#VILLESMAGIQUES-GRAND ROUTE DES VILLES ET VILLAGES DES ANCIENS ROYAUMES

Arrival at the rural accommodation that we choose for you to enjoy a GENUINE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE ON THE GREAT ROUTE OF MAGICAL CITIES AND VILLAS OF THE ANCIENT KINGDOMS. It is a fascinating tour of some of the most beautiful and emblematic towns in Spain. Divided into two parts, this route takes us through a journey through time to discover the history and culture of each of the villages that make it up. In the first part of the route, we will visit villages such as Viso del Marqués, Campo de Criptana, Yepes, Loeches, Escalona, Mombeltrán, Piedralaves, La Adrada, El Tiemblo and Madrigal de las Altas Torres. We start our route in Viso del Marqués. In the region of Sierra Morena, the literary setting of Don Quixote present in chapter XX, but, above all, the cradle of the Lordship of the Bazán to which it owes its current name and its palace. You will arrive at the accommodation we chose, with time to rest from the trip and choose the best outfit for tonight. We will invite you to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. Return to the accommodation to rest.

After a wonderful night you will go down to breakfast because you have to regain strength for the day ahead. Today we set off to discover the treasures of Viso del Marqués. We start by visiting the Palace of the Marquis of Santa Cruz. Magnificent Italian Renaissance building, and National Monument since 1931. With a sober façade, the interior houses frescoes on walls and vaults of incomparable beauty in Mannerist style, covering an area of 8,000 m2. It houses the General Archive of the Navy Álvaro Bazán and whose custody costs the navy the symbolic price of one peseta a year. We continue through the Historic-Artistic Complex. The Plaza del Pradillo and its surroundings are the centre of vitality and history of the Viso del Marqués. The centre is presided over by a water fountain with a deer and the statue of D. Álvaro de Bazán and the bust of Admiral D. Julio Guillén stand out. With the exception of the modern Church of the Assumption, the entire square and its adjoining buildings were declared Historic-Artistic Heritage in 1980. The Palace of the Marquis of Santa Cruz was independently declared a Historic-Artistic Heritage Site in 1931. We will finish on the hiking route 'El Peñón de la Ventanilla', which joins the Aula de naturaleza with a curious rock formation located on the northern slope of the municipal mountains of Viso del Marqués. It is a simple walk, 6 linear kms round trip and allows an interesting landscape and geological interpretation, as well as the identification of different ecosystems; Mediterranean forest, pastureland, pine forest for reforestation. After this fantastic nature tour we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Viso del Marqués and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Campo de Criptana. Located in the heart of La Mancha and known as "Land of Giants", it offers an immersion in tradition with its set of historic mills and the traditional Albaicín neighborhood. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and head out to discover Campo de Criptana. We start by visiting the Windmills. Declared Monuments of Historical-Artistic Interest and Assets of Cultural Interest, the most iconic image of Campo de Criptana and Don Quixote. According to Cervantes' scholars, the mills that give their name to this mountain range were the giants against which the Ingenious Gentleman fought in chapter VIII of the first part of the universal work of Miguel de Cervantes. Campo de Criptana was the largest set of mills in La Mancha. Next, we will walk through the Albaicín Criptano neighborhood. Upper part of Campo de Criptana, between the Sierra de los Molinos and the Historic Centre. The perfect location for a pleasant walk through its network of historic streets, narrow and steep slopes, with low houses with white façade, indigo plinth, reddish Arabic tiles and wrought iron bars. We will end our visit at the Sara Montiel Mill Museum. The Culebro Mill pays tribute to the figure of Sara Montiel, which allows us to understand the importance of this artist from Campo de Criptana. She always wanted her museum to be in a mill, and she opened it herself in 1991. After this walk through the history we will invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a local restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Campo de Criptana and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Yepes. Surely one of the towns of La Mancha, which best preserves the elegance and lordship of the historic towns of Toledo. The remains of its walled enclosure and the Collegiate Church of San Benito Abad are not to be missed. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region in a local restaurant. After a full day, return to the accommodation for a well-deserved rest.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Yepes. We began the visit at the Collegiate Church of San Benito Abad. In the sixteenth century, the greatest monumental jewel of Yepes was built: the Collegiate Church of San Benito Abad, known as "the Cathedral of La Mancha" due to its large dimensions. It was designed by the brilliant Renaissance architect, Alonso de Covarrubias in 1533 at the request of the Archbishop of Toledo Alonso de Fonseca. We will then invite you to eat in a typical restaurant. Next, we will pass through the Puerta de Toledo (or del Carmen), to the large Plaza Mayor. After this historical tour we will visit a local winery. The visit to Casa del Valle consists of a guided tour of approximately two hours that begins in the vineyard and continues to follow step by step the processes of cultivation and harvesting of the grapes, reception in the winery, vinification, aging in barrels and bottling. It culminates with a commented tasting of the winery's high-end wines accompanied by an aperitif and a basic introduction to the tasting. We will then invite you to eat at a local restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Yepes and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Escalona. Setting for "El Lazarillo de Tormes", in this town its castle and the Church of San Miguel Arcángel stand out. Time will stand still for anyone who comes to know this noble town. At the end of the afternoon you will arrive at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine on one of the typical dishes of the region, in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover Escalona. We start by visiting El Castillo. The history of the Castle begins almost 1,000 years ago, when the King of Castile, Alfonso VI, conquered these lands, which were part of the Arab kingdom of Toledo. The new border had been just a few dozen kilometers away, so the king ordered this hill to be fortified on the Alberche. For the next 200 years, the Castle was a military fortress on the border. The Castle could never be assaulted, even though there were two kings who camped at its feet to try. Next, we will walk through the Villa de Escalona. The old town of Escalona will soon be 900 years old. Its historic center lives inside a walled enclosure that today is preserved in more than 70 percent. The layout of its streets and a good part of its accesses are the same as those designed at the end of the Middle Ages. However, that reality does not seem to be evident to the eye. We will finish our tour by doing the Urban Art Route. Discover the medieval town and its history through this wonderful route of thirteen murals. The author is Mr. Trazo, a contemporary muralist. The first of them all, welcomes us to "The Court of Prodigies". Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Escalona and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Loeches. With a great architectural heritage, such as the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady of Loeches and the Palace of the Dukes of Alba. A delicacy is the mythical jams made by the Carmelite sisters. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out to dine on some of the region's specialties, in a typical restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Loeches. We start by visiting the Pantheon of the Dukes of Alba. Upon entering the Church of the Convent of the Immaculate Conception of the Dominican Mothers, on the right side there is a beautiful grille that leads to the Pantheon of the House of Alba, inaugurated by Jacobo Fit-James Stuart together with the Empress Eugenia de Montijo, wife of Napoleon III. Then we will visit the Church of the Assumption of Our Lady. In one of the highest areas stands majestically the parish church of Loeches, a beautiful example of Renaissance-style construction dating from the sixteenth century, although the original floor plan dates back to the thirteenth century, when the Christians repopulated Loeches in the Middle Ages. At 33 m high, its tower proudly scans the owl and Complutense horizon. We will end our tour at the Plaza Duquesa de Alba. It is the main square of the town due to its great historical interest. It is home to the Convent of the Dominicans, the Pantheon of the Dukes of Alba and the Convent of the Carmelites. It is the meeting and resting point for the inhabitants and visitors of the town. We will then invite you to eat one of the typical dishes of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Loeches and continue our route to the next Magical Town, San Lorenzo de El Escorial. located in the Community of Madrid, it is a monumental destination full of history. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner in a Typical Restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover San Lorenzo de El Escorial. We will start our route in the Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of the historic center of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Here we will take a moment to admire the façade of the City Hall and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere that will surround us. Our next stop will be the imposing Royal Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. We will explore this impressive complex, which includes the Royal Palace, the Basilica, the Pantheon of the Kings, and the majestic library. During our visit, we will learn about its history and its importance as a World Heritage Site. After visiting the Monastery, we will head to the Jardines de los Frailes, where we will walk among its well-kept paths and enjoy exceptional views of the Sierra de Guadarrama. This will be a perfect time to take photos and relax before continuing. We will pause for lunch at a local restaurant, where we can enjoy the typical cuisine of the area. It will be the ideal time to recharge your batteries and delight in traditional flavors. After lunch, we will take a walk to the Casita del Príncipe, a charming place surrounded by gardens. We will explore this tranquil space and learn more about its history and life at court during the reign of Charles IV. We will continue our route to the Mirador de la Herrería, from where we will enjoy spectacular views of the Monastery and its natural environment. Here we can stop for a few minutes to contemplate the landscape and take some panoramic photos. Our next stage will be a walk along Calle de Floridablanca, full of local shops, cafes and bars. We will take the opportunity to discover typical products of the region or simply enjoy the charm of this lively street. We will finish our route in the Felipe II Park, a perfect place to relax surrounded by nature. After lunch we say goodbye to San Lorenzo de El Escorial and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Las Navas del Marqués. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner in a typical restaurant. After a full day return to the accommodation.

We will start our visit in the heart of the town, in the Plaza del Cristo del Amor, where we will admire the majestic Church of San Juan Bautista. Afterwards, we will go to the Castle-Palace of Magalia, whose imposing architecture will transport us to the sixteenth century. Although we won't always be able to enter, we will stop to contemplate its history and take some pictures of the exterior. From there, we will walk to the Convent of Santo Domingo and San Pablo, where we will discover its cultural and religious legacy. Later, we will advance towards the lush pine forests that surround the town, where we will enjoy a quiet walk among centenary trees, breathing the pure air of the mountains. If the weather permits, we will go to the Poza del Zapatero, a perfect natural corner to relax and enjoy the serenity of the surroundings. Returning to the center of the village, we will pass through the lively Plaza de España, where we will stop to rest and eat at a local restaurant. To finish, we will go up to the Hermitage of Cristo de Gracia, from where we will contemplate the panoramic views of the town as the sun begins to set before saying goodbye to Las Navas del Marqués and continue our route to the next Magical Town, Mombeltrán. It has an impressive castle from the fifteenth century, in Renaissance style. Nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos mountain, it is an ideal setting for the practice of sports in nature. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Mombeltrán. We begin with a visit to the parish church of San Juan Bautista. Built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, it is in the Gothic style and was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1982. It has a main altarpiece in the Churrigueresque style from the eighteenth century dedicated to the titular saint, with paintings by Salvatore Galvani from 1798. Inside, the chapel of San Andrés stands out, in which there are two altarpieces, one dedicated to the titular and the other to the Virgin of Peace. Another chapel on the opposite side houses the patron saint of the town, Nuestra Señora de la Puebla, and guards the images of San Roque and San José. We will continue with our tour and visit the Castle of the Dukes of Alburquerque. The castle of Mombeltrán was erected by Beltrán de la Cueva, Duke of Alburquerque in the fifteenth century, and its layout has been attributed to the famous architect Juan Guas. Although its exterior is in good condition, the interior is deteriorated. The building has remained in the Casa de Alburquerque to this day, and in 1949 it was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. We will end our tour in the Old Town of Mombeltrán. In addition to the outstanding monuments of the municipality, it is worth strolling through the old town, to observe the whimsical and irregular urban fabric, take a route through the different fountains with stone pylons, contemplate the remains of popular architecture, visit the Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the Plaza de la Corredera and tour the emblazoned houses that are in the town. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Mombeltrán and continue to the next Magical Town of our Route, Piedralaves. The parish church, the Cruz de los Enamorados, the Hermitage of La Concepción, the Hermitage of San Roque and the natural landscape it offers are some of the most outstanding and important points. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover Piedralaves. We start by visiting the Parish Church of San Antonio. Some details of the construction, such as the ashlar rigging or the unworked ashlars visible on the rear sides, make us deduce that we are dealing with a building from the late eighteenth century. The church is made up of a single nave with Mudejar style coffered ceilings. We will appreciate the Lovers' Cross. This old transept, located near the Church of San Antonio de Padua, receives this unique name because of the custom that couples had to meet there at the end of mass. We will end our tour with a Hiking Route of Piotea Piedralaves. Route of about 6 kilometres, low difficulty and 158 m in altitude. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to Piedralaves and continue to the next Magical Town on our Route, La Adrada. The Church of El Salvador, from the sixteenth century, and the castle of La Adrada, built between the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, stand out. The most demanding palates will be able to enjoy a rich traditional gastronomy. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover La Adrada. We start by visiting La Adrada and the Castle. The Castle is the most important heritage sample of medieval architecture in the province of Ávila. Recently included in the National Network of Historical Heritage Spain Heritage Network, it is an impressive thirteenth-century fortress located on the Cerro del Torrejón that, after intense four years of renovations, was inaugurated in 2004. Next, we will visit the Tiétar Valley Historical Interpretation Centre. It will show us a journey through the different inhabitants of the Tiétar Valley, from the Vettones, through the Romans and the Visigoths to the splendor of the lordships of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries and in this way move us to the present day contemplating different photographic samples of the Modern and Contemporary Age of the different peoples that make up this magical land, such as the Tiétar Valley. We will end our tour with a fantastic Hiking Route along its infinite paths surrounded by nature and natural ponds such as the Charca de la Hoya or the Presa de la Pinara where you can cool off in the summer months and enjoy a day with the family in a unique enclave. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to La Adrada and continue to the next Magical Town on our route, El Tiemblo. With a privileged natural environment, and excellent tourist infrastructures, it is a magnificent rural destination. Not to be missed are the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the monastery of San Jerónimo de Guisando. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and go out to discover El Tiemblo. We start by visiting the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. It was built in the sixteenth century with a tower from the fifteenth century. Inside, the main altarpiece, a Virgin and Child from the fifteenth century, an Ecce Homo from the early sixteenth century and a Crucified from the same century stand out. Built in the sixteenth century, it is in the Elizabethan Gothic style. The central nave and the two side naves were completed years later, although they were not built at the height they had projected. The tower is from the 15th century and may be the remains of an earlier temple. Next, we will visit the Guisando Bulls. The four Bulls are one of the best artistic manifestations of pre-Roman Spain; they are located in the municipality of El Tiemblo and date from the second and first centuries B.C. They are artistic manifestations of an eminently cattle-raising people - the Vetones - whose meaning and purpose are yet to be determined. These are four sculptures made of granite that represent bulls. Then we will do a small Hiking Route through the Castañar de El Tiemblo. A few kilometers from El Tiemblo, in the Valle de Iruelas Natural Reserve, is this magical forest. A place of exceptional interest, located on the slopes that frame the valley. Thousands of chestnut trees, dozens of them centenarians. Among the youngest specimens, there are some exceptional specimens that deserve to have their own names and that exceed eight meters in diameter. Then we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant. After lunch we say goodbye to El tiemblo and continue to the last Magical Town of our Route, Madrigal de las Altas Torres. Known for being the birthplace of Isabella the Catholic, we can visit her birthplace and the Church of San Nicolás de Bari. The defensive fortification surrounds the entire urban center of the town. You will arrive at the end of the afternoon at the accommodation we chose with time to rest a little before going out for dinner, in a Typical Restaurant. Return to the accommodation.

Have an early breakfast and set off to discover Madrigal de las Altas Torres. We will start by visiting the Palace of D. Juan II and the Convent of Our Lady of Grace. It was a royal residence, at least since the time of King Pedro I of Castile, called "the Cruel" by his enemies and "the Justiciero" by his vassals. The palace, in its early days, would seem to be a noble house with a rural and sober appearance, despite which it was chosen by John II of Castile and his first wife, María de Aragón, as a residence. The palace was then fitted out to house the Court, which was established there from 1424 to 1497, the year in which Isabella the Catholic moved it. Next, we will visit the Church of San Nicolás de Bari. In the centre of the town is the church of San Nicolás de Bari, a fantastic representation of Romanesque-Mudejar art, it was built in the thirteenth century, a time of absolute Romanesque validity, and renovated in the fifteenth century, when Mudejar still maintained its predominance. Declared a national monument on July 3, 1931, the proud figure of its enormous bell tower, 65 meters high, stands out on the outside. We will walk along the walls of Madrigal de las Altas Torres. The walled enclosure of Madrigal de las Altas Torres is a defensive fortification that surrounds the entire urban centre of the town. It is an exceptional example of medieval military architecture and an important testimony of the Mudejar construction system. It has four doors facing the four cardinal points that are named after the towns to which it led. We will end our tour at the Bodega de los Frailes. This is a monumental winery, due to its traces and architectural elements. Historical both for the chronology of its construction and for the millimetric dating collected in the factory books preserved by the Augustinian Province of Castile. Before the farewell we will invite you to eat a typical dish of the region, in a typical restaurant.