Castile and León
Spain's largest autonomous community, dense with historic cities and cathedrals, where Salamanca, Burgos and León each have their own character.
Castile and León lies on the northern plateau of northwestern Spain and is the country's largest autonomous community, with many castles and historic cities. Salamanca's old town and ancient university, the Gothic cathedrals of Burgos and León, Segovia's Roman aqueduct and the walls of Ávila are all World Heritage–level sights, and the Camino de Santiago also crosses the region. Roast suckling pig, roast lamb and wines from the Ribera del Duero are local specialties. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit, and winters are cold. The main cities are easy to reach from Madrid by high-speed train or regular train.
Destinations
Itineraries
- Castile and León Grand Loop – A self-drive loop covering Segovia, Salamanca, Sanabria, León, Burgos, and the Ribera del Duero.
- Rail Journey: Madrid to Santiago via Burgos and León – Travel west by train along the Camino de Santiago, visiting three grand cathedrals and ending in Santiago de Compostela.
- Madrid, Toledo, and Segovia Rail Tour – Based in Madrid, explore the three major museums and the Royal Palace, with day trips by train to Toledo and Segovia.
- Green Spain Coast-to-Coast Road Trip – Drive west from San Sebastián along the Bay of Biscay to Santiago de Compostela, connecting the coasts and mountains of…
- Madrid Classics for First-Timers – The Royal Palace and old town, Plaza Mayor, the Prado and the Retiro: Madrid's core landmarks in three days.
- La Mancha Windmills and Cuenca Cliffside Town – Drive from Madrid through windmill ridges and historic castles to Cuenca, ending with the magical rock formations of Ci…
- Madrid's Art Triangle and Toledo – The Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza and Reina Sofía museums explored one per day, plus a trip to Toledo for El Greco.
- Madrid Tapas and Market Food – Markets, tapas bar streets and a flea market, plus a half day in Chinchón, eating your way through old Madrid.
- Picos de Europa Three-Sided Traverse & Cantabria – Loop around the Picos de Europa from the western lakes to the eastern Liébana Valley, then head to the coast at Santill…
- Madrid and the Royal Residences – Beyond the Royal Palace and old town, use suburban trains to reach El Escorial, Aranjuez and Alcalá de Henares.
- Spain Classic Rail: Barcelona to Granada – High-speed rail connects Barcelona, Valencia, Madrid, Seville, and Granada—the ultimate trunk line for first-time visit…
- Madrid and the Old Towns of Castile – Three days in the city, plus day trips to Toledo and Segovia, then an overnight stay in the cliff-side town of Cuenca