Day 1: Washington, DC / Madrid
Overnight flight from DC Dulles Airport on Spanair non-stop to Madrid.
Day 2: Madrid / Toledo
Upon your arrival to Barajas Airport in Madrid, you will find your
host waiting for you to greet you and then transfer you to your hotel in
the center of Old Toledo. This striking city impregnated as it is
with such accumulation of history and wealth of culture, perched
on a hill skirted by a winding lace of the river Tagus. Toledo has remained
almost unaltered since the end of the Middle Ages, sheltered by fortified
walls in a maze of twisting alleyways and blind turns that meander through
the narrow cobblestone crisscrossing streets. Up and down staircases
from timeless age leading to historic corners where one discovers the uniqueness
of a city that captivates the imagination and witnesses the greatness of
an era that stood still for many centuries. The morning will be to
relax and acclimate, then we will start our city discovery tour in the
afternoon. Walk through countless arches to explore artistic and
cultural high spots and loose yourself among the nooks and crannies of
its intricate web.
Day 3: Toledo / Tomelloso
Today we will proceed on our quest to Orgaz, Los Yébenes visiting
interesting historic sites such as Castillo de Guadalerza and the imposing
fortress of Consuegra with its stylish windmills stating an era of pride.
Crossing through Madrilejos you will witness a picturesque style of architecture
unique in La Mancha. We will stop at museums and classical squares
which express the daily life of this magnificent region. Dinner and overnight
in the breathtaking Tomelloso. Despite the impact of modern life, Tomelloso
remains conscious of its history of traditions and values. As a
typical city of La Mancha, it rises proud of a glorious history in its
own fashion. Only three miles down the road from Argamasilla de Alba
where the immortal Don Quixote came to existence through the crying feather
of a thinker named Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.
Day 4: Argamasilla / Campo Criptana
Today our journey will take us to Argamasilla de Alba. Ultimately
this historic town does not necessitate any introduction. It offers
in a humble way some vestiges of memories and a cultural center where a
great deal of wisdom sprang from, to the Spaniard mind in particular and
to the rest of the world in general. When we visit the confining cell where
the genus Cervantes was inspired to write the immortal novel of Don Quijote
de la Mancha, one confronts the illustration of the daily life of Spain
then, now, and yet to come. After contemplating these beautiful places
brimful of Quijotes and Dulcineas, we will follow the footsteps of history
that will lead us to Puerto Lápice where Don Quijote was dubbed
Knight.
Day 5: El Toboso / La Mota del Cuervo
El Toboso
Is a typical village with the charm of La Mancha preserved in the magic
of medieval style. An appealing remnant of love and romance.
Here Don Quixote encountered his lady Dulcinea; though she was the daughter
of a peasant, for him she was lady Dulcinea del Toboso, the most
beautiful and sophisticated woman whoever lived on earth. Perhaps
she was the most beautiful, as her legacy still survives in the aura of
beauty that overshadows every aspect of this village. If the contributions
of Cervantes deserve to accumulate in a museum, it should be in a house
in the typical style of La Mancha that he loved dearly. And it is in her
house, that of Dulcinea del Toboso. Our journey will lead us to La
Mota del Cuervo for an overnight.
Day 6: La Mota del Cuervo / Cuenca
Today we will take a stroll through narrow medieval cobblestone streets
to discover centuries old town gates and fortified walls. Windmills
and manor houses punctuated by castles and fortresses flanked in mudejar
style.
Day 7: La Ciudad Encantada de Cuenca
The romantic city of Cuenca is startling craggy landscape, skirted
by rivers Huécar and Jecar on three sides, their deep gorges offer
this old town an extraordinary character. Crossing any of the many bridges
will lead you to start
climbing the stepped streets towards the Plaza Mayor which rises in
the heart of the medieval quarter. We will explore cathedrals, castles,
and cliff hanging dwellings all impacted like a geode of amethyst.
Day 8: Cuenca / Sigüenza
Today we will explore the paths to The Serranía de Cuenca and
the region called la Alcarria known for its colorful hilly fields where
aromatic plants of rosemary, thyme, lavender and marjoram grow in abundance.
Our journey will take us to the ochre roofed town of Sigüenza which
descending in tiers from its hilltop is dominated by its ostentatious Cathedral
fortress and castle where we will spend our night. This Old town is a maze
of narrow streets squishing between medieval stylish mansions built to
last forever. Following one of these streets will lead you to Plaza Mayor,
a delightful town square punctuated by its 16 century
arcaded gallery and Renaissance
Ayuntamiento, town hall.
Day 9: Sigüenza / Madrid
Travel back to Madrid in the morning. The remainder of the day
will be devoted to explore the marvels of Madrid. Farewell dinner
in a typical Spanish Taverna.
Day 10: Madrid / Washington DC
Late morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home
with a memorable trip of a lifetime.
What is included:
RT from Washington to Madrid 8 nights accommodation in hotels and castles.
Full board (3 meals a day) Land transportation in a chauffeured vehicle
Fees of guides, escort and entries.
Cost per person based on double occupancy: $1865.00
