Within an hour of Madrid, there are some fascintating places to visit. All our excursions are by private coach with guide with optional meals.
To the north of the city lies the imposing and forbidding Monastery and Palace of El Escorial. Buily in honour of his father, Philip II oversaw this mammoth construction and financed it with the gold of the New World. Underneath lies the tomb of kings and the remains of the subsequent Habsburg and Bourbon rulers.
To the north of the town another opulent Spanish ruler, this time General Franco and victor of the Spanish Civil War of 1936-39 built this equally impressive and imposing memorial to the dead of that war ( and his last resting place). Built by the regimes political and war prisoners - many of whom themselves perished it remains a potent symbol of the Nationalist cause.
Situated in the picturesque Ruta por La Vega, the medieval town of Chinchon is a great day destination. Its beautiful cathedral and market square attract visitors from around the world.
High in the Sierra of Madrid with some of the finest scenery in central Spain lies the town of Segovia. Its Roman roots are still visible in the impressive aqueduct that crosses the main town entrance, whilst its subsequent importance to Moors and Chritians alike are seen in the Alcazar ( rumoured to be the inspiration for the Disney castle) and incredible views over the Sierra.
The ancient capital of the Kingdom of Toledo still retains all its splendour including intact city walls that envelop the old town. Within its walls lie a breathtaking array of monuments and buildings that mirror its Moorish, Jewish and Christian roots.
The summer palace of Aranjuez whose gardens inspired the composer Joaquin Rodrigo is a beautiful day visit for any group.
Spain is the world´s biggest wine producer yet outside La Rioja, it remains stubbornly unknown. In fact La Rioja is one of 69 wine demonination (DO)regions, of which two of the newest and most exciting, Madrid and Mentrida are within an hour´s drive of the capital.
The visit includes a tour of the Winery and an explanation of the wine making process as well as a tour of the cellars and vineyards.
The quintessential Iberian art of bullfigting remains and enigma to most. Our visit comprises of a visit to one of the regions top bull breeders where you are given an introduction to the world of bullfighting complete with tour and talk of the farm and the breeding and rearing process.