Proposals

I propose visits inside Madrid anchored on a theme: historical, artistic, gastronomic, or centered around the finest traditional shops of the city. The tours about food and art are my favorites! These are some suggestions:

"Madrid of the Hapsburg court": We will tour the emblematic areas, such as Plaza Mayor, created when Madrid became the capital of the Empire.
"Madrid of the Enlightenment": A journey through the architectural footprint of the first Bourbons in our city. It includes a visit to El Prado Museum and the Guernica.
"Madrid's Emerging Art Scene": Spain is well known for its contribution to painting, having produced more great artists than virtually any other country in the world. The present is no different; nowadays we can still find many intersting emerging artists with brilliant futures. Let me show you some of the workshops of my favorite talents.
"Shopping Fineries": We will seek out historical craft shops of Spanish handicrafts such as guitars, wool-capes, espadrilles, decorated fans, and leather crafts and clothing.
"Culinary Byways": Gourmand's walking tours that, depending on your taste, will introduce you either the city's centennial pastry shops, or the old and modern taverns with the best 'TAPAS'.
"Cooking flavors": Private cooking lessons at a singular cookware shop or a mansion, where you will learn some of the secrets of the extensive Spanish cuisine.
"Wine Tasting"

Beyond touring the city, time and energy must be saved to enjoy a pleasant dinner and a good show. I will be glad to manage the acquisition of show tickets and the booking of restaurant tables. Nowadays Madrid boasts a world-class offer of musical concerts, opera, and musicals (at theaters at the Gran Vía, meaning Broadway!). Theatre itself is living a golden age again. And, not to be missed, there are the more local and genuine events: a flamenco dancing at a 'tablao', a bullfighting at Las Ventas (this Moorish bullring and La Maestranza of Seville are the cathedrals of this colorful show), or a Real Madrid soccer game. The range of restaurants in the city is overwhelming, excellent and mediocre ones co-exiting door-to-door. I will be happy to suggest and book on your behalf a table at selected places such as, for instance, a good 'arrocería' (paella restaurant), a centuries-old hearty-cuisine house, a hidden gem, a contemporary cuisine chef lounge, a vegetarian place, or one of the tasty regional cuisines (basque, andalousian, …).

Finally, beyond Madrid, I will be delighted to manage your visit to some of the magnificent towns at a 'stones throw away' from the capital:

Toledo: This ancient Capital of Spain, with a remarkable medieval flavor, is one of the Spanish towns with a richer artistic heritage. It is known as 'the city of the three cultures', because of the thriving coexistence of Christians, Muslims, and Jews, during the Middle Ages.
El Escorial: This palace-city was the political centre of the Empire of Philip II in the XVI century. It boasts a magnificent library and the Spanish Royal Pantheon.
Segovia: The imposing roman aqueduct, the charming Old Quarter punctuated with Romanesque churches and Renaissance mansions, and the wonderful sights of the Old Castilian surroundings make this calm town truly unique.

Please consider the above suggestions and write me back with your interests and concerns, and I will organize you a personalized itinerary.