Monday was our first full day in Madrid. Eva was our local guide and she took us on a panoramic city tour to view the statues and squares of this busy city. The Puerta del Sol and Plaza Mayor are spectacular. Metropolitan Madrid has a population of over 6 million, the third largest in Europe after London and Paris. The first historical record of Madrid dates from the Moorish era in the late 9th century.
Madrid is a lovely, modern city. The siesta is still part of the culture. Many shops/stores open at 10 a.m., close for lunch from 2-4 and close at 9 p.m. However, the large department stores in metropolitan areas have the more traditional hours Americans are used to.
Madrid is a lovely, modern city. The siesta is still part of the culture. Many shops/stores open at 10 a.m., close for lunch from 2-4 and close at 9 p.m. However, the large department stores in metropolitan areas have the more traditional hours Americans are used to.
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We toured the 19th-century Royal Palace of Spain. With 2,800 rooms, it is the largest palace in Europe. Though we only visited 20 of the rooms, we saw lavish halls, banquet rooms, the throne room royal armory and the impressive courtyard. The king and queen of Spain do not live there but they do hold events in the palace.
Steve and Carol After a quick lunch we drove to Toledo, a UNESCO site and the capital of medieval Spain until 1560. Our first stop was at a small factory where gold and silver products are made. We watched a goldsmith at work. Of course we had shopping time and many of us bought beautiful jewelry and other special gifts.
We then made our way the top of Toledo and the main city area. Thank goodness for a series of escalators! We visited the magnificent Gothic cathedral that took over 200 years to build. According to one of our travelers, "It is one of the most beautiful and impressive cathedrals that I have ever visited." Next we stopped at a 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo's Jewish heritage.
We then made our way the top of Toledo and the main city area. Thank goodness for a series of escalators! We visited the magnificent Gothic cathedral that took over 200 years to build. According to one of our travelers, "It is one of the most beautiful and impressive cathedrals that I have ever visited." Next we stopped at a 13th century synagogue, a testament to Toledo's Jewish heritage.
Toledo
It was a full day and after returning to our hotel in Madrid, we had a few minutes to get ready for our optional tour of "Madrid by Night". Those who went had a memorable dinner at L'abbraccio restaurant . We started with 6 different tapas plates and then on to the main course of lamb and potatoes. The dessert was delicious, along with the Spanish wines and liqueurs with dinner. Once again, we were well fed ! We drove through the city at night and stopped in front of the arena to see where they held the bullfights.
 |  The sole was excellent |
Time for bed.......zzzzzzzzzz .
