Leave behind the buzz and bustle of Madrid, and in just over an hour, find yourself in a completely different world where time seems to slow down. This is the adventure offered by a new tourist route that whisks travelers away, like a time machine, to the sun-scorched plains of Castilla. It’s not just a trip, but a full immersion into the land celebrated by Cervantes, where knightly castles and giants with windmill wings may be hidden behind every hill.
The journey begins aboard a comfortable train that smoothly carries you out of the capital. Outside the window, cityscapes give way to endless fields glimmering under the Spanish sky. The road itself becomes part of the experience, encouraging unhurried contemplation and anticipation of encountering the real, non-touristy Spain. The first stop along the way is Tembleque—a small town that has managed to preserve its uniqueness and charm.
Here, guests are greeted by a guide who will lead them through narrow streets to the town’s gem—the main square. This unique 17th-century site, with its wooden galleries and the atmosphere of an old open-air theater, impresses with its harmony and preservation. The guide will explain how bullfights, knightly tournaments, and fairs once took place here, bringing the ancient stones to life with fascinating stories. After a stroll through the historic center, a small bus will take the group to the next, perhaps most famous, stop on the itinerary.
A hill crowned with a dozen dazzling white windmills and the imposing walls of a medieval fortress—this is Consuegra. It’s the very landscape that instantly springs to mind at the mention of Don Quixote. Here, you can not only capture iconic photos, but also step inside one of the mills to see its simple mechanism and climb the castle walls, built over eight centuries ago. From above, a breathtaking panorama of the La Mancha plain unfolds, allowing you to appreciate its vastness and grandeur. It almost seems as if the hidalgo on his Rocinante will appear on the horizon at any moment.
But the experience would be incomplete without a gastronomic touch. At midday, participants are treated to a lunch of local cuisine. This is a wonderful opportunity to savor authentic Manchego cheese, sample traditional meat delicacies, and enjoy other regional specialties. Special attention is given to La Mancha’s “red gold”—saffron. A short lecture and tasting reveal the secrets of the world’s most expensive spice, cultivated here since time immemorial. The visit to Consuegra ends with free time, perfect for buying souvenirs or taking a leisurely walk through the town.
In the evening, already on the train back to Madrid, all that remains is to replay the vivid moments of this eventful day. The trip is meticulously planned: all transfers, museum tickets, and guided tours are included in the price. This is the ideal option for those who want to experience the essence of Castilla-La Mancha in a single day without worrying about the logistics. It’s a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and culture that inspired one of the greatest novels in world literature.
