Located on a high plateau at the heart of the country, the beautiful city of Madrid has been the capital of Spain since 1561. It is Spain's most elegant and sophisticated destination and a short break in Madrid provides the ideal taster of the city's history, culture, cuisine and spectacular art collections.
THE HOTEL RITZ MADRID
In Spain's premier city, one hotel stands out as the ultimate luxury destination: the Hotel Ritz Madrid occupies a fin de siècle palace that is perfectly located between the verdant Retiro Park and a scattering of Madrid's most important art galleries, including the Prado. This gorgeous hotel, built in 1910 at the behest of King Alfonso VIII, is now one of the most luxurious in Europe. The suites are exquisitely decorated, with separate sitting rooms, garden views and marble and gilt bathrooms, all beautifully furnished and superbly comfortable.
The Ritz Madrid offers a wonderful range of dining opportunities, from the gourmet cuisine of the Goya Restaurant to afternoon tea in the Lobby Bar or relaxed al fresco tapas on the terrace. Venturing out, you'll find that Madrid has plenty to offer, from cultural attractions to fine dining and excellent shopping, making the centrally-located Ritz the first choice for a short break in Madrid.
AN ART LOVER'S PARADISE
Madrid is one of the world's great art capitals and no stay would be complete without a visit to at least one of the city's many legendary art galleries. First and foremost is the vast and labyrinthine Prado, home to more than 8,000 paintings including masterpieces by Goya, Velázquez, El Greco and Van Dyck.
Nearby in the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, one of the world's most important private collections features Renaissance, Impressionist and Expressionist works by artists including Titian, Van Gogh and Picasso. Spain's national modern art museum is the Centro de Arte Reina Sofía which houses Picasso's Guernica.
SOPHISTICATED PLEASURES
Nowhere can beat Madrid for a city break when it comes to fine dining and elegant shopping. Best known for its traditional tapas bars, particularly around the Plaza de Dos de Mayo, you'll also find a wealth of Spanish regional cuisine as well as representatives of the new wave of Spanish gastronomy that is giving the country a world-class culinary reputation. For the city's best shopping, head for the Milla de Oro – the Golden Mile – in the Serrano area. Top Spanish and international designers, elegant department stores and specialist boutiques make this the perfect place for buying gifts or a spot of self indulgence.
Short breaks to Madrid guide price: £3,696 per person based on four people flying by Citation CJ2 from Luton and staying two nights in a Junior Suite.
Other departure airports and durations are available. Please contact us for details.
Guide Prices are low-season, entry prices.
