Madrid is not only the modern capital of Spain, it also occupies a geographical position that places it in the heart of the country.  Madrid is surrounded by several of Spain's finest tourist destinations - "must see" cities that form a convenient circle around the capital. 

Segovia - Avila - Toledo - Chinchon - Cuenca - Siguenza:  Each within an easy and leisurely driving distance from the next, and each a wonderful destination for travelers wishing to experience this heartland of Iberia.

 

Segovia:

Segovia - the "city of poets"  - a soaring ship of a city.  With its Alcazar and Roman aqueduct, it is one of the most interesting and visually pleasing of cities for the visitor. Standing and gazing out from the world-renown castle, one is transported as if to some vaguely-recalled fairytale.  Everything about Segovia is mesmerizing  and photogenic. The Romans were here over 2000 years ago - the Visigoths and Arabs followed.   They've all left their marks and helped create what is an incomparable city in an incomparable setting.

The modern Parador Segovia is called the "viewpoint of Segovia" - Its views out over the city are panoramic.
All rooms have "postcard" vistas.  As usual, the restaurant serves delicious Castilian cuisine.

 

Avila: 

Avila rests in stately slumber behind her perfectly preserved medieval walls.  It's almost as if time has passed her by, yet she waits patiently for today's new pilgrims - the intrepid tourists. Avila is for walking.  In this "city of knights and nuns," you'll walk in the very footsteps of Saint Teresa - past her own Convento de Santa Teresa - past  Spain's oldest gothic cathedral - past numerous stately homes, medieval and renaissance palaces - and along the top of the muralla - the awe inspiring city wall.

The Parador Avila backs right up against those very walls.  You can walk out  the doors of the Parador, across to a nearby park, and up some ancient stone stairs to the top of these magnificent fortifications - truly a walk back into time.   The Parador is a former 16th century palace with granite floors and large bright rooms.  It has pleasant gardens, and the restaurant serves the delicious specialties of Castile in a large stone and wood dining room,  All together - you are assured of a memorable stay.

 

Toledo:

Toledo - the Imperial city - the city of three cultures.  For many, Toledo mesmerizes - it exudes a strangely powerful attraction - dark, claustrophobic and profound.  It was the seat of the Spanish Inquisition, the home of the brilliantly disturbed El Greco, and the scene of both vicious and heroic events during the Spanish civil war. Dignified Toledo is full of splendor and endless surprises for the traveler.  It is architecturally and culturally fascinating like few other cities could be.  To look at Toledo from afar, is to be beguiled and astonished.

The Parador Toledo is set on a remarkable site that has unmatched views out over the city.  The building was originally built by the Count of Toledo in the 14th century and is completely Toledan in character. The restaurant  serves as a school for the chefs of the other paradors, and the meals are nothing short of spectacular. There is much to see in Toledo, so you'll stay here for two nights.

 

Chinchon:

Chinchon is a little-known gem of a town.  The laid-back atmosphere of the unique main plaza conjures up images of what Spain must have been like a hundred years ago.  This Plaza Mayor (seen to the left) is circular in form and doubles as a bullring during feria every year.  Chinchon is also famous for its anise liqueur which you can purchase at any of the little market nooks around the plaza.

The Parador Chinchon is perfect for the traveler who wants to relax in tranquility.  This Parador is a converted 17th century Augustinian Convent that is situated a few yards from the Plaza Mayor in the heart of the old quarter.  It has beautiful private gardens and an original cloister that contribute to it's ambience of peace and quiet.

Cuenca:

Cuenca is the location of the famous "Casas Colgadas" - the hanging houses.  The city is as if carved right from the imposing limestone cliffs that  jut up from the verdant Huecar valley floor.  These houses are world famous - and justifiably so. Cuenca has an amiable feel.  Night time strolling through the city's old quarter has a special appeal - as does hiking along the river below the city and gazing back up at the soaring, venerable "skyscrapers" of Cuenca. A drive out to Ciudad Encantada will make for a fun half-day trip.  The fantastical rock formations there are fascinating.  Walk the pleasant trails that wander through them - take a picnic lunch and enjoy the incredible surroundings.

The elegant Parador Cuenca is a converted 16th century convent and many of the rooms have breathtaking direct views across to the famous "hanging houses."  Frescos and ornate plasterwork are everywhere, and a soothing garden now fills the original cloister.  This 4 star hotel assures a remarkable experience, and you'll stay here for two nights.

Siguenza:

Siguenza is one of several Castillian towns that maintain a strong medieval feel.  Walking through the stone streets of the old town near the castle/Parador you'll feel as if you've walked into some kind of time warp.  A small, out-of-the-way town now, Siguenza has played a major part in the history of Spain. Don't miss the famed sculpture of the Doncel.  Wander down into the streets of the old quarter, and soak in the ancient atmosphere that still permeates this place.

The Parador Siguenza occupies a massive castle whose construction was begun in 1123 A.D..   Through the centuries, it has served as a residence to bishops, cardinals and monarchs.  Today it will provide you with all the modern comforts while still maintaining its air of antiquity.  One of the finest and most historically interesting in the Parador chain.

Madrid:

Madrid is hands-down winner of the title, "Europe's Liveliest City."  Madrilenos don't really get their day into high gear until after dinnertime - and dinner usually starts around 10:00 p.m.!  Then they flood their beloved city's streets and "pasear" (stroll around) or "tapear" (hop from tapa bar to tapa bar) until dawn. Some speak of Madrid as being drab, but how far from the truth that is!  Granted it suffers, as do many of the world's major cities, from urban sprawl - but once you get past the concrete jungle outskirts, you'll discover a city that provides endless surprises and discoveries. There are many pockets of very old buildings that contain odd assortments of shops, tiendas and bars.  You'll happen upon eighteenth-century Bourbon squares, pleasant plazas and quaint restaurants at every other turn.

Must Sees:  The Prado museum - the Reina Sofía and Thyssen-Bornemisza galleries, the Plaza Mayor, the Retiro Park, Gran Via - and the list could go on and on.

But really - the thing that makes Madrid so special are the street scenes, the people and the energy that makes this the night-time, high-energy capital of Europe.