Discover the Origins of the Spanish Language – Private Tour ES363

Arrival in Madrid and transfer to San Millán 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 Logroño, the con-Cathedral and church of Santiago.
Possibility of visiting one of the renowned 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 Millán 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 María, 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 Cordón, the Main Square, the Paseo del Espolón 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 Guillén, 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 León 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 Déco and Art Nouveau Museum. Possibility of organizing an Ibérico-ham and sausage tasting. Overnight in Salamanca.

At the end of our journey will get to know two magnificent cities, both designated as World Heritage Sites. Ávila, birthplace of notable Spanish mystics and authors such as St. Teresa of Ávila 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, Valderrábanos, Núñez Vela or the Torreón de los Guzmanes as well as the house where St. Teresa was born. Continue to Alcalá 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 façade 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 Alcalá with a cultural atmosphere- re 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.