<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><?xml-stylesheet type="text/xsl" href="destination.xslt"?><destination_content id="MAD" author="Apple Vacations" title="Destination Content" version="1.0" generated="21-Sep-2005 10:46.07 EDT"><general_info title="General Destination Information"><gg_content_a datatype="image" title="Weather Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_sun.gif</gg_content_a><gg_content_b datatype="text" title="Weather Text">May and October, when the weather is generally warm and dry, are considered the best months for touring Spain.  May gives you more hours of daylight, while October offers a chance to enjoy the harvest season, which is especially colorful in Spain&apos;s many wine regions.  June, July, August or September, while crowded, are best months for the beach.Winters in Spain are mild and rainy along the coasts; elsewhere it&apos;s cold in the winter.</gg_content_b><gg_content_c datatype="image" title="Destination Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/main_dest_mad_1.jpg</gg_content_c><gg_content_d datatype="text" title="Destination Name">Madrid</gg_content_d><gg_content_e datatype="text" title="Destination Description">How appropriate that Madrid is located in the heart of Spain. The warmth and vitality theMadrilenos and their city exhibit breathes life into any vacation spent here. No matter what the time, day or night!Your days may start with a journey from medieval to modern Madrid by visiting the famous &apos; Golden Triangle&apos; linking three superb museums. The Prado with its inspiring collection of Spanish Art including works by Goya and Velazquez, the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum whose collection conveys the history of Western Art, and the Reina Sofia National Museum displaying 20th century works of Picasso, Miro and Dali to name a few.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Or take an excursion to Toledo, the &quot;city of three cultures&quot; with its Moorish architecture, which inspired El Greco to create his finest works.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Spend your evenings listening to sensual Spanish music sitting out in terrazas, all the while surrounded by intense artistic and cultural energy unique to Madrid!&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Please note:  The only acceptable proof of citizenship for traveling to Europe is a VALID U.S. Passport. Name on passport must match name on airline ticket. Passport must be valid until at least six months after the scheduled return date.&lt;/b&gt;</gg_content_e><gg_content_f datatype="image" title="Destination Map">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/destination/map_dest_mad.jpg</gg_content_f></general_info><destination_hotels title="Hotels In Destination"><hg_content_a title="Madrid"><hotel_list_item title="212493"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Melia Madrid Princesa</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Stately and distinguished, this hotel has adapted to modern times maintaining its tradition of excellent service and personalized...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>5</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212493paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212494"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Tryp Ambassador</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The elegant hotel is located in the historical city center, close to the Royal Palace, Teatro de la Opera theater, the courts and...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212494paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212499"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Regina</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Hotel Regina is situated in the heart of the commercial, bank and touristy zone of Madrid, in Alcala Street and nearby Puerta...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>3</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212499paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212492"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hotel Gran Malia Fenix</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Located in the heart of the Spanish capital, in the renowned and central Plaza de Colón, alongside the Centro Cultural de la...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212492paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212490"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hotel Ritz Madrid</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Inspired by King Alfonso XIII&apos;s desire to build a luxury hotel to rival the Ritz in Paris, the Hotel Ritz in Madrid shares with...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212490paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212491"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Princesa Husa</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Hotel Husa Princesa, in the same architectural complex as the department store El CorteInglés, is located in a cosmopolitan,...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>6</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212491paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212496"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hotel Senator Espana</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The hotel Senator Espana is located right in the heart of Madrid, only ten minutes away from the principal tourist points of the...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212496paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212497"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Hotel Senator Gran Via</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">Senator Gran Via Hotel is located right in the heart of Madrid. Five minutes away from therailway station Atocha, just five...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212497paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212498"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Mayorazgo</hotel_name><marketing_info datatype="text" title="Marketing Info">Value Plus</marketing_info><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Mayorazgo is located in downtown Madrid, on the Gran Via. The hotelhas been recently renovated, but conserves the...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212498paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item><hotel_list_item title="212495"><hotel_name datatype="text" title="Hotel Name">Tryp Cibeles</hotel_name><description datatype="text" title="Hotel Description">The Tryp Cibeles hotel is conveniently located in the Madrid&apos;s Gran Via, within walking distance form the Plaza Mayor, the Puerta...</description><rating datatype="hotelrating" title="Hotel Rating"><hotel_rating_type>A</hotel_rating_type><hotel_rating_number>4</hotel_rating_number><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon><hotel_rating_icon datatype="image" title="Hotel Rating Icon">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/icon_apple_A.gif</hotel_rating_icon></rating><photo datatype="image" title="Hotel Photo">http://www.applevacations.com/appleweb/images/hotels/mad_212495paa_t.jpg</photo></hotel_list_item></hg_content_a></destination_hotels><destination_about title="About Destination"><ag_content_a title="Things To Do &amp; See"><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Illumination Tour">Enjoy a panoramic tour of the streets and squares of Madrid by night. Her splendid avenues, beautiful promenades and lighted squares make this visit a must. Due to longer daylight hours in summer, part of this tour could be conducted before sunset.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Departure daily from the Trapsatur bus terminal in c/SanBernardo, 5 at 8:30 pm (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration: 2 hours&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; From only $ [20] per person</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Fullday Avila &amp; Segovia">The city of Avila is the birthplace of Spanish Mysticism, as well as of Santa Teresa. It also houses many art treasures. Its 11th Century walls offers one of the best example of a medieval walled city. Its Gothic Cathedral is one of the oldest in Spain. The tour includes the Cathedral, the Convent of Santa Teresa, the 4 Postes Hill and a walking tour of the city. Segovia is an ancient city of Roman origin. Amongst its many historical monuments is the Aqueduct, which was built during the reign of Caesar Augustus, the Gothic Cathedral and the 11th Century Alcazar, which are all included on our walking tour.Tourist lunch included.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Departure daily from the Trapsatur bus terminal c/San Bernardo, 5 at 9.45 am (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration: 9 hours&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;From only $ [104] per person</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Halfday Toledo">Coming upon the town of Toledo majestically perched on a hilltop is a site that will be forever captured in your memory.  This small city of maze-like winding streets and narrow alleys housing wonderful buildings boasts a distinguished history.  A former capital, Jew, Catholic and Muslim lived harmoniously here bestowing many gifts upon humanity.  These include the 13th century Cathedral, Synagogue, and Chapel of Santo Tomé, home of El Greco&apos;s masterpiece, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz.  Your tour additionally includes a visit to the house of El Greco, who lived and worked in Toledo.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; Departure daily from the Trapsatur bus terminal in c/San Bernardo, 5 at 8:45 am and 3:00 pm (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration: 5 hours&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;From only $ [56] per person</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Halfday Escorial &amp; Valley of the Falle">The Royal Monastery of El Escorial is a magnificent monumental building from the XVI century (the reign of Philip II). The Royal Palace of Philip II, Pantheons of the Kings and Princese, Chapter Halls and the Basilica (if there is no religious service) will be visited. The Valle de los Caidos (Valley of the Fallen) is a memorial to those who died during the Spanish Civil War, with an impressive basilica built under the mountain rock itself. The inside of the basilica will be visited.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Departure daily except Monday from the Trapsatur bus terminal c/San Bernardo, 5 at 8:45 am and 3:00 pm (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration:  5 hours&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;From only $ [59] per person</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Panoramic City Tour">Your panoramic tour encompasses the major squares, monuments and fountains in Madrid.  You will see such sights as Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Espana, and the Prado Museum.  Stops for photo opportunities will be made at two beautiful squares:  the Plaza de Oriente, location of the Royal Palace; and Plaza de Colon, featuring an impressive monument honoring Columbus&apos; voyage to America and also the location of the Hard Rock Café.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;  Departure daily all year round from the Trapsatur bus terminal in c/San Bernardo, 5 at 9:45 amand 3:00 pm (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration: 3 hoursFrom only $ [25] per person</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Ilumination Drive &amp; Flamenco Show">Enjoy a panoramic tour of the streets and squares of Madrid by night. Her splendid avenues, beautiful promenades and lighted squares make this visit a must. Due to longer daylight hours in the summer, part of this tour could be conducted before sunset.After the tour of Madrid by night, we continue on to Florida Park to attend a performance of the Flamenco and other Spanish dances. Dance music will be played before the commencement of the show. You will be dropped off at the closest point to your hotel after the show.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Departure daily except Sundays and Holidays from the Trapsatur bus terminal c/San Bernardo, 5 at 8.30 pm (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration:  4 hours&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt; From only $ [PRICE] per person</activity_list_item><activity_list_item datatype="popup" title="Artistic Tours">Your tour begins with a visit to the Royal Palace, a magnificent 18th century building.  Comprised of 2,800 lavishly decorated rooms, this palace ranks among the most beautiful in Europe.  The Rococo styled rooms comprise a rich collection of tapestries, ceramics, clocks, and chandeliers.  (In the event the Royal Palace is closed for a state function, another palace or museum will be substituted).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;The illustrious Prado Museum is your next stop.  The Prado ranks among the world&apos;s greatest art galleries.  Its unmatched collection of the Spanish masters Velasquez, El Greco and Goya is astonishing.  Both the Northern European and Italian masters are also well represented here.  Masterpieces by Bosch, Reubens, Raphael, and Titian abound.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;  On Sundays and Mondays, the Royal Palace of El Pardo will be substituted for the Prado Museum.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Departure daily from the Trapsatur bus terminal in c/San Bernardo, 5 at 8:45 am (passengers to make their own way to the coach terminal at least 15 minutes prior to departure).&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;Approximate duration:  4 hours&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;From only $ [54] per person</activity_list_item></ag_content_a><ag_content_b title="Travel Information"><airport datatype="text" title="Airport Info">Travel to and from Madrid uses the &lt;b&gt;Madrid Barajas Airport (MAD), located 9 miles from the city center of Madrid.&lt;br&gt;&lt;br&gt;NO transfers are included (unless otherwise specified). Optional transfers to/from your hotel are available&lt;/b&gt;.</airport><taxes datatype="text" title="Departure Taxes">Departure taxes are generally &lt;b&gt;prepaid with your air ticket into or out of Spain.&lt;/b&gt;</taxes><rental_cars datatype="text" title="Rental Cars"/><currency datatype="text" title="Local Currency">The currency in Madrid is the &lt;b&gt;Euro (EUR). Exchange rates vary&lt;/b&gt;.</currency><proof_of_citizenship datatype="text" title="Required Proof Of Citizenship">All U.S. citizens MUST have valid passport with an expiration date at least six months after the scheduled return date (even for infants).</proof_of_citizenship><minors datatype="text" title="Traveling With Minors"/><tips datatype="text" title="Tips">All hotel taxes and service charges are included in Apple Vacations packages. Tips are NOT included.</tips></ag_content_b><ag_content_c title="Special Notes" datatype="text"/><ag_content_d title="Wedding Requirements" datatype="text"/></destination_about></destination_content>