Medieval Cities and Greenways

Medieval Cities and Greenways

Medieval Cities and Greenways is a 5 day package accessible where one can discover two of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain and enjoy a relaxing experience on the renewed Dao greenway. This is a four-day trip from Madrid to Avila, Salamanca and (Dao greenway) in Portugal.

We will travel in a wheelchair accessible vehicle with air conditioning and with guide to the wonderful walled city of Avila. Avila is a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. We will discover the main attractions of Avila, including its cathedral-fortress and the Basilica of San Vicente.

We will visit the city of Salamanca (declared a World Heritage Site By UNESCO), a city built with sandstone and famous for its 12th century University. We will admire the wonderful Plaza Mayor, the facade of the entrance of the university and other Points interest.

Finally we will cross the border and enter in Portugal to enjoy and discover the relaxing Dão greenway. This greenway is one of the most beautiful places to visit in central Portugal. There are plenty of things to do there. A visit to the city of Viseu is a must.

Avila: The cradle of Sta. Teresa

Our journey begins with a stop at Los Cuatro Postes hill to admire the panoramic views of the city of Avila, dotted with church towers and Gothic palaces and declared "World Heritage" by UNESCO. Avila is a very important pilgrimage site as it is the birthplace of the writer Santa Teresa de Jesús (1515-1582). We will wander through the old city contemplating the amazing variety of churches and the Romanesque and Gothic styles of Avila. This tour will take us to the Basilica of San Vicente. Finally we will visit the Cathedral of Avila: A perfect combination of Gothic and Romanesque.

Virtuous Salamanca

We will visit the Plaza Mayor and the cathedral complex; The Historical Building of the University, in whose facade one must find a figure of a frog; At our own pace we will admire the so known "Casa de las Conchas", famous for its facade decorated with hundreds of shells and a the beautiful cloister; Right after we will contemplate the Clergy and Pontifical University, both located just opposite. After this pleasant walk we stop to rest and gather some strength. Salamanca has an excellent creative cuisine using local products. There are dozens of excellent restaurants in the city with a quality offer.

Viseu and Ecopista Do Dao

Once in Viseu, there is nothing like starting your visit through historical town center. From Rossio the visitor can find several narrow streets (typical medieval layout). It is worth visiting and discovering houses from the sixteenth century with their gargoyles and gothic window frames.

The eco-track connecting the cities of Viseu, Tondela and Santa Comba Dão is a very interesting and beautiful tour surrounded by natural landscape. This was the old railway line Of Dão. The visitor has the chance to see the old trains, roman roads and bridges, the Ortigueira bridge designed by Eiffel and the charming village of Mosteirinho.

Day-by-Day

Medieval Cities and Greenways (5 days) accessible trip package:

Day 1: Departure from the hotel at 9:00am in Madrid heading the city of Avila. Visit to the 11th century walls surrounding the city of Avila. We will observe how the 90 fortified towers and circular turrets seem fresh out of a story. We will visit this city during the whole day making a stop to eat. In the afternoon we will continue our way to Salamanca. Night in Salamanca

Day 2: After breakfast we will visit the medieval city of Salamanca. This city is also a UNESCO world heritage city, best known for its 12th century university and its wonderful medieval and baroque architecture. For lunch we will make a stop in a nice restaurant. In Salamanca, there are many traditional restaurants, with good quality, where they use local products. In the afternoon we will continue our trip to Dao.

Day 3: In the morning we will travel to Tondela and we will cross the ecopista heading Santa Comba do Dao bathed by the Albufeira. We will also cross the bridge of the Granjal to see the beautiful landscape with huge granite stones. Then we will visit the town of Santa Comba Do Dao, where we will stop for lunch in a restaurant next to the river with beautiful views.

Day 4: We will make the most of the day visiting Viseu and its old quarter center full of medieval streets and traditional stores. Then we will visit his wine museum since Viseu is the heart of the wine region of Dão, known for its remarkable wines that seduce the palates of all the world.

Day 5: Return to Madrid, transfer to the airport / railway station. End of Medieval Cities and Greenways (5 days) accessible trip.

Accommodation

Medieval Cities and Greenways accommodation in Portugal. Once you are in Viseu and you follow the indications to the old quarter, you will be approaching the Pousada de Viseu without knowing. Clean streets, well-kept houses and beautiful manicured gardens increase the feeling of well-being and tranquility. Once you find the old hospital street, the bewilderment increases. This old hospital, has been completely renovated and adapted in 2009 by the architect Gonçalo Byrne. The magnificent Pousada de Viseu is an exclusive historic inn offering the finest quality accommodation and service for the most discerning guests.

Over 200 years later, the Charm Pousada’s grand open spaces, minimalist contemporary furnishings and striking architectural details reflect the impressive workmanship required to remodel the building. Unique features include a captivating atrium surrounded by cloisters and a luxurious spa complex - The Pousada offers pool service, restaurant, bar and free Wi-Fi. Wheelchair adapted room with roll-in shower.

Join us on this fantastic accessible private trip to Medieval cities and greenways!

Accessible Madrid has been successful in winning the award for Accessible Tour Operator of the Year – Spain 2017 in the Holiday & Tour Specialist Awards sponsored by The luxury Travel Guide.