Explore the world-class collection at Museo Nacional del Prado with works by eminent figures such as Velazquez, Bosch, Goya, Raphael and more
Visit the Museo Nacional Thyssen for a rich collection of art that spans the 14th to the 20th century
Experience a range of Picasso’s work, from his museum in Malaga to a focused viewing of Guernica at the Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid
Marie-Anne was an excellent Tour Director. She was very knowledgeable in her subject, was friendly and approachable and made the subject come alive for me. An excellent tour in every way!"
– ACE customer on previous tour led by Marie-Anne Mancio
Cultural Breaks
This tour is part of our new series of Cultural Breaks, specially designed for the more independent traveller. These tours benefit from the same high level of cultural content as our standard tours with time also given to independent exploration. As they tend to be based in city centres, the tours typically make more use of public transport as an easier and quicker way of accessing sites. The Tour Director and Tour Manager will also be on hand throughout to introduce travellers to some of the lesser known sites and recommend local places to wine and dine. Specifically, this tour includes half-day visits that delve into the intricate contexts, details and narratives of art in Madrid and Malaga. These touchstones of information and experience enable independent exploration later in the day. Read more information about our Cultural Breaks here.
Another fruitful collection of art is located in the Museo Nacional Thyssen, which spans the 14th to the 20th century, its vast body of work offering a rich exploration of genre, period and medium. Highlights of its permanent collection will be viewed, from tiny, exquisite paintings by Jan van Eyck to Edward Hopper’s brooding and atmospheric scenes.
Madrid is also home to the Reina Sofia Museum, which holds Picasso’s Guernica, a brutal, surreal and harrowing reflection of the Spanish Civil War. This is Picasso’s most poignant work, to which we will dedicate a focused viewing, as well as considering the photographic series by Dora Maar that captures the process of its creation.
Marked by a distinctive cuboid structure, the Pompidou Centre Malaga contains a vibrant assembly of modern art and presents works that are currently less accessible due to renovations at its Parisian counterpart. Pieces of its permanent collection are organised into sections investigating the historical and social factors that inspired the likes of Frida Kahlo, René Magritte and Joan Miró. We will encounter permanent works, as well as dedicate time to the temporary exhibition. Birthplace of Picasso, we will revisit the artist’s work at the Picasso Museum in Malaga, which holds a variety of exciting and innovative exhibitions throughout the year; here, we will enjoy a guided visit alongside time to explore independently.
For the first three nights of our tour we will stay at the Only YOU Atocha Madrid, a stylish and modern establishment situated within excellent proximity of museums and the train station. We will then stay in Malaga for two nights at the AC Malaga Palacio Hotel; its design is classical and crisp, nestled amongst numerous galleries and the Alcazaba.
“Madrid is such an elegant, vibrant city with incredible art collections. It's possible to trace the history of western art in the Prado and Thyssen alone. But Picasso's birth town of Malaga has reinvented itself into an art lover's paradise with smaller but well-known museums like the Pompidou and the Russian Art Museum, a charming, pedestrianised old town with Michelin star restaurants, and winter sun"
– Tour Director Marie-Anne Mancio
Marie-Anne Mancio
Marie-Anne is an art historian, writer and experienced tour leader and lecturer, accredited with the Arts Society.
This tour will be led by Marie-Anne Mancio, MPhil, DPhil, an art historian, writer and experienced tour leader and lecturer, accredited with the Arts Society. Marie-Anne originally trained as an artist before gaining her DPhil at the University of Sussex in art and critical theory. She has written and presented courses for Tate and Dulwich Picture Gallery, and writes reviews, catalogue essays and historical fiction. She is a frequent traveller and looks forward to introducing an ACE group to the art treasures of Madrid and Malaga.
6
£2995
ATM2-26
Included: return airfare, accommodation based on sharing a twin or double bedded room, five breakfasts, two dinners with wine, water & coffee, excursions & admissions, gratuities & all taxes.
Not Included: travel insurance, double room for single use supplement £545.
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