Majestic Spain: A Journey Through Madrid and Seville

9:30 AM - 12:30 PM

Highlights of Madrid Private 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!

Morning to Afternoon

Self-Guided Excursion to the Royal Monastery of 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! If you desire, you can also visit the controversial Valley of the Fallen, a dramatic and sober monument in the mountains that commemorates the fallen combatants of the Spanish Civil War, a conflict that still reverberates in Spain today.

7:45 AM

Transfer to Station by Taxi

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; and using the few simple steps below, continue your journey!  Most trains to other major cities and international points depart from Atocha Station.

Early Morning/Morning

Explore the historic heart of Seville

Uncover the historic heart of Seville and visit the most iconic and culturally rich areas of Seville. Start at the awe-inspiring Seville Cathedral and climb the Giralda Tower for panoramic views. Stroll through the grand Plaza de España, marvel at the modern Metropol Parasol, and wander the charming streets of Barrio Santa Cruz, the historic Jewish quarter. This exploration encapsulates the essence of Seville's vibrant history, architecture, and lively atmosphere.

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Guided Excursion to Ronda, Andalusia's Cliffside Jewel

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.

To Be Determined

Airport Taxi Drop-off

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.