Itinerary

Day 1 Madrid

As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. That kind of past leaves a big impression on a place and in Madrid it is easy to see. For palaces, museums and concerts it is up there with the best in the world. The museums of the "golden triangle" alone, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, feature a stunning array of paintings ranging from Old Masters to modern surrealists all housed in some of Spain's most magnificent buildings. And the rest of the city is just as rich in cultural icons and architecture. But Madrid is also a city for going out and partying. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn and rival anything Barcelona has to offer.

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer in Madrid.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

In your pack, you will also receive a “Shopping Club For Tourist” shopping card where you can enjoy a VIP treatment from the shops and stores that participate in this program. Avail of 2% discount on purchases, receive a special gift and avail of a complimentary delivery shopping services to your hotel. You will also receive a magazine detailing Madrid's main shopping areas, with a directory of retail outlets participating in the Shopping club for Tourists with specific details of VIP treatment on offer in each store.

Upon your arrival, you will receive a special Welcome Gift along with your Welcome Package. Enjoy your time in Spain!

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Your guide will meet you at your hotel and take you through the narrow and steep streets of the oldest part of Madrid, discovering the history and emblematic locations such as Plaza Mayor, Puerta de Sol and Plaza de la Villa. (No entrance fees included).

This contemporary hotel is located in central Madrid within 250 metres of Plaza Mayor, 200 metres of Callao metro station and 500 metres of the Royal Palace. Room Mate Laura’s air-conditioned apartments with modern decor open on to balconies and have kitchenettes, satellite television and minibars. Guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, and the concierge can make restaurant reservations and advise on sightseeing; further amenities include parking and a front desk.

Overnight at Room Mate Laura (3*).

Day 2 Madrid

Enjoy half day shared tour of the nearby town of Toledo. A town of great artistic beauty, it was once the capital of the country and is now one of the oldest cities in Europe. Located 70kms from Madrid, Toledo is one of the Spanish cities with the greatest wealth of monuments. Known as the “city of the three cultures”, because Christians, Arabs and Jews lived here together for centuries. Behind its walls, Toledo preserves an artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques and synagogues. During a walking tour of the city centre with your professional English-speaking guide, you will visit the city's most famous monuments such as St Tome Church, Santa Maria la Blanca Synanogue, the Victorio Macho Museum and San Juan de Los Reyes Church. (All entrances to above sites are included).

Discover the great shopping opportunities the city has to offer Here are some suggesions of places you may like to check out...The most convenient shopping area is around Calle de Preciados, between Sol and Gran Vía, home to El Corte Inglés department store, Zara, Gran Vía 32, and Casa Jiménez, Calle de Preciados 42, famed throughout Spain for its mantones and mantillas (lace and embroidered shawls). The smartest shopping district is Salamanca northeast of the centre, around Calle Serrano. Top designer names like Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermès and Hugo Boss, including the fluid fabrics and elegant cuts of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, are located on Calle Ortega y Gasset. Head for Calle Serrano for Purificación García, Roberto Verino, Ermenegildo Zegna and Yves Saint Laurent. Another trendy area is Chueca, especially Calles Almirante and Conde de Xiquena, while the Mecca for youth fashions is Calle Fuencarral. The main areas for antiques are Salamanca and the arcades on Calle Ribera de Curtidores - Nuevas Galerías, at #12, and Galerías Piquer, at #29. Bargain hunters should make for the Rastro, Madrid's famous flea market, also located around Ribera de Curtidores. The market is open on Sunday mornings (10am - 2pm). Be aware of pickpockets in this area.

Overnight at Room Mate Laura (3*).

Day 3 Madrid

See and do exactly what you feel like today with your 24 hour Madrid Card. The Card is an electronic smart card offering free admission to more than 40 museums in and around Madrid, including the major ones. Your ticket can be used on the 'Madrid Vision' sightseeing bus, allowing you to get on and off the bus as many times as you wish for a day. The card also entitles you to visit the Planetarium, a guided walking tour from the "Discover Madrid Program", use of a Cable Car, visit Faunia Biologic Park and Imax Cinema. You can also benefit from discounts in more than 100 establishments including shops, restaurants, shows, rent a car and leisure centres for adults and children. You will also obtain a guidebook with information on the museums and establishments that are included on the scheme and a map of the city. Exchange your voucher for a Madrid Card at: Madrid Tourist Board, Plaza Mayor 27 between 9.30am and 8.30pm or at Metro Travellers Information Centre. Your pass is valid from 9am until 7pm.

Discover the great shopping opportunities the city has to offer Here are some suggesions of places you may like to check out...The most convenient shopping area is around Calle de Preciados, between Sol and Gran Vía, home to El Corte Inglés department store, Zara, Gran Vía 32, and Casa Jiménez, Calle de Preciados 42, famed throughout Spain for its mantones and mantillas (lace and embroidered shawls). The smartest shopping district is Salamanca northeast of the centre, around Calle Serrano. Top designer names like Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermès and Hugo Boss, including the fluid fabrics and elegant cuts of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, are located on Calle Ortega y Gasset. Head for Calle Serrano for Purificación García, Roberto Verino, Ermenegildo Zegna and Yves Saint Laurent. Another trendy area is Chueca, especially Calles Almirante and Conde de Xiquena, while the Mecca for youth fashions is Calle Fuencarral. The main areas for antiques are Salamanca and the arcades on Calle Ribera de Curtidores - Nuevas Galerías, at #12, and Galerías Piquer, at #29. Bargain hunters should make for the Rastro, Madrid's famous flea market, also located around Ribera de Curtidores. The market is open on Sunday mornings (10am - 2pm). Be aware of pickpockets in this area.

Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner before watching a breathtaking perfomance of Flamenco. Located in the Old Quarter of Madrid, Corral de La Moreria Flamenco is an authentic tablao (place where flamenco is performed) where singers, guitarists and dancers share their talent to make you feel the art of 'Flamenco'. Enjoy a three course dinner including wine and mineral water before the performance.

Overnight at Room Mate Laura (3*).

Day 4 Madrid

Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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