GREAT CARNIVAL TRIP (February, 18th & 19th)

Fran Rodríguez Written 12 years ago

MADRIDBABEL:

GREAT CARNIVAL TRIP TO LA MANCHA

Party, wines, nature & scenes from El Quijote

(18 &19 February, 2012)

 

Saturday 18, February: Madrid – El Toboso – Socuéllamos - Campo de Criptana – Villarrobledo

Departure at 8:30 from the Glorieta de Atocha (beside the Ministry of Agriculture) heading towards El Toboso, which owes its recognition to the work of Cervantes. Amongst its streets and squares it comprises monuments of important historical and artistic interest, as well as charming hidden spots typical of small villas in the area of La Mancha. We will encounter continuous references to Cervantes, el Quijote and needless to say his eternal and universal lover: Dulcinea del Toboso, pointing out the Centro Cervantino and the Casa Museo de Dulcinea.

Our following destination is Campo de Criptana, with its characteristic windmills and Albaicín Criptano, formed with narrow streets with steep hills and typical white and indigo houses from La Mancha area comprised of one floor. According to those who have studied Cervantes, it was here in Campo de Criptana where the most popular and renowned adventure of El Quijote took place: the fight against the giants which ended up being windmills. The Campo de Criptana windmills have been declared of cultural interest and likewise, the Infanto, Sardinero and Burleta windmills of historical and artistic interest. We will be visit a windmill.

After lunch we will proceed to Socuéllamos to visit the wine cellar of the Cristo de la Vega cooperative, where we will taste the fabulous Yugo wines.

We will then go to Villarrobledo where once we have accommodated ourselves we will join the great Carnival party which spreads throughout the entire village. After seeing the carnival group parades and having dinner, we will return to the party that takes place in the streets of the locality until early hours of the morning.

 

Sunday 19, February: Villarrobledo - Cueva de Montesinos - Lagunas de Ruidera – Cueva de Medrano - Venta del Quijote

In the morning, after recovering from the carnavalesque celebrations, we will visit the Cueva de Montesinos, cavity of karstic origin with a depth of 80m, resulting from a dissolution process which the rain water has caused within the rocks of the area. Remains of civilizations have been found inside. However, its most important value is of literary nature, considering that two chapters of the second part of Miguel de Cervantes’ work of art “Don Quijote de la Mancha” are located here and where he depicts the greatest enchantment of Spanish literature.

Later we will head to the Parque Natural de las Lagunas de Ruidera, considered one of the most interesting and beautiful humid natural areas in the Iberian Peninsula, characterized by its waterfalls that connect lakes. Lunch in a typical restaurant.

Our following destination is Argamasilla de Alba, a village within Campo de San Juan which is considered as the place in La Mancha which Cervantes did not want to remember in the first sentence of his Quijote. In it he describes the Casa-Cueva de Medrano, emblematic location closely linked to the Cervantes tradition where Cervantes conceived and started writing El Quijote.

Before returning to Madrid we will stop at the Plaza Mayor and Venta del Quijote at Puerto Lápice. This is an old sale which was refurbished in accordance to the model of Cervantine sales. Both its wine cellar and entrance hall and patio have been used as the scenery for numerous films.

 

PRICE PER PERSON: €157 (supplement for individual room: €15)

 

Includes:

• Transport by bus from Madrid
• 1 night accomodation and breakfast in a 3* hotel, double room in Villarrobledo
• 1 dinner (Saturday) and 1 lunch (Sunday) in local restaurants
• Guide
• Wine tasting of Yugo wines
• Activities according to programme
• Travel insurance

 

INFORMATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS:

 

AVENTOUR

Tel.: 91 652 46 11

E-mail: [email protected]

RESERVATIONS AND PAYMENT:

 

Cuenta Bankia / Cajamadrid No.: 2038 2964 50 6000061188 / Bank holder: LIJORMA VIAJES Y AVENTURA

 

Remember to clearly include your name and surname and the reference “MadridBabel-Carnaval” (very important to locate your payment)