Gray Line Wanderings Travel Blog

Check out Plaza Mayor in Madrid! Photo by Author.

Free Madrid!

And I don’t mean it in a “Save the Whales” kind of way. I actually want to tell you about free stuff to do in Madrid.

Madrid’s architecture is an eclectic blend of various centuries and influences, the art scene is both progressive and nostalgic, and the historical sights are extravagant and carefully preserved. The city of Madrid is an essential stop on any European vacation.

Madrid is the last extended stop on my year-long adventure, I’m pinching centimos as this point…  Whether you’re on a tight budget or simply looking to check out some of the city’s best, this is a guide for getting the most out of your Madrid vacation without overspending! (Please Note: This article was written on 7/28/12. Prices and hours of availability may change.)

• El Museo del Prado for Free European Art: Housing Las Meninas, a famous work of Velázquez, El Prado is regarded as one of the most important museums in the world. Tickets are always free for kids and students (with proof), but there are certain times that adults can check it out for free too! El Museo del Prado is free for adults on Monday-Saturday from 6-8pm, on Sundays, and on holidays from  5-7pm.
• Museo Reina Sofia for Free Modern Art:This super-funky modern art museum has a lot of new exhibitions from contemporary artists but also displays the works Dali and Picasso’s Guernica. If you want to visit for free, the museum is free of charge on Monday-Friday between 7-9pm, on Saturday from 2:30-9pm, and on Sunday from 10am-7pm.
• El Tigre for Free Tapas: The once local secret, El Tigre, is now packed out with people who heard the news. At El Tigre, any drink purchase earns you a plate of free tapas. I repeat, FREE TAPAS. While the tapas are occasionally just a greasy plate of patatas bravas, you can also get jamón serrano and tortilla española amongst other Spanish favorites. You might want to seek out tapas elsewhere if money is not an issue, but if you want a sangria and some snacks, you really can’t beat the price at El Tigre.
• Madrid Free for Free Current Activities: Madrid Free is a website that delivers exactly what you would expect… listings of free things to do in Madrid. The site advertises everything from art expositions to film festivals to outdoor concerts to hiking trails. Whatever you want to do, Madrid Free probably has something for you. *While the site does have an “English” option, it filters out the majority of current listings. Translate the page or try to read in Spanish for the most info.
• El Sol for Free Going Out: Madrid stays up LATE. If you’re interested in free drinks or free admission into any of the hundreds of bars and clubs near the city’s heart, head out before midnight. Promoters hang out near El Sol metro station, and with a flyer, you can get anything from free chupitos to mojitos depending on the night.
• Around Town for Free Sights: The outdoor wonderland of former royal families, Parque de El Retiro (Retiro Park) is always a free place to hang out, play, or picnic. Another must see in Madrid is the Palacio Real de Madrid (Royal Palace) although you’ll only get to check out the outside free of charge. You can always hit El Rastro on Sunday to scour through secondhand wares, or just go for a stroll and check out the scene. Furthermore, the Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, and GranVía are all outdoor marvels that won’t cost you a dime.

Have you ever visited Madrid? What recommendations do you have for other travelers about free or inexpensive things to do in the city? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook!

4th of July in the Grand Tetons – Photo by Author

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday to you,

Happy Birthday America,

Happy Birthday to you.

 The Fourth of July is just a few short weeks away and if your holiday plans are as uninspiring as the lyrics to the Happy Birthday song, you might be in trouble. However, there is good news, you still have plenty of time to make arrangements for a patriotic pilgrimage to somewhere fun this July.

Check for last minute deals on travel sites like www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.hotwire.com or www.priceline.com, which will help you keep a close eye on prices and notify you when a deal comes around to any of your desired destinations. HINT: Some of the best airfare deals can be found at the two week mark prior to travel! I’d recommend putting San Diego on your radar with its unparalleled perfect weather and one of the best fireworks displays in the country (over 500,000 people attend). For a sandy destination on the opposite coast, consider making your way to the historical Southern city, full of charm, Charleston, South Carolina.

Lighting up the Sky – Photo Credit Flickr bayasaa

If you still can’t decide where to sport your red, white, and blue this year, check out this list of ABC News’ Top 10 Places to See July 4th Fireworks and prepare to get patriotic!

What’s your favorite way to celebrate the fourth? (Click here if you can’t see the Facebook comments below: Fourth of July: Red, White and Fun!)

Photo by John Cooke

If you happen to know the way to Sante Fe, New Mexico, you may want to head there. And I’m talking ASAP. An 80 year old Vietnam veteran and former art gallery owner named Forest Fenn has buried a hidden treasure chest near Sante Fe that is estimated to be worth between $1-2 Million USD.

Here’s the catch. You have to find the treasure. That’s the complicated part and it has proved elusive for many. There are entire blogs, facebook pages and social media groups dedicated to finding this treasure and so far no one has found it. The treasure,  rumored to contain gold, jewelry and artifacts, is buried in the mountains near Sante Fe and Mr. Fenn is not talking. Actually he IS talking, but the talking he is doing is more code filled clues. The clues are found in the form of a book he authored and poetry he has written. So, if you are a super detective, clever and an adventurer, this rich treasure trove could be yours. So what are you waiting for?

Would you go in search of buried treasure? Have you ever gone on an adventure of unknown outcome? Do tell! (If you can’t see the Facebook comments section, click here: Do You Know the Way to… Santa Fe?)

We generally try not to toot our own Gray Line horn too often, but sometimes it’s just hard not to; especially when it involves a European summer sale with colossal savings on some of our most popular tours in Europe.

Through our partnership with AAA and CAA Auto Club, we’ve arranged for some amazing deals running now through August  31^st, 2012. If you have travel plans to Europe this summer, I’d suggest taking a gander at the promotions currently being offered on Gray Line! Here are some of the highlights:

• Paris, France - Save 15% off the Paris City Tour Express Tour, visiting some of the most famous landmarks in Paris including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Louvre Museum. Or, if you’ve ever dreamed of finding over 70 prestigious name brands at reduced prices, the Shopping at La Valle Village Outlets Tour is currently discounted 15% on top of the super savings you’ll find at the Outlets.
• Salzburg, Austria – It is THE time to visit Salzburg as ALL Gray Line Salzburg Tours are being offered at 20% off. Retrace the steps of Maria Von Trapp in ‘The Sound of Music Tour’, or if you’re a history buff, visit the Eagle’s Nest, a retreat built for Adolf Hitler.
• Barcelona & Madrid, Spain – If you’re attracted by the artistic flair of Barcelona and Madrid, I’d suggest checking out the Barcelona Full Day Tour in which you’ll visit La Sagrada Familia Cathedral and Gaudi’s famous Parc Guell. In Madrid, take the Toledo Full Day Tour that includes lunch. Both of these tours are currently discounted 15%!
• Rome, Italy – If waiting in lines isn’t your thing (is it anybody’s?), you might consider the Eternal Rome Skip the Line Tour at 15% off, where you’ll visit the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica, the famous Trevi Fountain and more. There’s so much to see in Rome that you’ll want to avoid every line you can!
• Reykjavik, Iceland – In a city known for its ‘cool’, Reykjavik offers 15% off The Greater Area Reykjavik Sightseeing Tour, where you’ll see a whole bunch of places you’ll be sure to remember, but won’t be able to pronounce!
• Prague, Czech Republic – If you’re making your way to the Czech Republic, you’re in luck, as there are numerous tours on sale in Prague.  Visit the picturesque town of Cesky Krumlov on the Royal Route Walking Tour or see the intricate details of the interior of Prague Castle in Detail.

With all the money you’ll be saving on sightseeing tours, spoil yourself with a bottle of wine and chocolate eclairs on the Champs-Elysees, a pint or two of Pilsner at the brewery just outside Prague, or any of your other little (or big) travel delights!  Allow Gray Line, the Local Expert, to show you around the best of Europe without breaking your budget!

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