Afternoon arrival:
Drop off bags to store at lodging and headed out to walk around a bit before meeting for our walking tour. Walking toward the Royal Palace. The parks, gardens, and monuments are your first impression of Madrid, stunning!
Possibly book a small group historical walking tour that meets in front of the Royal Palace at2:30 and learn about Spain from the beginnings and evolution of Madrid from the Moors up through current time. We learn about the progression of the Royal Family, literary influences, Spanish Civil War, origin of Plaza Mayor, naming of the streets, City Hall, as well as go into a museum of Madrid that included ancient mammoth bones and other artifacts found in Madrid.
We walk through not only the large plazas but many of the smaller ones as well, a convent, Mercado San Miguel, Plaza Mayor, Puerto del Sol, and down Grand Via and to City Hall. It's a great introduction to the history and layout of Madrid.
Headed back to the hotel to check in.
I recommend an easy dinner like tapas at La Mi Venta that we can really enjoy.
Head back to the hotel. You will absolutely love the fact that is stays light out so late – 9:30 at night and still light with many people around!
Head back to the hotel. You will absolutely love the fact that is stays light out so late – 9:30 at night and still light with many people around!