We love —
- Staying perfectly placed in Madrid, stepping from elegant hotels straight into museums, markets and the city’s late-night rhythm.
- Savouring Spain’s flavours between cities, from refined dining in Madrid to traditional Castilian cooking in Salamanca.
- Slowing the pace in Salamanca, wandering a walkable UNESCO old town of Roman bridges and honey-coloured plazas.
Customer reviews —
A cultural and convivial interlude between the energy of Madrid and the historic charm of Salamanca.
Welcome to Spain —
On this exciting two-stop journey, you'll begin in Madrid, a city of grand boulevards and late-night energy, where world-class museums sit alongside buzzing markets and Michelin-starred tables. Then slow the rhythm in golden Salamanca, where a magnificent UNESCO-listed old town unfolds around one of Europe’s oldest universities. Here, history feels intimate and walkable, from Roman bridges to honey-coloured plazas.
Two cities, two moods, and a journey that balances cultural depth with indulgent ease. Opt for a car hire at the next step of your booking and take the road to discover Spain without limits.
Choose the length of stay that suits you best:
3-night stay: 2 nights in Madrid + 1 night in Salamanca
4-night stay: 3 nights in Madrid + 1 night in Salamanca
5-night stay: 4 nights in Madrid + 1 night in Salamanca
7-night stay: 5 nights in Madrid + 2 nights in Salamanca
Crowne Plaza Madrid Centre Retiro 4*, an IHG Hotel —
Fully renovated, the Crowne Plaza Madrid Centre Retiro 4*, an IHG Hotel is a modern establishment featuring a large gallery, and a beautiful garden – a green oasis in the heart of Madrid.
Find a metro stop just a few metres away for easy access to Madrid's vibrant centre, and the famous Retiro Park is only a 10-minute walk away. This is the perfect base from which to discover Spain's exciting capital.
Your room —
Enjoy a stay in an Upgraded Premium Room.
Upgraded Premium Room (25 m²)
Relax in the elegant Premium Room where stylish furniture and comfortable beds ensure a relaxing stay.
Your dining choices
Just for you:
- 1 x complimentary glass of cava (per person, per stay)
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
The hotel restaurant, Villa Monda, boasts a lovely terrace and offers traditional cuisine with a modern twist, including tapas, which you can savour in the garden area. It's the perfect place to soak up the sun at the end of the day.
Your time
If sport is part of your daily routine, the hotel offers a fully equipped fitness centre. For those who like to run around in the open air, you can enjoy Roma Park, just 200 metres away, and the beautiful Retiro Park, under a mile away.
Reach the city centre quickly by public transport to visit the main museums such as the Reina Sofía, Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza, as well as many places of interest, such as the Plaza de Cybele, Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía or Plaza Mayor.
Optional excursions —
Guided tour of the Prado Museum (fast track ticket)
Visit the Museo del Prado with a guide and avoid the queues with your fast-track ticket!
Now one of the world's largest art galleries, it houses works by renowned artists such as Velazquez, El Bosco, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Goya and El Greco, as well as a collection of sculptures and decorative arts.
Practical information
Validity: every day (except in exceptional cases)
Languages: English and Spanish. The 12.45pm tours are bilingual.
Duration: 1h30
Times: 10:45 a.m. and 12:45 p.m.
Type of visit: group
Please note: Children under 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
Price includes:
- An all-inclusive ticket for the Museo del Prado (permanent collections)
- Services of an English- or Spanish-speaking guide
Price does not include:
- Transfers between your hotel and the Museum
- Tips (optional) and any other personal extras
- Access to temporary exhibitions
Panoramic bus tour of Madrid: 24-hour pass - 1 guided tour included
Explore Madrid at your own pace on board a panoramic bus and admire its emblematic sites with a 24-hour pass and a guided walking tour included.
Madrid Pass - Access to over 20 activities and attractions - Valid for 2 days (Go City)
Discover Madrid at your own pace with the All-inclusive pass, offering access to over 15 popular activities for 2 days. Enjoy museum visits, bike rides, flamenco shows and much more, all while saving money.
Flamenco show - Tablao Torres Bermejas (1-hour)
Let yourself be carried away by Spanish culture and folklore in one of Madrid's best-known tablao for a flamenco show!
Take part in Spanish folklore when you enter the Torres Bermejas tablao. Adorned with colourful zelliges and oriental-inspired wood lace, this authentic venue has seen some of the greatest flamenco dancers. Enjoy a drink of your choice while admiring an incredible hour-long flamenco show.
Practical information:
Validity: every day (except in exceptional circumstances)
Show times: 5pm, 7pm, 9pm
Duration: 1 hour
Language: Spanish
Venue: Tablao Torres Bermejas, Calle de Mesonero Romanos, 9, 28013 Madrid, Spain
Age: Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Please note: If you wish during the show, you can order à la carte dishes (extra charge, payable on the spot).
The price includes:
- The flamenco show
- One drink
Price does not include:
- Dinner and drinks not mentioned
- Tips and any other extras
- Travel between your hotel and the activity venue
Guided walking tour and panoramic bus tour of Madrid
Discover Madrid's iconic sites on a combined walking tour of the historic centre and a panoramic tour in an air-conditioned bus through the capital's must-see neighbourhoods.
Day trip to Toledo and wine tasting
Depart from Madrid for a full day in Toledo, including a guided tour of its UNESCO-listed historic centre and wine tasting at a prestigious winery in Castilla-La Mancha.
Madrid's must-see attractions and the Prado Museum
Discover Madrid's iconic sights on a guided walking and bus tour, followed by skip-the-line access to the prestigious Prado Museum to admire masterpieces of European art.
Day trip to Ávila and Segovia from Madrid - visits to the city walls and the Alcázar
Take a guided day trip from Madrid to discover Ávila and Segovia, with included access to the famous medieval walls and the impressive Alcázar de Segovia.
Day trip to Ávila and Segovia from Madrid – free time and access to the city walls
Explore the historic cities of Segovia and Ávila at your leisure on a day trip from Madrid, with free time to discover their iconic monuments such as the Roman aqueduct and medieval walls.
Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid with skip-the-line tickets
Explore Madrid's must-see sights, from the historic centre to its iconic Royal Palace, with this comprehensive guided tour and skip-the-line access.
Guided tour of the Royal Palace and the Prado Museum
Discover the history and art of Madrid on a guided tour that includes skip-the-line entry to the Royal Palace and a tour of the masterpieces at the Prado Museum, accompanied by a guided walk between the two sites.
Dinner and Flamenco show at Tablao La Carmela
Experience an authentic flamenco evening at the legendary Tablao La Carmela in Madrid, with a traditional dinner included and a show featuring internationally renowned artists.
Flamenco show at Tablao La Carmela – drinks included
Enjoy an authentic flamenco show at the legendary Tablao La Carmela in Madrid, with drinks included, in a historic venue brought to life by internationally renowned artists.
Guided tour of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
Discover Madrid on a guided tour of the historic centre and a panoramic bus tour, before visiting the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and the Real Madrid Museum.
Hospes Palacio de San Esteban 5* —
Housed within a former monastery, the five-star Hospes Palacio de San Esteban sits on Plaza del Concilio de Trento, in the historic heart of Salamanca, moments from the city’s most celebrated landmarks. The setting alone lends the hotel a rare sense of place, where centuries-old stone walls frame a quietly refined retreat.
Meticulously restored, the complex balances heritage and history with contemporary design, exceptional comfort, and an exacting attention to detail. The result is a serene oasis of understated luxury, where timeless charm is paired with exclusive facilities and thoughtful, discreet service.
Your room —
Just for you:
- 1 x bottle of cava (per room, per stay)
Enjoy a stay in a Dreamer's Room.
Dreamer's Room (25 m²)
The Dreamer's Room is characterised by the contrast between stone and wood, creating a dreamy space for you to relax in. It is equipped with the finest amenities to ensure a truly five-star stay in Salamanca.
Your dining choices
This is a bed and breakfast stay.
Restaurant El Monje offers a refined take on modern Castilian cuisine, rooted firmly in the culinary traditions of Salamanca. The chef selects ingredients with care, honouring time-honoured recipes while reimagining them through inventive, contemporary presentation. A comprehensive wine list, polished service and the atmospheric vaulted dining room elevate each lunch or dinner into a quietly memorable occasion, where flavour, setting and rhythm come together with elegant ease.
Upgrade to half board
Choose to upgrade to half board at the next step of the booking process. Breakfast and your evening meal will be served in the main restaurant (drinks excluded, conditions apply.)
Your time
Just for you:
- €20 spa treatment voucher (per room, per stay)
Guests can cool off in the outdoor swimming pool, open from early June through September, or retreat to the library for a slower pace of relaxation. Generous indoor and outdoor spaces invite unhurried moments, whether spent reading, reflecting, or simply enjoying the calm.
Perfectly positioned for exploration, Hospes Palacio de San Esteban is an ideal base from which to discover Salamanca. With privileged views of the cathedrals, and landmarks such as the Casa de las Conchas, the Palacio de Fonseca and the Torre del Clavero close by, the city’s history and atmosphere unfold effortlessly around you.
Your journey to Spain —
Flights:
You will be able to choose your airline and flight times when you make your booking, in either Economy, Premium, or Business class, depending on the destination and carrier. This flight may include one or more stopovers. Please review your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ, in order to offer the best price.
Luggage information
Luggage, meals and other services on board may be subject to an additional fee on certain airlines. It is possible to view details of luggage allowances when you choose your flights at the next stage of the booking process. If luggage is not included with your flight, please go to the airline's website before your departure to purchase your luggage for an additional fee.
For domestic flights, airlines do not always offer the option of reserving luggage. In this case, you will need to pay for it at the airport counter.
You will receive all the information you need to check in for your flights after you have made your reservation.
Your destinations —
Madrid
Madrid is a city where history, art, and modernity converge. Steeped in royal heritage, it offers visitors a glimpse into Spain's rich cultural tapestry while embracing a dynamic urban lifestyle. Its charm lies in its contrast – from centuries-old palaces to vibrant, contemporary art scenes, Madrid promises an unforgettable experience.
Must-sees:
- Museo del Prado: Home to masterpieces by Spanish artists like Velázquez, Goya, and El Greco, this world-renowned museum is essential for art lovers.
- Palacio Real: A stunning 18th-century palace, offering a window into Spain’s royal past and panoramic views of the city.
- Real Jardín Botánico: A tranquil 8-hectare botanical garden providing a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Culinary culture:
Madrid’s cuisine is a celebration of Spain’s culinary diversity. At the heart of the city’s gastronomic offerings are its tapas. Discover local favourites like calamari sandwiches, churros with chocolate, and jamón ibérico, best enjoyed at the bustling Mercado de San Miguel. For a more refined dining experience, explore the city’s fine restaurants serving traditional cocido madrileño and contemporary dishes, with a selection of Spanish wines to complement each meal.
Dive deeper:
Beyond the major sights, Madrid’s lesser-known neighbourhoods, such as Malasaña and Chueca, reveal the city’s vibrant soul. These areas are brimming with independent boutiques, quirky cafés, and art galleries. Explore hidden gems like the Museo Sorolla, which showcases the works of Spain’s celebrated Impressionist painter, and enjoy Madrid's growing contemporary art scene.
Good to know:
Madrid operates on the euro (EUR), and is easily accessible by air and rail. The ideal times to visit are in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. For local transport, Madrid’s metro and buses provide efficient connections, while walking is often the best way to explore its charming streets.
Salamanca
Salamanca is a golden-hued city where historic architecture, lively plazas, and academic tradition merge seamlessly. Sunlight casts a warm glow on sandstone façades, while cobbled streets invite leisurely exploration. The city’s vibrant energy, layered history, and cultural richness make it a captivating destination for travellers seeking both charm and sophistication.
Must-sees:
- Plaza Mayor: Experience one of Spain’s most beautiful squares, alive with cafés, music, and conversation.
- University of Salamanca: Discover one of Europe’s oldest universities, with ornate carvings and a scholarly atmosphere.
- Salamanca Cathedral: Admire the twin cathedrals’ intricate Gothic and Baroque architecture.
- Casa de las Conchas: Explore a striking building adorned with over 300 sculpted shells.
- Roman Bridge: Stroll across this ancient structure, enjoying views of the river and city skyline.
Culinary culture
Salamanca’s cuisine reflects the heart of Castile. Savour Iberian ham, hearty stews, manchego cheese, and locally baked breads. Tapas bars offer a lively, communal dining experience, while traditional restaurants provide dishes paired with regional wines and sweet desserts that showcase the area’s culinary heritage.
Dive deeper
Wander narrow streets to find artisan shops, boutique galleries, and quiet plazas. Take day trips to nearby villages or the rolling Castilian countryside, visit local markets, or enjoy cultural events and music that bring Salamanca’s historic streets to life.
Good to know
The currency is the euro (EUR). Salamanca is compact and walkable, with buses connecting surrounding towns. Spring and autumn offer mild, comfortable weather, while summer brings long, sun-filled days ideal for exploring plazas, monuments, and outdoor cafés.