Miguel Cervantes Historical Tour in Spain

Arrive in Ciudad Real, Spain and get acquainted with your guide. Find a local cafe to enjoy your first night in the birth nation of Miguel de Cervantes.

Where better to start your Cervantes tour than at the Quixote Museum? The museum has exhibits devoted to Cervantes’ Don Quixote as well as books on Cervantes-related subjects. You’ll also visit the gothic architecture of the Ciudad Real Cathedral and Saint Peter’s Church.

Today, you’ll take a tour of the 10th-century Castillo de Consuegra, which sits on a hill among windmills. Next up, you’ll take on those windmills in the spirit of Don Quixote. Known as the Windmills of Consuegra, they were built in the early 19th century. Today you’ll also visit Alcazar de Toledo. This fortress is now a military museum with Renaissance paintings and great views of the area.

After a two-hour drive to Madrid, you’ll visit the statue of Miguel de Cervantes, along with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, at the Plaza de España. While you’re there, check out the art nouveau House of Gallardo, which was built in 1911.

Next up is the Regional Archaeological Museum of Madrid. This former convent is now home to mosaic tiles and local artifacts. Museo National de Prado has a vast collection of European, Biblical and mythological art dating from the 12th century.

Today, you’ll check out the museum dedicated to Cervantes’ life and literature, which is located in his birthplace in Alcala de Heneres. It’s near the author’s home, and it features rooms dedicated to life in the 16th and 17th centuries. The museum has a vast collection of Cervantes’ books and works. 

In homage to Don Quixote’s zest for honor and protections, you’ll visit the Royal Armory of Madrid, which contains military weapons, tapestries, paintings and the armories of kings of Spain, including the jousting armor of Phillip I. 

You’ll then visit the Roman Catholic Alcala de Henares Cathedral with its Gothic tower and interior museum. This evening, spend time shopping and dining among the 20th-century architecture of Gran Via.

You’ll spend day six visiting the stunning region known as Castilla-La Mancha, which was the setting for Cervantes’ 17th-century masterpiece “Don Quixote.” Castles, windmills and vineyards are spread about this charming mountain area. Sites include the Hanging Houses of Cuenca, the San Pablo Bridge, the 14th-century San Martin Bridge and the Lagunas de Ruidera Natural Park.

On your last morning in Madrid, enjoy a cup of coffee while reliving the adventures of the past week. Imagine you’re jousting with Quixote as you stroll around the square at Plaza Manor.