Rondreis met de trein door Spanje

About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Vía, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. Its tangle of side streets south of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are what makes the real Madrid. Spend half a day in the Prado Museum, thaat sit to rest on the steps leading down to the lake in lush Retiro Park. The city begins to live it up as soon as the sun goes down. Madrid claims to boast the largest number of bars per capita of any European city. Madrid teems with cultural events all year round. After concert, play or film, you can choose among literally hundreds of tapas bars and an endless array of nightspots. Madrid successfylly combines its cosmopolitan sophistication with its most cherished local traditions, the result is fascinating to explore.

About the destination: Salamanca is an architectural tapestry woven in sandstone. Though there are excellent examples of Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque structures, the golden stone itself is the thread of continuity and harmony. Nonetheless, this ancient university town, has many monumental highlights. Plaza Mayor, considered by many the most beautiful main square in Spain is a fine place for admiring architecture. The town hall is the large, elegant building in the centre of the square. Two beautiful cathedrals stand side by side: the New Cathedral boasts beautiful Plateresque facades and it is the only entrance to the connecting old, Romanesque Catedral Vieja. The university, the focal point of the city, is one of the best examples of Spanish Plateresque style. Salamanca at night is a party. The illuminated city is the meeting point for hundreds of students collecting tapas and beer. But make no mistake, it is also a city to enjoy a quiet night, savoring some wine on a terrace of Plaza Mayor.

About the destination: Avila is a near-perfect 11th century walled city set against the backdrop of the snow-capped ridge of the Sierra de Gredos. This town in its entirety is a national monument. The walls that enclose it are the oldest and best preserved in Spain. Avila is the birthplace and home of Santa Teresa of Jesus, a devout Catholic nun famous for writing poems dedicated to Jesus in which she expressed her devotion to Him. The cathedral, with its red-splotched interior and stone relief works, is actually embedded in the walls. The Basilica of San Vicente is another Romani-Gothic structure. The Convento de San José is the first founded by Santa Teresa. The Convento de Santa Teresa was built on the site of her birth, she later had quite a few mystical experiences at the Convento de la Encarnación. Food in Avila means roast veal and yemas, a local confection made of egg yolks. Avila is certainly no ordinary medieval walled town. Most tourists who visit this place will either feel a surge of chivalry or become poetic or filled with religious fervour.

About the destination: Segovia is Castile at its best. Splendid golden churches and twisting alleyways filled with the smell of sopa castellana, a rich garlic soup of sausages, bread, and eggs. Only the unwise dash past the massive Roman aqueduct, the cathedral, and the stunning Alcazar in a quick day trip; other know about Segovia’s cool plazas after sundown. The imposing Roman aqueduct has been moving water for over two millennia. View if from Plaza del Azoguejo where the structure reaches a maximum height of 30m, or catch its profile from the steps on the left side of plaza. The city’s position at the confluence of the Rivers Eresma and Clamores has led to compare Segovia to a sailing ship, with the Alcazar, a fortress, as its majestic bow. The fortress commands a stellar view of Segovia and the surrounding plain, inside is a collection of medieval weaponry and several spectacular handcrafted ceilings. The cathedral is a massive late Gothic edifice. Elegant and graceful, Segovia is the true essence of Old Castile.

About the destination: Madrid has a tempo of its own: The dry air of the Castilian plain crackles with its cosmopolitan crowds. If the illuminated shop windows along the Gran Vía, and the unrelenting elegance of Paseo de la Castellana are overwhelming, retreat to Old Madrid. Its tangle of side streets south of Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol are what makes the real Madrid. Spend half a day in the Prado Museum, thaat sit to rest on the steps leading down to the lake in lush Retiro Park. The city begins to live it up as soon as the sun goes down. Madrid claims to boast the largest number of bars per capita of any European city. Madrid teems with cultural events all year round. After concert, play or film, you can choose among literally hundreds of tapas bars and an endless array of nightspots. Madrid successfylly combines its cosmopolitan sophistication with its most cherished local traditions, the result is fascinating to explore.

About the destination: Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is a city that never fails to delight visitors with its charming canals, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. This beautiful city offers something for everyone, from art lovers and history buffs to foodies and party-goers. One of the most iconic features of Amsterdam is its canal system, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a boat tour or stroll along the canals to admire the picturesque bridges and colorful houseboats that line the waterways. The city is also home to many world-renowned museums, including the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum, which houses a vast collection of Dutch art and artifacts. For those looking to indulge in some shopping, Amsterdam has plenty of options. The city's main shopping district is centered around Dam Square, where you'll find everything from high-end fashion to quirky boutiques. And when it comes to dining, Amsterdam is a food lover's paradise. From traditional Dutch dishes like stroopwafels and bitterballen to international cuisine from all corners of the globe, there's something to suit every taste. When the sun goes down, Amsterdam comes alive with a buzzing nightlife scene. Head to the famous Red Light District for a taste of the city's more risqué offerings, or hit up one of the many bars and clubs that dot the city's streets. No matter what your interests, Amsterdam is a city that's sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.