Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Spain: The Heart of Spain - Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo

Cultural Photo Tour including tapas tour and wine tasting.

Madrid is one of the world’s most vibrant and seductive cities. It is a city with a charming and infectious atmosphere that the visitor can immediately sense, feel a part of and most of all, enjoy. A city that takes unabashed pleasure in its past traditions, it is proud to display a wealth of cultural treasures and architectural glories. The accommodations are in the heart of Old Madrid, close to the majestic Plaza Mayor, which is perfectly preserved and extremely beautiful. Historically a venue for state ceremonies, bullfights, and executions, it is an excellent place for early morning photography, capturing the city come alive each day. You will also walk through the streets of Bourbon Madrid, with its Avenue of Art, containing three of the world’s leading art galleries. The Prado, Thyssen, and Reina Sofia have turned Madrid into a haven for art lovers. The Prado, with its massive concentration of masterpieces has long been recognized as one of Spain’s greatest attractions, housing the very finest of Spanish Art. Explore the traditional treasures of Madrid as well as the hidden gems your guides will share with you.

Leaving Madrid behind you will move on to Segovia, known in Spain as the capital of Castilian cuisine. The charming hotel is located a few paces from the central Plaza Mayor, and has the most important Roman remains found in Segovia, apart from the Aqueduct. The Aljibe was the largest cistern in the city and now has been turned into an elegant meeting room. From the hotel your guide will introduce you to the history of Segovia, photographing the aqueduct, cathedral, traditional buildings, and the famous Alcazar or castle. The castle is the crown jewel of Segovia, from its ramparts, one can dream of history.

You will stop in the beautiful walled city of Avila for lunch, as you make your way to Toledo. Still called the Imperial City, Toledo was the capital of Visigoth Spain before Madrid even existed. The wonderful setting overlooking a barren Castilian landscape, its narrow and twisting streets, its historical and architectural diversity, and its wealth of art make Toledo a national treasure. From the gothic cathedral, the two surviving Jewish synagogues, the castle, and the prized El Greco paintings, your guides will immerse you in the labyrinth of charming, winding streets, stumbling upon tiny chapels, patios and enchanting plazas. The hotel rests upon the original foundation of a sixteenth century Toledan house, located a short distance from both the city’s monuments and its often overlooked nature trail by the Tajo River. Also close by are the recently-refurbished tenth century Arab Baths.

A note from your photo leader:
My goal with this tour is to help you to create a cultural portrait of Spain, both in images and in memories. For the photographer in you my style is to provide leadership and guidance that will get you in front of some of Spain’s most awe-inspiring architecture, interesting people and iconic sites and landmarks in the places we’ll be visiting. With our travel schedule in mind, we will get out early in the day in order to capture each place in the best light and before the tourist crowds overwhelm. However, we have also scheduled plenty of free time for you to explore these places on your own. I speak fluent Spanish, which will certainly add to the ease in which we photograph on these early morning and late evening photo shoots.

The main goal of any trip is to help you to advance your capability to ‘see like a photographer,’ but also to provide an overall cultural experience that will not only reveal the location through your camera’s lens, but through your mind’s eye.

Participants of all experience levels are welcome, and after an orientation I'll provide advice about photography when asked, however, my style is to allow you the freedom to discover photo, and cultural, opportunities on your own, but to always be available to assist. The traveler who gets the most out of any international experience is the one who is open to being flexible in order to take advantage of impromptu events. www.RalphVelasco.com

Ralph is the author of a new book: “Ralph Velasco On Travel Photography: 101 Tips for Developing Your Photographic Eye & More.” http://www.ontravelphotography.com

Itinerary

October 19: U.S. - Madrid

Your journey to Spain begins with an overnight flight from the U.S. to Madrid, Spain.

October 20: Madrid

Arriving at Madrid’s Barajas airport you will make your own way to the hotel in Madrid, via taxi or shuttle service. Your four star hotel was once the American embassy, its position is an enviable one, as you can enjoy the historic splendours of the Spanish capital. Every room has been carefully decorated making excellent use of the high ceilings, large windows, and light (internet connection available). Once freshened up, stretch your legs and take in the sights. There may be an organized photography walk at dusk, depending on arrival times. Dinner will be on your own this evening as participants will arrive at various times. Overnight Hotel Palacio San Martin.

October 21 - October 22: Madrid

After a morning photo shoot with Ralph, head back to the hotel for breakfast. You will be introduced to your local guide as you experience a private walking tour of Old Madrid, including the Palacio Real, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza Mayor, a wonderful Baroque square lined with arcades filled with picturesque cafes. There will be time this afternoon to rest, or revisit Old Madrid in different light. Prior to dinner a suitable location will be selected for photographs at dusk.

In the evening, indulge in a private tapas tour, the perfect introduction to Madrid and Spain. Tapas in Madrid means tradition and this includes the atmosphere, not just the food. Your guides will take you to some atmospheric and very photogenic places.

The next day in Madrid your local guide will provide a walking tour of ‘Bourbon Madrid’, so called after the ‘Bourbon’ Kings, of the French dynasty, who built this area. Originally it was an open area containing market gardens, and was called the Prado (Meadow). The Bourbon monarchs, particularly Carlos III chose this area to provide a lasting architectural legacy to the madrileños. The attractions in Bourbon Madrid include Retiro Park, the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Cibeles, the Congreso de los Diputados (Spanish lower parliament), and the Prado Museum. The morning tour will conclude at a typical local restaurant where you will be served a delicious selection of home-made dishes. Selecting a choice venue for you including a demonstration of skill, traditional Iberian ham cutting.

The afternoon will be at leisure… This is your chance to revisit monumental areas, take in an optional museum tour, or explore additional nooks and crannies of Madrid with your guides; they will be at your disposal for the entire day. Overnight Palacio San Martin (B, D; B, L)

October 23 - October 24: Segovia

This morning you depart via coach to Segovia. After dropping luggage at the hotel you will have an introductory walking tour of Segovia, and discover its outstanding architectural monuments, such as the Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar. Segovia is known in Spain as the capital of Castilian cuisine, perhaps for lunch you would like to try the famous suckling pig which the city is famous for! In the early evening, your guides will lead another walking tour through Segovia, catching the Alcázar before closing.

The next morning there will be an early walk around the lower plateau for photography, which offers excellent views of the castle. Soon after midday, head to Peñafiel, stopping en route at the Coca castle. Dating back to the 13th century, Peñafiel is one of Spain’s most spectacular castles. It is perched on a cliff that rises sharply to dominate the vast plain of the river Duero. The long crest of the hill on which it is built determined the castle's layout; it has the form of a very narrow walled precinct almost 600 foot long. The castle of Peñafiel is now home of the wine museum Museo Provincial del Vino. The museum shows the complete culture of wine, from vineyard to glass, including a wine tasting. Arrive back in Segovia in time for photography at dusk. Overnights Casa de Mudejar, (B, L; B, L)

October 25 - October 26: Toledo

Today you will depart for Toledo, stopping in the lovely walled city of Avila for lunch and photography. Upon arrival in Toledo, you will have a private walking tour of the city with a local licensed guide. Although now completely overshadowed by nearby Madrid, it is Toledo with narrow, winding streets, steps, stone houses, and churches that embodies Spain’s past. In the Middle Ages, Toledo was built on a convergence of Christianity, Islam and Judaism, and contains two of the few remaining medieval Spanish synagogues. Visit El Tránsito, a thirteenth century synagogue and the adjoining Jewish Museum, devoted to the history and legacy of Jewish Spain. The remainder of this evening will be at leisure…As always, your guide will be available for your assistance.

At the center of Toledo, you will find the soaring Gothic cathedral. Its Sacristy contains many paintings by El Greco, Van Dyck and Goya, plus an impressive collection of medieval garments and textiles. Stop at the church of Santo Tomé, and marvel El Greco’s famed Burial of the Count of Orgaz, considered to be El Greco’s finest work. The Museum of El Greco contains an extensive collection of the former Toledo resident’s famous works.

The next day there will be another early morning photography shoot with Ralph, followed by breakfast. Your guide can assist those wishing to take part in an interior tour of the cathedral, church, or museum, while others may prefer to stroll through the winding streets taking, time for more photographic opportunities. In the early evening, head up to Cigarrales, which offers a suitable vantage point for your ‘El Greco views’ over the Imperial City. Overnight Casona de la Reyna, (B, L, D; B)

October 27: Madrid

With early morning coffee and pastries prepared, the group will be transported to Consuegra, for early morning photography. The castle and the windmills are Consuegra's most important monuments. Most Spanish windmills, like those described in Cervantes' Don Quixote can be found in the province of La Mancha in central Spain. The best examples of restored Spanish windmills may be found in Consuegra where several mills spike the hill just outside of town, giving us a spectacular view of the twelfth century castle and of the town.
Heading back to Madrid (stopping in Toledo if necessary to retrieve luggage), you may wish to make a spontaneous stop in Aranjuez. Situated between the rivers Tagus and Jarama, it was used as a royal residence in the time of Ferdinand and Isabel the Catholic. Philip II began the present palace with the same architects who worked on El Escorial, Juan Bautista de Toledo, and Juan de Herrera. The present decoration of the palace dates particularly from the eighteenth century.

Upon arrival in Madrid, Ralph will organize a photo shoot late this afternoon. This evening you will enjoy a farewell dinner together with your Spanish host, at a select restaurant. Overnight Hotel Palacio San Martin, (B, D).

October 28: Madrid - U.S.

You will have one last photo shoot this morning, before taking a taxi to the airport for flights home. (B)

Extension

Optional extension to Bilbao and San Sebastian

Contact Strabo Tours for information

Accommodations

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Guides

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Food & Drink

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Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $4,295 US Dollars based upon minimum of 8 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $645; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Extension land cost: $0 based upon minimum of paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $0 if paying participants.

Single room supplement: $0; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

General Tour Info (includes, excludes and other details)