2024 Madrid with Lexy - May 17th to 24th

Theresa and Lexy planned the Madrid itinerary. It was definitely action packed and full of wonderful surprises.

May17-18th

A dash down the highway to Madrid from Burgos. Great drive through the mountains, would have loved to had more time to explore some of the small villages. Found a picturesque village located in a canyon. Freeway to Madrid after the mountains was easy to navigate.

Dropped the Avis rental at Madrid Airport. The Avis agent had spent time in Sydney. And then caught a cab into Madrid. Thank heavens we chose to drop the car at the airport.

Everywhere else we left the car on the street or in larger towns a paid car park.

We found our apartment, located directly on Calle Mayor, fabulous. Two bedrooms, lots of space, nice kitchen, great bathroom. Top floor with a view over the city and plaza. Most importantly a lift.

We got into Madrid the day before Lexy so headed our to explore. WOW. Restaurants, wide variety of shops, bars, you name it, all within easy walking distance.

Lexy arrived around noon on 18th so took a cab to the airport (EUR33 fixed fare) and then headed back. More exploring.

Booked lunch at Mudra recommended by one of Lexy's mates who had lived in Madrid. Vegetarian and Michelin star rate. S.ENSATIONAL food, wine, service. What an afternoon.

May 19th

Meandered through Madrid back streets to find the El Raestro markets. OMG. So BIG!!! And everyone in Madrid clearly comes to the markets.

Then wandered through the back streets to home. Found a food market on the way home. Fought over a table. Fought to order food from various vendors. Fought to keep the table. But FABULOUS.

That evening we went to a Flaminco Dancing and Spanish guitar show. E.xtraordinary. The female dancers did lots of work. The male just adopted various poses, like a peacock. And the guitarist, must have had 25 fingers and three hands given the chords he played and the wonderful music. A great experience.

May 20th

Meandered again through different back streets to the Prado Museum. OMG. Spent quite a few hours here working our way through the galleries.

May 21st

Guided tour of Retiro Park in the heart of Madrid. Was the original park that the Spanish rules kept for their private use.

Then wandered back through more back streets. We love heading away from the main streets, trying to find where the locals live.

May 22nd

Museo Reina Sofia via again the back streets. Yes, we walked everywhere in Spain. Generally 10k per day, sometimes more. Always accompanied by lunch somewhere and then drinks and Tapas later.

May 23rd

A guided day trip to Sergovia, Avila and Toledo. Whilst slightly "rushed" it covered the main points of interest. And gave us a great taste of the history of the towns. As you'll discover Theresa and I decided to return to a couple of the towns for longer stay.

A very long day. But well worth it.

May 24th.

Lexy departs for London (business class of course!). And Theresa and I headed to the airport with Lexy to collect our Avis car for the next leg of our journey. Off to Toledo for 3 full days.