I visited Burgos in July 2003 and instantly fell in love with it, what a beautiful city, what a place to live, I will definitely go back soon.
Miranda de Ebro is a small town, with plenty to offer if you're willing to experience real Spanish culture with the neighbouring Rioja regions, and the main Burgos road which is on a straight to the capital Madrid, scenery to take your breath away. It is a necessary to have a car to appreciate everything about this region. Dining out is essential with some of the best restaurants which are hidden in little villages, such as the famous Haro, and of course not forgetting the superb wines from the Rioja. A must place to visit for those that like to explore the un-explored.
Avila is a beautiful, very historic city. This is a great place to use as home base to travel out to other cities and sites of interest. Most are 1-1.5 hours away including Madrid. Fridays there is an open air market in the plaza. For a beautiful and enchanting evening, walk the top of the wall at night.
Miranda de Ebro is a small town with great weekend nightlife.
Segovia is the most beautiful place in the world. If you go there, make sure you check out the Castillo Grasta, just east of the city!
I just visited Segovia and absolutely fell in love with it! A must see of Spain!
Avila is a beautiful city. I went to Avila to visit the sites of St. Theresa of Avila (aka. Theresa of Jesus). I took a train from Madrid to Avila. It was a beautiful train ride. There is a lot to see in Avila, especially if you are interested in St. Theresa. If you are on a tight budget, then Avila should not be a problem. One suggestion: If you need to exchange money, do it before you get to Avila. They charge a high fee! Avila is awesome!
The Burgos Cathedral definitively is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Spain. If you've a car with you, there is a good parking place in the city center (southern of the river), with good conditions for long-term parking. You can get reasonable priced breakfast in the cafeteria of the university: Enter from the North-West (passing through the park), turn left, after two doors left again. And watch for pilgrims!
Palencia is a lovely province, or was when I stayed there in 1989. The part I was in - the Aguilar de Campoo region - is sort of high desert and on the fringe of some pretty healthy mountains. This part of Palencia was fairly unpopulated and can get pretty cold in the winter and at night. But the days are lovely with clear skies and brilliant sunshine. The area would be great for painters. There are many attractive villages around and close lies the source of the river Ebro (I think!). A shortish but rugged drive on a good dual carriageway from Santander, this is an area worth a visit, with much more than this brief comment can encompass.
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