Washington Irving (1783-1859), the author of « The legend of Sleepy Hollow » and « Knickerbocker's History of New York» is best known in Spain for his « Tales of the Alhambra ». Few people know, though, that he was the American ambassador in Madrid from 1842 until 1846, a period of political turmoil and crucial sociologic and economic transformation. Do you want to see Madrid through Washington Irving's eyes? Be guided by us.

John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), the successful American portraitist, was actually born in Europe, and, Spain can claim to have had a share in his artistic training. Indeed, Sargent was particularly fond of Madrid, a city he visited at least five times from 1879 until 1912. It will be fun to live a typical Sargent day in Madrid.

Hemingway's love for Pamplona is a widely known fact; but after that town, Madrid was the place in Spain he visited more often from 1923 to 1960. Orson Welles was also a regular visitor of Spain, from 1933 until 1967. What Hemingway and Welles witnessed here is an extraordinary American testimony of 40 crucial years of the Spanish history that we want to share with you through this guided tour.

The Prado owns the largest Goya collection in the world... but Goya also exists outside the Prado: in churches, small museums and palaces. We suggest a scholar-led tour of Goya outside the Prado, a kind of treasure hunt across the city.

In 1776, Benjamin Franklin intended to leave Paris for Madrid, where he was looking for an alliance between the 13 Colonies and Spain against England. But, having been advised by the Spanish ambassador in Paris to postpone his travel, it was delayed forever. Can we imagine what would have been a day of Benjamin Franklin in Madrid that year? Let's discover it as members of a hypothetic American delegation.

Our proposal for a 1 day private guided tour is a travel through history, from the very beginning of Madrid (9th century after Christ) to our times.

Madrid Original ® "Madrid for Madrilenians 2012-2013" is the perfect annual program for those Madrid-residents who are planning their original activities for 2012-2013: the city's most secret treasures, places where a guided visit has to be booked 12 months in advance or more.

For you, Madrid-born citizen in love with the city, and for you, long-time foreign resident who has learnt to love it and want more... this Madrid Original® "Madrid for Madrilenians" is the program for you!

For you, just-landed foreign residents who do not know yet what you will see in Madrid during a year, and for you long-time residents (even "Madrileños") who haven't had yet the opportunity to visit the city as you do abroad when you are on vacation... this Madrid Original ® "Madrid for beginners" is the program for you!

Madrid Original ® "Art History through Madrid's museums" is an annual program for those who want to learn sequentially about the most representative styles and artists of each period of history, but want to learn it in a practical and friendly way: in front of works of art and getting more acquainted with their city's museums.