Magnificent Madrid & the heart of Spain
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Outdoor cafés with Casa de la Panadería in the background, Plaza Mayor ©Paolo Giocoso, Madrid Destino
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Plaza Mayor, Madrid
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The Sabatini Gardens with the Royal Palace in the background ©Paolo Giocoso, Madrid Destino
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Madrid, Spain
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Segovia Aqueduct, Spain
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Alcázar, Segovia, Spain
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Equestrian statue of Philip III with Casa de la Panadería in the background, Plaza Mayor ©Paolo Giocoso, Madrid Destino
Madrid: an underrated City Break and a great base to explore
Madrid, Spain’s glamorous capital is a vibrant city with beautiful squares and parks as well as a lively street life. Stroll along the mighty Gran Vía Boulevard; gaze at the imposing Royal Palace or nearby stunning Cathedral. Additionally, enjoy a glass of Sangria in one of the many fine squares the city has to offer. Madrid is also a great base to explore the surrounding area which is full of cultural gems.
Embracing all the creativity and innovation of Spain’s gastronomic revolution, Madrid has evolved into one of the richest culinary capitals. Traditional markets have had a contemporary revival and now showcase some of the finest food in the land. With medieval mansions, royal palaces and un-imagined angles of Spanish contemporary architecture, Madrid is a truly beautiful city. What’s more – with its 75 museums, Madrid is an Aladdin’s Cave for those interested in art. It boasts three internationally important art museums: El Prado, Reina Sofiá and the Thyssen-Bornemisza. Masterpieces by home-grown talents such as Goya and Velázquez, as well as other Spanish painters such as Picasso, Dalí and Miró, now adorn the walls of the city’s world-class galleries.
The Buen Retiro Park or the beautiful Botanical Gardens provide welcome shade and relaxation after a day sightseeing, or why not head to one of the many rooftop bars the city is famous for to watch the sun go down. And for the more sporty, no visit is complete without a trip to the Santiago Bernabeu of Real Madrid!
Also, equally accessible by air from a number of UK airports, Madrid also boasts an excellent public transport system making it easy to discover. And for those wanting to venture a little further out of the city, there are many sights to discover.
Visit Madrid and discover what this charming and captivating city has to offer!
Dates
Dates throughout 2024
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1-2
Travel to Spain
Travel to the Spain on a comfortable overnight sailing from Plymouth or Portsmouth to Santander. Perhaps enjoy a buffet evening meal before settle into your cabin. The following day, enjoy breakfast on bard before continuing to your base in Madrid.
Day 3
Madrid Sightseeing
Start the day with a guided tour of Madrid, capital of Spain and Europe’s highest capital city, located on the Meseta Central. Then you are free to explore at your leisure, below is some information on the possible places to visit to make the most of your time in the Spanish Capital.
Historic Madrid
At the heart of the city, see the Plaza de Puerta del Sol, with its famous clock. Visit the impressive Plaza Mayor, which is one of the most beautiful squares in Spain and home to numerous traditional shops and restaurants. The Palacio Real is the beautiful home of the Spanish monarchy and the Palacio de Communicaciones, Madrid’s impressive main post office, pays homage to the extent of Spain’s imperial past.
Artistic Madrid
Madrid boasts a wealth of world-renowned art galleries, showcasing artwork by both Spanish and international masters. Discover works by Velázquez and Goya in the Prado Museum, see Picasso’s Guernica at the Reina Sofía or Impressionist pieces at the modern Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum. Furthermore, the remarkable architecture of the Gran Vía and historic squares will amaze the passers-by as well as this, why not visit the home of one of the most revered football teams in the world; Real Madrid. Enquire for more details on Stadium tours and other visits to the Santiago Bernabeau.
Gastronomic Madrid
A trip to the Mercado de San Miguel, a renovated old cast iron and glass market hall, is a feast for the senses! Showcasing the heights of Spanish cuisine, Madrid’s market halls offer a mix of day to day shopping, local culinary specialities and excellent dining options. And no trip is complete without visiting the Museo del Jamón.
Day 4
Toledo
Today’s recommended excursion is to Toledo, one of the most spectacular cities in Spain, built on a natural granite outcrop and encircled by a steep water-filled ravine. Walking along the maze of narrow, winding lanes you pass churches, old houses and palaces. Don’t miss the magnificent cathedral with its paintings by El Greco, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Town Hall, the Law Courts and the 13th century Alcazar de Toldeo fortress.
Day 5
Segovia
Venture north of Madrid towards the beautiful town of Segovia. From afar you can spot Segovia’s most iconic landmark, the 30m high aqueduct which dominates the area. Also you can visit the spectacular Alcázar, which resembles a fairytale castle and is frequently used as a residence by the Spanish court (optional).
Day 6-7
Santander & Return to UK
It’s time to return to the UK, but depending on travel plans, there may be time to visit Santander. In the old town visit the imposing Gothic cathedral dating from the 13th century – an important stop on the Camino de Santiago, the pilgrim’s walking route. Perhaps see the Sardinero beach, visit the Maritime Museum, and take the little tourist train to the Royal Palace of La Magdalena.
Suggested hotels
Hotel Alcalá Plaza***
Perfectly located to explore the surrounding area, this hotel is just off the A-2 highway, a 13-minute walk from Alcalá de Henares Universidad metro station and 3 km from the Palace of Laredo. Rooms feature Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and desks. Amenities include a restaurant and a bar/cafe and parking is also available.
Parador de Alcalá de Henares****
Housed in a 17th-century monastery school, this hotel is on the outskirts of Madrid, an 11-minute walk from Palacio Arzobispal and 1 km from Alcala de Henares train station. Amenities include a sophisticated restaurant, an outdoor pool and a spa. There’s also a theatre and banquet hall. Coach parking is available for a small fee.
Exe Moncloa****
Located just 2 minutes walk from Moncloa Metro Station and just a 5-minute drive from Casa de Campo Park and the central Plaza España Square. This 4 star hotel has its own gym, sauna, steam bath, outdoor swimming pool and an impressive roof-top terrace with panoramic vistas over the Castilian plain and the Guadarrama mountain range. Each stylish room is bright with modern décor and features a flat-screen satellite TV, a minibar and a bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. Coach parking available for a fee at Plaze de Oriente in central Madrid.
Eurostars Central***
Located in Madrid city centre, 250 yards from Tribunal Metro Station, Eurostars Central is a modern 4 star hotel with an on-site fitness centre and bar. It offers stylish air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, flat-screen satellite TV and minibar. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. You can find a wide variety of fashionable restaurants, bars and shops within a 5-minute walk of the property. The Retiro Park and Puerta del Sol Square are both a 15-minute walk from the hotel, while the Prado Art Museum is 20 minutes away on foot. Coach parking available for a fee at Plaze de Oriente in central Madrid.
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| Dates | Half Twin | Single Supplement |
| Dates throughout 2024 | From £559.00 per person | Price on Request |
For prices by air, please enquire for more details
