3+Madrid

Madrid is the capital and the geographical center of Spain. Normally, the hotel that CHA uses in Madrid is this one: []. Recently it has been renovated and it is quite nice. The hotel is located near a Corte Inglés (sort of like Spain's version of Macy's or Bloomingdales but with MORE!) You will definately want to explore the Corte Inglés in every city. Some cities have more than one. Check out Corte Inglés here : []

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Be sure to take time to explore in La Puerta del Sol. There you will surely come across the statue of the Bear and the Madroño Tree (El Oso y el Madroño). If you can find the spot shown below in La Puerta del Sol, you will be standing on the exact center of Spain ! Here is a hint- it is right across the street from the bear statue !======

On your tour of the city you will visit many places in Madrid. One of the main attractions will be El Palacio Real.

If you enjoy art you will have an opportunity to visit the El Prado museum and La Reina Sofia museum. Here are the links: [|http://www.museodelprado.es/,] [|http://www.museoreinasofia.es/index.html]

While in El Prado you'll want to be sure to keep an eye out for the very famous painting Las Meninas. This 1656 painting is by Diego Velázquez, the leading artist of the Spanish Golden Age At La Reina Sofia you will be sure to see Pablo Picaso's famous Guernica. Be sure to research these two paintings before you leave on your trip ! Here is a short film that shows Guernica in 3D: []

Here is one of my favorite little stores in La Puerta del Sol. Every time I go I am pleased to find that it is still in the same place offering the same lovely violet flavored candies !

As you may know, Spain experienced it's own terror attack on March 11, 2004. The M-11 Memorial in Madrid is a monument commemorating the victims of that attack.