During my first week in Madrid, I managed to squeeze in another tour with the always awesome Devour Madrid. I say another because I took their Tapas, Taverns & History tour back in 2014 when I first visited Madrid. It was the highlight of my trip and our guide, James, was fantastic. I met people from various parts of the world that I’m still friends with today. Fast forward to last month and I knew I was in for another great experience on their new-ish tapas and flamenco tour. Our guide Luke didn’t disappoint and the local, family-run tapas places, along with the flamenco show, were amazing. I had gone to a flamenco show in Seville, but like many people, didn’t really know what it was all about. Also, I had no idea Madrid is considered the “Capital of Flamenco.” I just assumed that was somewhere in southern Spain, which is a region you usually associate with flamenco. I didn’t realize Madrid is where performers come to make their name in the flamenco world. I don’t want to give away all of the details of the stops on the tour because you should check it out for yourself, but we started in the Literary Quarter of Madrid…an area I had yet to explore. After a variety of tapas at our first stop, we made our way to two places – one where we learned how flamenco shoes are made. Interestingly, the taps consist of tiny nails put in by hand rather than the taps you’d find on traditional tap shoes. Next door, was a shop specializing in Spanish guitars…I loved learning the “behind the scenes” of how the shoes and the guitars are made. Our last stop before heading to the flamenco venue was for a sampling of local wine and cheeses...all delicious! Then, it was time for the flamenco show at Cardamomo. The venue was small and intimate…perfect for experiencing the drama and emotion of flamenco. Our seats were front-row, which allowed for an up close and personal experience with the dancers, singers and guitar players. I actually got choked up from the sheer emotion of it all. It was incredible! Our final stop of the night was at a local place for dinner that included lots of tapas, along with wine from their own vineyard and topped off with a delicious dessert. At the end of each tour, you’re given a mini-guide to Madrid to help you avoid the tourist traps and head to places the guides themselves would frequent. If you’re visiting Madrid, I definitely recommend taking a tour with Devour Madrid. In addition to the two I’ve taken, they offer several others, including their newest "Tapas & Wine Tasting" tour, which I may just have to sign up for to make it tour number three.
1 Comment
Karen Wilson
8/1/2016 10:36:14 am
Keep this up and you could end up a tour guide for English speakers!
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Hola!I'm Becki...a part-time traveler and recovering expat back in the U.S. after two amazing years spent living in Spain. Archives
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