Spain is renown for its sunshine and beaches, but beyond there is a rich culture, fascinating history, famous architecture and art, charming villages, and spectacular nature reserves. Spain is a country just waiting to be touched, breathed, listened to and enjoyed. At the same time the people young and old combine tradition with joie de vivre in a way that is not found elsewhere. See some of the most breathtaking countryside and countrasting scenery as you study the customs of Spain's people and towns, and share in their local fiestas and traditions. There is something special about Spain!

CLICK HERE FOR SPAIN ON THE MAP OF EUROPE
CLICK HERE FOR THE MAP OF SPAIN

SHOP OPEN TIMES
Usual shopping times are 9:30am-1:30pm and 4:30pm - 8:00pm, Monday to Saturday. Major shopping malls, departments stores and supermarkets stay open without a break from 10am-9pm, or in some cases until 10pm. Along the coast, during high season (Apr-Sep), most shops generally stay open until after 10pm.

RESTAURANT OPEN TIMES
Breakfast is usually served from 8am-10am, lunch is served from 1:00pm - 3:30pm and dinner is served from 8:30pm - 11:00pm.

TIPPING
All catering establishments in Spain include service in their prices. Nevertheless, the custom of leaving a tip, while not obligatory, is the norm in bars, restaurants, hotels and taxis. Tips are usually 5-10% of the total bill.

ELECTRICITY
Standard European-pattern round-pinned plugs are used. Electric appliances run on 220 volts AC. 50HZ.

CLIMATE
Spain’s large landmass, with its extensive high plateaus and mountain ranges, and the influences of the Mediterranean and Atlantic produce a wide range of climatic variation, especially in winter. The north is wettest year round, the eastern and southern coasts and the islands have mild winters, while winter temperatures in the interior are often below freezing. Summers everywhere are hot, except in upland areas.

LANGUAGE
The main language of Spain, Castilian Spanish, is spoken by almost everyone. There are three main regional languages; Catalan in Catalonia, Gallego in Galicia and Euskera in the Basque Country. Variants of the Catalan are spoken in the Valencia region and also in the Balearic Islands. Tourist areas often have English-speaking staff.

DRIVE SPAIN
A driving holiday through Spain is a great way to get off the beaten track and explore so much more that exists outside the cities. A rental car is the perfect option when staying in one of Spain's fabulous Paradores accommodation options (see our Spain brochure). With Avis you have peace of mind, knowing that should anything go wrong they have a very widespread support network throughout Europe to get you on your way as quickly and efficiently as possible.

FOUR DAY TOUR OF CASTILLA - LA MANCHA
SUGGESTED DRIVING ITINERARY
This tour will take you through some of the best sights in Spain without having to drive long distances thus enabling you to visit them without too much pressure. You will start with El Escorial, this extraordinary 16th century Monastery built by Felipe II then will admire the 11th century wall at Avila and wander through this medieval town, the highest in Spain at 1130m. Your next stop will be in Salamanca, the student city with its University built in 1218 and you will enjoy its unique architecture and its vibrancy. After driving through this typical countryside made up of plains and windmills, you will end up in Toledo, possibly the most picturesque town in the whole of Spain.
HIGHTLIGHTS

• El Escorial Monastery
• Avila and its Saint Theresa Convent
• Salamanca Cathedrals and Plaza Major
• Toledo- San Tome Church with El Greco masterpiece “ The burial of Count Orgaz”
• El Greco Museum

DAY ONE - Madrid - El Escorial - Avila 123kms.
Drive to El Escorial and visit the fascinating monastery ( open Tuesday through .Sunday) Then, continue to the city of Avila, famous for its 11 and 12th Century “ Murallo” (wall) and walk through its narrow streets full of history, this is the place where during the Spanish Inquisition 2000 people died.
DAY TWO - Avila - Salamanca 96kms
It is only a short drive to the vibrant city of Salamanca, an important town in Castilla with its quaint little streets and magnificent buildings which remind us of its intense intellectual past and present life. Numerous cafes, restaurants and bars make it an enjoyable stop over for the night.
DAY THREE - Salamanca - Toledo 261kms
You will drive through wide plains surrounding Madrid and will occasionally see some windmills made famous by Don Quixote! before reaching this jewel of a town: Toledo. Not only will you enjoy visiting the numerous sights such as the Cathedral and the Alcazar museum, but you will have enough time to soak up the atmosphere of this city with a rich and turbulent past. Tr y to spend the night in the beautiful Parador just outside the city , on a hill across the Rio Tajo enabling you to admire the city and the countryside.
DAY FOUR - Toledo - Madrid 70kms
Madrid is only an hour away so you can still spend the morning in Toledo and do a bit of shopping Toledo is famous for; objects made of steel with copper, silver and gold wires. Try a partridge dish for lunch, a Toledo specialty!
Total distance: 549kms
Recommended map: Michelin 442 at 1/400/000 1cm=4kms.
Speed limits: 120km/h on motorways- 90km/h on other roads- 50km/h in built up areas. Headlights must be on day and night.
Approximate cost for a four day Avis Group A/EBMR rental car is from $132 per person share twin (Accommodation at own expense).

• Madrid
• Barcelona
• Seville
• Malaga
• Granada
• Ronda