General information
| Destination | Category |
|---|
| Madrid, Spain | Sightseeing Tours |
Program details
Marvel at the delights of imperial Spain with this combined tour of former capital Toledo in the morning and the Royal Palace of Aranjuez in the afternoon. Both are located to the south of Madrid and offer contrasting glimpses of the country’s Golden Age and the luxurious lives of its monarchs.
Toledo is located on a steep bend in the River Tagus and surrounded on three sides by water. Its setting and defensive facilities saw it become the capital of Spain twice, bequeathing a cultural and architectural legacy that has earned it Unesco World Heritage Site status. Stroll through the old town, admiring buildings from almost all periods of Spanish history. See the glorious Gothic cathedral, wander ancient cobbled streets and admire the Moorish, Mudejar, Renaissance and Habsburg architecture. Visit the Church of Santo Tome to view El Greco's stunning Burial of the Count of Orgaz.
The Royal Palace of Aranjuez is the beautiful country retreat begun by Philip II as his spring palace. It incorporates a planned town, landscaped gardens and orchards, lagoons, a canal and rivers, woods and moors. So special are the gardens, in fact, that they inspired Joaquin Rodrigo’s haunting concerto.
Explore the luxurious baroque palace, seeing the Throne Room of Isabel II, the Porcelain Room, the Alhambra-inspired Smoking Room and the Hall of Mirrors. Stroll around the serene gardens and behold the brilliant water features and the Chinese Kiosks of the Prices’ Gardens. Visit the Museum of Royal Feluccas, a fascinating exhibition of river craft used by the royal family.
Meeting/pick-up point: Plaza Ramales.
Duration: Ten hours.
Start/opening time: 8.45am on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
Languages: English and Spanish.