Excursions
Historic city of Segovia
With this tour in the famous historic city of Segovia, we propose you a trip to the past. Declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1985, Segovia exhibits a well preserved city center, full of roman and medieval buildings. In a guided tour, we will explore three of its most iconic gems. Beginning in the unique Roman Aqueduct, a marvel of roman engineering that continues to dazzle with its imposing structure, we will walk through the city to discover its secrets. In the heart of Segovia, we will visit the impressive Cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that stands majestically to the sky. To conclude, we will delve into the historic Alcázar, a fairy-tale castle that will transport us to the medieval era with its architecture and panoramic views. An opportunity to discover the rich history and beauty of Segovia, city of Queens and Kings, in an unforgettable experience just a few kilometers from Madrid.
Day: 12 July
Departure time: 9 a.m.
Departure and return:
The Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM)
Calle Darwin 2, Ciudad Universitaria de Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid
Price 43 euros per person, not including lunch
Guadarrama National Park
We invite you to join us in a trip through the cool, lush nature of the northern slopes of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, a rewarding experience perfectly combining natural and cultural emblematic places of Central Spain. Our adventure will begin in the heart of the National Park, with a stroll along the picturesque Senda de las Pesquerías Reales, a trail built for the King Carlos III that takes us through forested landscapes and alongside crystal-clear waters, habitat of endangered species like Spanish imperial eagle, the Iberian wolf, the Iberian desman, the common midwife toad, the ocellated lizard and the Spanish moon moth. Next, we will explore the magnificent palace and gardens of the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso, a Baroque architectural gem surrounded by fountains and sculptures. Finally, we will visit the historic Royal Glass Factory of La Granja, where we will learn about the tradition and art of glassblowing. A great opportunity to enjoy a refreshing natural and cultural experience in one of the most charming areas of the region.
https://www.miteco.gob.es/va/ceneam/itinerarios/itinerarios-autoguiados/galeria-pesquerias.html
https://www.patrimonionacional.es/en/visita/royal-palace-la-granja-de-san-ildefonso
https://realfabricadecristales.es/
Duratón
To refresh and activate our body, we offer you a wonderful outdoor excursion through the Hoces del Río Duratón Natural Park, where we will enjoy a refreshing canoeing activity along the river and its majestic canyons and cliffs up to 100 meters high, breeding site of the griffon vultures. During the journey, you will also have the opportunity to observe other cliff-dwelling birds, such as Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, peregrine falcons and blue rock thrushes. After a dip in the river, surrounded by these impressive natural features, the excursion will also invite us to discover the historic and artistic value of the area, with a visit to the Romanesque hermitage of San Frutos and caves with Bronze Age engravings, and the charming medieval village of Pedraza and its restaurants of traditional local cuisine. Do not hesitate and come to experience a fun adventure that combines sports, nature and history in a spectacular setting.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/hermitage-of-saint-fructus
https://patrimonionatural.org/espacios-naturales/parque-natural/parque-natural-hoces-del-rio-duraton
Explore Madrid at your own pace:
discover the city beyond the Congress
During your visit to the Congress in Madrid, we encourage you to take the opportunity to explore this captivating city through options beyond the organized excursions. Madrid is rich in history, culture, and life, and one of the best ways to uncover its secrets is through popular free walking tours. These guided tours, led by local experts, allow you to immerse yourself in the essence of Madrid in a flexible and budget-friendly way.
Here are some of the top choices available in both Spanish and English, making it an accessible option for all conference attendees.
- As the most classic option we have the Essential Madrid Free Tour, which covers iconic spots such as Puerta del Sol, the Royal Palace, and Plaza Mayor, ideal for discovering the city's main highlights. You can find information about other similar tours on 1, 2, 3.
- Additionally, the Golden Age of Literature Free Tour is perfect for exploring the historic literature district (Barrio de las Letras) in Madrid, allowing you to follow in in the footsteps of illustrious Golden Age Spanish writers like Cervantes.
- An alternative, somewhat distinct, for those looking for something out of the ordinary, is the Hidden Face of Madrid Free Tour, which offers a fascinating exploration of the city's darkest side at night, uncovering hidden stories and myths about the Spanish Inquisition, murders, mysteries, witches, ghosts and more.
Whether you choose a classic tour or a more original one, these free walking tours will provide you with a unique experience to see Madrid from different perspectives. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and to protect yourself from the sun, as you will be walking a lot!
If you prefer not to walk as much, another option to explore the city comfortably and easily is by using the tourist buses. It is as simple as buying a ticket, boarding the bus, putting on the headphones to follow the audio guide, and enjoying the streets, monuments, and points of interest, with the possibility of getting off wherever you please.
Do not miss the chance and explore the city before, during or after the Congress!