Madrid: Tapas and Food History Small-Group Tour
Whether you’ve opted for a daytime or an evening tour, greet your guide and small group in central Madrid to begin a journey into a world of epicurean delights. Head straight to a historic tavern for a vermouth aperitif and tasting of a local specialty. As you stroll, your guide points out some key Madrid landmarks and provides an overview of city history. Visit two popular bars in the historic center for more tapas and authentic drinks. Wander to a local favorite to complete your dining experience with a sit-down tapas feast, and toast your evening with a final drink before bidding your guide farewell in the heart of the city.
Highlights
- ✓Enjoy personalized attention in a small-group setting
- ✓Take away foodie tips to enhance the rest of your trip
- ✓Get help deciphering menus in another language
- ✓Upgrade to include a visit to one of the city's oldest restaurants
What you'll see & do
- ✓Your evening begins at a historic tavern in the heart of Madrid, where you’ll enjoy your first tapas of the evening along with vermouth—Spain’s favorite aperitif. Get a crash course in the art of tapeo as your guide shares some of the secrets of going out for tapas here in Madrid. (if the option selected)
- ✓Your next stop was once a horse stable and is now a beloved family-run restaurant serving homemade dishes from Asturias. You'll see how cider is traditionally poured and even get the chance to try it yourself! You'll sip your freshly-poured cider and enjoy two tapas typical to region. (if the option selected)
- ✓After that, you’re off to discover Madrid’s history up close on an expertly guided walking tour! For the next 35 minutes, history will come alive before your eyes as you pass iconic sights like the Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in the world, and wander through the historic Habsburg neighborhood with buildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
- ✓Having worked up an appetite, it’s time for more tapas at a beloved bar in the historic center. Each of these bites is a time-honored local favorite that has won the hearts of generations of madrileños over the decades! You'll pair your tapas with a delicious wine cocktail locals love on a night. (if the option selected)
- ✓You'll resume your history walk visiting Madrid’s famed Plaza Mayor that has been the scene of bull fights, plays, and even public trials during the Inquisition.
- ✓Next, you'll see the lively Puerta del Sol, a lively plaza. Your guide will fill you in on why these plazas hold immense significance in Madrid's history and culture.
- ✓The next stop is a family-run bar open since 1906. Here you'll try Madrid's signature tapa, gambas al ajillo or garlic shrimp, at the place it was invented with a glass of wine.
- ✓The big finale! We are granted special access to go into Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, before it opens. This multi-floor restaurant has never, ever closed. We will start on the lower floor, even accessing the wine cellar, and it isn’t permitted entry outside of our group. We will head back upstairs and have an opportunity to stick our heads into the oven that keeps Botín running, where the cochinillos are roasted. We will head to our table past incredible works of art, tiled walls, and more inside this living museum and restaurant. (if option selected)
What's included
- ✓Local English-speaking guide
- ✓History walk through Madrid’s historic centre
- ✓Expertly guided walking tour
- ✓4 drinks (wine, beer, or soft drinks)
- ✓3 to 4 curated tasting stops (depending on option selected)
- ✓Local English speaking guide
- ✓VIP tour and dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world: Botín (if option selected)
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is in English.
Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour
This tour is not recommended for vegans.
This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, Gluten free (not celiacs), Dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women. If you have a dietary requirement or food allergy, please note it when booking.
Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible. Those with wheelchairs should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
Due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination, this tour is not adaptable for those with celiac disease
Tour not suitable for children
Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Your itinerary may vary depending on the option selected. Please review the tour description and details carefully before making your choice.
The number of the tasting stops and tapas and drinks included in your tour may vary depending on the option selected.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.
Madrid: Tapas and Food History Small-Group Tour
Whether you’ve opted for a daytime or an evening tour, greet your guide and small group in central Madrid to begin a journey into a world of epicurean delights. Head straight to a historic tavern for a vermouth aperitif and tasting of a local specialty. As you stroll, your guide points out some key Madrid landmarks and provides an overview of city history. Visit two popular bars in the historic center for more tapas and authentic drinks. Wander to a local favorite to complete your dining experience with a sit-down tapas feast, and toast your evening with a final drink before bidding your guide farewell in the heart of the city.
Highlights
- ✓Enjoy personalized attention in a small-group setting
- ✓Take away foodie tips to enhance the rest of your trip
- ✓Get help deciphering menus in another language
- ✓Upgrade to include a visit to one of the city's oldest restaurants
What you'll see & do
- ✓Your evening begins at a historic tavern in the heart of Madrid, where you’ll enjoy your first tapas of the evening along with vermouth—Spain’s favorite aperitif. Get a crash course in the art of tapeo as your guide shares some of the secrets of going out for tapas here in Madrid. (if the option selected)
- ✓Your next stop was once a horse stable and is now a beloved family-run restaurant serving homemade dishes from Asturias. You'll see how cider is traditionally poured and even get the chance to try it yourself! You'll sip your freshly-poured cider and enjoy two tapas typical to region. (if the option selected)
- ✓After that, you’re off to discover Madrid’s history up close on an expertly guided walking tour! For the next 35 minutes, history will come alive before your eyes as you pass iconic sights like the Royal Palace, one of the largest royal palaces in the world, and wander through the historic Habsburg neighborhood with buildings dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
- ✓Having worked up an appetite, it’s time for more tapas at a beloved bar in the historic center. Each of these bites is a time-honored local favorite that has won the hearts of generations of madrileños over the decades! You'll pair your tapas with a delicious wine cocktail locals love on a night. (if the option selected)
- ✓You'll resume your history walk visiting Madrid’s famed Plaza Mayor that has been the scene of bull fights, plays, and even public trials during the Inquisition.
- ✓Next, you'll see the lively Puerta del Sol, a lively plaza. Your guide will fill you in on why these plazas hold immense significance in Madrid's history and culture.
- ✓The next stop is a family-run bar open since 1906. Here you'll try Madrid's signature tapa, gambas al ajillo or garlic shrimp, at the place it was invented with a glass of wine.
- ✓The big finale! We are granted special access to go into Botín, the world’s oldest restaurant, before it opens. This multi-floor restaurant has never, ever closed. We will start on the lower floor, even accessing the wine cellar, and it isn’t permitted entry outside of our group. We will head back upstairs and have an opportunity to stick our heads into the oven that keeps Botín running, where the cochinillos are roasted. We will head to our table past incredible works of art, tiled walls, and more inside this living museum and restaurant. (if option selected)
What's included
- ✓Local English-speaking guide
- ✓History walk through Madrid’s historic centre
- ✓Expertly guided walking tour
- ✓4 drinks (wine, beer, or soft drinks)
- ✓3 to 4 curated tasting stops (depending on option selected)
- ✓Local English speaking guide
- ✓VIP tour and dinner at the oldest restaurant in the world: Botín (if option selected)
What's not included
- ✓Gratuities
- ✓Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
Good to know
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The tour is in English.
Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour
This tour is not recommended for vegans.
This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarians, Pescatarians, Gluten free (not celiacs), Dairy free, Non-alcoholic options & Pregnant women. If you have a dietary requirement or food allergy, please note it when booking.
Our group tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible. Those with wheelchairs should contact us so we can arrange your visit.
Due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination, this tour is not adaptable for those with celiac disease
Tour not suitable for children
Please note: This tour offers multiple options. Your itinerary may vary depending on the option selected. Please review the tour description and details carefully before making your choice.
The number of the tasting stops and tapas and drinks included in your tour may vary depending on the option selected.
Cancellation policy
- •A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
- •No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.