Madrid’s Gardens, Palaces and Culture

This exclusive, small group tour is an excellent way to find out about the gardens, history and food of Madrid from a resident ...

Escorted by the author of ‘Great Gardens of Spain’

This exclusive small group tour (maximum 16 people) is a unique experience with visits to a number of parks and gardens as well as exclusive access to private gardens, often hosted by the owner. You will visit some of the most famous, beautiful and influential gardens of Spain, some of which are normally closed to visitors.

The tour leader is well versed in the in the history, culture, people and food of Spain in general and Madrid in particular. You will get a true local perspective , seeing far more than a ‘normal tourist’.

Example Itinerary

Day 1

Flights from your chosen airport to Madrid and transfer to your centrally located hotel. Evening at leisure.

Day 2

A pre-lunch walking tour of the historical centre of Madrid. During our walk we will receive a brief introduction to the history of Madrid, its architecture, gardens and city planning. We end our tour at the Royal Palace with its impressive views of Casa del Campo and the adjoining Sabatini Gardens and Plaza Oriente. Lunch (included) is at an authentic Madrid restaurant specializing in fresh, organic Spanish vegetables. After lunch we transfer to the El Retiro for a short guided tour of one of the most emblematic of the historical parks of Madrid. Evening at leisure.

Day 3

In the morning we head to Madrid’s Botanical Garden for a guided tour with free time to stroll around. We then proceed to the vertical garden of Caixa Forum created by Patric Blanc. Afterwards we make our way to one of the most interesting private gardens in the outskirts of Madrid, where we will be received by the owner who will take us around and offer us a delicious home cooked three-course lunch. This is followed by a visit to the little-known, 18th century gem of a garden of the Quinta del Duque de Arco. Evening at leisure.

Day 4

Depart for La Granja, an incredible royal hideaway in the mountains north of Madrid. La Granja was arguably the most important court residence in Spain throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The 1,500 acre palace gardens are one of the best examples of European eighteenth century garden design. There is time to explore the vast grounds or visit the interiors of the palace. Lunch (included) at a authentic country restaurant. Then on to Segovia to visit another private garden created by the acclaimed landscaper, Leandro Silva. Afterwards in the town centre we look at the impressive façade of the Alcázar and the aqueduct followed by a visit to the very exclusive garden of the Palacio de Lozoya, owned by the Marchioness of Lozoya. We will stroll around her beautiful garden with its impressive views sipping a refreshing sangria. Evening at leisure.

Day 5

Morning at leisure. Departure from the hotel to the historic garden of El Capricho for a guided tour. Then continue to El Arverjal for a tour and talk followed by lunch (included). Then we will finish the day visiting the nearby private garden created by the Marchioness of Casa Valdés (author of Gardens of Spain). The garden was created in 1945 in a particularly arid terrain subject to extreme temperatures. It became a triumph in tempering the environment and a landmark in the development of modern Spanish gardens. In the evening we enjoy a farewell meal (included).

Day 6

Return flight to the UK.