Treasures of Madrid
with Eric Denker, Senior Lecturer Emeritus at the National Gallery of Art
Saturday, March 21 - Sunday, March 29, 2026
You’ll have an even deeper appreciation for the artistic treasures of Madrid when traveling with Eric Denker, who will be with our group every day. We’ll begin at the world-famous masterpieces at the Prado, just a short stroll from our hotel in the charming Las Letras neighborhood. On other days, we’ll walk to the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum, and to the Reina Sofia museum to see Picasso’s moving masterpiece Guernica.
We’ll also visit a hidden gems of Madrid, the recently opened to the public Palacio di Liria, the stunning 18th century official residence of the House of Alba.
One morning we’ll visit the enormous Royal Palace with its plethora of over-the-top furnishings and artworks, plus plenty of history. Then we’ll walk over to the Plaza Mayor, once the center of old Madrid. Here are restaurants, shopping, an enticing food market, and a chance to try churros and chocolate at the historic San Ginés chocolaterìa. You’ll have time for a bit of shopping as well.
We’ll also explore two richly beautiful sites outside the city: first, the medieval city of Toledo, where we’ll visit the stunning cathedral, famous pictures by the artist El Greco, and the historic Jewish synagogue and cultural center. We’ll spend another day at El Escorial, the largest Renaissance building in the world, historic residence (and now burial place) of the monarchs of Spain.
And, of course, there will be traditional tapas and flamenco to savor.
Most days, we’ll move about the cities as the locals do, using the Metro and city buses. Most evenings, we’ll gather in the hotel before dinner for a glass of wine and conversation, and then break into small groups to choose where you’d like to dine.
Late March is a wonderful time to visit Spain. The tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet, and it’s still cool enough to enjoy walking all over the city. Daytime temperatures should be in the high 60s or low 70s, with nights cool enough to need a light jacket.
But we’ll do lots more than eat. We’ll not only visit Barcelona’s most famous site, Antonio Gaudì’s Sagrada Familia, but a nearby home he designed. We’ll visit museums dedicated to two of Barcelona’s most celebrated artists, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miró. We’ll take a cable car high above the city for views of the ocean meeting the land, and we’ll climb to the roof of the Gothic Barcelona Cathedral. And the stunning Palau Música Catalana, an art nouveau concert hall notable for its curved lines, colors and botanical motifs, is not to be missed. Catalonia is famous for its cava sparkling wine, so of course we’ll visit a vineyard and taste cava as well.
And the stunning Palau Música Catalana, an art nouveau concert hall notable for its curved lines, colors and botanical motifs, is not to be missed. Catalonia is famous for its cava sparkling wine, so of course we’ll visit a vineyard and taste cava as well.
In addition to our planned activities, you’ll have time to explore Barcelona on your own. You might simply stroll along La Rambla, stopping every now and then for coffee, or churros, or tapas, and visiting the bustling Mercat de la Boqueria, where you can taste so many of the Catalan food specialties. There are enticing little shops in the Barri Gòtic and La Ribera sections near the hotel, and a number of special interest museums, including the nearby Maritime Museum. (Remember that Barcelona has a long seafaring history.)
Then we’ll board the high-speed AVE train to Madrid, where we’ll stay in the Las Lettras neighborhood, walking distance to most of the major museums. We’ll begin that evening with a dramatic flamenco show.
Next day, it’s a short stroll to see the world-famous masterpieces at the Prado. In the afternoon, we’ll strollover to the Thyssen-Bornemisza museum – or you might want to walk overto the Reina Sofia museum to see Picasso’s Guernica.
Onemorning we’ll visit the enormous RoyalPalace with its plethora of over-the-top furnishings and artworks, plusplenty of history. Then we’ll walk over to the PlazaMayor, once the center of old Madrid. Here are restaurants, shopping, anenticing food market, and achance to try churros and chocolate at the historic San Ginés chocolateria. You’llhave time for a bit of shopping as well.
Onour last day, we’ll visit two hidden gems of Madrid, the enchanting house and
light-filled paintings of Joaquin Sorolla,followed by the recently opened to the public Palaciodi Liria, the stunning 18th century official residence of the House of Alba.Mostdays, we’ll move about the cities as the locals do, using the Metro and city
buses.Eachevening, we’ll gather in the hotel before dinner for a glass of wine and
conversation, and then break into small groups to choose where you’d like to
dine.LateMarch is a wonderful time to visit Spain. The tourist hordes haven’t arrived
yet, and it’s still cool enough to enjoy walking all over the city. Daytime
temperatures should be in the high 60s or low 70s, with nights cool enough to
need a light jacket.
Of course we won't miss the justly famous Chapelle du Rosaire in Vence, once of the last creations by Matisse, beloved for its stained glass windows evoking the colors of the sea. In St. Paul de Vence, we'll stroll through the Medieval streets, ducking into art galleries and shops selling tempting sweets.
In Grasse, famous for its perfumes, you might disocver a new scent, or simply enjoy one of the several museums focused on scent, on local history and on the rich costumes of the past.
Wednesday, April 30
Depart for home or another onward journey.
Ready to Pack Your Bags?
The price for the trip is $5835. You’ll have your own room without paying an additional single supplement. To reserve your space, register here: https://www.wildblueyondertrips.com/trip-registration.
Before signing up, be sure to read all the Frequently Asked Questions and Terms and Conditions. If you have more questions, contact trip leader:
Sheila Campbell scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz
(301)-587-4555
To secure your space, mail your deposit check, made out to Wild Blue Yonder in the amount of $625, to Sheila Campbell, Wild Blue Yonder, 1001 Spring Street, Suite 623, Silver Spring, MD 20910. If you’d prefer to pay by credit card (there’s a 3% surcharge), email Sheila at scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz and she’ll send you a Paypal invoice.
What's Different about Traveling with Wild Blue Yonder Trips and Politics & Prose
Our trips never require you to pay a single supplement if traveling solo. Nor do we move from hotel to hotel every few days; you'll unpack only once for the trip. You'll choose where you prefer to eat lunch and dinner rather than have limited choices on large group meals. We generally leave the hotel each day around 10am, so you don't have to wake up uncomfortably early. And our maximum group size is 18 people.
Here's What's Included:
Here’s What’s Included:
- Two trip leaders every day to help you enjoy your time on the Côte d’Azur
- All nights at the four-star Hotel Villa Victoria on the tree-shaded Blvd Victor Hugo
- Full hot breakfast every morning
- Admissions to every museum or other site mentioned in the itinerary
- Transit tickets for local trains, buses and tram
- Restaurant recommendations for lunches and dinners
- Wine and conversation socials several evenings with the trip leaders
What’s not included: lunches and dinners, tickets to museums and attractions not listed on the itinerary, your flight to Nice and back home or anything else not listed under “What’s included.”
FAQs
A Few Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Who should come on this trip?
This is the perfect trip to take by yourself; you’ll make new friends and will always have people to do things with if you like. Or come with a friend or spouse or partner. You can spend time with each other and also have time to pursue your separate interests. The trip is also perfect for any small group that wants to travel together but doesn’t want the hassle of planning it all in advance.
Do note that some of the villages are hilly. You should be able to negotiate stairs and walking on uneven pavement.
Q. Can I come early or stay on for some extra days?
Absolutely. We suggest you come early, as the trip leaders will be around to help you plan your days. At the end of the trip, we’ll be handling the optional extension, so we won’t be accessible to you then.
Please let us know the exact dates you plan to arrive and depart, so we can alert the hotel. You’ll pay for your extra nights directly to the hotel when you get there.
Q. I’m coming with a spouse or partner and we want to share a room. Do we both have to pay the full rate?
For people who share a room, we offer a discount of $150 each. We’ve priced the trip primarily for people to have their own rooms, because French hotel rooms just aren’t as large as those in the U.S. But of course you can share a room if you prefer.
Q. How many people will be on the trip?
The maximum number of people is 18, so you won’t feel like you’re part of a huge group – especially since there are two trip leaders to break us up into smaller sections.
Q. Tell me about the trip leaders.
Sheila Campbell of Wild Blue Yonder has been organizing informal groups of travelers for years – originally on hiking trips in France, England, Italy and Spain, and now with Politics & Prose. In her day-to-day work, she was a group retreat leader who understands how to ensure everyone is involved and having a memorable experience. She lives in Washington, DC, where she has been a volunteer at the National Gallery of Art for many years.
Donna Morris is president of Best Friend in Paris, where she creates customized experiences for travelers to Paris. She has lived in France since 2006 and is one of the founders of the Politics & Prose travel program. She’s fluent in French and is an expert navigator of European cities and sites.
Q. What is the Hotel Villa Victoria like?
It’s a small hotel, located on the shady tree-lined Boulevard Victor Hugo, and close to many restaurants.
The bedrooms are simply furnished, and typically small as is common in Europe. Windows open to the air, with classic French shutters to close at night for privacy and quiet. All either look out into the garden or on to the quiet street in the front of the hotel.
What most people adore about the hotel is its large private garden at the back. It’s a great place to relax or have a drink – and you can even take your breakfast there if you like. The hotel staff speak English and are terrifically friendly and helpful.
Q. What’s included in the breakfast?
Like many French hotels, the Villa Victoria offers a wide selection of croissants, rolls and pastries, cheeses, cold cuts, hard-boiled eggs, fruit, cereal, French yogurt and so on. But – unlike many continental hotels — they also have scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage. And, of course, coffee, tea, juices, still or sparkling water and milk.
Q. Is there internet access at the hotel?
Yes, free wifi comes with your room.
Q. What will the weather be like?
It’s hard to predict these days. Usually early October is warm and sunny, but the days cool off in the evenings. Our advice is to come prepared for just about anything. Bring an umbrella, a light jacket and – most important of all – very comfortable walking shoes.
Q. What to wear?
The Côte d’Azur is a resort area, so you’ll want to bring some of your summery skirts or dresses. Jeans are fine; shorts tend to be seen mostly on the young. At night, if you’re eating in neighborhood restaurants, you don’t need to dress up–casual slacks or skirts are fine. Of course, for any place where you need a reservation, you’ll want to dress appropriately. And even the French are often now choosing comfort over style for shoes.
Q. Why aren’t lunches and dinners included in the price?
Restaurants that accept tour groups are usually the last places we want to eat. And there are just so many delicious choices for meals in France that we want everyone to be free to eat where and when they want. Nice is particularly offers many options besides French food. As it was once part of Italy, you’ll see lots of Italian options, plus Greek, Turkish, Persian, Vietnamese and lots more. Alternatively, we often make lunch the biggest meal of the day, maybe even eating at a restaurant that would be too pricey at night. You’ll choose where you’ll eat, and with whom and how much you want to spend.
Q. I don’t speak French. Can you help me figure out what to eat?
Absolutely. We’ll provide a list of common menu terms, and let you know how to do things like ask for the check.
Q. Is it safe to walk around by myself at night?
As in any city, it makes sense to be aware of your surroundings after dark. But in Nice it’s usually quite safe to be out on your own or with a friend in the evenings. One reason we chose the Villa Victoria is that we love the neighborhood. Within a few blocks are little bistros and cafés, take-out food, charming bars for cocktails. It’s near a tram stop and also a short walk to local buses, and near casual and high-end shopping.
What you do have to watch out for is pickpockets in the areas where there are lots of tourists. They’re wily, so we recommend that you leave most of your money, credit cards and passport in the safe in your room, just taking with you what you need for one day. A handbag that you can sling over your shoulder and tuck high under your arm (with a good zipper) works better than bags with long straps that dangle below your waist. And remember not to sling your handbag over the back of a chair in a café; that makes it a very tempting target.
Q. I’d love to come on this trip, but a friend has suggested a different hotel. Can I stay there?
Because we’ll be doing so much coordination from the Villa Victoria, and all our walking and transportation directions start there, we don’t think it’s practical to stay in another hotel. Plus, staying elsewhere would make getting to the evening wine and planning meetings difficult. Of course you can stay somewhere else, but the price of the trip wouldn’t change, so it wouldn’t be a good value.
Q. Some friends are going to be in Nice while I’m there. Can they come along with us?
Because we want to keep our groups small, we can’t invite your friends to come with us on our daily excursions. But you can bring them to our evening get-togethers. Please give us a day’s notice, and there’s a 10 euro per person charge for the wine and snacks.
Q. When do I need to sign up by?
The sooner you put down your deposit, the better. The Villa Victoria is a small hotel, and the rooms go quickly. We’re limiting the size of the group, so it’s best to reserve as soon as you think you’d like to come. We’ll allocate the rooms with garden view to the first few people who register and pay their deposits.
Q. I understand that Donna and Sheila will always be available by phone, but what if I don’t have an international cell phone?
Check with your cell provider to see if you can buy an international calling package for the time you’re here. If you bring a laptop, smartphone or iPad, you can always use Skype or What’s App over wifi; those are some of the least expensive ways to reach people. Please don’t come without any kind of useable cell phone, so that we can contact you quickly if needed.
Q. Do you require us to buy travel insurance?
We very strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance. Please read our Terms and Conditions carefully to see our cancellation policy. Be aware that trip insurance companies are very strict about what they will and won’t reimburse you for, so read their policies closely. If you’re on Medicare, remember that it doesn’t cover medical treatment outside of the U.S., so you’ll definitely want healthcare coverage.
Terms & Conditions
Terms and Conditions
Please read this information carefully, as payment of a deposit represents your acceptance of the following Terms and Conditions.
Trip Prices
Trip prices include hotel accommodations on a single or double occupancy basis, breakfast at the hotel, daily transportation as mentioned in the itinerary, entrance fees to museums if with the group as listed in the itinerary, evening socials to plan the next day’s activities, and the services of the trip leaders as outlined in the trip description.
Not included in the trip price are entrance fees to museums and other attractions not expressly included; taxis or other forms of city transportation; airfare and airline baggage fees; lunches and dinners; hotel, restaurant or airport tips; costs of passports and visas; personal expenses such as beverages, laundry or room service; internet wifi except as established in the trip description; airport transfers or any other services not specified in the trip description.
Please note that we cannot guarantee any special requests for hotel rooms.
Registration and Payment
The payment of your deposit confirms your reservation. Deposits may be paid by check made out to Wild Blue Yonder, Inc., or credit card via PayPal. There is a 3% surcharge for PayPal.
Your deposit is refundable for two weeks from the date it is received by Wild Blue Yonder, except for deposits made less than 60 days before a trip departs; those deposits are completely nonrefundable. Two weeks after the receipt of the deposit by Wild Blue Yonder, deposits are not refundable for any reason and will be forfeited if you cancel your trip reservation. Cancellations must be in writing by either letter to Wild Blue Yonder or email to scampbell@wildblueyonder.biz. Cancellations become effective on the date they are received by Wild Blue Yonder.
Please note that, should a covid pandemic recur after trip deposits have been paid, no refunds will be possible (the funds will now be in France), but we will reschedule the trip as soon as possible with no change in price.
Once your reservation deposit has been paid, you will receive a confirmation email and further information to help you plan your trip.
We reserve the right to cancel any reservations that are not paid in full at any time after the final payment is due. If you make your reservation after the final payment due date, payment in full will be required immediately.
Full final payment is due December 15, 2024.
Cancellations and Refunds
For any cancellations made before September 30, 2024, you will forfeit your deposit but will be refunded any other payments you have made. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your notification, which must be made in writing either by email or letter. No refunds are possible after September 30, 2024.
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance when you pay your deposit for this trip.
Changes to Your Reservation
If you would like to stay on for longer than the official days of the trip, we will make reservations for you at the hotel. We will not charge you for any changes to your reservation outside of 90 days before the trip start date. From 30 – 89 days before the trip start date, if you make any changes to your reservation, a $100 per person administrative fee will apply. Changes are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. If your reservation changes from double occupancy to single occupancy, you will be charged the single occupancy rate.
Travel Documents
You are responsible for securing your own passport, valid for at least six months after the completion of the trip.
Health and Medical Issues
We welcome all travelers, but you must be in good health to participate in our trips. The trips require a reasonable amount of walking, possibly several hours a day, uphill or on uneven streets or streets without curb cuts. You must be able to climb stairs and board trains and buses on your own. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance if you have mobility issues; in such cases you must be accompanied by a companion who will assist you.
If you are unable to navigate this amount of walking, you will not be able to participate fully in the trip, and we suggest you choose another type of trip. We cannot provide individual alternatives to the planned group activities. If your fitness level does not allow you to keep up with the group and/or travel on public transportation, you will be responsible for planning your own activities and for any additional costs incurred (for instance, but not limited to, personal taxis, train tickets, and entrance fees).
Trip Insurance
We very strongly recommend that you purchase both trip cancellation insurance and traveler’s medical and evacuation insurance for your trip. Should you have to cancel your trip after you have paid in full, we cannot offer refunds other than specified above, because we will have already paid the costs of your trip to our vendors.
Arrival and Departure Dates
It is your responsibility to make sure you arrive on the specified trip start date. We cannot refund part of your trip if you arrive late or leave early, unless you have notified us of your different start or end date 90 days before the trip start date.
Responsibility
The liability of Wild Blue Yonder and Politics & Prose, individually or jointly (referred to hereafter as Trip Planners), is strictly limited. In no event will the Trip Planners be liable for amounts in excess of the amounts payable to the Trip Planners in accordance with the terms hereunder, nor will Trip Planners be liable for any consequential indirect or incidental damages arising from this agreement. Trip Planners purchase accommodations, transportation and other services from independent suppliers not under our control. We serve only as agents for these suppliers in securing trip arrangements, and therefore will not accept responsibility and liability for wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents or representatives.
Trip Planners are not liable for injury, damage, loss, accident, or delay that may be caused by events not within our control, including but not limited to, without limitation, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, defects of any vehicle, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or the negligence or default of any third party.
Trip Planners reserve the right to correct errors in advertised prices. We reserve the right to cancel an advertised trip, decline to accept a reservation or remove a person from a trip if it is determined by us to be in the best interests of the health, safety or general well-being of other trip participants. We will make every effort to conduct our trip as planned, but we reserve the right to make itinerary and other changes as necessary. If unforeseen circumstances require us to change a hotel, we will make every effort to select alternative accommodations of the same quality. The forgoing terms and conditions and all aspects of the relationship between Trip Planners and you shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.
Recommended Reading
We love to read about the places we’re visiting, and we suspect you do too. Here are some books meant to enhance your travel experience. Although there may be some discussion of books in our evening salons, this is NOT required reading.
Fiction
The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
The Razor’s Edge by W. Somerset Maugham
Tender Is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Madam, Will You Talk by Mary Stewart
Death on the Riviera by John Bude
The Garden of Eden by Ernest Hemingway
The Sea Garden by Deborah Lawrenson
Bonjour Tristesse by Francoise Sagan
Maigret on the French Riviera by Georges Simenon
Akin by Emma Donoghue
Nonfiction
The House of Fragile Things: Jewish Art Collectors and the Fall of France by James McAuley
The Riviera at War: World War II on the Côte d’Azur by George C. Kundahl
The French Riviera: A Literary Guide for Travellers by Ted Jones
French Riviera and Its Artists: Art, Literature, Love and Life on the Côte d’Azur by John Baxter
Participation is limited - reserve your space
by completing the Registration Form today.
