Today, our private driver and his vehicle are ready to take you on a fascinating 8-hour private tour to the monumental cities of Avila and Segovia, where a rich history and legacy left by various civilisations over the centuries unfolds before you. Both cities, declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, offer a journey through time.
Upon arrival in Ávila, you meet your private guide to begin a walking tour of one of Spain's oldest cities. Surrounded by perfectly preserved medieval walls, Avila resembles an immense castle, standing out as the best example of a fortified city in all of Europe. Its old quarter is home to an impressive number of Romanesque churches, Gothic palaces and the 12th century cathedral, the first Gothic cathedral built in Spain, fortified and witness to the birth of Saint Teresa, the Spanish Catholic mystic.
Avila Cathedral, considered the first Gothic cathedral built in Spain, is attached to the city walls and evolved throughout the 12th and 17th centuries. The Casa Museo y Convento de Santa Teresa, a Baroque complex begun in 1629, offers a window into the creative force of the saint from Ávila, with a church, crypt and museums that are well worth a visit.
In the city of Segovia, located to the west of the Sierra de Guadarrama, your private guide accompanies you to discover the fascinating legacy left by Romans, Visigoths, Muslims, Jews and Christians. During the 12th century, the monarchs of Castile established their court in this city of vibrant history. Segovia preserves the magnificent Roman aqueduct, a marvel over 2000 years old, built in the time of Emperor Augustus.
Some form of fortress may have existed in Segovia as early as Roman times, and it has been the residence of various monarchs from Alfonso X to Felipe II, experiencing first-hand such historic milestones as the coronation of Isabella the Catholic in 1474. The fortress of Segovia is rumoured to have inspired Walt Disney to create his famous fairytale castle.
This day packed with history, stunning architecture and a unique cultural legacy will leave you with indelible memories of two of Spain's most iconic cities. You will return to Madrid with the feeling of having lived an exceptional experience.
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