Madrid Alumni Weekend Activities

• ABOUT: Enjoy light refreshments and food as you visit our new IES Abroad Madrid Center. Meet other alumni weekend attendees, current faculty and staff, and prepare for an exciting weekend ahead as you reflect on your study abroad experience in Madrid. All alumni weekend materials will be distributed at this activity.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Seating will be available during this activity. For people with reduced mobility, it is possible to access the terrace where the welcome reception will take place and then enter the indoor area via a vertical lift. In addition, the building has an elevator that connects all floors. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated throughout the entire event. There are restrooms on every floor of the building; to access the restroom on the ground floor, it is necessary to go up a few steps.

• ABOUT: Part of Madrid’s renowned “Golden Triangle of Art,” the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum offers an extraordinary journey through nearly a millennium of Western art. Its collection spans major artistic movements — from the Renaissance to Pop Art—and includes notable strengths in Impressionism and American painting. Join us for a private one-hour visit, where you’ll spend your morning immersed in one of the world’s most comprehensive and diverse art collections.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Approximately one hour of walking and standing. Some seating will be available throughout the museum.

• ABOUT: Located in the heart of Madrid, the Barrio de las Letras—also known as the Literary Quarter—was once home to some of Spain’s greatest writers, including Cervantes, Lope de Vega, and Quevedo. As the center of Madrid’s Golden Age in the 17th century, the neighborhood remains rich in literary and cultural history. Join us for this private one-hour walking tour led by IES Abroad faculty, where you’ll explore its charming streets, historic landmarks, and vibrant atmosphere while gaining insight into the legacy that continues to shape Madrid’s cultural identity today. The tour will end at the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians, where Miguel de Cervantes is buried.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Approximately one hour of walking and standing, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Seating will not be available throughout this tour.

• ABOUT: Discover why Spain stands as a cornerstone of the global wine industry, home to the world’s largest vineyard area and over 15% of total wine production. Renowned for its exceptional quality, diverse varietals, and rich winemaking traditions, Spanish wine offers something for every palate. During this 90-minute experience, we’ll gather in a unique underground wine “cave” in the heart of Madrid to sample a curated selection of wines, each thoughtfully paired with small bites designed to enhance and complement their distinct flavors.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Seating will be available during this activity; some stairs may be required to reach our private event space within the venue. Efforts will be made to accommodate dietary restrictions addressed in advance.

• ABOUT There’s no better way to experience a city than through its food, and this private walking tapas tour offers just that. Over the course of two hours, we’ll visit a selection of traditional Spanish bars, sampling a variety of local specialties while learning about the history and cultural significance of tapas. This immersive culinary experience is the perfect way to explore Madrid’s vibrant food scene and discover why these small plates have gained worldwide acclaim.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Approximately two hours of walking, standing and sitting. We are unable to guarantee ability to accommodate dietary restrictions/allergies on this tour.

• ABOUT: Discover the masterpieces of Spain’s premier national art museum, the Museo del Prado, during this 90-minute private tour led by IES Abroad faculty. You’ll explore some of the most significant works in the country’s artistic heritage, with highlights including pieces by Goya, Bosch, El Greco, Rubens, Titian, Velázquez, and more. This experience offers a rich introduction to the artists and movements that have shaped European art history. Attendees will be able to explore the Prado on their own after the conclusion of the guided tour.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Approximately 90 minutes of walking and standing. Some seating is available throughout the museum.
this tour, as the streets are narrow and uneven.

• ABOUT: Looking to explore beyond Madrid? Join us for a half-day excursion to the historic city of Toledo, guided by IES Abroad faculty. Perched on a hill above the plains of central Spain, Toledo is a captivating destination steeped in history and tradition. Known as the “City of Three Cultures,” Toledo has long been a place of coexistence among Christian, Muslim, and Jewish communities — an enduring legacy reflected in its remarkable architecture and cultural heritage. During our visit, you’ll explore some of the city’s most iconic sites, including the Mosque of Cristo de la Luz, the Cathedral of Toledo, the Church of Santo Tomé, and the Synagogue of El Tránsito. The experience will also include a delightful group lunch, offering time to relax and take in the atmosphere of this extraordinary city.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Roundtrip private transportation via charter bus will be provided for this excursion. Approximately three total hours of walking and standing, sometimes on uneven surfaces. Seating will not be available throughout this excursion. We advise anyone that requires mobility assistance to not take part in this tour, as the streets are narrow and uneven.

• ABOUT: Enjoy a traditional Spanish meal at Las Galayos restaurant. Celebrate new friendships formed, old friendships rekindled, and the memories made during the weekend!

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Some steps will be required to reach our private event space. Seating will be provided for all attendees. Efforts will be made to accommodate dietary restrictions addressed in advance.

• ABOUT: Reconvene with alumni weekend attendees at the Madrid Center for one last adíos as we wrap up the weekend. Come and go as you please and enjoy light breakfast fare, provided by the Advancement & Alumni Engagement Team.

• ACCESSIBILITY/MOBILITY CONSIDERATIONS: Seating will be available during this activity. For people with reduced mobility, it is possible to access the terrace where the welcome reception will take place and then enter the indoor area via a vertical lift. In addition, the building has an elevator that connects all floors. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated throughout the entire event. There are restrooms on every floor of the building; to access the restroom on the ground floor, it is necessary to go up a few steps.