Madrid Experiences and Tours
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
Madrid: Cultural Half Day City Tour
Visit the museum Centro de Arte Reina Sofia of Modern Art (closed on Tuesday) with permanent collections of the most important spanish artists: Picasso, Miró, Dalí, Gargallo, Gutiérrez Solana, Tápies, Chillida, Julio González, etc. Paseo del Arte walk and the Thyssen Bornemisza museum.
4 hours tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Hotel
Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía: the exhibits of the museum come from two sources, the old MEAC collections and the acquisitions made by the actual museum. Not forgetting the legacies of the Catalan artists, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. The permanent collection is located on the second floor, divided into rooms that devote its walls to Nonell, Anglada, Camarasa, Iturrino, Zuloaga, Solana and María Blanchard, amongst other Spanish painters from the beginning of the 20th century. The cubist movement, Picasso, Dalí, Miró and a room devoted to 'Proposals', according to the epigraph. The temporary exhibitions are held in the Museum's headquarters, the Palaces of Velázquez and Cristal. The latest trends of the newest authors are presented in the so-called 'Space ONE', reserved for them on the ground floor of the main building. Among the most significant work is 'Guernica' by Picasso.
The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum keeps a private collection, finally donated to the capital in 1993, that has been classified as the most important for having the widest variety of periods and styles, from primitive 13th century paintings to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. Dürer, Tintoretto, Degas, Kandinsky, Goya, Cezanne, Matisse, Dalí, Miró, Picasso, and Renoir, are just a few of the artists whose work forms part of this collection.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
4 hours tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Hotel
Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified
Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía: the exhibits of the museum come from two sources, the old MEAC collections and the acquisitions made by the actual museum. Not forgetting the legacies of the Catalan artists, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró. The permanent collection is located on the second floor, divided into rooms that devote its walls to Nonell, Anglada, Camarasa, Iturrino, Zuloaga, Solana and María Blanchard, amongst other Spanish painters from the beginning of the 20th century. The cubist movement, Picasso, Dalí, Miró and a room devoted to 'Proposals', according to the epigraph. The temporary exhibitions are held in the Museum's headquarters, the Palaces of Velázquez and Cristal. The latest trends of the newest authors are presented in the so-called 'Space ONE', reserved for them on the ground floor of the main building. Among the most significant work is 'Guernica' by Picasso.
The Thyssen Bornemisza Museum keeps a private collection, finally donated to the capital in 1993, that has been classified as the most important for having the widest variety of periods and styles, from primitive 13th century paintings to the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. Dürer, Tintoretto, Degas, Kandinsky, Goya, Cezanne, Matisse, Dalí, Miró, Picasso, and Renoir, are just a few of the artists whose work forms part of this collection.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
Madrid Tapas Tour
(Tapas, Wine & Markets)
A walking tour through the “Austrias” quarter of the city with the churches, convents, Royal Palace complex, Casa de los Lujanes, the Plaza Mayor, Plaza de la Villa, Puerta del Sol, Royal Theatre and the famous Spanish Tapas.
4 hours tour
Afternoon or evening tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Hotel
Included: Guided Tour;
Not Included: Tapas on own. Taxi on own or other services not specified
With the coming of the Austrias in the 16th century and the height of their splendour in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces. The 18th century left its Neoclassical mark on the splendid Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, located in the city centre.
The Plaza Mayor: during the middle ages the site was just a market place outside the city walls. In the 1560s, King Philip II asked Juan de Herrera, architect of the Escorial, to turn the market place into a real square. It is a grand arcaded square that has been the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions. At the center of the square is a bronze statue of King Philips III, constructed in 1616 by the Italian sculptors Giovanni de Bologna and his apprentice Pietro Tacca.
The Descalzas Reales Monastery from the 16th century and in plateresque style is situated right in the centre of Madrid. It was founded by Juana de Austria, sister of Felipe II. It is a building with a religious, enclosed character. Many ladies belonging to the nobility were shut away in this monastery and took their trousseau with them. For this reason, the monastery today preserves a great collection of paintings, tapestries and religious images. The interior houses paintings by famous artists such as Titian, Sánchez Coello, Brueghel or Luini, amongst others.
And the terraces, pubs and bars should not be forgotten because they are where one of the most deeply-rooted of all traditions of Spain is carried out: the “tapeo” (Tapas are essentially snacks. Bigger portions that are ordered to make up part of a meal are called raciones).
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
4 hours tour
Afternoon or evening tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Hotel
Included: Guided Tour;
Not Included: Tapas on own. Taxi on own or other services not specified
With the coming of the Austrias in the 16th century and the height of their splendour in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces. The 18th century left its Neoclassical mark on the splendid Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, located in the city centre.
The Plaza Mayor: during the middle ages the site was just a market place outside the city walls. In the 1560s, King Philip II asked Juan de Herrera, architect of the Escorial, to turn the market place into a real square. It is a grand arcaded square that has been the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions. At the center of the square is a bronze statue of King Philips III, constructed in 1616 by the Italian sculptors Giovanni de Bologna and his apprentice Pietro Tacca.
The Descalzas Reales Monastery from the 16th century and in plateresque style is situated right in the centre of Madrid. It was founded by Juana de Austria, sister of Felipe II. It is a building with a religious, enclosed character. Many ladies belonging to the nobility were shut away in this monastery and took their trousseau with them. For this reason, the monastery today preserves a great collection of paintings, tapestries and religious images. The interior houses paintings by famous artists such as Titian, Sánchez Coello, Brueghel or Luini, amongst others.
And the terraces, pubs and bars should not be forgotten because they are where one of the most deeply-rooted of all traditions of Spain is carried out: the “tapeo” (Tapas are essentially snacks. Bigger portions that are ordered to make up part of a meal are called raciones).
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
Madrid: Walking Tour of the Bourbons Quarter & Prado Museum
A walking tour through the Bourbons (Borbones) quarter of the city with the Casa de Correos, Casa de Postas, Real Casa de Aduanas, Plaza de la Lealtad, Iglesia de San José and a visit to the Prado Museum.
4 hour tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the hotel
Included: Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Include Any meals or other services not specified. Taxi on own.
To have a walk through the Bourbons' Madrid you should start at Puerta del Sol, where you find the remarkable old post office, Casa de Correos. Walking along Calle Alcalá, one of the most important boulevards of Madrid, you arrive to Casa de Postas, another old post-office, and Real Casa de Aduanas, the Royal Customs Office.
The Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia, a chapel that is considered a masterpiece of neoclassic architecture. Where the streets Calle Alcalá and Gran Via cross, you find the splendid 18th century baroque church Iglesia de San José, and later, at the crossing with Cibeles there is the Palace of Buenavista, built 1777 for the Duke of Alba.
From here, you may either continue on Calle Alcalá and arrive to the triumphal arch of Puerta de Alcalá or follow Paseo del Prado with its beautiful fountains of Cibeles, Apollo and Neptune, the Botanical Gardens and the Astronomical Observatory.
The Prado Museum is considered by many experts to be the best art gallery in the world, as it has the most complete and impressive collection of sixteenth, seventeenth, and twentieth century art, with the best works from the Italian, Flemish and Spanish schools. It is in the Prado Museum where artists of the stature of Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens, Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Fra Angélico, Botticelli, Titian, Rafael, Watteau, Tintorretto, El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán, and very many others, can be admired, along with a magnificent collection of classical sculptures.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
4 hour tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the hotel
Included: Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Include Any meals or other services not specified. Taxi on own.
To have a walk through the Bourbons' Madrid you should start at Puerta del Sol, where you find the remarkable old post office, Casa de Correos. Walking along Calle Alcalá, one of the most important boulevards of Madrid, you arrive to Casa de Postas, another old post-office, and Real Casa de Aduanas, the Royal Customs Office.
The Oratorio del Caballero de Gracia, a chapel that is considered a masterpiece of neoclassic architecture. Where the streets Calle Alcalá and Gran Via cross, you find the splendid 18th century baroque church Iglesia de San José, and later, at the crossing with Cibeles there is the Palace of Buenavista, built 1777 for the Duke of Alba.
From here, you may either continue on Calle Alcalá and arrive to the triumphal arch of Puerta de Alcalá or follow Paseo del Prado with its beautiful fountains of Cibeles, Apollo and Neptune, the Botanical Gardens and the Astronomical Observatory.
The Prado Museum is considered by many experts to be the best art gallery in the world, as it has the most complete and impressive collection of sixteenth, seventeenth, and twentieth century art, with the best works from the Italian, Flemish and Spanish schools. It is in the Prado Museum where artists of the stature of Hieronymus Bosch, Rubens, Goya, Velázquez, Murillo, Fra Angélico, Botticelli, Titian, Rafael, Watteau, Tintorretto, El Greco, Ribera, Zurbarán, and very many others, can be admired, along with a magnificent collection of classical sculptures.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
Madrid: Walking Tour of the Habsburg Quarter & Royal Palace
A walking tour through the Habsburg (Austrias) quarter of the city with the churches, convents, Palacio de Uceda, Torre los Lujanes, Plaza Mayor, Casa de la Villa, Cisneros House, San Miguel Market and a visit to the Royal Palace.
4 hour tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the hotel
Included: Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified. Taxi on own.
With the coming of the Austrians in the 16th century and the height of their splendor in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces. The 18th century left its Neoclassical mark on the splendid Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, located in the city center.
The Plaza Mayor: During the middle ages, the site was just a market place outside the city walls. In the 1560s, King Philip II asked Juan de Herrera, architect of the Escorial, to turn the market place into a real square. It is a grand arcaded square that has been the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions. At the center of the square is a bronze statue of King Philips III, constructed in 1616 by the Italian sculptors Giovanni de Bologna and his apprentice Pietro Tacca.
The Puerta del Sol, in the very center of town. Passing through some narrow streets we arrive to the Descalzas Reales to the Monastery de la Encarnación, Palacio de Uceda and, through Calle Mayor, to Plaza de la Villa, a beautiful square with interesting buildings: Casa de la Villa, Casa Cisneros and Tower of Lujanes. Other buildings worth visiting in this part of town are the Cathedral of San Isidro, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Casa de Lope de Vega, the house of the famous writer, located in a street named after another great man of this genre, Calle Cervantes.
The Royal Palace, is known today as the Royal Palace or the Palacio de Oriente (Palace of Orient), even though it is standing on the western part of Madrid. With 870 windows, 240 balconies, 44 sets of stairs and 110 doors, it maintains its janitors pretty busy during the week. The building occupies a square area of 135,000 meters, the same as the old Alcazar of the Hapsburgs, which in the Christmas of 1734 was destroyed by a fire. Four years later during the reign of Ferdinand VI, construction began following the plans drawn by Juan Bautista Sachetti with the collaboration of Ventura Rodriguez, Sabatini, and Father Scirmiento.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
4 hour tour
Morning or afternoon tour
No wheelchair
Moderate physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the hotel
Included: Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified. Taxi on own.
With the coming of the Austrians in the 16th century and the height of their splendor in the 17th century, the great monuments of Madrid began to emerge in the area that is nowadays referred to as the Madrid de los Austrias, one of the most famous areas of the city where, in addition to the Plaza Mayor, there are many outstanding spots, churches, and convents, full of art and atmosphere. The austere façades of the Baroque style contrast with the lavish interiors of the palaces. The 18th century left its Neoclassical mark on the splendid Royal Palace complex, the Sabatini Gardens and Campo del Moro, located in the city center.
The Plaza Mayor: During the middle ages, the site was just a market place outside the city walls. In the 1560s, King Philip II asked Juan de Herrera, architect of the Escorial, to turn the market place into a real square. It is a grand arcaded square that has been the center of festivities, bull fights, royal coronations and executions. At the center of the square is a bronze statue of King Philips III, constructed in 1616 by the Italian sculptors Giovanni de Bologna and his apprentice Pietro Tacca.
The Puerta del Sol, in the very center of town. Passing through some narrow streets we arrive to the Descalzas Reales to the Monastery de la Encarnación, Palacio de Uceda and, through Calle Mayor, to Plaza de la Villa, a beautiful square with interesting buildings: Casa de la Villa, Casa Cisneros and Tower of Lujanes. Other buildings worth visiting in this part of town are the Cathedral of San Isidro, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Casa de Lope de Vega, the house of the famous writer, located in a street named after another great man of this genre, Calle Cervantes.
The Royal Palace, is known today as the Royal Palace or the Palacio de Oriente (Palace of Orient), even though it is standing on the western part of Madrid. With 870 windows, 240 balconies, 44 sets of stairs and 110 doors, it maintains its janitors pretty busy during the week. The building occupies a square area of 135,000 meters, the same as the old Alcazar of the Hapsburgs, which in the Christmas of 1734 was destroyed by a fire. Four years later during the reign of Ferdinand VI, construction began following the plans drawn by Juan Bautista Sachetti with the collaboration of Ventura Rodriguez, Sabatini, and Father Scirmiento.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
Madrid: Toledo Half Day Excursion
One of the oldest and most interesting historical cities of Europe, reflects the many cultures that have formed it, and perhaps better than any other city, reflects the many moods of Spain’s art and history. Visits are made to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, the ancient Jewish Synagogue and the Jewish quarter and the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.
5 hour tour
Morning tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Hotel
Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified
The city of Toledo has its origins in Toletum, the name the Romans gave to this settlement on the banks of the River Tagus after its conquest in 190 BC. The city maintained its importance for centuries and, in the Visigothic era, became the capital of Hispania (6th C.). The arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century, together with the presence of Christians and Jews, made Toledo the “city of the three cultures”. This was one of the Toledo's most splendid periods when, among other important events, the Toledo School of Translators was founded. Later, when Carlos V came to the throne in 1519, the city became an imperial capital.
The maze of streets making up the historic center of Toledo is only bounded by walls in which many gates were opened. The Bisagra gate, presided over by two bodies and a great imperial shield forms the main access to the city within the walls. The Sol gate was built in the 13th century in Mudejar style and contains the remains of a paleochristian sarcophagus.
Via these and other entrances, you can reach picturesque places like the Plaza de Zocodover. In the Arab period, this central space housed an important market, and festivals and all kinds of social events were held here. Nowadays the square, surrounded by buildings with porches, continues to be one of the busiest places in the city.
Remains of the Jewish community are still preserved in the city in the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito.
Santa María la Blanca, built possibly in the 12th century, is also a good example of Toledo's Mudejar art. It has five naves with decreasing heights as well as the characteristic geometrical and botanical decoration and horseshoe arches. Meanwhile, in the synagogue of El Tránsito, built in 1357, you can admire one of the best Mudejar coffered ceilings of all those preserved in Toledo, along with walls richly decorated with geometrical and botanical designs and Hebrew inscriptions. Nowadays, this Jewish place of worship houses the Sephardic Museum, in which an interesting collection of pieces of art and various objects used in Jewish ceremonies are exhibited.
The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a superb example of flamboyant Gothic was one of the masterpieces of Juan Guas, who carried out the scheme commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs. The building, in flamboyant Gothic style, has a church which is outstanding for its great ornamentation and for its cloister, of great sculptural value.
One of the most outstanding buildings in the city is the Cathedral, considered one of the high points of Gothic art. The construction of this monumental building, with a basilica floor plan and five naves, began in 1226, although it was not finished until the 15th century. This is reflected in the great superimposition of styles in the building and the large number of renowned artists who left their mark on the church: from Pedro Berruguete, to Enrique Egás, Petrus Petri and Juan Guas. On its main facade the outstanding feature is the doorway, made up of three doors: Infierno (Hell), Perdón (Forgiveness) and Juicio (Judgement). The exterior is topped by the two cathedral towers, one of them in flamboyant Gothic style and the other in Gothic-Renaissance.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.
5 hour tour
Morning tour
No wheelchair
Light physical activity
Pick up and drop off at the Hotel
Included: Transportation by Deluxe Vehicle; Guided Tour; Entrance Fees
Not Included: Any meals or other services not specified
The city of Toledo has its origins in Toletum, the name the Romans gave to this settlement on the banks of the River Tagus after its conquest in 190 BC. The city maintained its importance for centuries and, in the Visigothic era, became the capital of Hispania (6th C.). The arrival of the Arabs in the 8th century, together with the presence of Christians and Jews, made Toledo the “city of the three cultures”. This was one of the Toledo's most splendid periods when, among other important events, the Toledo School of Translators was founded. Later, when Carlos V came to the throne in 1519, the city became an imperial capital.
The maze of streets making up the historic center of Toledo is only bounded by walls in which many gates were opened. The Bisagra gate, presided over by two bodies and a great imperial shield forms the main access to the city within the walls. The Sol gate was built in the 13th century in Mudejar style and contains the remains of a paleochristian sarcophagus.
Via these and other entrances, you can reach picturesque places like the Plaza de Zocodover. In the Arab period, this central space housed an important market, and festivals and all kinds of social events were held here. Nowadays the square, surrounded by buildings with porches, continues to be one of the busiest places in the city.
Remains of the Jewish community are still preserved in the city in the synagogues of Santa María la Blanca and El Tránsito.
Santa María la Blanca, built possibly in the 12th century, is also a good example of Toledo's Mudejar art. It has five naves with decreasing heights as well as the characteristic geometrical and botanical decoration and horseshoe arches. Meanwhile, in the synagogue of El Tránsito, built in 1357, you can admire one of the best Mudejar coffered ceilings of all those preserved in Toledo, along with walls richly decorated with geometrical and botanical designs and Hebrew inscriptions. Nowadays, this Jewish place of worship houses the Sephardic Museum, in which an interesting collection of pieces of art and various objects used in Jewish ceremonies are exhibited.
The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes is a superb example of flamboyant Gothic was one of the masterpieces of Juan Guas, who carried out the scheme commissioned by the Catholic Monarchs. The building, in flamboyant Gothic style, has a church which is outstanding for its great ornamentation and for its cloister, of great sculptural value.
One of the most outstanding buildings in the city is the Cathedral, considered one of the high points of Gothic art. The construction of this monumental building, with a basilica floor plan and five naves, began in 1226, although it was not finished until the 15th century. This is reflected in the great superimposition of styles in the building and the large number of renowned artists who left their mark on the church: from Pedro Berruguete, to Enrique Egás, Petrus Petri and Juan Guas. On its main facade the outstanding feature is the doorway, made up of three doors: Infierno (Hell), Perdón (Forgiveness) and Juicio (Judgement). The exterior is topped by the two cathedral towers, one of them in flamboyant Gothic style and the other in Gothic-Renaissance.
Costing: Inquire, pricing is based on the number of travelers and how you might wish to customize this experience.