Spotlight on Madrid
| Resort: | Spotlight on Madrid |
| Operator: | |
| Destination: | Europe, Spain |
| Price From: | £1059.00 |
OverviewEmbark on a comprehensive adventure in captivating Madrid. During your relaxing 6-night stay, get to know Madrids treasures and its surrounding historic towns. Visit the Prado Museum, one of the most celebrated and comprehensive art galleries in the world. See the birthplace of author Miguel de Cervantes, creator of the novel, Don Quixote. Learn the secrets of Castillian cuisine during a fun-filled, inter-active cooking class. Marvel at Segovias monumental roman aqueduct, considered one of the finest still in existence. Admire the decorative styles of Aranjuez Palace & Gardens, the spring residence of Spanish kings since the late 1800s. Enjoy a tour and tasting of local wines at a historic winery. Explore Chinchns Plaza Mayor and its winding streets before savoring the sweet taste of anisette that has been produced here since the 17th century. Have ample time to explore Madrid as you choose. ItineraryDay 1: Overnight FlightDiscover the many wonders of Madrid, Spains lively capital city. Your journey features excursions to nearby historic towns including Toledo, Alcal de Henares, Segovia, Aranjuez and Chinchn. Day 2: Madrid, Spain – Tour BeginsToday you arrive in the enchanting city of Madrid. This fascinating metropolis is rich in tradition and history and boasts some of the worlds finest museums and monuments. Tonight, get to know your fellow travelers at a welcome dinner featuring local delicacies and wines. Day 3: Madrid – Prado MuseumBecome acquainted with the treasures of Madrid on a tour showcasing Plaza de Oriente, Calle Mayor, Puerta del Sol, Paseo de la Castellana, Puerta de Alcal, Cibeles, Gran Via and Plaza Espana.Next, visit the renowned Prado Museum*, one of the most celebrated and comprehensive art galleries in the world. The afternoon is yours to explore as you choose. Perhaps you will visit the Royal Palace or the Modern Arts Reina Sofia Museum, home to Picassos most famous work, the painting Guernica. Day 4: Madrid – Toledo – Alcalá de HenaresDiscover the ancient capital of Toledo (UNESCO World Heritage site), a land with influences of Roman, Visigoth, Moorish, Jewish and Christian cultures. A walking tour** highlights the magnificent Gothic Cathedral, 13th-century Synagogue, and El Grecos masterpiece painting, The Burial of Count Orgaz. Later, travel to the city of Alcal de Henares (UNESCO), birthplace of the renowned author Miguel de Cervantes who wrote the novel Don Quixote. The city features a rich heritage shaped by its 16th- and 17th-century architecture and monuments providing a window into the Spanish Golden Age. Day 5: Madrid – Torrecaballeros – SegoviaIn Torrecaballeros we learn the secrets of Castillian cuisine during a fun-filled interactive cooking class. This is followed by a sumptuous lunch of local dishes complete with fine Spanish wine. Later, enjoy a leisurely paced walking tour** of Segovias old town (UNESCO) featuring the Alcazar, Segovia’s knights-in-armor fortress; Plaza Mayor, Plaza de San Martin; and the famous monumental Roman Aqueduct, considered one of the finest in existence. Day 6: Madrid – Aranjuez Palace & Gardens – Winery Tour – ChinchónTravel to the magnificent Aranjuez Palace and Gardens (UNESCO). Embark on a delightful tour that brings you through the life of the royals. Next, make a stop at a historic winery built for the king in 1782. Learn about Spanish winemaking on a tour and have the opportunity to sample the local wines. Continue to the medieval town of Chinchn, one of the best-known towns within the autonomous community of Madrid. Discover its remarkable 15th-century medieval Plaza Mayor de Chinchn. Explore its winding streets before visiting a wine cave for a taste of the towns famed, sweet anisette liqueur that has been produced here since the 17th century. Day 7: Madrid – Optional El Escorial & Valley of the Fallen ExcursionEnjoy a day at leisure to explore the many facets of Madrid. You may choose to wander through the charming streets of old Madrid, known as the Madrid of the Hapsburgs. Spend time in Plaza Mayor discovering its quaint restaurants, tapas bars and traditional shops. An optional excursion is available to El Escorial (UNESCO), a vast building complex considered to be the most important architectural monument of the Spanish Renaissance. The option continues to the Valley of the Fallen (Valle de los Caidos), an astounding feat of architecture honoring those who fell during the Spanish Civil War. Tonight, cap off an unforgettable journey at a farewell dinner with your fellow travelers. Day 8: Madrid – Tour EndsYour tour comes to a close today. |
