A country filled with colorful culture, history, and cuisine, it’s no surprise that Spain has the fourth highest number of UNESCO World Heritage sites across the globe. Whether you’re a history buff or an urban aficionado, every type of traveler can be sure that a UNESCO site will provide an exceptional international experience, and Spain’s interior boasts an abundance of them.
I was fortunate enough to visit the beautiful country on an Educational Trip with some fellow Avanti employees and amazing travel industry colleagues on an itinerary packed with unbelievable UNESCO locations. Here are some of my top tours and favorite spots from the incredible Spanish cities we visited!
Madrid. Our first taste of Spanish culture (and mouthwatering tapas) was in the vibrant capital city of Madrid, whose age-old plazas and ornate monuments stand amongst stunning skyscrapers and modern marvels. We took a bus tour with plenty of stops to check out the city’s well-known landmarks – which I recommend as Madrid is quite massive – and each site was abuzz with friendly locals who seemed to stay out and about into the wee hours of the morning. An idyllic blend of culture and modernity, Madrid was a perfect initial destination as there is plenty to see and do, and its variety of sights from the Almudena Cathedral to one of soccer’s cathedrals in Bernabéu Stadium seemed to satisfy everyone in our group.
Must-see in Madrid. Witnessing a heart-pumping Flamenco show is not only a thrilling spectacle, but an incredibly immersive way to experience Spanish culture. Although its origins are in Spain’s south, Corral de la Moreria in Madrid hosts some of the world’s top Flamenco dancers in addition to an incredible multi-course meal to savor along with the show.
Toledo. A foggy drive north out of Madrid brought us into the storybook town of Toledo, and although we didn’t get to witness its spectacular skyline on our approach, the weather cooperated and we were able to see the city on our guided tour through the Old Town. This UNESCO site is a true time capsule that transported us back centuries with its cobblestone streets, jaw-dropping cathedral, and amalgamation of various religious and architectural influences. After traversing across town, we were able to circle back to the outer road and capture the spectacular panorama of the city.
Top Photo-op in Toledo. The best way to take in Toledo’s Old Town is on foot, but the best way to see the city itself is from one of its many miradors – or viewpoints – scattered along the road beyond the river. Any of these viewpoints offer an amazing panoramic landscape to snap a postcard-worthy photo.
Ávila. On our journey to Salamanca we stopped for an afternoon in Ávila, whose immaculately preserved and restored medieval walls conjure images of the knights and castles of legends past. We navigated inside the UNESCO World Heritage walls with our helpful guide and stopped at the birthplace of St. Teresa as well as the town’s main cathedral. This massive cathedral was my personal favorite out of the entire trip, and hosted some unbelievable stained glass designs and gold-sculpted art pieces.
Amazing Ávila Experience. The battlements and ramparts are the highlight of the city, but climbing up to walk the castle walls allows you to view the intricate stonework up close and see the surrounding countryside unfold below.
Salamanca. My favorite destination of the trip, Salamanca is Spain’s age-old university town with a lively college culture that combines with a deep academic and religious history. There is little argument that the campus of the 13th-century university is the main draw to the city, but it is rightfully earned as the buildings, stories, and fascinating traditions captivated everyone in our group. We were in Salamanca on an exciting weekend, as the students were completing their term exams and celebrating in the square as part of colorful costumed groups – creating an incredibly fun atmosphere.
Semi-secret Salamanca Spot. You can fill an entire day wandering the university and its surroundings, but just outside the campus lies an amazing arts district called Barrio del Oeste. The city commissions local artists who paint unbelievable murals on the neighborhood’s homes and alleys – making for a very stylish stroll.
Segovia. Our last UNESCO site of the trip before flying back home from Madrid, Segovia did not disappoint, and like many of our previous stops was highlighted by an architectural spectacle in its Roman aqueduct. Getting across the city is pretty straightforward – although quite hilly – and our guide took us from underneath the aqueduct and past the cathedral to the city’s castle: Alcázar of Segovia. The towering structure overlooking the Segovia country mesmerized us all, and we learned it also inspired Walt Disney when he was designing a castle for Cinderella herself.
Superb Segovia Lookout. Segovia is full of amazing views whether it be the cathedral facade or cliffside castle, but the staircase just to the right of the aqueduct provides an incredible lookout. It takes a climb to reach the top, but the views of the aqueduct and town below are well worth it.
Read even more about our trip with Avanti’s EDU report, and ask your TC how you can book some of these same experiences today!