This itinerary goes along a major section of “Vía de la Plata” this way, was originally a roman commercial route that linked southern cost with northern Atlantic shore. There is some travelling off the beaten path, which allow travellers to come across with Extremadura municipalities that house a wealth of natural, historic, artistic, and cultural wonder to be discovered.
Madrid Barajas Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
This tour implies a considerable walking time while visiting nature reserve, archaeological site and exploring the cobbled streets of some villages, please be sure of a minimum level of fitness.
Length: 7 days
Visiting period: February. March, April, May, June, September, October, November
Others: Comfortable shoes, Camera, Notebook
Hotel in Plasencia.
Travel by bus to Oliva de Plasencia and a morning walk ( 3 km) throw the old road to the Romans ruins of Caparra a roman market town , thank to the its strategic situation on the silver route. The Arc of Caparra it’s the highlight, a four –fronted arch structure unique in the Iberian Peninsula. Back to our bus.
Later on some time off to discover Plasencia, a walk in this medieval walled market town .
Hotel in Plasencia.
Depart by bus with luggage to Tagus Valley, we cross the Majestic and well preserved Roman Bridge over the Tagus, built on the Roman road that connects Caceres with Viseu in Portugal. A walk beside the river (2 km) in what was once Portugal, now part of the Tajo International Natural Park, share by Spain and Portugal. Opportunity to watch wildlife.
Time for a stroll around Alcantara the local village of historical importance, many nobles houses dotted with coat of arms and the convent of San Benito with a gothic cloister.
Return to Cáceres for three nights
A day visit to Monfrague National Park, a great treasure of biodiversity and one of the most remarkable areas for Nature in Europe. Stretching along the river Tagus is a refuge for representative species of the Mediterranean wildlife. A nice walk up to the Castle, (of Arabic origin) which offers a spectacular view of the National Park, and a main point to watch raptors flying. Later on, picnic lunch by Villarreal de San Carlos.
Hotel in Caceres
Travel by coach for a visit to the Natural Monument of Los Barruecos, with huge granite boulders, one of the few places in Europe where white storks nest on the ground. This area is characterized by a phenomenon called transhumance, which represents the medieval movement of sheep herds from north to south and the whole culture of this region is associated with traditions of pastoral life.
Long walk ( 5 km) around the lake and a visit to Museum Vostell Malpartida.
In the afternoon walking tour of Caceres’s old town, which boast one of the most impressive artistic and monumental collection of buildings, and one of the best preserved of Europe, declared World Heritage in 1986. In the 16th Century it had been shaped the majestic look of the historic city centre. Walking around this old city we find medieval walls, palaces, churches, squares and streets, which are all in the best conditions. Caceres also shows spectacular defensive towers of the middle ages
Hotel in Caceres
Depart with luggage and Morning walk(3km) to Dolmen of Lácara, dates from 3000 -4000 years B.C. one of the best example of ancient dolmen in Extremadura, a nice walk through the lacara meadow, strewn with huge granite boulders, to discover how Agriculture was already well organized during the Neolithic period, and land was used in a sustainable manner. The whole construction covers an area of 28 meters x 35 meters including the outer ring of upright stones.
In the afternoon, the Roman archaeological ensemble of Mérida, declared world heritage site by UNESCO in 1993. The main monuments are the theatre, the amphitheatre and the circus… The National Museum of Roman art, designed by the prestigious architect Rafael Monee, exposes numerous objects from the Roman archaeological site of the city.
Hotel in Merida for one night
Depart to Seville Airport for the return flight
As an end of this tour we have an optional extension to Stay in Seville a couple of days
Seville, the capital and essence of Andalusia .A city situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River and flavored as much by the sounds of flamenco and the smell of orange blossoms as by its 500-year domination by the Moors. Highly recommended an insider’s tour of this beautiful city to explore the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood, tour the gardens and mosaic tile-covered rooms of the Reales Alcazares—a spectacular Moorish palace, see the world’s largest Gothic cathedral (which contains the tomb of Christopher Columbus), browse specialty boutiques and markets, and other cultural highlights.
