Majestic Spain: A Journey Through Madrid and Seville

These Gardens, Named After an Architect...

... Who had nothing to do with their design. In fact, Francesco Sabatini's illustrious stables were torn down to make way for the construction of the three verdant terraces in the 1930s.  The gardens were just named in his honor. Directly adjacent to the Royal Palace, the Sabatini Gardens make for a restful pause when roaming about the royal grounds, the geometric designs bring a sense of order and peace.

Process like Nobility towards the Almudena Cathedral's Astonishing Architecture

It's a long walk across the Plaza de la Armería to the Cathedral of Almudena, its façade promising stories of Habsburg Spain. These promises are unmet: Constructed through the tumult of 20th-century Spain the Cathedral was only consecrated by Pope John Paul II in 1993.  Hidden within its adherence to classical architecture, modern stained-glass and a stunning coffered ceiling express a faith moving with, but not bidden to, modernity.

Stare in awe at the grandeur of the Royal Basilica.

The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great, fusing baroque and neoclassical styles and renowned for its colossal dome—one of the largest in Christianity—boasts an interior adorned with exquisite frescoes and artworks by prominent Spanish artists like Goya and Zubarán. It is held that the church rests on land offerd to St. Francis himself while he was on pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Royal Madrid

Madrid's most courtly districts, Asturias and La Latina, sing of the Spanish Empire. The Royal Palace, built from the wealth of that empire when it stretched from the Iberian Peninsula to the Philippines via Argentina and Florida, exudes power and imputiny.  But you can impetuously walk through the gates, buy a ticket and oogle the grandeur - it's a free country.  The striking Almudena Cathedral rests a short, noble walk across a grand square.  On their fringes rest the tranquil Sabatini Gardens, designed for relaxation with a (spectacular) view.  In the La Latinas district , the regal sites continues with the Royal Basilica of San Francesco el Grande and its immense dome and masterful frescos. You'll also find the city-run Museum of the History of Madrid, offering gratis the long story of Madrid.

Take a Regal Stroll up to the Palace, or down to the Theater...

The Plaza de Oriente, with its harmonious layout, stretches from the Royal Theater to the base of the Royal Palace, creating an ensemble both demure and grandiose . Adorned with statues of Spanish monarchs turning it into a majestic open-air gallery, one must make use of its manicured gardens and elegant cafés while enjoying the central fountain.

A Proper Palace Won't Be Offended If You Are Awestruck

The Royal Palace presides over Madrid, a symbol of the magnificence and power of Spanish royalty. With over 3400 opulent rooms, the palace contains unimaginable riches, a treasure trove of art, history, and architecture. Visitors are welcome to visit various chambers including the Throne Room, the Hall of Mirrors, and the Royal Armory, each designed to reflect the wishes of one of Old Europes most powerful royal families.

Highlights Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish history with a captivating 3-hour walking tour in Madrid, focusing on the majestic Royal Palace (exterior) and the bustling Plaza Mayor. At the Royal Palace, you will learn how the Habsburg Empire came to Spain, grew to cover the New World, and then discovered that the Iberian peninsula was enough land. Then, meander toward the vibrant Plaza Mayor, a grand square framed by historic buildings, lively cafes, and street performers. Among the frescos of these Baroque buildings you'll hear Madrid's history, the good and the bad, the everyday and the dramatic. Through it all, you will have the chance to see and hear the buzz of life the proceeds from Spain's capital!

Highlights Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish history with a captivating 3-hour walking tour in Madrid, focusing on the majestic Royal Palace (exterior) and the bustling Plaza Mayor. At the Royal Palace, you will learn how the Habsburg Empire came to Spain, grew to cover the New World, and then discovered that the Iberian peninsula was enough land. Then, meander toward the vibrant Plaza Mayor, a grand square framed by historic buildings, lively cafes, and street performers. Among the frescos of these Baroque buildings you'll hear Madrid's history, the good and the bad, the everyday and the dramatic. Through it all, you will have the chance to see and hear the buzz of life the proceeds from Spain's capital!

Highlights Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish history with a captivating 3-hour walking tour in Madrid, focusing on the majestic Royal Palace (exterior) and the bustling Plaza Mayor. At the Royal Palace, you will learn how the Habsburg Empire came to Spain, grew to cover the New World, and then discovered that the Iberian peninsula was enough land. Then, meander toward the vibrant Plaza Mayor, a grand square framed by historic buildings, lively cafes, and street performers. Among the frescos of these Baroque buildings you'll hear Madrid's history, the good and the bad, the everyday and the dramatic. Through it all, you will have the chance to see and hear the buzz of life the proceeds from Spain's capital!

Highlights Walking Tour

Immerse yourself in the heart of Spanish history with a captivating 3-hour walking tour in Madrid, focusing on the majestic Royal Palace (exterior) and the bustling Plaza Mayor. At the Royal Palace, you will learn how the Habsburg Empire came to Spain, grew to cover the New World, and then discovered that the Iberian peninsula was enough land. Then, meander toward the vibrant Plaza Mayor, a grand square framed by historic buildings, lively cafes, and street performers. Among the frescos of these Baroque buildings you'll hear Madrid's history, the good and the bad, the everyday and the dramatic. Through it all, you will have the chance to see and hear the buzz of life the proceeds from Spain's capital!

The inhabitants were sworn to poverty, the furnishings, not so much.

Set in the rugged landscapes of Central Spain, ever turn at El Escorial will awe you. With the Habsburgs running the show in the 16th century, Spain needed a lot of prayers, and the royal family set up this monastery specifically that monks would pray for them. King and family had their spaces too, big ones: it is the largest Renaissance building in the world.

Roam the woods and fields of this former royal hunting ground.

There was a time, from 1561 to about 1870, that to be an animal here meant you were a trophy or dinner. The vast royal hunting grounds, of which only La Herrería Forest remain, was the playground of the Spanish King.  Nowadays, this undulating landscapes especially protects the large variety of birds that flit through the Pyrenean oak Cherry trees.  Deer, the occasional shy bobcat, and even otters grace the landscape, and maybe even they appreciate the stunning views of the El Escorial Monastery.

Excursion to El Escorial

Take a trip into the mountains just outside of Madrid and disover El Escorial. At one time a royal monastery filled with monks praying for the Spanish Empire, El Escorial also served as a royal retreat. Since the king and family slept there, many of the rooms are far from austere. Where once only a precious few could admire the frescos and statues of the largest Renaissance building in the world, you can freely visit!

The inhabitants were sworn to poverty, the furnishings, not so much.

Set in the rugged landscapes of Central Spain, ever turn at El Escorial will awe you. With the Habsburgs running the show in the 16th century, Spain needed a lot of prayers, and the royal family set up this monastery specifically that monks would pray for them. King and family had their spaces too, big ones: it is the largest Renaissance building in the world.

Taxi to Rail Staiton

Taking a taxi, Uber or Bolt can evade navigating the metro or a bus with luggage. If that sounds attractive, let your hotel confirm a taxi for you; we'll provide the details and advice you need to easily navigate Madrid's rather confusing Atocha rail station.

Taxi to Rail Staiton

Taking a taxi, Uber or Bolt can evade navigating the metro or a bus with luggage. If that sounds attractive, let your hotel confirm a taxi for you; we'll provide the details and advice you need to easily navigate Madrid's rather confusing Atocha rail station.

Taxi to Rail Staiton

Taking a taxi, Uber or Bolt can evade navigating the metro or a bus with luggage. If that sounds attractive, let your hotel confirm a taxi for you; we'll provide the details and advice you need to easily navigate Madrid's rather confusing Atocha rail station.

Taxi to Rail Staiton

Taking a taxi, Uber or Bolt can evade navigating the metro or a bus with luggage. If that sounds attractive, let your hotel confirm a taxi for you; we'll provide the details and advice you need to easily navigate Madrid's rather confusing Atocha rail station.

Visit an ancient acheivement to see Seville both old and new.

La Giralda, an iconic symbol of Seville, is a bell tower of the Seville Cathedral originally built as a minaret during the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century. Standing at 104 meters, it was one of the tallest towers in the world upon completion. The tower combines Islamic and Renaissance architectural styles, with a stunning Renaissance belfry added in the 16th century. Visitors can climb the ramped passageways to the top for panoramic views of Seville. La Giralda's rich history and architectural grandeur make it a highlight of the city's skyline.

Visit this tower, one of the Moorish landmarks of the city.

The Torre del Oro is a 13th-century military watchtower situated on the banks of the Guadalquivir River in Seville. Built by the Almohad dynasty, it served as a defensive structure to control access to the river and protect the city from naval attacks. The tower's name, "Tower of Gold," is thought to refer either to the golden hue of its reflection on the river or to its original use as a storage place for gold brought from the Americas. Today, the Torre del Oro houses a small maritime museum and offers panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.

Step into the ring...

Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza is one of the most famous bullrings in Spain, located in the heart of Seville along the Guadalquivir River. Completed in the 18th century, it is known for its distinctive Baroque façade and is one of the oldest bullrings still in use today. The bullring has a seating capacity of around 12,000 and hosts the annual Feria de Abril, one of the most important events in the Spanish bullfighting calendar. In addition to the bullfights, the site includes a museum that offers insights into the history and tradition of bullfighting in Seville.

Seville Centro

Uncover the historic heart of Seville and visit its most iconic attractions. This area, centered around the breath-taking Seville Cathedral and the nearby Church of the Divine Savior, offers a mix of grand architecture, religious heritage, and lively street life. Bounded by the Alcázar to the south and the Guadalquivir River to the west, this section of Seville has been an active hub since the city’s Moorish period, making it a must-see for your visit.

Visit an ancient acheivement to see Seville both old and new.

La Giralda, an iconic symbol of Seville, is a bell tower of the Seville Cathedral originally built as a minaret during the Almohad dynasty in the 12th century. Standing at 104 meters, it was one of the tallest towers in the world upon completion. The tower combines Islamic and Renaissance architectural styles, with a stunning Renaissance belfry added in the 16th century. Visitors can climb the ramped passageways to the top for panoramic views of Seville. La Giralda's rich history and architectural grandeur make it a highlight of the city's skyline.

Experience the grandeur of Plaza de Toros, Spain's oldest and most iconic bullring.

Built in 1785, this Neoclassical bullring is renowned for its monumental architecture and historical significance as a birthplace of modern bullfighting. Explore the ring’s sandy arena, follow the path of bulls and bullfighters through the arena complex, and wander through its museum to learn about the art and tradition of bullfighting.

Marvel at the iconic Mirador Puente Nuevo de Ronda, where breathtaking views of the New Bridge and a stunning waterfall come together in a perfect scene.

This vantage point offers a dramatic perspective of the 18th-century Puente Nuevo, soaring 320 feet (98m) above the El Tajo gorge, with the Guadalevín River cascading into a beautiful waterfall below. The combination of the bridge’s architectural grandeur, the rushing water, and the gorge’s rugged cliffs creates an unforgettable panorama.

Ronda Guided Excursion

Ronda, perched dramatically above a deep gorge in the Andalusian mountains of Spain, is a city intergrated with its natural beauty. This ancient town, famously split by the El Tajo gorge, over which the impressive Puente Nuevo bridge stands, offers breathtaking views that have inspired artists and writers for centuries. Ronda is known for its historic bullring, one of the oldest in Spain, and boasts writer Earnest Hemmingway and dircetor Orson Welles as devotees. This private guided excursion to Ronda will allow you to visit Spain's oldest bullfighting ring, explore winding cobbled streets, discover local wines and tapas, and immerse themselves in a place where every corner reflects the millennia of Spanish history.

Experience the grandeur of Plaza de Toros, Spain's oldest and most iconic bullring.

Built in 1785, this Neoclassical bullring is renowned for its monumental architecture and historical significance as a birthplace of modern bullfighting. Explore the ring’s sandy arena, follow the path of bulls and bullfighters through the arena complex, and wander through its museum to learn about the art and tradition of bullfighting.

Taxi to Airport

The Aeropuerto de Seville rests about a 15-minute taxi ride from town (depending on your precise location). If you leave from your hotel 2 hours and 45 minutes before your flight, you should have a good amount of time to deposit bags and pass through security.  In heavy traffic, the ride can last up to 40 mins.  Depending on time of day, the ride will cost between 30 and 45 euros. Uber has a limited presence in Seville, but it is available.

Taxi to Airport

The Aeropuerto de Seville rests about a 15-minute taxi ride from town (depending on your precise location). If you leave from your hotel 2 hours and 45 minutes before your flight, you should have a good amount of time to deposit bags and pass through security.  In heavy traffic, the ride can last up to 40 mins.  Depending on time of day, the ride will cost between 30 and 45 euros. Uber has a limited presence in Seville, but it is available.

Taxi to Airport

The Aeropuerto de Seville rests about a 15-minute taxi ride from town (depending on your precise location). If you leave from your hotel 2 hours and 45 minutes before your flight, you should have a good amount of time to deposit bags and pass through security.  In heavy traffic, the ride can last up to 40 mins.  Depending on time of day, the ride will cost between 30 and 45 euros. Uber has a limited presence in Seville, but it is available.

Taxi to Airport

The Aeropuerto de Seville rests about a 15-minute taxi ride from town (depending on your precise location). If you leave from your hotel 2 hours and 45 minutes before your flight, you should have a good amount of time to deposit bags and pass through security.  In heavy traffic, the ride can last up to 40 mins.  Depending on time of day, the ride will cost between 30 and 45 euros. Uber has a limited presence in Seville, but it is available.