The ACB/Road Scholar inaugural trip to Madrid, Spain, is fast approaching. Below are just a few things that we will be doing while in Madrid.
On Saturday, April 21, we will depart on our overnight flights from the U.S. We will arrive at Barajas Airport in Madrid on Sunday, April 22. We will be staying at the beautiful Hotel Confortel Suites Madrid, a four-star hotel owned by ONCE (the Spanish national organization of the blind). The property is fully adapted for people with visual disabilities, including staff members who are fully trained and prepared to assist customers with visual and physical disabilities, braille signs on the main floors, restaurant menus in braille, elevators labeled in braille with raised lettering and sound recordings for each floor. Also, telephones in all rooms are adapted for people with visual impairments and in-room toiletry items are labeled in braille. That afternoon, after lunch, we will have a neighborhood walk to introduce us to the area around the hotel. In addition, we will have a welcome reception with our fellow participants and hear a program overview and presentation by the program staff.
On Monday, April 23, we will hear a lecture in the morning on "The Hapsburgs and the Bourbons." Afterward, we will take a walking tour from the Puerta del Sol square to the heart of old Madrid and the Plaza Mayor, a legacy of the Hapsburgs and considered to be the capital's finest piece of architecture.
On Tuesday, April 24, we will take a tour of ONCE headquarters. Afterward, we will visit ONCE's museum and print facility. The museum is divided into three main areas, including a hands-on exhibit of scale models of national and international monuments, several rooms devoted to artistic works by the blind, and a collection of instruments used by the blind. We will also enjoy dining with some ONCE members at ONCE headquarters. In the afternoon, we will travel to the ONCE Guide Dog Foundation outside of Madrid for a lecture and tour of the facility.
Wednesday, April 25, will feature a tour to Toledo, Spain's first capital, known as the "Imperial City." We will visit the impressive Gothic cathedral and a local synagogue.
On Thursday, April 26, we will visit ONCE's School for the Blind in Madrid where we will tour the facilities and discover the learning models and opportunities available to the students. We will also be introduced to the art and sound of the Spanish guitar. A local expert musician will provide an introduction to and demonstration of this traditional Spanish instrument.
These are but a few of the many fascinating things that we have planned.
Program Pricing
- Per person double occupancy price (does not include airfare): $2,866
- Per person single occupancy price (does not include airfare): $3,287
- Per person double occupancy with airfare from New York City: $3,666
- Per person single occupancy with airfare from New York City: $4,087
Please note that airfare is also available from Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago. For all other gateways, please contact Road Scholar.
Optional Escort Plans
- Small Group Escort: 1 to 3 people, $527 per person
- Personal Escort: 1 to 1, $1,579 per person
From Within the United States
To enroll in program #19744NP - Discover Madrid - please call 1-800-328-7286. A $250 deposit is required at the time of enrollment.
From Outside the United States
To enroll from outside of the United States in program #19744NP - Discover Madrid - please call (978) 323-4240. All program payments must be made in U.S. dollars. A $250 deposit is required at the time of enrollment. If you have any questions, please contact Pam Shaw at (215) 753-1527. To enroll, please call Road Scholar directly.