Private tour in Madrid Paul O

Visit Historic Madrid & Toledo - Full Day Tour

5.0

(4) reviews

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Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
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-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Paul O.

4.9

Guide rating

84

Reviews

Tours delivered

1 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 best way to enjoy the most important monuments and historic buildings in Madrid and Toledo. If you want to take the best advantage of your time, this is a perfect option. You'll have a good overview of the two towns, and see the most important monuments in Toledo, and the most iconic historic buildings in Madrid. We'll depart from Madrid to Toledo early in the morning, have lunch either in Toledo or Madrid, and drive back to Madrid to have a very interesting walking tour through the "Madrid of the Habsburgs".

Recent Reviews

Keyur P.India
May 2026

Outstanding Guided Experience in Madrid & Toledo — A Day of History, Culture, and the Best Churros of My Life We had the privilege of spending a full day in Madrid and Toledo with our guide, Paul, and I can confidently say it was one of the most memorable guided experiences of our travels. Paul greeted us promptly at Barajas Airport and seamlessly transported us to the historic city of Toledo after dropping our extensive luggage at our Hyatt hotel . From the moment the tour began, his deep knowledge of Spanish history, culture, and architecture was evident. He guided us thoughtfully through the enchanting Jewish Quarter, the magnificent Royal Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the historic Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca, and the awe-inspiring Toledo Cathedral—truly one of the most majestic Gothic cathedrals in Spain. His storytelling brought centuries of history alive, yet the pace remained relaxed and personalized, perfectly suited to our interests. Upon returning to Madrid, Paul led us on a delightful walking exploration of the historic “Madrid of the Habsburgs.” We visited iconic landmarks including Puerta del Sol, San Ginés Church, the impressive Royal Palace, Mercado de San Miguel, and the lively Plaza Mayor. Every stop was thoughtfully explained with context, anecdotes, and practical insights that only an experienced and passionate guide can provide. And then came a wonderful surprise. As a special treat, Paul introduced us to the legendary churros with hot chocolate at Chocolatería San Ginés—a gesture of generosity and warmth that we will always remember. The churros with chocolate sauce were, without exaggeration, the best we both have ever tasted in my life. It was a simple yet unforgettable moment that perfectly captured the spirit of Spanish hospitality. Beyond his knowledge, what truly distinguished Paul was his professionalism, punctuality, patience, and genuine care for our comfort and enjoyment throughout the day. In summary: * Exceptional knowledge of history and culture * Flawless organization and punctuality * Warm, personable, and attentive service * Thoughtful touches that created lasting memories * An experience that exceeded expectations in every way We highly recommend Paul to anyone visiting Madrid and Toledo who seeks not just a tour, but a meaningful and enriching cultural experience. Thank you, Paul, for a truly outstanding day. Dr. Keyur Parikh & Reeta Parikh

Gary F.United States
April 2026

Paul is an excellent guide! On a second of two days, Paul showed me Toledo and Madrid. Paul’s rich commentary explores the culture and history of Spain. He is thorough in his preparation and desire for his clients to receive the best in their days in Spain. He also selects excellent places for lunch! We had an excellent walking tour of Madrid. Paul is tireless in his pursuit of providing the best for his clients! He is fully adaptable to his customer’s schedule and interests. Highly recommended!

Tom S.United States
April 2025

Paul provided an all day walking tour for my wife and I. We had a great time as Madrid is a very walkable city and Paul used that to great advantage. Paul was able to answer our continuous stream of questions about the city's history and architecture. Paul has a varied background that allows him to address the many aspects we look for in a tour guide: local knowledge, art & architectural information in depth, and practical knowledge of the citizens and their everyday lives. We have used Tours By Locals in many locations including Singapore, Prague, and Dubai. We have never been disappointed. Thanks Paul!

Your Madrid tour itinerary

I’ll pick you up at your hotel in Madrid and drive Toledo. We’ll visit the Jewish Quarter, including the Royal Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, the Synagogue of “Santa María la Blanca” (built in the XII century, the oldest still standing in Europe), the Synagogue of “El Tránsito”, (that holds the Sephardic culture museum) and the Cathedral, one of the most majestic Gothic Cathedrals of Spain. We’ll return to Madrid. 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, visiting: Puerta del Sol Square The oldest building of the City (Los Luján Tower, XV century), San Ginés Church, The Royal Palace The Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great (which holds the fourth biggest dome in Europe), and many others.

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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Sedan

Rental full-size car to Toledo and back to Madrid

What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Tickets
Meeting location

Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain

Travellers' hotel or agreed meeting point

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Jewish Heritage
Religious Sites
Architecture
Tour reference number
1405458
Languages
Spanish
English
French
Activity level
Moderate
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Madrid best suited for?

This private tour is perfect for travellers who want to explore the historic sites of Madrid and Toledo in a single day. It's ideal for those interested in history and architecture, as you'll visit significant monuments and buildings. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who prefer a more personalized experience with a local guide like Paul O.

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 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 10 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-4 people
Your party size

1

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