Madrid & Royal Residences

Madrid is characterized by the intensity of its cultural and artistic activity and …its lively nightlife. We will visit the Royal Residences in Madrid and around; Aranjuez, La Granja, Riofrio, the Escorial and Alcalá de Henares, one of the World Heritage cities. Also the three most important museums in Spain as the Prado the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Queen Sofia Art Museum will be a part of this cultural tour.

Back to Spain Menu

1st Day: MADRID
Arrival at Madrid Barajas airport. Welcome of the group and transfer to the hotel. Free time. In the evening all guests are invited to a Welcome cocktail where there will be a presentation of the tour, a meeting with the group leader and a short briefing about the trip. All participants will receive a welcome pack with detailed information about the programme. Dinner will be served in the hotel. In the evening, optional walk downtown. Accommodation.

2nd Day: MADRID - THE ESCORIAL MONASTERY - MADRID
Breakfast and visit of the district called Madrid de los Austrias . Madrid became the Royal residence in 1561 by the decision of Felipe II. Our historic and cultural tour will start in Plaza Mayor, the architectural heart of the city, built under the reign of Felipe III. At that time, bullfighting took place in the square. Visit to the Descalzas Royal Monastery, 16th century building, a former residence for Noblemen and Kings, however today it is an art museum. The tour will finish at the Incarnation Monastery, founded by Margarita de Austria. Inside the building, there is a magnificent 17th century art collection.
Departure for San Lorenzo del Escorial, northwest of Madrid. Lunch. The complex hosts a monastery, a Royal residence and a Pantheon; it was built by Felipe II in 1563. This building was designed by Juan Herrera and displays the grandeur of the Spanish Empire and contains many important artworks from the times of the Austrian influence. Many valuable manuscripts are kept in the library. We will also visit the Pantheon, the museums and the Palaces where the Spanish Kings once lived. Free time before returning to Madrid, arrival at the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

3rd Day: MADRID - ALCALA DE HENARES - MADRID
Breakfast and leaving for Alcalá de Henares. We start today’s tour at the University of Alcalá, founded in 1499 by Cardinal Cisneros. Rodrigo Gil de Hontañón designed its superb Plateresque facade. Not to be missed are the courtyards, the Paraninfo and San Ildefonso Chapel, where the Cardinal Cisneros is buried.
Walk around the old town to visit the 18th century San Bernardo Convent, housing a religious museum. Not far from this point we will find the Cervantes Museum, located in the house where the writer was born. After Lunch, we can enjoy some free time in Mayor Street.
Back in Madrid we visit the Queen Sofia Modern Art Museum. In addition to the worldwide known painting: "The Guernica" by Picasso, other famous works are contained in the museum. Free time. Arrival at the hotel in Madrid. Dinner and accommodation. (Optional flamenco show).

4th Day: MADRID OF THE BORBONS AND THE PRADO MUSEUM
Breakfast and visit to one of the most beautiful areas in the city located between the Prado Museum and the Retiro Park. Our tour will start in the Alcalá Gate, ordered by Charles III, and the Cibeles Square. This square is surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings of the capital: the Bank of Spain, the Linares Palace and the Buenavista Palace. We will continue to the Avenida del Prado, where the main Museums and the botanical gardens can be seen. Visit to the Royal Palace, residence of the Borbón dynasty from the 18th century till 1931and also known as Oriental Palace. Inside the Palace, we shall see the Throne Lounge and the Royal Gunsmith. Walk in the Plaza de Oriente and Lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit the Prado Museum. The greatest Spanish and foreign art collection from the 12th to the 19th centuries in the country. There, in addition to the spectacular Italian and Flemish paintings we can appreciate the masterpieces by the most famous Spanish artists: Goya and Velazquez. Return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.

5th Day:MADRID-ARANJUEZ-THYSSEN BORNEMISZA MUSEUM
Breakfast and departure for Aranjuez. The dazzling beauty of the Royal Palace, which inspired the composer Rodrigo, famous for the most known "Aranjuez Concert", will astound the traveller. Felipe II rebuilt the former residence of the Catholic Kings, but it was the Borbon dynasty that improved and enhanced the beauty of the complex. We will visit the Royal Palace and focus our attention to the Porcelain Lounge and the gardens: the Parterre and the Isla Gardens of French style; the Prince Garden, English style and the Casa del Labrador. Lunch and free time. Back in Madrid we continue our tour by visiting the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, the most important private art collection in the world. Return to the hotel and dinner (optional night club). Accommodation.

6th Day: MADRID - LA GRANJA - RIOFRIO - MADRID
Breakfast and leaving for La Granja de San Ildefonso Palace, a French style Palace ordered by the Borbon family for their residence. We will visit the tapestry collection, the Versailles inspired gardens, plants and fountains that represent mythological scenes.
Lunch. Continuing the cultural route by leaving for Riofrio and visit to the unfinished Palace ordered by Isabel de Farnesio in an Italian neoclassic style. Back to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation. (Optional attendance to the theatre, opera or nightclub).

7th Day:MADRID(GARDENS, CAFES & NATIONAL LIBRARY)
Breakfast and visit to a delightful area in the capital, the favourite place for the Madrilènes: the Retiro Park and the Botanic Garden, with its 130 hectares of green gardens, is the ideal place for relaxing.
To finalize the visit: the National Library followed by a stop at the Café Gijón, a famous café well known within the literary circles. We will then walk toward the Paja Square, which still preserves the flavour of the 19th century, the times of the writer Benito Perez Galdos. Lunch in a typical "tapas bar". Free time in the afternoon. Special farewell dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

8th Day: MADRID - DEPARTURE
Breakfast and transfer to Madrid airport. Arrival and end of this cultural route.