1492 was the start of Spain’s Golden Era.
2-14 Sept 2026
1492 was the start of Spain’s Golden Era. The Moors were defeated in January, Ferdinand and Isabella ascended the throne and made Granada their Capital. Christopher Columbus got the backing for his adventure and set off for (he didn’t really know where) The Catholic Monarchs expelled the Jews from Spain and a new Pope was elected who happened to come from Spain. Busy Year!!
Sadly the people aren’t around to tell their stories, but the locations, steeped in history, are. So we start at Segovia and go on to Salamanca where Columbus lobbied the monks to promote his cause. We stop in Merida to break the journey to Mazagon, close to Huelva from where Columbus sailed and then return to Cordoba where the Monarchs signed his contract. We go to Granada which was the capital at the time and finish with a flourish via Toledo and the (in1492 yet to be built) Ducal Palace at Lerma
Good company, historic hotels and the best driving in Europe!
| Wed 2 Sep | Afternoon departure from Plymouth on Brittany Ferries Pont Aven |
| Thurs 3 Sep | Arrive in Santander, then drive 220 miles to Segovia to stay in the Parador – The Aquaduct, the Cathedral and the Alcazar dominate the view. There was also some activity in 1492 as the Jewish families had to convert to Christianity |
| Fri 4 Sep | Drive 120 miles to Salamanca for a night at Hacienda Zorita—a favourite stopp, both for us and Columbus who was frequently there canvassing the monks to support his venture with the King and Queen |
| Sat 5 Sep | Drive 180 miles to Merida. Stopping at Caceres or Trujillo will showcase some of the wealth acquired by people from this area as they followed Columbus to the New World and acquired riches, lands or, in the case of Pisaro, Peru |
| Sun 6 Sep | It’s 160 miles to Mazagon and most of them are on a fantastic mountain road which starts at Zafra and goes to Huelva, our hotel is 12 miles further on on the estuary |
| Mon 7 Sep | After all these one nighters, it’s 150 miles to Cordoba for a two night stop. We skirt Seville and then head North East. The Catholic monarchs signed up with Columbus here in bizarre circumstances so the Alcazar as well as the Mezquita is a must-visit! |
| Wed 9 Sep | It’s 120 miles to Durcal where we stay for two nights, just outside Granada. ( Get your tickets for the Alhambra now!) The Moors were finally defeated in the Lecrin Valley and we are staying in the heart of it, in January 1492 The Catholic Monarchs made Granada their capital |
| Fri 11 Sep | Toledo! – As we do the 240 miles North we head through some amazing countryside and a lot of Olive Trees in the Province of Jaen. Toledo has been quietly conquered over a number of years before 1492. There is some excellent driving on this day |
| Fri 12 Sep | But the driving today to Lerma is even better! Just over 200 miles, past the walled city of Avila and a final run to Lerma on a brilliant and virtually empty back road. The Parador dominates the Plaza Major and it’s a great stop for a last night in Span |
| Sat 13 Sep | Drive 130 miles to Santander for a lunchtime embarkation on Brittany Ferries. |
| Sun 14 Sep | Evening arrival at Portsmouth |
Tour Booking & Information
Price £4800.00 per car with two people to include ferry crossing, dinner bed and breakfast at all hotels, tour leader, map and roadbook
Special prices for solo drivers and those not wishing to use the ferry and some ferry cabin upgrades available
To book contact Jasper
Tel:+44 (0) 1442 842542
Mob: 07831 327727
Email: info@driveespana.com
2-14 Sept 2026
1492 was the start of Spain’s Golden Era – discover Spain’s rich history including Segovia, Salamanca, Merida, Mazagon and Cordoba
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