Things to do in

Alcala de Henares

Delve into the life and times of Cervantes on this day trip from Madrid to Alcalá de Henares. Enter the house where Cervantes was born and the chapel where he was baptized. Enjoy walking through the oldest university in Spain at the University of Alcalá de Henares. Visit the house where Cervantes, the famed writer of 'Don Quixote' was born at the Miguel de Cervantes Birthplace Museum. Walk through reconstructed rooms from the 16th century and dive into the customs, traditions, and everyday life of the time period. Go to the Chapel of the Hears where Cervantes was baptized. Let your guide show you places that are related to his family and associated with the publication of his work. View the statue of the author in the elegant Plaza de Cervantes. Hear about how the Cardinal Cisneros worked to establish of the University of Alcalá de Henares, which is the oldest university in Spain. Take some time to explore this university before heading to Plaza de los Santos Niños where the Magisterial Cathedral is located. Listen as your guide tells you about the child martyrs that the cathedral associated with. Finish your visit with a stop at the Archbishop's Palace. Admire this splendid palace where Castilian monarchs once resided and where the English queen Catherine of Aragon was born.

Departing from Madrid, hop on a bus and be whisked away on a journey through Spain's historic heartlands. Start in Consuegra, a picturesque town famed for its iconic windmills that adorn the landscape like sentinels of bygone eras. Amidst the rustic charm, soak in breathtaking views and capture the essence of Miguel de Cervantes' inspiration for his timeless masterpiece, Don Quixote. Continue your adventure to Toledo, hailed as the city of the three cultures for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage. Delve into Toledo’s labyrinthine streets on a guided tour, immersing yourself in the rich tapestry of history and culture that may have sparked the legendary adventures of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Finally, make your way to Alcalá de Henares, the birthplace of the celebrated Spanish writer. Learn the illustrious past of the UNESCO World Heritage city, with its historic university standing as one of the oldest in Spain. Explore charming plazas and visit the Cervantes Museum, where the legacy of the esteemed author comes to life amidst the cobblestone streets. As you conclude your tour and return to Madrid, carry with you the echoes of Don Quixote's adventures, intertwined with the captivating landscapes of Spain.

After gathering at the Monument to Felipe IV in Plaza de Oriente, depart from Madrid in the direction of Alcalá de Henares. Once there, begin to explore the native city of Miguel de Cervantes, the greatest writer of Hispanic Literature. Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to many secrets of this famous character. Through its streets you can also find elements of the different cultures that have been part of Spain throughout the centuries. Learn how the rich historical and artistic heritage of this city is reflected in its imposing monuments, among which you will see the Cathedral of the Holy Children, the Palace of Laredo, the picturesque Calle Mayor, or the centennial University of Alcalá. This guided trip is a perfect option to spend half a day, a mere 20 minutes away from Madrid.