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Sunday

We begin our journey through these ancient borderlands between Moors and Christians in the far north of the province of Guadalajara, in Sigüenza, the city of the Doncel, which surprises with its beauty. A unique urban ensemble with a medieval layout and walls, presided over by the imposing Castle, where the Parador is located. In this town, you can find places of interest such as the Cathedral—which houses the tomb of the Doncel, one of the most important sculptures of late Spanish Gothic art—the Plaza Mayor, the Casa del Doncel, the Portal of the Clarisas de Santiago, the Parish Church of San Vicente, and the Parish Church of Santa María. Squares and streets to discover, to explore, to travel back to a splendid past, a city to bid a special farewell to this route through La Mancha, the land of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. Within the municipality are the Imón Salt Flats, to which the town owes much of its past wealth, for many years the largest producers on the Iberian Peninsula. A site of great ethnographic interest that now lies abandoned. By the way, you can't leave without trying the fino seguntino, a refreshing local specialty made with soda water, red vermouth, and beer foam, accompanied by one of their famous tapas, such as the popular perdigacho. And if you want to treat yourself, nothing beats savoring a traditional roast kid goat at the Parador's restaurant, accompanied by migas alcarreñas, a shepherd's dish.

Monday

Following the route of El Cid, we reach Molina de Aragón, a first-rate historical complex that deserves to be discovered by strolling leisurely through its streets. Its splendid fortified ensemble stands out (the medieval Alcázar, considered the second largest castle in Spain, the Tower of Aragón, the Medina Tower, and the city walls), offering exceptional views from the new Parador hotel. One must wander through the intricate and evocative medieval urban layout of the Jewish and Moorish quarters, pausing to admire its numerous houses adorned with coats of arms, such as the Viceroy of Molina's palace, the typical Molina houses, or the Romanesque-Gothic churches of Santa Clara and San Martín, the Gothic church of San Pedro, the old bridge over the Gallo River, or the symbolic weathervane of the Giraldo, located on the tower of the Church of San Francisco. A gateway between Castile and Aragon, the city is also the access point to the Alto Tajo Natural Park. The entire region is a UNESCO Global Geopark, and within it, you can discover one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Spain, thanks to the area's geodiversity and biodiversity. You can explore a territory where canyons and gorges, along with the meandering Tagus River and its tributaries, offer unparalleled natural beauty, including pristine natural wonders such as the Magic Rocks of the Sierra de Caldereros, the enchanted cities of Chequilla and Peñalén in the Hoya del Espino area, the Salto de Poveda waterfall, the impressive Sima de Alcorón sinkhole, the Escaleruela waterfall, the Mesa Valley... and many more magical places. In the area, you can also visit and explore other historical sites, from Paleolithic examples like the Casares Cave, to the Celtiberian hill fort of Ceremeño, the Zafra Castle, famous for the Game of Thrones series, and the Sanctuary of the Virgin of La Hoz, nestled in a fantastical landscape of limestone cliffs carved by the Gallo River. Within the modern facilities of the Parador, a spectacular building with avant-garde design, you can relax in its spa or savor its cuisine, reminiscent of La Mancha and Aragon, characterized by simple, traditional dishes with mountain and pastoral influences, highlighting game meats alongside lamb and kid goat.

Tuesday

Following in the footsteps of El Cid on his journey into exile, our final destination is Teruel, although along the way it's well worth taking a detour to Albarracín, one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. A unique place where strolling through its streets, walking along its walls, and exploring its monuments is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Pay attention to the original wrought-iron door knockers! Once in the capital, which has preserved its medieval structure, articulated between the gates of the city walls, almost intact, speaking of Teruel is to speak of Mudéjar architecture, of a beautiful cultural and monumental legacy that has survived throughout the centuries, and also of the Lovers of Teruel, whose mausoleum can be visited and whose legend has given rise to a large and romantic festival: the Weddings of Isabel de Segura. The Mudéjar architecture of Teruel, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, draws on the Aragonese Islamic tradition, with highlights including the Cathedral tower, the tower of San Pedro, the tower of San Martín, the tower of San Salvador, and the tower of La Merced. A visit to the cathedral's beautiful and harmonious roof is a must. But Teruel's architecture extends beyond Mudéjar, and its collection of Art Deco buildings is also particularly noteworthy. Especially if you're traveling with children or are a Jurassic Park fan, a visit to Dinópolis, a theme park dedicated to the world of dinosaurs, is essential. To recharge, there's nothing better than savoring the region's quintessential gastronomic emblem, Ternasco de Aragón, at the Parador restaurant. Enjoy it in a stew, as chops, or as a succulent roasted shoulder. And when it's time to return home, you won't find a better souvenir than Jamón de Teruel, the first ham in Spain to receive Protected Designation of Origin status.