Don Quijote (10 Days)

New Castile-La Mancha, Land of Castles: during the 12th century there was a strip of land between the Christian and the Moorish territories. The name "Castile" derives from he countless castles (castillos) in this region; the name "La Mancha" comes from the Arab Manxa meaning dry land. This tableland seems to wave smoothly towards the horizon. Even if dry, this land is also very fruitful, you'll find a plethora of wheat, saffron, olive trees and vineyards. This extreme landscape features part of the Spanish character that is also reflected in the figure of Don Quixote. In 1605, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra finished the first part of Don Quixote in 1605; in this parody masterpiece, an elderly gentleman sets out as a doughty knight errant in search of adventure, hoping to right the wrongs in the terms of the storybooks he loves; he is accompanied by his simple but astute squire, Sancho Panza. 

Don Quijote: Itinerary

Day 1: New York / Madrid
Overnight flight from JFK Airport on Iberia non-stop to Madrid.

Day 2: Madrid / Toledo
Upon your arrival to Barajas Airport in Madrid, you will find your host waiting to greet you and then transfer you to your hotel in the center of Old Toledo. This striking city, impregnated with such an accumulation of the history and wealth of culture, is perched on a hill skirted by a winding lace of the river Tagus. The morning will be to relax and acclimate, then we will start our city discovery tour in the afternoon. We'll walk through countless arches to explore artistic and cultural high spots. 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 criss-crossing streets; lose yourself among the nooks and crannies of its intricate web. Discover the uniqueness of this city, which captivates the imagination and greatness of an era centuries old! 

Day 3: Toledo / Tomelloso
Today, we will proceed on our quest to Orgaz, Los Yébenes visiting 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 to 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, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra devised Don Quixote, now a legendary and immensely influential literary work. 

Day 4: Argamasilla / Campo Criptana
Today, our journey will take us to Argamasilla de Alba. Ultimately, this historic town does not need 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
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 town gates and fortified walls centuries old. Windmills and manor houses are punctuated by castles and fortresses flanked in mudejar style.

Day 7: La Ciudad Encantada de Cuenca
The romantic city of Cuenca is a 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 descends in tiers from its hilltop. It is dominated by its ostentatious Cathedral fortress and castle, where we will spend our night. This old town is a maze of narrow streets squeezed 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
We will travel back to Madrid in the morning.  The remainder of the day will be devoted to exploring the marvels of Madrid. We'll conclude with a farewell dinner in a typical Spanish Taverna.

Day 10: Madrid / New York
Late morning transfer to the airport to catch your flight back home with a memorable trip of a lifetime.
  

What's Included:

• RT from New York 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: $3850.00