Castilian Cathedral Cities - Road Trip from Frankfurt to the Meseta

This is where your journey begins. From Frankfurt, you'll head south-west on the motorway into France.

Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy, home to the famous Hôtel-Dieu and its colourful tiled roofs. A great first stop after a long day's drive, with a charming old town for an evening stroll. The Hôtel Le Cep sits centrally in a historic townhouse.

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Biarritz is the elegant seaside resort on the Basque Atlantic coast, just before the Spanish border. A good stop to stretch your legs and breathe in the sea air on the Grande Plage before crossing the Pyrenees. The accommodation is centrally located near the old town.

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The nearly 2000-year-old Roman aqueduct is one of the best-preserved in the world, spanning the town centre with 167 arches built without mortar. From the Plaza del Azoguejo you get the most impressive view of this structure, standing at around 28 metres tall. Admission is free.

A classic city hotel right on the Plaza Mayor, just a few steps from the cathedral and the aqueduct. An ideal base for exploring Segovia on foot in the evening. All the sights are within walking distance from here.

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Perched on a rocky spur above the confluence of two rivers, the Alcázar with its pointed turrets is said to have inspired Disney's fairy-tale castle. Inside you'll find grand halls, an armoury and a tower with sweeping views over the Meseta. A highlight for castle enthusiasts.

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The late-Gothic cathedral, known as the 'Lady of Cathedrals' for its slender elegance, rises above the Plaza Mayor. Inside, the choir stalls, cloister and chapels are impressive, and climbing the tower rewards you with panoramic views. A good contrast to the fortress-like Alcázar.

The vast monastery-palace of Philip II combines monastery, royal residence, library and the burial place of Spanish kings under one strict Renaissance roof. Highlights include the magnificent library hall, the basilica and the Pantheon of the Kings. Allow plenty of time - the complex is enormous.

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A small, friendly city hotel just a few steps from the Plaza Mayor. The perfect base for exploring the golden sandstone city on foot in the evening and the following day. Quiet rooms despite the central location.

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Salamanca's Plaza Mayor is considered one of the finest Baroque squares in Spain, a unified ensemble of golden Villamayor sandstone with arcades and medallions. A marketplace by day, the stage for city life by night. The ideal starting point for a wander through the old town.

Founded in 1218, the university is one of the oldest in Europe. Everyone looks for the hidden frog on the famous Plateresque façade, while inside, the historic lecture hall and the magnificent university library with thousands of old volumes are impressive. A must for anyone interested in history.

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Salamanca has two cathedrals built side by side - the Romanesque Vieja and the late-Gothic Nueva. Climbing the Ieronimus route takes you up onto the towers and rooftops with far-reaching views over the city. A fascinating contrast of architectural styles.

From the viewpoint on the far bank of the Tajo, you can see the whole of historic Toledo perched on its rocky spur - the Alcázar, the cathedral and the houses packed tightly above the river bend. The classic postcard view, especially at sunset. A perfect prelude before exploring the city.

A solid hotel in a historic building right in the old town, just a few steps from the cathedral. A quiet spot in the narrow lanes, ideal for experiencing Toledo early and late without the crowds. Good value for money.

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The Gothic Primatial Cathedral is one of the largest and richest in Spain - over two hundred years of construction went into the choir, chapels and the famous Transparente altarpiece. The treasury holds a huge monstrance, and the sacristy houses works by El Greco. A highlight of your trip.

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The imposing fortress above the city now houses the Army Museum, with sweeping views from Toledo's highest point. A good contrast to the cathedral for anyone interested in history and castles. From here you can survey the winding old town.

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The hanging houses seem to cling weightlessly to the cliff edge above the Huécar gorge - Cuenca's landmark. One now houses the Museum of Abstract Art. From the San Pablo footbridge you get the best view of this daring construction.

The early Gothic cathedral on the Plaza Mayor is one of the first built in the Gothic style on Spanish soil, with a striking modern façade. Inside, the stained-glass windows and side chapels are well worth a visit. A calm contrast to the city's spectacular gorge-side setting.

The Parador occupies a former monastery on the other side of the gorge, with a direct view of the hanging houses. A quiet, historic atmosphere and a special experience for a night's stay. The footbridge takes you into the old town in just a few minutes.

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The Enchanted City is a karst labyrinth of bizarrely weathered limestone rocks that look like animals, bridges and towers. A well-signposted circular route of around one and a half hours leads through the strange formations. A charming natural stop on the way back towards Madrid.

A hotel with plenty of history, right opposite Atocha station and the Museo Reina Sofía. A central base for two days exploring the capital - the Prado and Retiro Park are within walking distance. A good mid-range option at a fair price.

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One of the world's most important art museums, with masterpieces by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco and Bosch. A must for anyone interested in history and art - allow several hours. The last opening hours are free, but tend to be busy.

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With over 3000 rooms, the Royal Palace is one of the largest in Europe, lavishly furnished with a throne room, armoury and royal pharmacy. From the Sabatini Gardens you get a lovely view of the façade. A dazzling contrast to the Castilian cathedrals.

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This enclosed Baroque square in the heart of the old town has been the stage for city life for centuries. From here, it's worth strolling on to the Mercado de San Miguel and Puerta del Sol. A fitting finale to your tour of the cities.

From Madrid, you'll head back towards the border via Burgos and the Basque Country. The total distance to Frankfurt is too far for one day - plan an overnight stop, perhaps in the Basque Country, Bordeaux or Alsace, before reaching Frankfurt the following day.

The end of your round trip - back at the starting point in Frankfurt. Since the distance from Madrid is around 1800 km, it makes sense to split the journey home into at least two legs with an overnight stop in between.