Things to do in Salamanca, Castile and Leon: The Best Tours

February 7, 2022 Mollie Coke

Known as Spain’s "golden city," Salamanca is rich in architectural, religious and gastronomic culture. Marvel at the La Casa de las Conchas (house of shells) and the 18th century Plaza Mayor, then pore over the fresh produce of the Central Market. Both the Old and New Cathedrals of Salamanca are celebrations of Renaissance and Gothic styles.
Restaurants in Salamanca

1. Battlefield of the Arapiles 1812

Ctra. Salamanca, 12, 37191 Calvarrasa de Arriba, Salamanca, Spain el primer Edecán
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5.0 based on 9 reviews

Visits to battlefields. Military history gains adherents. More and more books tell us the deeds of our ancestors, remote times in nearby places. We want to discover these places, transport you to the moment in which the greatest acts of weapons happened, make you understand the whys and show you where. As much as you have read or many maps that you have seen, you will not understand a battle until you have stepped on the field. Your perception will change forever

Inclusions: Entrance to the Battle Interpretation Classroom

Exclusions: Optional visit to Salamanca (not included in the price)

2. Discover the authentic wine culture of Rueda

Plaza del Poeta Iglesias, 5, 37001 Salamanca, Spain La Ruta de Don Federico
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

During this experience we will visit two unique ecological wineries with their own vineyards, wine-making facilities and maturation chambers. The first is a complex of historical buildings built and restored between the 15th and 18th centuries in a secluded countryside area amidst some 140 hectares of vines. The second winery has a rustic setting and features a tour of 17th century 12 metre deep subterranean passages where the wine matures in oak barrels. Guests have the opportunity to walk among the vines and learn in detail how grapes are grown and harvested, how the wines are made and what makes the terroir and produce of this region unique. Our experience is very personal and groups are very small (maximum of 6 guests) and the emphasis is at all times in immersing guests in the authentic local traditions and providing an insight not only into the history of the region but a glimpse of the lives of the local people committed to viniculture in this ancient land of wine elaboration.

Inclusions: Tutored tastings of the ecological wines produced at both vineyards we visit is included and local wine is also served with lunch, A three-course traditional Castilian lunch is served during the tour, typically including charcoal-grilled pork, steak or chicken, or fish paired with white wine followed by dessert and tea or coffee, A selection of artisan cheese and cured ham is served during the wine-tasting sessions, Mineral water is provided for each guest during the journey to the vineyards, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By RWCLassie

As someone who has lived most of my life in California, I have visited many wineries but I had one of the best experiences on this tour with Fred (aka Don Federico) and Maria Jose. It was a well planned tour in a very comfortable car with visits to two small villages, vineyards and a winery. Fred told us a great deal about the history of the area and the grapes of Sierra de Francia. Maria Jose chose a wonderful restaurant with great local food. When I am in Salamanca in the future, I would like to take another tour with them.

3. Discover the unique wine and villages of the Sierra de Salamanca

Plaza del Poeta Iglesias, 4, 37001 Salamanca, Spain La Ruta de Don Federico
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

This is a unique opportunity to experience the authentic artisan terrace-vineyard terroir of the Sierra de Salamanca wine appellation, spending quality time in among the vines accompanied by experts who will explain everything you'd like to know and answer all your queries on what makes this ancient wine-making region and its grapes and vines so different from anywhere else in the world of wine. You will also have the opportunity to visit and explore some of the most charming and beautiful villages in Spain, whose remoteness has ensured the conservation of their medieval character dating back to the 11th century. Your tour host Don Federico, a Scottish, Spanish-speaking adopted local, is knowledgable and gregarious and will ensure your day is not only informative and relaxed but also engaging and fun – a truly unique wine experience.

Inclusions: A full traditional three-course lunch of the finest quality free-range chargrill-roasted meats or fish and accompanying dishes of the region, served with the highly-rated wine of the adjoining bodega, During our extensive tour of the wine-making facilities at the Sierra bodega we will sample at least three unique wines made using ecological methods from manually-harvested indigenous terrace grapes, A tapa of local cured ham will be served as an accompaniment to the wine-tasting session, Mineral water is provided for each guest during the journey to and from the vineyard and villages, Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By Robert K

The La Ruta de Don Frederico experience will, at a minimum, introduce you to young wine makers, pre-phylloxera 100 year plus vines, castle hotels, local innovators, family bodegas, and gastronomical delights. Frederick and Maria Jose will understand your preferences including food choices, knowledge of Castille-Leon, budget, energy level,/health, Spanish language skills, wine knowledge, and prior Spanish travel experiences. They are incredibly timely, responsive, and thoughtful. In our case, we had been in Portugal for two weeks before meeting with Frederick. He picked us up at the Madrid airport and eased us into a precise tour of Segovia. We opted to delve deep into the wines of the area and started with a local restaurant and four local wines. Frederick has a deep understanding of the Segovia architecture, politics, art, food, and local personalities. Later that evening we were introduced to the owner of a historic 15th century hotel in Topas. Our room was spectacular. We were treated to a solo tour of a Renaissance palace, the surrounding grounds, and a wine tasting of seven local wineries and a four-course meal. Early the next morning, we set off for Fariza, Mamoles, Formariz, Fermoselle, and Villar del Buey. We met talented wine makers/spouses, chefs, and families that have deep roots in the area stretching back many generations. All throughout the trip, Frederick took videos and photos capturing the magic. The third day we had a comprehensive tour of Salamanca. This Salamanca wasn’t the standard day tour bus tour you’d get from a Madrid operator. We were with locals/docents eating, drinking, and mingling with friendly folks. We purchased wines and spirits we cannot find in the United States and Frederick is helping us identify a distributor that can arrange for us to purchase some of Spain’s most amazing wines. The lodging and of the beaten track visits were lovely. We left Frederick and Maria with a detailed plan of our fourth day in Madrid. Frederick arranged for us to stay in an apartment/hotel and directed to traditional and non traditional sites to visit and eat at. He put together a twenty plus page writeup for the Madrid last leg. If we had a week in Madrid, we would have been set with his insights. Frederick was a former corporate executive who has a voracious appetite for life. If he lived in our area, he’d be a good friend. Maria is charming and a joy to be with. We enjoyed being with the trail blazers who Frederick and Maria Jose introduced us to in the Castille-Leon area. In the near future, we will be coming back, with friends, for a more extended tour of the area.

4. The Salamanca disappeared in the War of Independence, 1809-1813

Tourist Office of the City of Salamanca, Plaza Mayor, 32, 37002 Salamanca, Spain el primer Edecán
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Much was the heritage that was lost in Salamanca during the War of Independence. In those years the people of Salamanca thought that they could never forget that. Were they right?

Inclusions: Experienced guide

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5. Salamanca Walking Tour

Plaza Mayor, 4, 37002 Salamanca, Spain Itinerante
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4.9 based on 7 reviews

It is a monumental walking tour, to know the places and most emblematic buildings of the city with the oldest University in Europe. Visit the main sightseeing places in the city while you hear about its impressive history.

Inclusions: Local guide, Professional guide, Private tour

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Reviewed By GN&CB

We spent 3 days in Valladolid last week on a trip by train through Spain. The only reason we came to this city was because the AVE train stops here. Looking for tourist attractions to book was tough, and it turns out thats because there isn't many international tourists ! I took a chance to book this cycle tour 2 months in advance, as the reviews on TA are really old, and I wasn't sure whether the tour was still operating. Javier responded immediately, and arranged to collect us from our hotel for the tour, and pay when we met. He arrived as arranged, and took us to the park close to the railway station, where there is a booth advertising cycle rides with Itinerate. We were kitted out with cycles which were more than adequate, as the terrain was luckily very flat. Javier's sister Rebecca also accompanied us, and was keen to practise her English skills. We gently cycled around the city and Javier explained all the key points. There were a number of cycle lanes in the newer sections of the town, and so we felt perfectly safe. We found that Valladolid was once the capital of Spain ..... for about 6 years ! The town therefore has many historic buildings and a very nice affluent feel to it. We were very impressed with the city, which seemed much more 'spanish' than many we've visited, and also with the fact that there were so few tourists there. Everyone was so friendly. I would thoroughly recommend Valladolid as worth a visit, and taking the tour with Javier who loves his home town, certainly allows you to get the best out of the city. Thank you Javier & Rebecca !

6. Salamanca In Uppercase Monumental, Historical-artistic

Casa de las Conchas, Calle de la Compañía, 2, 37002 Salamanca, Spain Salamanca Espectacular
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4.7 based on 17 reviews

Enjoy an unforgettable experience, today in Salamanca, with the help of a local guide  specialized, which will make them live and feel the Salamanca of the Golden Age, touring the interior  of its golden monuments, where they left their mark illustrious professors like Fray Luis  de León, Francisco de Vitoria, teacher Salinas and Unamuno. We will visit the historic center of  Salamanca in full, also called Roma the Girl; the Athens of the West for its light and  the Golden City for the incomparable color of its stone, for which Salamanca is undoubtedly the  Best representation of the Spanish platerésco and a Renaissance city in all aspects. The 11:15 visit from March 15 to July 15 and from September 15 to December 31 can be bilingual. Same as the 12:00 visit

Inclusions: guide service

Exclusions: Entrance to the cathedral € 5 (children from 6 to 17 pay € 4) University € 5 (from 12 years old)

Reviewed By 235alinao

The guidance we received hasn’t been able to recreate the history of the city and its monuments; it was just a hop on hop off interspersed with small anecdotes and commentaries surpassing the limits of the tour.

7. Salamanca with capital letters, monumental, hisorical-artistical. billingual

La Casa das Conchas, 37002 Salamanca, Spain Salamanca Espectacular
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4.6 based on 16 reviews

Enjoy an unforgettable experience, today in Salamanca, with the help of a specialized local guide, that will make you live and feel the Salamanca of the Golden Age, visiting the interior of its golden monuments, where illustrious professors of the stature of Fray Luis de León left their mark, Francisco de Vitoria, maestro Salinas and Unamuno. We will visit the historic center of Salamanca also called Roma la Chica; the Athens of the West because of its light and the Golden City for the incomparable color of its stone, for which Salamanca is undoubtedly the best representation of the Spanish platerésco. Salamanca is a Renaissance city in all aspects. The tour may be billinguel.

Inclusions: Guide service, whispers

Exclusions: Entrance fees to the monuments, cathedral (5€ children 7 till 16 years 4€) university (5€)

Reviewed By RandyOToole

Not usually one for guided tours, but after a little persuasion by the tour reps in local costume (see photo), we were quickly on our way through the old town immersing ourselves in its history thanks to our excellent guide Martoke. She make sure to fully include both the English and native speakers on the tour, which lasted about two hours. At about €25 a head, including admission to all areas visited, I strongly recommend this tour as it covers so much more than one's trusty guidebook.

8. Salamanca Like a Local: Customized Private Tour

Plaza Mayor, 37002 Salamanca, Spain Plaza Mayor, 37002 Salamanca, Spain
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4.6 based on 10 reviews

Get to know the city through the eyes of a passionate local. With no set itinerary, you can customize the tour or leave it up to the local for an insightful introduction to the city. Make travel about the people you meet not just the places you see.

Inclusions: Local guide ("Lokafyer", Customized private walking tour

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips and gratuities (optional), Optional activity costs, Food and drinks, Transportation to/from attractions (It’s a walking tour, car transportation isn’t included)

9. The Best of Salamanca (English)

Plaza Mayor, s/n, 37002 Salamanca, Spain
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4.3 based on 6 reviews

To really get to know the golden city of Salamanca, you need a local to show you all the great places. This unique walk through Salamanca will give you a personal look at a buzzing Spanish city, you will see the places that you normally wouldn't get to see, and that only a local guide could know., enjoying your time in Salamanca among the locals and venues that you encounter as you go.

Inclusions: A tour of the world heritage city of Salamanca.

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10. Avila from Salamanca with drop off in Madrid

Calle Salamanca Zamora, C. Salamanca Zamora, 37008 Salamanca, Spain Amigo Tours

Leaving from Salamanca, visit Avila on this tour with an expert bilingual guide. You will learn about the legends and history of this city, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 1985. The tour will end in Madrid, so is perfect if you are staying in Salamanca and want a transport to Madrid

Inclusions: Transportation from meeting point in an air conditioned vehicle, Bilingual guide (simultaneously in English and Spanish)

Exclusions: Optional Tips, Food & drinks, Hotel Pick up and Drop off

Reviewed By jessicalp24

We did the Toledo-Segovia day tour and it was fantastic! Our guide Alfonso was so knowledgeable, professional, and friendly, he truly made the experience unforgettable. The bus was great, the schedule ran on-time throughout the day, and we were able to see all the best sites in the two cities while learning about their history. I would 100% book another tour with Amigo Tours in the future and would recommend this company to everyone!

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