Join us for an insightful journey to the city located northeast of Madrid, as we embark on a Day Trip to Alcalá de Henares. Uncover the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, one of the literary giants of Spain!
Day Trip Overview
Our adventure begins on Calle San Bernardo, a central street in Madrid. From this meeting point, we will bid farewell to the bustling city and embark on our way to Alcalá de Henares, recognized as one of the 15 sites in Spain listed as UNESCO World Heritage.
Following a journey of approximately one hour, we will arrive at Alcalá de Henares and commence our guided exploration of the city. This tour will last for an hour and a half, during which we will delve into the historic center and uncover its significance during the Spanish Golden Age.
As part of our exploration, we’ll enjoy a guided visit to the renowned university established in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros. Our path will then lead us to the Plaza de Cervantes, home to one of the city’s significant landmarks: the Corral de Comedias, which dates back to the 17th century and is among the oldest public theaters in Europe!
Alcalá de Henares is notably marked by its connection to the illustrious writer Miguel de Cervantes. We will stroll along Calle Mayor until we reach his birthplace. Within the rooms of the Cervantes Birthplace Museum, we'll gain insights into the life and times of 17th century Spain, a period characterized by artistic flourishing yet marked by societal challenges.
Curious to learn more about Cervantes? As we proceed, we’ll visit the exterior of the church where he was baptized in 1547. Additionally, we'll take a moment to appreciate Alcalá Cathedral, noted for its distinctive Elizabethan Gothic architecture, where you’ll encounter a wealth of intriguing details.
Following the guided segment of our tour, you will have two hours of leisure time to independently explore the city before we convene at the bus to return to our original meeting point.
