Madrid to Cuenca Day Trip

Quickly becoming a popular day trip from Madrid, Cuenca in it´s medieval glory will make you feel like you stepped back in time. The AVE fast speed train provides an efficient transport in this Madrid to Cuenca day trip. Located in the region of Castilla La Mancha, this marvelously preserved city was built originally by the Moors as part of the Caliphate regime. Later conquered by the Castillians in the 12th century, it became a Royal Town with all of the standards including a Gothic Cathedral and Plaza Mayor. Distinguished from other Manchegan towns, the unique architecture and design will amaze you as well as the breathtaking views and landcape in this fortress city.

 Your visit will begin in the morning catching the train from Atocha Station (tickets included) from Madrid and your local guide will meet you at the Cuenca station upon arrival with a car to pick you up. You will begin with a panoramic tour of the city enjoying the highlights that are most famed in Cuenca.  We will visit the famous Ciudad Encantada with it´s curious rock formations and finally get out of the car to walk the winding streets of Cuenca to admire points of interest like the Plaza Mayor.  We will share in a very traditional Manchego meal as well as visit the contemporary art museum. There is something for everyone on this wonderful day out.   

• Private Driver/Guide
• Sedan, Minivan, Minibus or Bus, depending on the size of your group.
• Pick up and drop off at train station, general commentary.
• Panoramic viewpoints of Cuenca
• Groups for more than 9 people will also have a private guide at destination for 3h. (Guide available for additional cost to groups smaller than 9)

• Scenic Drive through highlights of this fabulous city
• Exceptional architecture in the hanging houses built from the 1500´s
• Unique Plaza Mayor and Bridge of Saint Paul

Begin at Atocha Train station to catch AVE train to Cuenca

• 8h40-9h35 AVE train Madrid to Cuenca 
• pick up at Cuenca train station by our local driver/guide
• Panoramic and Ciudad Encantada, walk around and interpret the beautiful park where ¨Conan¨ was filmed.
• Traditional lunch 
• Visit Cuenca, panoramic, walk, visit cathedral, visit museum modern art and famous bridge.
• Drive to station for train
• This is a summarised itinerary. Some places may be added based on time or your preferences.

As this is a private tour, we are happy to have our driver/guide customize it to a degree. We can discuss in advance, or you can happen on the spot. 

Duration: 9h
Start: Typically 9am
Start point: Train station in Atocha
Minimum 3 people to book this tour. If you are 2 people, you will pay for 3.
Extra expenses you can expect for the service (roughly 50 euro pp):
-Tickets on the AVE fast speed train from Madrid,

-Traditional Manchego lunch with wine included,

-Visit to Ciudad Encantada plus entrances,

-Entrances to Cathedral and Museum of Modern Art

Other information
We will contact you after an order is placed to check everything is correct and to continue the process. Remember we can make manual changes to your order later on. Please refer to our terms and conditions for cancellation policies. If you are unclear on how to book, please contact us via phone or email. Thank you

Located between the Capital Madrid and Valencia, Cuenca is located in the middle of the country and holds priceless gems that are definitely worth a visit. To begin, it is a Unesco declared World Heritage Site.  The city´s origins date back to the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula named Qunka. In the year of  1177, the city was conquered by a Christian King, Alfonso VIII and later the city became known as one of the Capitals of the region of Castilla La Mancha. During the 15th century, Cuenca flourished with the boom of the textile industry until it´s collapse in the 18th century which was followed by a steady decline in population. The city has seen it´s ups and downs but after gaining fame on Unesco´s declaration for the unique and brilliant architecture, the city mostly lives off of tourism. The declaration was based on the incredible amount of historic monuments in the old town. 

The Majestic Cathedral, towers of the main square reminding you of its ominous importance of times past. It´s construction began in the 12th century in a display of early Gothic design with Romanesque elements.  Also not to be missed are the unique ¨Casas Colgadas¨ or Hanging houses where from certain viewpoints, they literally appear suspended in air.

You can easily spend an entire day (and possible night) and have plenty to see.  The museums alone in this city are worth dedicating some time. You will not be disappointed.