4 Morning Tours in Madrid to Build a Day Around

1.Segovia from the Skies: Sunrise Balloon Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 335 reviews · 2 to 5 hours (approx.) · from $248Our pick

Rise over Segovia at sunrise with Aerotours for a one-hour hot-air balloon flight above the cathedral, Roman aqueduct, and Alcázar. Expect a standing ride, weather-based timing, a Spanish brunch with cava, souvenir photos, video, and certificate. Madrid pickup costs extra.

“Beautiful setting in Segovia, very nice ascent and descent. Good pilot, excellent friendly team. Didn’t quite depart as scheduled but that didn’t take from the experience as we could observe the setup of all the balloons while we waited. Highly recommend!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Escorial & Valley Half-Day Morning Tour from Madrid

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 104 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $79

Travel by air-conditioned bus from central Madrid to El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen. You’ll visit the Royal Monastery, royal crypt, and mountain-cut basilica with an English guide, audio system, and a group of up to 30 people.

“This tour was one of the highlights of our trip. El Escorial is magnificent in every way. The final resting place of former kings and queens was my favorite part. The Valley of the Fallen’s modern architecture, while appearing to imitate religious buildings, provides its own stark and impressive commentary on Franco’s narcissistic purpose. Our guide, Mayte was simply wonderful. Her commentary on both places we visited really made them come alive.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Balloon flight at sunrise in Segovia

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 67 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $144

Meet Voyager Balloons at 7:00 a.m. for a dawn flight over Segovia. Pilot guides such as Luis and Manel explain the sights while you float above the Alcázar, cathedral, and Castilian countryside. Allow three hours for setup, a 45 to 60-minute flight, landing, cava toast, and return transport.

“Everything perfect, great. The flight is spectacular. Everything went very well. You don't even know when it takes off, nor does the basket move all the way. It's a journey of absolute peace.Auto-translated”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.The Authentic Morning Food Tour!

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 25 reviews · from $54Best value

Meet your English-speaking guide outside Teatro La Latina for a 2.5-hour walk through Madrid's La Latina neighborhood. Visit five local stops for churros and chocolate, tapas, Spanish tortilla, Iberian ham, drinks, and a public-market visit. Groups are limited to 10.

“No improvement needed. It was PERFECT!! Alberto was a history buff, a storyteller and a Spanish Gourmet Foodie all rolled into one!! I had a Fabulous time.”

Check availability →Read our full review