Take a sightseeing overview tour of Madrid during this exploration of the city by air-conditioned bus. During the course of your ride you're sure to get a sense of the many centuries of history, landmarks, culture and architecture that give this unique Spanish capital its distinct charm.
Start your discovery of the city by choosing to depart in the morning or later in the afternoon, then meet up with your guide at the Plaza de España in central Madrid to board your bus and start your excursion. Head first to the Barrio de la Morería, where you'll get a sense for the city's ancient foundations that date back to the medieval era. Hear about the Royal Alcazar of Madrid, a historic Arabic fortress that once occupied the area, and admire the elegant design of the city's Royal Palace, located nearby. Continue next to Madrid Rio, where you'll pass across the picturesque bridges, Puente del Rey and Puente de Segovia.
Proceed by bus next to the Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa, two iconic city plazas that exemplify the baroque and renaissance styles favored by Spanish monarch King Philip II in the 16th century. Move on to Cybele's Fountain (Fuente de la Cibeles), arguably one of Madrid's most famous sights, along with the elegant neoclassical beauty of the Alcalá Gate (Puerta de Alcalá).
Drive next along Madrid's broad Gran Vía avenue, along with its Paseo de la Castellana towards Barrio Salamanca, where you'll have a chance to explore a more modern version of the Madrid cityscape. Then drive past the city's renowned Santiago Bernabéu Stadium (home of Real Madrid,) Spain's National Library, and the famous Las Ventas bullring, ground zero for Spain's bullfighting tradition.
Finish your excursion at Plaza de Oriente, where your tour concludes.
