Page 46 - Cork & Tee Sample Program Flipbook, 2018

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the Habsburgs, otherwise known as the golden age of Madrid, from the very late 15 century to
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the mid-17 century. Your panoramic tour will include the elegant Gran Via noted for its
interesting buildings based on the Prairie School architectural style. You might also visit the
chic Barrio de Salamanca. During your guided stroll of Old Madrid, you will visit charming
squares, such as Plaza de la Villa, and narrow streets as well as off-the-beaten-path areas. You
also will pass by 17th-century palaces and mansions. Here, you will gain an appreciation for the
various architectural styles of Madrid’s oldest buildings and palaces, along with local customs.
You might like to visit the 18th-century Garden of the Principe Anglona. These are just some
ideas; your guide will tailor this introduction to Madrid according to your preferences.

Proposed Accommodations for 2 nights: Hotel Orfila, a luxurious, five-star hotel featuring
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19 -century furniture collected from all around Europe

Day 15: Art Masterworks of Madrid. Today, enjoy a private tour of the world-famous Museo
del Prado with one of our local art guides. The museum features one of the world's finest
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collections of European art, dating from the 12 century to the early 19 century, based on the
former Spanish Royal Collection. Founded as a museum of paintings and sculpture in 1819, The
Prado houses the world’s finest collection of Spanish art, as well as important collections of
other types of works. We suggest a focus on Spanish masters including El Greco, Goya and
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Velázquez. You will learn why Velázquez was the most important Spanish painter of the 17
century and about Goya’s concern over social conditions. You will also learn about the
rebellious spirit of these artists against the institutions of their time.

As an alternative, we could focus today’s tour on the history of Spain as told through great works
of The Prado. Wonderful works by the greatest
Spanish painters will explain the foundation of
the Kingdom of Spain, the powerful empire of
the sixteenth century, the kings of the Habsburg
dynasty up until Charles I (Emperor Charles V)
and Philip II, the empire’s decline during the
prolific Baroque Golden Century, the Hebrew
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Mysteries of the 17 century, the
Enlightenment brought about during the 18th
century by the widely-admired Bourbon Charles III, and the decay which ensued thereafter
during the reign of Charles IV and his nefarious son Ferdinand VII. Let us know your preference.

Balance of the day at leisure during which you might want to enjoy a stroll through wonderful
Retiro Park, which is located adjacent to the Prado.

Proposed Accommodations: Hotel Orfila

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