Walking, Wine and Tapas
Discover Madrid as you’ve never seen it before—with stories, secrets, and a touch of British flair. Led by Stephen Drake-Jones, historian, author, and Chairman of The Wellington Society of Madrid, our walking tours offer an unforgettable introduction to the city’s grand history and colorful characters.
Wander through the old quarter, past royal palaces, hidden convents, literary cafés, and Civil War landmarks. Along the way, you’ll hear tales of kings, rebels, spies, and poets—brought vividly to life by a guide who knows every cobblestone.
Each tour is personal, engaging, and tailored to your pace. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to deepen your knowledge, you’ll see Madrid with new eyes—and likely end the day with a fine glass of Rioja in hand.
Most Popular Experiences
MADRID HISTORY & SITES
Please note that the prices quoted in Rick Steves Madrid may not reflect current prices listed on each tour page.
The Morning Stroll
If you are not sure which walking tour to take, this is your best bet. Each tour is a little different, but with so may interesting sites to see and stories to hear, you won’t be disappointed. Learn more….
BOURBON DEBAUCHERY!
Full of drama, intrigue, murder and kings and queens in endless extra martial affairs. We have stories galore including an Anarchist who almost ruined a royal wedding by throwing a bomb at their carriage, a Jesuit who was asked to write a `Fairy Tooth’ story Learn more….
UPRISING! Madrid & The 2nd of May 1808
On Monday morning, Second of May, 1808, large crowds had gathered in the Puerta del Sol and in front of the Royal Palace. Learn more….
Curiosities & Anecdotes of Old Madrid
This is indeed a singular tour which we offer during the day when shops and a very unusual museum is open. Learn more….
Old Madrid Underground
When the Hapsburgs moved their capital from Toledo to Madrid in 1561, they embarked on a massive building project. Learn more…
The Hapsburgs Are Coming!
(but don’t worry, they go away……eventually….)
Witty tales of inquisition, spirits, inbreeding and bewitched monarchs. The Hapsburgs ruled Spain for 200 years, but it was not all good. Learn more….
George Borrow’s Madrid of 1836
George Henry Borrow arrived in the Spanish capital one cold January morning in 1836. When he left for the last time four years later he had enough adventure stories Learn more….
DISCOVERING FINE WINES AND TAPAS
Discovering Spanish Wine
Join Stephen for a unique afternoon of walking, learning and sampling wines of Spain’s many wine regions from Rioja and Ribera del Duero to the smaller less known…learn more
HEMINGWAY
Hemingway’s Madrid
Ernest Hemingway (Don Ernesto as he was known in Spain) was no stranger to the Spanish capital. He stayed here in the late 1920’s…learn more
Madrid During the Civil War
NO PASARAN!
”They Shall Not Pass!’
On 18 July, 1936, General Franco led a right wing military uprising against the elected Republic. For the next two years Madrid was under siege…learn more
MUSEUMS & ART HISTORY
Art History at the Prado, Modern Arts and Select Other Museums.
The Society offers small group tours to all the famous museums in Madrid and some you may never have heard of.
All are entertaining and informative…learn more