Ernest Hemingway (Don Ernesto as he was known in Spain) was no stranger to the Spanish capital. He stayed here in the mid 1920’s, in the 30’s during the Civil War, and finally into the 1950’s following his promise to only return to Spain “When all my Spanish friends have been released from Franco’s prisons”.
Tour Highlights
Panoramic Views from the 9th Floor Terrace: We begin our journey with breathtaking views from what once was the Hotel Florida where Hemingway stayed in 1937.
After the 9th floor view we go to what was his favorite Cuban restaurant with many photos of him from his time there.
Tapas at a Famous Bullfight Tavern: We discuss “Death in the Afternoon” while enjoying traditional tapas.
Visit the Hotel from “The Sun Also Rises”: Experience the ambiance of the hotel Hemingway mentioned in his celebrated novel.
Tavern & Shrine from the 1950s: Conclude our tour at the tavern where Hemingway hung out; now a shrine to his legacy.
Hillary Hemingway
“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.”`
“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
150 € 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
Help line on the Chairman’s cell phone (+34 609 14 32 03), 8 am to midnight 7 days a week
Recommended restaurants featuring specific regional foods such as paella, roast lamb, rabo del toro, and vegetarian cuisine in Madrid and in Central Spain.
Expert advice on interesting Spanish wines to buy, generally unavailable outside the country.
Ernest Hemingway (Don Ernesto as he was known in Spain) was no stranger to the Spanish capital. He stayed here in the mid 1920’s, in the 30’s during the Civil War, and finally into the 1950’s following his promise to only return to Spain “When all my Spanish friends have been released from Franco’s prisons”.