In Madrid, luxury is in the details, which you can enjoy at your own pace. The perfectly-plated morel risotto, the coveted fashion brands that line Serrano Street, the meticulously manicured Royal Botanical Gardens, and the stylish hotels located steps from the world’s most renowned attractions. See it for yourself with the help of Inspired Travel Designs and enjoy insider connections, plus the exclusive perks you’ve come to expect.
Royal Palace of Madrid – Virtuoso
A PEEK INTO MADRID’S HISTORY AND CULTURE
Elegant Spain’s central capital, Madrid, will take your breath away. Layers of history across the fantastic architecture. Stop by the Prado Museum, the beautiful Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Madrid de Los Austrias.
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Madrid de Los Austrias
Sightsee this area without missing anything and make a note of the following places:
Palacio Real
Catedral de la Almudena
Calle Mayor
Plaza de la Villa
Mercado de San Miguel
Puerta del Sol
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Madrid’s Medieval Core
Explore Plaza Mayor, where you can shop, walk around, eat and enjoy the outdoors – a significant public space in the core of Madrid
Puerta del Sol should be on your list. On top of the Casa de Correos building, the current headquarters of the Madrid regional government, you’ll find the famous clock that all eyes turn to on the last day of the year. Why? To do the tradition of eating 12 lucky grapes to the 12 chimes of midnight struck by this same clock.
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Prado Museum
Skip the line and witness notable works and famous masterpieces. Impress your eyes and feed your curiosity as you walk through the exquisite collection with your expert guide. Among the outstanding masterpieces, you will see Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights and Roger van der Weyden’s The Descent from the Cross.
Prado Museum in Madrid
MELTING POT OF JEWISH, CHRISTIAN, AND MOORISH CULTURES
Toledo is a center of culture and religion just an hour away from Madrid. Spend a day with an expert theologian and visit the home of the Jews, Christian, and Muslims from the Maghreb.
Among the sites not to miss are the following:
- Cathedral of Santa Maria of Toledo
- Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca
- Church of San Tomé
- Jewish Quarter
- Monastery of San Juan de Los Reyes
Interior of Santa Maria la Blanca in Toledo
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO THE WELL-PRESERVED ROMAN CITY
A little over an hour away from Madrid is Segovia, one of the best-preserved historic cities in Castille. Charming medieval squares and streets, Romanesque churches, Gothic private homes, and Renaissance palaces await you.
Visit the Alcazar and learn about Segovia’s story about the Spanish crown. Hear straight from the experts about the last great Gothic cathedral in Europe, which houses a triptych by Ambrosius Benson and an important collection of Flemish tapestries and Baroque altarpieces.
Visit the 15th-century Clarissan convent of St. Antonio el Real, featuring the breathtaking Mudejar wooden carved and gilded ceilings produced by Muslim craftsmen. It is also a treat to see the 12th-century church of San Justo and discuss with your guide its Romanesque decoration.
Alcazar Castle in Segovia
YOUR HOME IN MADRID
Four Seasons is in the heart of Madrid. Adorning this hotel are traditional and modern details, plush furnishings, and alfresco spaces to soak in the views. Experience rooftop dining by celebrity chef Dani García(be sure to try the Nitro Tomato and Green Gazpacho)!
Head to one of the nearby tablaos (a stage made of wood) for a traditional flamenco showcase. Tip: The hotel can even arrange a flamenco lesson for you!
Flamenco Dancer
Imagine a top-of-the-line spa including multi-sensory showers and a vitality pool. Room and suite makeovers by renowned French designers Gilles & Boissier. A one-of-a-kind dining experience with Michelin-starred chef Quique Dacosta at the helm.
Tip: Take advantage of the hotel’s location within walking distance of the Prado and Thyssen museums and next to Retiro Park.
This hotel combines history, architecture, and a breadth of innovative and memorable experiences. Did you know that the concierge can arrange a private guided tour of the Prado Museum? Even the museum itself doesn’t organize tours. Amazing right?
Four Seasons Hotel in Madrid – Virtuoso
FOOD AND FUN IN MADRID!
One of the best ways to gather is over food and drink. Scan any bar or restaurant in this vibrant city, and you’ll see animated groups rather than solitary diners.
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Never skimp on the sobremesa
Sobremesa is the Spanish tradition of time spent around the table after a meal, usually over coffee, drinks, and conversation. Sitting around the table surrounded by the aftermath of a well-enjoyed meal can feel familiar in homes, but Madrid restaurants distinguish this Spanish concept.
Famous restaurants such as La Tasquita de Enfrente and Lakasa, known for their baked fish with eggplant and anemone sauce, will never make their diners feel rushed into leaving after eating.
Take a tip from the locals, always say si to sobremesa – Virtuoso
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Tapas are always a good idea.
Madrid’s most famous delicacy, Tapas! Tapa means “lid” in Spanish. Waiters at tavernas began placing tiny saucers on top of sherry glasses to keep out flies a few centuries ago.
Through the years, Tapas found its way into becoming a new way of eating.
Try La Taberna Sanlúcar for its tortillitas de camarones (thin, lacy deep-fried shrimp fritters) and ortiguillas (deep-fried sea anemones).
Tapas are social inherently. Gran Meliá’s Coroa Royal Gallery & Garden menu notes classics such as patatas bravas (spicy “brave” potatoes) and fried calamari.
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The best experiences happen after midnight.
Begin a drink at one of the rooftop bars and terraces. The nightlife in Madrid is a second act of the city’s lifestyle.
If you’re in the mood for live music, La Coquette Blues Bar exudes soulful tunes. If you feel like you want jazz, head to Café Central Madrid.
Medias Puri is your bet for a live performance space. Head to Arts Club for a classy night out in the upscale Salamanca neighborhood.
Cap the night with chocolate con churros at the 24-hour Chocolatería San Ginés. These deep-fried pastries are dipped into a cup of thick drinking chocolate, the true madrileño nightcap.
Welcome to VIP access to meticulously curated, magically experienced tailor-made itineraries to Madrid’s most extraordinary places. Go beyond the guidebooks. Let me take you to under-the-radar gems, gastronomical awesomeness, and those “oh wow” experiences that you can never find in any guidebook. I can make it happen for you! Click here to set up some time!
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