The most relevant backdrops of the history, art and
literature of Castile will guide our path down the Route
of the Castilian Language: from the origins of our language
in the monasteries, to its consolidation in the universities
as well as its ultimate expression in Cervantes, the
Golden Age and several modern authors.
Arrival in Madrid and transfer
to San Millan de la Cogolla for overnight
In the morning we will
visit Yuso, the Renaissance and Baroque convent, cradle of both Castilian Spanish
and the written Basque language, with its priceless Romanesque ivory, the library
and church. Afterwards we will head up to Suso where 7th and 11th century art
fuse together in the tombs of the Seven Princes of Lara, the main protagonists
from the medieval ballad of the same name. Passing through Berceo, Gonzalo will
guide us into the world of the Riojan wine, as we walk through the historical
district of Logrono, the con-cathedral and church of Santiago. Possibility of
visiting one of the renown wine museums or one of its quality wineries with tasting
The journey ends with a walk through the medieval town of Laguardia with its spectacular
views of the Riojan vineyards. Return to San Millan for overnight
The day will take
us down the Path of Saint James to the important Jacobean landmark of Santo Domingo
de la Calzada, a site that was created for those making the pilgrimage: its walls,
cathedral and hospital remain intact. As we ascend the mountains we find, in the
midst of nature, the late Romanesque church of San Juan de Ortega, another landmark
created for and by the pilgrim. In the afternoon, as we follow the roads where
El Cid wandered in exile, we will arrive at Covarrubias, the source of what would
become the region of Castile, where we can admire the traditional architecture
and the collegiate church, while appreciating the beauty of the local speech.
Santo Domingo de Silos and its Romanesque cloister formed by large, historical
relieves, meticulous capitals, and the cypress famously sung by poet Gerardo Diego.
Possibility of listening to the famous Gregorian chants in the Abbey of Silos
Overnight in Santo Domingo de Silos
Burgos welcomes us
with its tale of the origins of Castile at the Renaissance gate of Santa Maria,
with special reference to the historical figure named El Cid. We will visit the
cathedral, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture and World Heritage Site.
A walk through the city will take us to the Casa del Cordon, the Main Square,
the Paseo del Espolon promenade, and the Consulate. In the outskirts we will discover
two great monuments: the Cistercian monastery of Las Huelgas, a royal pantheon
from the 13th century; and the Cartuja de Miraflores, church and burial place
for the parents of Isabella the Catholic, Queen of Castile. Continue to Valladolid
for overnight
Valladolid, home to writers such as Zorrilla, Jorge Guillen, Rosa Chacel and Miguel
Delibes, whose work "The Heretic" captures the urban lifestyle of the 16th century.
Of that era we will visit San Gregorio, home of the National Sculpture Museum,
the Palace of Los Pimentel, the unfinished cathedral, the royal convent of San
Benito and the Main Square. We will have our first encounter with Cervantes in
his Home-Museum, where he lived for some time, and we will visit the university's
Santa Cruz College. Overnight in Salamanca
This lovely city centers on the university which preserves
its historical building and many colleges, not to mention the frequent references
to such professors and writers as Fray Luis de Leon and Miguel de Unamuno. Here
is where Antonio de Nebrija wrote the first grammar of the Spanish language. A
visit to the Roman Bridge and the statue of the Celtic boar will evoke memories
of the adventures of Lazarillo de Tormes, while the Garden of Calixto and Melibea
will turn our thoughts to La Celestina. The homogenous mix between students and
visitors beckons us to walk along the lively streets and indulge in the festive
nightlife. Among the more significant monuments are the Plaza Mayor, the two cathedrals,
the House of Shells, the Convent of St. Steven, and the very interesting Casa
Lis, home of the Art Deco and Art Nouveau Museum. Possibility of organizing an
Iberico-ham and sausage tasting Overnight in Salamanca
The end of our journey brings
us to two magnificent cities, both designated as World Heritage Sites. Avila,
birthplace of notable Spanish mystics and authors such as St. Teresa of Avila
and St. John of the Cross, welcomes us with its impressive city walls, its cathedral,
the Carmelite Monastery of the Incarnation, St. Vincent's Basilica, palaces and
large noble homes such as Velada, Valderrabanos, Nunez Vela or the Torreon de
los Guzmanes as well as the house where St. Teresa was born. Continue to Alcala
de Henares for overnight. Possibility of organizing a special farewell dinner
The
only city to overshadow Salamanca as the heart of the Spanish university preserves
the magnificent facade of the College of San Ildefonso, as well as the courtyard,
central hall and the tombstone of its founder, the Cardinal Cisneros. He was able
to endow Alcala with a cultural atmosphere and spirit that received such notable
literati as Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina and Francisco de Quevedo. The Corral
de Comedias Theater remains intact. Birthplace of authors such as the Archpriest
de Hita and Miguel de Cervantes, the most universally recognized Spanish author.
We will finish our journey with a walk through the Main Square archways to the
Magistral Church and the Oratory of St. Philip Neri. Transfer to the Madrid Airport
