Madrid: City & Country Elite
5 Days
Contact us for pricing
Highlights:
Spain
(Madrid)
,
Madrid
(Alcala de Henares)
Trip Start/End:
Madrid
/
Madrid
Explore Madrid; home of the Royals, where you can visit the enormous city center public garden known as El Retiro, the Prado museum and the Plaza Major - one of the finest squares in Spain which also has many alluring qualities to attract the visitor. Enjoy a number of days in Madrid, with local English speaking Guides and exploring by yourself. Immerse yourself in the city and discover the beauty of its culture. Use a 24 hrs art pass - allowing you free admission to more than 40 museums in Madrid, visit the Royal Palace and the famous El Prado museum, and enjoy a three course Spanish dinner with Flamenco show. Then escape the city to the tranquility of the recently converted Parador de Alcalá de Henares, a UNESCO site, which is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomás Dominican Convent and School. Located only 26km from the city, it will give you a totally different experience of Spanish culture.
Overview
| Day | Activities | Hotel |
- Day 1
- Madrid
| - Transfer - Private - Airport - Vehicle/Driver
- Spain - Welcome Package
- Lunch (not included)
- Private - 1/2 Day Walking Tour (3 hrs) - Guide
- Dinner (not included)
| Hospes Madrid (5*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 2
- Madrid
| - Private - 1/2 Day Personal Shopper: The Gourmet Trades of Madrid (4 hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Unescorted: Dinner & Flamenco Show (2 hrs) - Dinner/Show
| Hospes Madrid (5*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 3
- Madrid - Alcala de Henares
| - Private - 1/2 Day Prado Museum & Royal Palace (4 hrs) - Guide
- Lunch (not included)
- Transfer - Private - Parador Alcala de Henares - Vehicle/Driver
- Dinner (not included)
| Parador Alcala de Henares (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 4
- Alcala de Henares
| - Self Guided exploration of Alcala de Henares
- Lunch (not included)
- Dinner (not included)
| Parador Alcala de Henares (4*)
Standard (B)1 DBL (2 Adults)
|
- Day 5
- Alcala de Henares - Madrid
| - Transfer - Private - Madrid Airport - Vehicle/Driver
| Depart
|
| B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner, 1/2d = Half Day, Al = All Inclusive |
Trip Itinerary
Puerta del Sol
Hospes Madrid
Day 1: Madrid
Meet your driver for a private airport transfer.
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.
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).
Accommodation: Hospes Madrid (5*) The five-storey hotel is located in a historic building on Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of Madrid, 200 metres from Retiro Park and 15 kilometres from the airport. Hospes Madrid's 42 modern guestrooms are decorated in warm shades, and include Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, satellite television, wireless Internet, and pillow menus. The hotel spa offers treatments to relax and revitalize including massages and facials, and the onsite Senzone Restaurant and Terrace Bar provides a modern setting to enjoy cocktails.
Gourmet Madrid
Flamenco dancer
Day 2: Madrid
Enjoy an unforgettable Shopping experience in Madrid in the company of a Personal Shopper. On this tour, you will explore the Gourmet Trades of Madrid discovering local cheeses,oils, chocolates, wines and a pleasant visit to a traditional market with culinary delicatessen and specialties. Please note that no transportation is included in this service. Please speak to your Kensington Tours Sales Advisor if you would like to have transportation pre-arranged.
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.
Accommodation: Hospes Madrid (5*) 
University of Alcala
Royal Palace
Parador Alcala de Henares
Day 3: Madrid - Alcala de Henares
Start your private half day tour with the El Prado museum. Your guide will meet you at the gallery (please see Welcome Pack for meeting point). With your private guide, visit the most important rooms of the most relevant Spanish painters, and, of course, Las Meninas by Velázquez, Las Majas by Goya and the Adoración de los Pastores by El Greco. Continue your tour by walking over to visit the Royal Palace, approx 20min on foot. (If you'd prefer to hop in a taxi and pay for this locally, please just let you guide know or alternatively we can organise a private transfer - please ask and we will re-quote you). The Royal Palace was built during the XVIIIth Century and is housed in the building of the old Alcázar of Madrid. It is one of the richest in Europe and is very well preserved. It is used by the Spanish Crown in Official Receptions, Presentation of Credentials and Official Events, such as State Meetings. Its rooms are full of artistic works belonging to the Royal Family.
Avail of a private transfer from Madrid to the Parador de Alcala de Henares.
Accommodation: Parador Alcala de Henares (4*) Located a mere 35km from Madrid city, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomás Dominican Convent and School. It is one of the city’s landmarks along with Hostería del Estudiante, in the former Minor School of San Jerónimo, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1510 and overlooking the beautiful Patio Trilingüe at the University of Alcalá de Henares. These monuments form a complex that was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Around the cloisters at the Santo Tomás School-Convent there are the restaurant, the bar, the breakfast room, the guests’ lounge, and the night bar. A spa is currently being built on the premises. The property perfectly marries the historical features of the building with modern architecture using natural materials - especially stone and wood. The rooms are modern and airy in feel with clean lines and contasting furnishings and furniture. The hotel features modern spa facilities and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Alcala de Henares
Day 4: Alcala de Henares
Relax and rejuvinate poolside in the Parador, or find yourself a cosy spot to read a book and sip on a glass of sangria. if you feel like exploring the town, Alcala de Henares, a UNESCO designated area, has many interesting sites to visit including Cervantes House Museum, Outdoor Modern Sculpture Museum, Chapels of Oidor, University and S. Ildefonso, Magistral Church of Santos Justo y Pastor, and the Bernardas Monastery.
Accommodation: Parador Alcala de Henares (4*) 
Madrid Barajas Airport
Day 5: Alcala de Henares - Madrid
Relax as you are transfered from Alcala de Henares to the Madrid Barajas Airport. The distance is approximately 20 km.
Accommodation: Depart Depart Madrid (Barajas) Airport. End of itinerary.
Accommodations
- Hospes Madrid
Hospes Madrid (5*) - Madrid
The five-storey hotel is located in a historic building on Plaza de la Independencia in the centre of Madrid, 200 metres from Retiro Park and 15 kilometres from the airport. Hospes Madrid's 42 modern guestrooms are decorated in warm shades, and include Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes, satellite television, wireless Internet, and pillow menus. The hotel spa offers treatments to relax and revitalize including massages and facials, and the onsite Senzone Restaurant and Terrace Bar provides a modern setting to enjoy cocktails.
- Parador Alcala de Henares
Parador Alcalá de Henares
Parador Alcala de Henares (4*) - Alcala de Henares
Located a mere 35km from Madrid city, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares is housed in a magnificent seventeenth-century building, the former Santo Tomás Dominican Convent and School. It is one of the city’s landmarks along with Hostería del Estudiante, in the former Minor School of San Jerónimo, founded by Cardinal Cisneros in 1510 and overlooking the beautiful Patio Trilingüe at the University of Alcalá de Henares. These monuments form a complex that was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Around the cloisters at the Santo Tomás School-Convent there are the restaurant, the bar, the breakfast room, the guests’ lounge, and the night bar. A spa is currently being built on the premises. The property perfectly marries the historical features of the building with modern architecture using natural materials - especially stone and wood. The rooms are modern and airy in feel with clean lines and contasting furnishings and furniture. The hotel features modern spa facilities and a seasonal outdoor swimming pool.
Travel Info
Travel tips of Spain
VISA/PASSPORT
Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. As such, U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa. The passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.
Citizens of other countries may require a visa. Please ask your Sales Advisor. These requirements change often and therefore it is best that you check with the Embassy of Spain for the most up to date visa information.
HEALTH
Health insurance is recommended. Medical facilities are good quality. We recommend that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. The doctor or health-care provider will determine what vaccinations and medication you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities. For more information on travel requirements, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/spain.aspx
COUNTRY INFO
Capital: Madrid.
Government: Parliamentary monarchy since 1978.
Language: The principal language is Spanish (Castilian or castillano). Catalan (in the northeast, with variations spoken in Valencia and The Balearics), Galician (in the northwest) and Basque (in the north, bordering France) are also spoken.
Religion: There is no official religion, but the majority of the population is Roman Catholic.
Time: Mainland Spain/Balearics: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October). The Canary Islands: GMT (GMT + 1 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 220 or 225 volts AC, 50Hz. Generally, round two-pin plugs and screw-type lamp fittings are in use.
Telephone: Country code +34.
Mobile Telephone: Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is good throughout most of the country.
Internet: There is a variety of Internet cafes in most urban areas.
What's Included:
- Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
What's not Included:
- Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $350). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of 30% of program price. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to loss of 100% of program price.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
Stay in the know: Subscribe to our newsletter to have our hand-picked trips & specials delivered to you!