Extend Your Stay
Add 2 nights in Madrid for only $299 USD (Single room: add $90 USD)
Madrid celebrates itself and life in general—around the clock. After spending much of the 20th century sequestered at the center of a totalitarian regime, Madrid has burst back onto the world stage with an energy redolent of its 16th-century golden age, when painters and playwrights swarmed to the flame of Spain's brilliant royal court. A vibrant crossroads for Iberia and the world's Hispanic peoples and cultures, the Spanish capital has an infectious appetite for art, music, food and fun.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Explore Madrid on your own today or join an optional sightseeing tour,
featuring a visit to the 2,800-room Royal Palace and the Prado Museum,
home to one of Europe’s most extensive art collections.
Included
meals: breakfast
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$75 USD |
Madrid Sightseeing
A professional local guide leads a tour through Madrid to the Prado, an extensive art museum that began as the private collection of the Spanish monarchy. Masterpieces you’ll see here include Velázquez’s Las Meninas and Goya’s La maja desnuda. Next stop is the Palacio Real (Royal Palace), built by the Bourbon King Philip V. Once the seat of the most powerful court in the world, it was here that Spain officially joined the European Community in 1986. This castle boasts more than 2,500 extravagant rooms, along with a marble staircase and the swords of El Cid. Please note: This optional excursion requires advanced booking and payment at least 20 days prior to departure.
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Day 2 - Madrid
With another free day in Madrid, you might choose to enjoy the day at
your leisure by visiting more of Madrid’s museums, exploring its
churches and parks or sipping a cerveza at a sunny café in the Plaza
Mayor. Alternatively, join an optional excursion to Toledo. This
evening, join us for our Traditional Spanish Evening, which includes a
dinner of authentic Castillian specialties at one of Madrid’s most
legendary restaurants.
Included meals: breakfast
 |
$89 USD |
Toledo
Your guided tour of Toledo begins at the city's massive Gothic cathedral, which houses 750 medieval stained glass windows and a treasure trove of golden artifacts. Gaze upon the cathedral's sacristy, containing masterpieces by the likes of van Dyck, El Greco, Rubens and Titian. After exploring the labyrinth of medieval alleyways at the heart of the city, you'll visit one of Europe’s oldest synagogues at El Tránsito. Please note: This tour involves some difficult walking over uneven terrain. Also, depending on the day of the week, the sites visited are subject to change. If the Synagogue of El Tránsito is closed, you’ll visit the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca instead.
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$99 USD |
Traditional Spanish Evening
Enjoy conversation, camaraderie and live music in a Madrid restaurant. Between courses, you'll be entertained by tuna music, an artistic tradition with its roots in Spain's universities. Tuna bands were once comprised entirely of poor college students who made music to help make ends meet. At tonight's dinner, you'll take part in this age-old tradition.
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Day 3 - Madrid
A Go Ahead representative assists you with the transfer to the airport
for your return flight home.
Included meals: breakfast
(In the
case of early morning departures, breakfast may not be provided.)
Sample Accommodations
Hotel Catalonia Gran Via / Madrid / 1-2
Formerly Catalonia Gaudí. This interesting hotel is located in the very heart of Madrid, in a building dating from the beginning of the 20th century. Its excellent location, very close to the Prado Museum and the Thyssen Gallery, makes it possible to take full advantage of Madrid’s cultural offerings. Furthermore, the hotel offers all of its visitors a fantastic restaurant, a seasonal swimming pool and 5 function rooms that can be used to hold all types of events.
Extension is available on select departure dates, and space is limited. Please call early to hold your spot. Extension requires a minimum of 10 travelers.
