Culture and literature in the heart of Spain

25 September - 02 October 2026

This German-speaking journey takes you to the impressive castles and fortresses of Castile, through the barren landscapes of La Mancha and to picturesque villages. Along the way, you will admire unusual karst formations, prehistoric rock paintings, and the famous windmills of Don Quixote. You will stroll through atmospheric old towns, discover the playful Mudéjar architectural style, marvel at the “hanging houses,” and taste wines from La Mancha. Relaxing coffee breaks in beautiful locations, short readings, and stylish accommodations – staying in former castles, palaces, and manor houses – add even more unforgettable moments to the experience.

This special journey is accompanied by Dr. Fernando González Viñas. A historian with a doctorate, writer, and translator, he is deeply versed in both the history and literature of Spain.

Travel itinerary

Day 1: Hola Spain!

• Flight Luxembourg–Madrid
• Welcome at the airport
• Coffee break in Brihuega
• Walk through the village to the medieval castle ruins
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 2: “El Cantar de Mio Cid”: Molina de Aragón

• Visit of the fortress in Molina de Aragón
• Guided city tour of Teruel
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 3: Teruel & Albarracín

• Visit of the Church of San Pedro and the Mausoleum of the “Lovers of Teruel”
• Visit of Teruel Cathedral
• Excursion to Albarracín
• Walk through the pine forest (prehistoric rock paintings)
• Walk through the village (one of the most beautiful villages in Spain)
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 4: A fairy-tale journey to Cuenca

• Drive to Cuenca
• Walk through the Ciudad Encantada (fairy-tale karst landscape)
• Panoramic view from the Mirador de Valdecabras (opportunity to observe nesting vultures)
• City walk in Cuenca
• Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Day 5: Cuenca

• The “Hanging Houses” of Cuenca
• Visit of the Museo de Arte Abstracto Español
• Visit of the Gothic cathedral
• Free afternoon
• Dinner at a local restaurant

Day 6: The Windmills of Don Quixote

• Visit of Belmonte Castle
• Drive through La Mancha
• Don Quixote windmills in Campo de Criptana
• Walk through the village of El Toboso
• Visit of the birthplace of Dulcinea
• Visit of the 17th-century windmills in Consuegra

Day 7: Visit to a winery, walk through Chinchón

• Visit of a family-run winery
• Walk through the vineyards, wine tasting
• Visit of the main square in Chinchón
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant

Day 8: Alcalá de Henares, return flight to Luxembourg

• Visit of the University of Alcalá de Henares
• Walk to Plaza de Cervantes
• Visit of the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes
• Lunch at a Parador
• Return flight Madrid–Luxembourg