Private tour in Madrid Paul O

Visit Historic & Secret Madrid - Full Day City Highlights Walking Tour

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Paul O.

4.9

Guide rating

78

Reviews

Tours delivered

2 hrs

Avg. response time

Hello! Let me briefly introduce myself. I'm half British and half Spaniard, fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I also speak good French. Traveling has always been my passion since I was a little kid, as my father worked for an American company, and I had the chance to travel to several countries. I've primarily lived in Spain, but also in France (Paris, the UK, and the US). I can speak English with both British and American accents. I had my first trip as a tour guide when I was 15, as my American family came to Spain, and I went with them to Madrid's old town, Segovia, Toledo, and El Escorial. I discovered I liked it a lot. I have been organizing private tours since then. I have a degree in Music (piano and musical language) and Geology. This latter allowed me to explain many facts about the landscape and even several historical facts about old towns like Toledo, Segovia, and Madrid. Geology is, surprisingly, pretty important to establish a settlement. Among other things I've done during my professional career, I had two restaurants and two small wineries, so food and wine have no secrets for me. I can humbly say I'm a good chef. I have been teaching how to cook Spanish cuisine to many people throughout my life, many of them foreigners. Wine production is an art, and I have been collaborating with several enologists to obtain high-quality wines. With this experience I would be able to teach you how to prepare genuine Spanish food, not to mention organizing visits to wineries and get a good understanding about how to produce good wines and how to taste them. Personalized tours are my best approach to obtaining a unique experience for tourists. Just in Madrid, there are a lot of unknown places, full of history and even anecdotes, that most people don't know, and will give you the best understanding of Spanish history and culture. Many other places around Madrid remain unknown to visitors, like the seven Romanic churches of Guadalajara (dated from the XII century), the "magical" and mystic canyon of Duratón river in Segovia, with vultures flying over the Templar hermitage built in the plateau over the river, the castles and fortresses that "El Cid Campeador" held in his exile from Castille to Valencia in the XI century, and many others. I'll be glad to offer you any possible personalized tour, in addition to the pre-built tours you'll see displayed here. Traveling is one of the best things we can do in this life, and having a local guide will help you to squeeze every little drop of your experience and make your trip unforgettable. Hope to see you soon! Degree in Geology from Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 1981 Degree in Piano and Musical language from the Royal Conservatory of Music of Madrid (1982) None

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Paul O.

Overview of your Madrid tour

The old town of Madrid, also known as "Madrid of the Habsburgs", comprises the majority of the main historical buildings of the City. The best way to make this tour is by walking. It's not very tiring plus it's how you can be better prepared to enjoy a nice variety of classic "tapas", as well as hot chocolate with "churros". From Puerta del Sol Square, we'll go on our tour making some stops to take breaks, enjoying some drinks on a nice terrace where I'll complete my explanation about the history of Madrid. I'll show you the oldest building of the city (Los Luján Tower, XV century), San Ginés Church, the Royal Palace, the Royal Opera House, the Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great (which holds the fourth biggest dome in Europe), and many others. We will finish our tour by returning to the square we departed from, on a journey of around 7 hours. This will be a unique experience that you'll not be able to find elsewhere! Join me to know the true and genuine Madrid! Customizable itinerary:

Recent Reviews

Steve L.United States
October 2024

We had a full day tour with Paul. He was a pleasure to spend the time with not only because he knows Madrid inside and out…its history, its architecture, and monuments (as well as the history of Spain), but also because of his wide range of interests and pursuits. As we meandered thru this beautiful city, he talked throughout, as we hoped he would, informing us about its past and present and the significance of all that we saw. He guided us thru the Imperial Palace, translating what the Spanish Guides were saying into his listening device (English speaking whisper devices were not available). Along our way, we stopped twice for some small meals. We can recommend him highly!!

David M.Australia
October 2024

A wonderful day with Paul exploring parts of Madrid we would never have found without him. The visit to the Royal Palace was the highlight

Claire K.United States
May 2024

You will not be disappointed with Paul as your guide around Madrid. Found so many little known treasure s and the absolutely best tapas restaurant and bakery in the entire city. Family ties to Madrid gives paul a very unique perspective and he helped us avoid tourist based locations. Warm, friendly, educated and funny- his tours were definitely the highlights of our visit.

Toni G.United States
March 2024

We took the 7 hours Madrid tour with Paul. The 7 hours went by pretty fast. Paul was excellent. He took us around many historic places. He showed us things that we wouldn't have known or noticed if we were walking by ourselves. We paced ourselves and we also asked him to take a lunch break. He took us to an excellent taps place and restaurant for lunch. These were places that locals go to, and not touristy, which we wanted, and loved. At the end of the tour he took us for churros and chocolate. Highly

Your Madrid tour itinerary

·Our tour starts at Puerta del Sol Square. ·We'll visit several churches and chapels around Arenal Street, like San Ginés church, just to arrive at the Royal Opera House, Royal Palace and its beautiful gardens. -We'll visit the Cathedral of La Almudena, close to the Royal palace. ·We'll go by Calle Mayor (Main Street) to the Plaza de la Villa, seeing the oldest building in Madrid, the old town hall and the monument to Admiral Álvaro de Bazán. ·Then, we'll go through Cava Baja Street tand see "Sobrino de Botín", the oldest restaurants in the world, founded in 1725. ·We'll then get to Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful Squares in Europe, a must for those who visit Madrid! ·The journey will end by visiting the beautiful Santa Ana Square and its unique surroundings. ·At last, we'll return to Puerta del Sol Square. This is the main route, but there are also some secret places we'll visit too.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

No need to use any transport, just walking.

What's included
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

ByGuide: The tour will start from Puerta del Sol Square.

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
City Highlights
Tour reference number
1133110
Languages
Spanish
English
French
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Madrid best suited for?

This private tour in Madrid is perfect for travellers who want to explore the city's historic and secret sites on foot. It's ideal for those interested in history, architecture, and local culture. The tour is also suitable for families with kids, seniors, and travellers with mobility concerns, as it is wheelchair accessible and involves light walking.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Madrid be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 8 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 8 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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