Friday travel to Avila by train or bus. Stay at Parador de Turismo de Avila, (Parador Rainmundo de Borgoña, Marqués de Canales y Chozas 2) "All that remains of the original 16^th-century building is the tower, housing some small bedrooms, and the courtyard, shaded by a great pine.

Saturday day in Avila. This is the town of Santa Teresa. See the Convento de Santa Teresa, the Cathedral, the Basilica of San Vicente, and the Moneasterio de Santa Tomás.

Sunday. Travel to Ciudad Rodrigo by train or bus. Stay at Parador Enrique II de Trastamara.

Monday in Ciudad Rodrigo. This town is an old walled town, and the Parador is in the main castle. Visit the cathedral and enjoy the old town.

Tuesday travel to Salamanca. Stay at El Rector (Paseo Rector Esperabe 10). "An abundance of marble and stained glass, muted colours and a warm ambience lie in store behind the Renaissance-style façade."

Wednesday in Salamanca. Visit the cathedrals, the Art Nouveau museum, and the university. Second night in El Rector 17,500 ptas.

Thursday travel to Oropesa (by rail or bus). Stay in Parador de Oropesa (Parador Virrey de Toledo, This feudal castle, built of sand-colored stone in 1402, was the first castle to be converted into a parador in 1930. The interior is as impressive as the exterior, preserving original floors and vaulting. There are breathtaking views of the Sierra de Gredos and Tajo valley from the towers and terraces).

Friday in Oropesa. A day in a Spanish village.

Saturday return to Madrid, probably by train, about an hour away.

Sunday fly home from Madrid.