Royal Palace of Madrid tour with local guide

Walk into a world of opulence, beauty and grandeur at the Royal Palace of Madrid on this guided tour. With a staggering 3,418 rooms, you’ll get to admire lavishly decorated saloons and stroll around the landscaped gardens. Marta, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘See how interior design reflects Spanish royalty – from statues mirroring Roman emperors to King Alfonso XII’s liking Victorian-style excess. You’ll see top-class artworks by masters such as Goya, Velazquez and Caravaggio that weave throughout the palace too.’ Be amazed as you walk up the Grand Staircase, each step made from a single piece of San Agustin marble, and follow your guide into apartments belonging to various Spanish monarchs. A crown jewel of the Palace is the Gasparini Room. You’ll feel entwined with nature and the room is flooded with Oriental art. ‘Brought to Spain by mule, a highlight of this space is the Shephard’s Clock. After 260 years, the complex mechanisms that produce enchanting shapes and music still work today’, says guide Marta. Get a glimpse of royal life at the Hall of Columns – imagine the dancing and dining that took place here. As you stare at the red velvet walls of the Throne Room, you’ll listen to stories about the history and the lives of past monarchs. You'll be able to solo explore the Campo del Moro gardens and walk among statues of former kings, pools, fountains and green spaces – ‘it’s also a top spot for watching the sunset in Madrid’ adds Marta.