , it is worth driving west to the Atlantic Coast , to enjoy the phenomenal scenery of the Rias Baixas inlets , and taste some of the shell-fish and white wine on your final night in Spain .
DAY TEN
On your final day , return your hire-car and fly out of Santiago de Compostela back to London .
PRICES Prices from £ 1,870 per person based on two people sharing .
Alcazar of Seville
32 For expert advice call our travel consultants on 01392 441276