Route of Quixote - Self Drive

Route of Quixote - Self Drive

Follow the footsteps of the greatest novel of all time, Don Quixote, during this memorable eight-day self-drive tour. Beginning and ending in Madrid, this fascinating trip gives you the chance to cross several interesting inland towns and cities, passing by some of the most magical spots in Spain. Enjoy this unforgettable cultural adventure, learning about history, art, and literature, while tasting your way around mesmerising Spain.

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL MADRID AIRPORT – ALCALA DE HENARES (35 Km – 40 min)

Pass By: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Arrive at Madrid airport and meet with a rent-a-car representative to assist you in picking up the rental car. Then drive to Alcala de Henares, the charming birthplace of Cervantes. This town is home to one of the most prestigious universities in Spain and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The Universes of Cervantes Visitor Centre is located in one of the most symbolic sites associated with the figure of Cervantes in the city: the chapel of Antezana and El Oidor. Spend the rest of the day exploring this beautiful place.

Overnight in Alcala de Henares.

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Evenia or similar 3*

Day 2: ALCALA DE HENARES – TOLEDO (100 Km – 1,5 hrs)

Pass By: Sercotel Alfonso VI, Cuesta de los Capuchinos, 2, 45001 Toledo, Spain
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before departing towards Toledo. Discover the beautiful city, which evokes the mix of Jewish, Muslim and Christian cultures of medieval Castile. Wander through ancient streets dominated by the stunning cathedral and the legendary Alcazar overlooking the River Tagus. The old town boasts buildings from almost all periods of Spanish history. Get closer to the past of the area while admiring the beautiful city of Toledo.

Overnight in Toledo.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Alfonso VI or similar 4*

Day 3: TOLEDO

Pass By: Sercotel Alfonso VI, Cuesta de los Capuchinos, 2, 45001 Toledo, Spain
Indulge in a tasty breakfast at your hotel before continuing to explore spellbinding Toledo. Visit the cathedral and admire the Gothic vaulting and the elaborate altarpiece. Appreciate the numerous works of art such as frescoes, stained glass, altarpieces and paintings by artists such as El Greco, Caravaggio, Van Dyck, Rubens and Goya. Continue to Santo Tome Church – where El Greco’s epic canvas The Burial of the Count of Orgaz is displayed – the former synagogue, with one of the best-preserved examples of Mudejar architecture in Castile.

Overnight in Toledo.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Alfonso VI or similar 4*

Day 4: TOLEDO – TOMELLOSO (130 Km – 1,5 hrs)

Pass By: Hotel Altora, Calle Reverendo Padre Pedro, 2, 13700 Tomelloso, Cdad. Real, Spain
Begin your day with a delicious breakfast. Then, continue your tour. In the heart of La Mancha is part of the Route of Don Quijote. Due to its great communication by road, being the nexus of important highways, it allows access to nearby towns that also offer great cultural attractions such as Argamasilla de Alba, El Toboso and Campo de Criptana, a site with the infamous windmills. Toboso is famous for being the literary hometown of Dulcinea, lover of Don Quixote de la Mancha, and has charming traditional buildings. Continue to the town of Tomelloso and check in to your hotel.

Overnight in Tomelloso.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Altora or similar 3*

Day 5: TOMELLOSO – VALDEPEÑAS (80 Km – 1 hr)

Pass By: Nuevo Hotel Vista Alegre Valdepeñas, A-4, 13300, Cdad. Real, Spain
After a rich breakfast at the hotel, head towards Valdepeñas, a charming place with a rich history, filled with buildings of great beauty and heritage value. From here you can also visit the town of Almagro and its impressive Calatrava castle. This area of excellent wines also offers you the possibility of visiting the Wine Museum as well as one of its multiple wineries. Another option is to visit the archaeological site of Cerro de Las Cabezas.

Overnight in Valdepeñas.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Vista Alegre or similar 3*

Day 6: VALDEPEÑAS – CIUDAD REAL (60 Km – 1 hr)

Pass By: Parador de Almagro, Ronda de San Francisco, 31, 13270 Almagro, Cdad. Real, Spain
Enjoy a tasty breakfast at the hotel, preparing for another memorable day in beautiful Spain. Head towards Ciudad Real, a beautiful city that promises to surprise you. Perhaps visit the Cathedral of Santa María del Prado, the most important monument of Ciudad Real, located in the heart of the city. The Parish of San Pedro is the oldest church in Ciudad Real and one of the most important ecclesiastical buildings in the region. You can also visit the Las Tablas de Daimiel National Park, a beautiful wetland region unique in Europe, or just enjoy the day strolling the lovely streets of Ciudad Real.

Overnight in Ciudad Real.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Parador Almagro or similar 4*

Day 7: CIUDAD REAL – ALCALA DE HENARES (230 Km – 2,5 hrs)

Pass By: Evenia Alcalá Boutique, Calle Cardenal Cisneros, 22, 28802 Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
After a luscious breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Alcala de Henares and take the opportunity to try delectable dishes such as cocido madrileño, a typical soup with meat, vegetables, indulge in a traditional calamari baguette or satisfy your sweet tooth with a portion of churros covered deliciously thick chocolate. Enjoy your last evening in Alcala de Henares!

Overnight in Alcala de Henares.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: Standard Hotel Category = Evenia or similar 3*

Day 8: ALCALA DE HENARES – MADRID AIRPORT (35 Km – 40 min)

Pass By: Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, Av de la Hispanidad, s/n, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Begin your last day with a tasty breakfast at the hotel. Then, at the appropriate time, head towards the rental company to return the vehicle. The rent-a-car shuttle service will transfer you to the terminal to catch your departure flight back home.

Breakfast included.

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.