A wine‑filled day at the Florentino Pérez Bodega followed by an afternoon in the dramatic village of Alcalá del Júcar made this one of my most memorable short trips, great food, great company, and stunning scenery all in one go.
I spotted this trip advertised on Farcebook and, determined to take more day trips, I booked it immediately. The itinerary included a coach journey, breakfast, a full Bodega tour, a four‑course meal with wine, and an afternoon visit to the village of Alcalá del Júcar. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable day trips I’ve taken.
An Early Start in Los Narejos.
This was my first time booking a trip through Viajes Real Spain. My neighbour John kindly dropped me at the Arches in Los Narejos at 07:00 to catch the coach. A few minutes later, my other neighbours, Rick and Jill, arrived, followed by several more travellers. Soon we were all aboard and on our way.
After suffering terrible cramp on a previous coach trip due to limited legroom, I headed straight for the centre seat at the back so I could stretch my legs. Begona, the organiser, checked on me throughout the day after I explained the issue, a thoughtful touch that I really appreciated.
We made several pick‑ups along the route, and after the final stop in Quesada, we travelled quickly. By 10:30, we arrived at Albacete and the Florentino Pérez Bodega.
Touring the Florentino Pérez Bodega.
The Bodega was beautiful from the outside, fountains in the courtyard, vineyards stretching into the distance, and a peaceful atmosphere that set the tone for the day.
Inside, we were seated in a large restaurant and served breakfast: a foot‑long French stick filled with prosciutto ham and tomato. As I hadn’t eaten before leaving home, it hit the spot. A glass (or two) of red wine accompanied it, followed by a very welcome coffee.
The guided tour that followed was fascinating. We learned how the vineyard grows its grapes without pesticides, how water is used to regulate sugar levels, and how the wines are produced. We visited the vats, the bottling area, and the cellar, where we heard about the ageing process and the barrels used.
A Four‑Course Feast with Wine Pairings.
After the tour, we returned to the restaurant for lunch, and what a lunch it was.
The first course was a seafood lover’s dream: shelled mussels in a rich sauce with warm bread for dipping, and large whole prawns served on ice. I was lucky to be seated with people who weren’t keen on seafood, so I happily helped with theirs. A crisp white wine accompanied the course, and I even had a second glass.
Next came a local La Mancha dish of mashed potatoes mixed with garlic and raisins, simple but surprisingly delicious. Then a plate of cold meats and cheese, served with a lovely rosé wine. Finally, a pork and rice dish, another regional speciality, paired with a smooth red wine. I may have had more than one glass.
Although I’m usually a beer drinker, I enjoyed every wine served. I even bought a box containing three bottles of white and three of red. Thanks to those who carried it to the coach for me, navigating steps with a heavy box wouldn’t have ended well.
Visiting Alcalá del Júcar.
After lunch, we boarded the coach again and headed to Alcalá del Júcar, a small village in Castilla‑La Mancha. The journey through ravines and winding mountain roads offered stunning views.
We stopped near the man‑made beach on the Júcar River, beneath the castle and church perched dramatically on the mountainside. After a short introduction from a local guide, I crossed the bridge and began walking up the steep road. I had to stop twice just on the first two sections, the incline was brutal in the heat.
As I passed the church, I met a Dutch couple from the coach walking back down. The lady told me there wasn’t much more worth seeing further up. I told her I loved her for saving me from another exhausting climb.
I made my way back down, crossed the bridge, and joined Rick and Jill at a small riverside bar. I bought a beer, cooled off, removed my sandals, and went for a paddle in the river. The water was refreshing rather than cold, perfect after the heat and the climb.
Three Norwegian girls from the trip soon wandered into the river near me, and my temperature shot back up. After a discreet retreat, I bought a large bottle of ice‑cold water for the journey home. Special thanks to the Norwegian girl in the green dress for brightening an already lovely day.
Heading Home.
At 17:00, we boarded the coach and began the long journey back. After one comfort stop, we dropped people off at their original pick‑up points. When we reached Los Narejos, I collected my wine and was delighted to find that Rick and Jill had arranged a lift home for us. By that point, the heat had drained me, so the ride was very welcome.
Final Thoughts.
This was a brilliant day out, excellent food, great company, and a well‑organised trip. The Bodega was fascinating, the wines were superb, and Alcalá del Júcar was beautiful. Thank you, Begona, for organising such a memorable day. I’m already looking forward to joining more of your trips.
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