A day trip from Madrid offers the perfect excuse to step back in time, and few places capture Spain’s medieval legacy quite like Ávila and Salamanca, both proudly listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your adventure begins in Ávila, a walled city that appears lifted straight from the pages of a history book. Its imposing stone ramparts, punctuated by 88 defensive towers, encircle a beautifully preserved old town. Step inside and you’ll find Romanesque gems such as the Ávila Cathedral, part fortress and part place of worship, as well as the Basilica of San Vicente, famed for its architecture and colourful stonework. Ávila sits just over 100 kilometres from Madrid, and you can easily reach it by train or coach, both options run frequently throughout the day. From Ávila, continue west to the golden-hued city of Salamanca, home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. Its nickname, La Dorada, The Golden City, comes from the glow of its sandstone buildings, especially beautiful at sunset. Wander across the Plaza Mayor, often hailed as Spain’s finest square, then lose yourself among the cloisters, libraries and carvings of the historic university quarter. While Salamanca is delightful by day, it truly comes alive at night, its tapas bars and buzzing student energy make it tempting to extend your stay beyond a day trip.

The Show Low Historical Society Museum, located just minutes from Pinetop–Lakeside, offers a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. Explore two buildings with 16 rooms showcasing exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Show Low and its surrounding communities.

Cyrano de Bergerac is the titular fictional character from poet and dramatist Edmond Rostand’s great comedic work, adopted by the town of Bergerac. The statue is surrounded by quaint restaurants and is a great place to take a break from exploring the town.

Fort Apache Historic Park, encompassing 288 acres, offers a unique opportunity to explore the history and culture of the Apache Nation. Discover the Nohwike' Bágowa (House of Our Footprints) and delve into the stories and traditions of the Apache people. The park features museums, historic buildings, recreational trails, ancestral villages, and remnants of the US Calvary, providing a comprehensive look at the region's rich and complex past.