Madrid Explorer
Set your watch to the fiery pace of Spain's effervescent capital – a passionate encounter with Don Quixote, Count Orgaz and the delicious Madrilenian flavors of tapas. Embrace la buena vida on this spellbinding sojourn admiring the treasures of el Prado, Toledo's famous synagogue and the remnants of Rome in Segovia.
Overview
Set your watch to the fiery pace of Spain's effervescent capital – a passionate encounter with Don Quixote, Count Orgaz and the delicious Madrilenian flavors of tapas. Embrace la buena vida on this spellbinding sojourn admiring the treasures of el Prado, Toledo's famous synagogue and the remnants of Rome in Segovia.
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive Madrid
Live it up in the soulful Spanish capital of Madrid – a city that truly never sleeps and whose creativity, rich traditions and vibrant lifestyle are yours to explore today. On arrival at Madrid Airport transfers will operate at 10.30am, 1.00pm and 3.30pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Later, meet with your fellow travelers and Travel Director for an evening orientation drive to the city's iconic sights, followed by a memorable Welcome Reception of traditional Spanish tapas to kick start our in-depth exploration of this effervescent city and its surrounds.
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Day 3: Madrid Sightseeing and Prado Museum
Enjoy a mesmerizing encounter with centuries of history and fascinating cultural highlights as you embark on a sightseeing tour of Madrid with your Local Specialist. See Plaza España, the trendy Gran Vía, and the Royal Palace. We'll visit the renowned Prado Museum, with one of the finest collections of European art dating back to the 12th century where you can view the likes of ‘Las Meninas', Francisco Goya's haunting collection of ‘Black Paintings' and the whimsical art of Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida. The rest of the day is yours to embrace la buena vida and soak up the passionate atmosphere of Madrid's vibrant streets.
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Day 4: Toledo Excursion with Chocolate and Churros Tasting
Travel to the clifftop city of Toledo today, where you'll join your Local Specialist for a guided walking tour of the city's quaint streets. Visit the Church of Santo Tomé, home to one of El Greco's most famous paintings - the Burial of Count Orgaz, and the synagogue, the oldest synagogue building still standing in Europe. Spend some time ambling through the city's streets and shopping for ceramics and leather before returning to Madrid. This afternoon we take you for a delicious Cultural Insight into a renowned and historic chocolateria where you'll indulge in the spicy, sugary flavors of churros. Enjoy some free time to explore before returning to your hotel. This evening, we enjoy a Regional Meal at a well-known eatery that has been a meeting place in Madrid for intellectuals, writers and artists since 1888. -
Day 5: At Leisure or Optional Experience to Avila
Today is yours to soak up the spirit of Madrid. Indulge in local flavors and aromas at the Mercado de San Miguel or to take a stroll through Buen Retiro Park. Once a royal garden, today this retreat is the green heart of the city, lined with beautiful sculptures and monuments and almost impervious to the bustle of Madrid's streets all around. Alternatively consider a full day Optional Experience to Avila, the ‘Town of Stones and Saints' so named for its exquisite churches that lie within this UNESCO-listed fortified city's walls. Get a real taste of the city with Trafalgar's exclusive Eatwith Optional Experiences. Share delicious traditional flavors with a local family in their home.
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Day 6: Segovia Excursion
Journey to the walled town of Segovia today to explore its victorious origins. Admire the extraordinary Roman Aqueduct, by far the most impressive Roman structure in Spain – delivering drinking water across its impressive 160 arches to the people of Segovia in ancient times. We'll view the fairy-tale Alcázar of Segovia and the medieval and Moorish architecture that has shaped this city. We return to Madrid this evening, joining our Travel Director and fellow travel companions for a memorable Spanish paella Farewell Dinner and celebration of a mesmerising encounter with Madrid and the iconic cities that surround it. -
Day 7: Depart Madrid
For now, it's time to say a fond adios to Spain and your newfound friends as your Spanish vacation comes to an end. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8.30 am and 11.00 am. Conditions apply.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a room.
Please note that Guaranteed Room Share is not available on this trip.
Single Room Supplement: $660 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: $30 p.p.
Airport transfers: On arrival at Madrid Airport transfers will operate at 10:30 am, 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make
their own way to the hotel. Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Madrid Airport at 8:30 am and 11:00 am.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver, $58 per person.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
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Hotel Tips
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Most Meals
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Personal Flight Options
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
8 meals: 5 Buffet Breakfasts, 3 Dinners, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Cultural Insight
- Indulge in the traditional flavors of churros served with delicious chocolate, a time-honoured Spanish tradition
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in Madrid and Toledo
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in Madrid, Toledo
- Orientation in Segovia
- Visit the Prado Museum in Madrid, the Church of Santo Tomé and Toledo Synagogue in Toledo
- View Plaza España in Madrid, the Roman Aqueduct and Alcázar in Segovia
- See trendy Gran Vía, the Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
-
30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
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Currency
The currency in Spain is the Euro (€). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Spain. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
One of the most enjoyable parts of traveling is sampling the local cuisine. Spain offers a delicious selection of cured hams, chorizo sausage, seafood, cheeses, and more. Try traditional dishes such as tortilla española (Spanish omelet), paella, and desserts such as flan, churros, and Catalan cream.
Lunch is the largest meal of the day in Spain, with many restaurants offering multi course menus at a fixed price. For a quick lunch at a reasonable price, stop by a café, outdoor market, or food cart for a bocadillo, a traditional Spanish sandwich made with baguette-style bread, ham and cheese.
Tapas are small bites served in bars and restaurants that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a meal. Try a variety of marinated olives, potatoes, croquettes, grilled octopus, and toasted bread with various toppings.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase. This will also give you many options for how to dress in Spain’s different climates. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping in Spain is much less common than in the U.S. When dining out, it’s appreciated, although not required, to leave a few extra euros for your server, and up to 10 percent for particularly good service. Leave your tip on the table rather than adding it to your credit card slip to ensure that your waiter receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Madrid
Royal Palace and Debod Temple
Adult Price: €39.00
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to visit and enjoy one of the best-preserved palaces in Europe. King Felipe VI's ancestors lived there for 200 years. We'll see the Royal Apartments, Banqueting Hall and the Throne Room still in use today for special occasions. Marvel at the furniture, clocks, paintings and tapestries. We'll also admire the 2,200 year old Debod Temple which affords magnificent views of the city.
Madrid
Ávila Excursion
Adult Price: €43.00
Join us for a full-day journey to the 'Town of Stones and Saints', Ávila. The town is so named for the exquisite churches located within this UNESCO-listed fortified cities walls.
Madrid
Dinner and Discovery in Old and New Madrid
Adult Price: €61.00
This evening you'll have the chance to admire the elegance of Madrid's new city, with its wide, tree-lined avenues and decorative fountains, before you experience the flavour of the old. Join the locals in a chat, and people-watch as you sip an aperitif before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Madrid
eatwith Experience
Adult Price: €
eatwith is the world’s leading community for authentic food experiences with locals in over 130 countries. Choose between our hand-selected hosts and dine like a local with a local. Fully immerse yourself in food and culture while meeting other travelers at your table and experience the magic of social dining. Transport is not included in this optional experience. €45 - €65
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
