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Parque del Retiro

The Parque del Retiro, located in Madrid, has no less than 291 acres of land and it´s one of the most famous and significant places in the city. These gardens have their origin in the decade of the 1630s and 1640s, when the Count-Duke of Olivares gave the King the land that today is known as the Parque del Retiro.   The park, being so big, has many places of interest. One of the most important ones is the Walk of Statues, where you can see a series of statues dedicated to the Spanish kings. The works were created by different authors under the direction of the official sculptors of the Court: Juan Doming Olivieri and Felipe de Castro.   The Spanish Gate, created in 1893, is another of the most visited places. It was created by the famous architect José Urioste who, as well as having made this gate, also made important changes to the Spanish capital, such as the widening of the Gran Vía.   There´s also La Rosaleda, the monument to Alfonso XII, the Fountain of the Alcachofa, the Fountain of the Fallen Angel, the House of the Fisherman and the Crystal Palace, all of which are beautiful.   If you want to visit the Parque del Retiro, you just have to rent apartments in Madrid and enjoy a wonderful place full of...
Segway Tours across 3 European Capitals

Segway Tours across 3 European Capitals

JimmytheJ   It’s faster than walking, more stimulating than cycling, easier than riding a motorbike, and more ecological than any other motored vehicle. The Segway tourism trend has reached virtually all European capitals. Segway city visits are a goldmine for tour agencies. Don’t be intimidated! You don’t have to be fit. All you need is a bit of balance, a body weight between 45 and 110 kg, and being over 12 years of age. The rest comes by itself. The Berlin Wall and Surroundings by Segway It’s becoming increasingly common to see them touring the streets of Berlin, the Wall, crossing at Checkpoint Charlie, or at Museum Island. The truth is that they’re a great formula for seeing a city like Belin, taking into account its sheer size, the low temperatures in the winter, and its wide sidewalks. Besides, Berliners are used to bikes, and pedestrians tend to be accommodating. The company I’d recommend in Berlin is City Segway Tours with two tours daily, the City Tour, which lasts 4 hours and tours the Wall, Postdamer Platz, the Brandeburg Gate, and the Reichstag, or the Mini Segway Tour, which is shorter (one and a half hours) and only offered in German and English. It goes from Unten den Linden to the Brandeburg Gate, and ends up at Alexanderplatz. Further information on this website. Touring the Entrails of Valletta on Two Wheels Valletta is one of those places that, proud of its sea, lives life facing the Mediterranean. Arriving in Malta’s capital is arriving in a well-preserved walled medieval city full of monuments. Just so you get an idea: Valletta,...
5 Beautiful Excursions from Madrid

5 Beautiful Excursions from Madrid

Madrid is a wonderful city, full of art, fun and good food. The Reina Sofía and El Prado Museums, the Buen Retiro Park… There’s a lot to see. But one of the things that make this city the truly perfect destination for a trip with the family, with your partner, or with friends, is its location: wonderful little villages and towns are a mere car or train ride away, far from the bustling tourism of the capital. If you want to experience a day or a weekend like a true local, taste the traditional cuisine, and immerse yourself in the most authentic Spanish culture, we propose committing to one of these five excursions during your holidays in Madrid.   Segovia Just half an hour away from Madrid by train, or an hour away by car, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, we find this beautiful town surrounded by mountains and brimming with history. One of the first things that will have you in awe is its large Roman aqueduct right in the heart of the city, built around 200 CE and preserved in perfect condition. Other must sees included the Alcázar, which according to many served as inspiration for the Disney Palace, and its magnificent cathedral. If you are a bit of a foodie, you have to try the city’s most typical dish, cochinillo segoviano asado (Segovian roasted suckling pig), truly delicious! Toledo The historical town of Toledo lies in the autonomous community of Castile-La Mancha, a half hour drive from Madrid. It is the birthplace of the great poet Garcilaso de la Vega, and it is...
Low Cost Plans in Madrid: Under 20 Euros

Low Cost Plans in Madrid: Under 20 Euros

What can you do in Madrid with less than 20 euros? Lots of things. No question about it. With that amount of money you’ll be able to experience any of countless plans, ranging from a workshop-tasting of the trendiest drink, climbing up the Madrid skies aboard a cable-car, delighting in a chocolate con churros in one of the capital city’s most traditional and emblematic venues, or even enjoying a boat ride along the pond of the popular Park of El Retiro. Are you ready? You’ll have to dig in your pocket, but not too deep. Gin Tonic Tasting Course For a mere 15 euros you can become a true connoisseur of the trendiest of “potions”. Gin tonic culture is definitely en vogue. There are dozens of potential styles and combinations: mixed with licorice, seeds, orange, lemon, lime, sugar cane, etc. The course, which takes place at Madrid’s Gintonería de Candilón, lasts around 2 hours. You’ll taste premium gins and tonics, and they’ll teach you to mix the perfect gin tonic. Your friends will all be in awe.   The Cable-Car of the Casa de Campo Although a leisurely ride over the Madrid skyline is priceless, this cable-car does come at a price. The cost for adults is just 5.90 euros for a round trip. Children under 3 travel for free. Check the schedules on their website: www.teleferico.com.   Get Yourself a Drink at an Ice Bar Can you imagine hanging out at an ice bar, with a bar, stools, and glasses carved out of ice? Well, all that is possible in the Spanish capital for a mere 15 euros,...
Christmas in Madrid with Children

Christmas in Madrid with Children

Christmas is one of the most beautiful times of the year, it is even more so for kids who like to experience the magic of a time that the lights, music and pleasant family gathering. For those who like to travel by taking advantage of year-end parties, we will tell you that Madrid has great entertainment for the whole family this Christmas. Just to take an evening stroll through the center of town is a nice motivation and encouragement , because during this holiday lighting streets fills us with joyful  evocation, makes everything even more beautiful and cozy, ideal for walking with kids . The beautifully lit avenues are the Gran Vía, Goya Street and Ortega y Gasset. No one can miss the Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, which begins in November and lasts until January 7, 2013. This is the most famous Christmas market in the city and you can find everything there to decorate, plus clothes at reasonable prices, some items you can buy for gifts and toys for children. It is very busy during these months and it starts around 10:00 and closes around 23:00 hours. It can be reached by metro stations Opera or  Sol. The kids will have fun at the same rate as adults do. Right there you can find the Bakery House where you can hire a tour of the city, either on bicycles or walking. It has a wide range of possible paths that are free for children under 7 years, they will find this an adventurous  activity. In any case, Madrid is full of Christmas markets, where you can...