Hemingway in Madrid

Don Ernesto

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, in the 30’s during the Civil War, and finally in the late 50’s following his promise to only return to Spain “When all my Spanish friends have been released from Franco’s prisons”.

Our Hemingway Tour

We take the staircase leading up to his room during the time he was working on THE SUN ALSO RISES, and, if his room is vacant, take a look inside. We have drinks & panoramic view on the terrace of the 9th floor of which was once the Hotel Florida where he stayed with Martha Gellhorn in 1937. For the Spanish Civil War, he later wrote FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS

We also visit his favorite watering-holes, many still proudly showing his photo on the walls. Needless to say we stop for refreshment at his preferred bull fighting bar in Plaza Santa Ana where he gleaned much information for his classic DEATH IN THE AFTERNOON. 

We end at a small restaurant he frequented while writing THE DANGEROUS SUMMER, for tapas or lunch in his local room with many photos and the bust of Don Ernesto looking down on us all!

“In Madrid on cold nights you can drink sherry brandy and go to bed. To go to bed early at night in Madrid marks you as a little queer. For a long time your friends will feel a little uncomfortable about it.
Nobody goes to bed in Madrid until they have killed the night. Appointments with a friend are habitually made for after midnight at the earliest. In no other town that I have ever lived in is there less going to bed for sleeping purposes.”

Recommendations

Read the story about us in The New York Times

“It was a real privilege to walk in my uncle’s footsteps with you.”- Hilary Hemingway, Papa’s niece.

“Stephen’s Hemingway tour wasn’t just good, it was great. I felt that Ernest Hemingway was just around the corner and soon I would catch up to him. Stephen fed me Hemingway’s food, Hemingway’s drinks, and allowed me to walk in the footsteps of greatness. I’m writing a play about Ernest Hemingway and, thanks to Stephen, it will have an unparalleled air of authenticity. As an actor, when Stephen had me sit in Hemingway’s spot on the steps of the Catholic church, I knew that I could be Hemingway OnStage.” -Brian Gordon Sinclair, actor and playwright.

“A fantastic insight to Papa’s haunts in Madrid. Thank you Stephen for the tour!” -Lee Bruno USA journalist

Pricing

125 € per person
Family & group prices upon request.
4 hrs with 4 tavern stops

Be sure to visit the web site of Brian Gordon Sinclair, Hemingway expert and a great friend of the Wellington Society of Madrid