Bilbao
Madrid
DAYS SEVEN AND EIGHT In Madrid Your two days in Madrid will be packed with prestigious art and architecture from throughout the centuries. The hotel is within walking distance of all three of the world-class art museums which make up Madrid’ s Golden Triangle of Art. The Prado Museum is one of the largest art galleries in the world and contains an impressive selection of Spanish paintings, including works by Goya and El Greco; the Reina Sofia Museum is Spain’ s premier collection of modern 20th and 21st century art including Picasso’ s‘ Guernica,’ films by Luis Buñuel and Salvador Dalí, and an abundance of striking sculpture; and the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, one of the best private collections of 13th to 20th century art, illustrates the history of western art and includes pieces by Goya, Degas, Kandinsky and Renoir, but must be booked in advance. After visiting all three of these prestigious museums, enjoy the atmosphere of the capital. Take in the ambience of the Plaza Mayor, the grand arcaded square at the centre of the city. Then, visit the Palacio Real de Madrid, the official residence of the Royal family, which is often open for the public to explore. Inside, the highlights include the Spanish marble, stucco carvings, frescoes painted by Giaquinto, Tiepolo, and Bayeu, and the fully-equipped Royal Armoury. If you are not able to go inside, you can still enjoy the Plaza de Oriente beside the palace, which has statues of the Gothic Kings lining its central walkway, or the Campo del Moro Palace Gardens. Situated just outside the city, the historical residence of the King of Spain, El Escorial, is a vast palace complex with magnificent gardens that is also open to the public. However, you may need to arrange private transportation to reach it.
DAY NINE Madrid to London by air Perhaps spend a few hours at leisure in Madrid before you catch your return flight to the UK.
Hotel Carlton, Bilbao
Hotel Claris, Barcelona
What’ s included
• Scheduled flights with British Airways flights from London to Madrid return in economy
• Standard class rail travel from Madrid to Bilbao, Bilbao to Barcelona and Barcelona to Madrid
• 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel Carlton in Bilbao
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel Claris in Barcelona
• 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel Urban in Madrid
• Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
What’ s not included
• Personal holiday insurance. This is essentisl and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
• Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
• Transfers in each city
PRICES
Prices are per person based on two people sharing a double or twin room and including standard class rail travel From £ 1,960
Holiday code SNFR07
Hotel Urban, Madrid
To speak to our specialist rail holidays team telephone 01392 441250 or see www. expressionsholidays. co. uk 65