When we finished our visit to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum, we we said, "Wow," at how lucidly our guide Vanessa had led us through the highlight's of the collection's eight centuries of Western art. We traveled with Vanessa from religiously inspired Medieval paintings through great 20th Century works, learning from her at every step of three highly rewarding hours.

Our guide, Andrea, was terrific. She introduced us to the living history of Madrid, both on its streets and in its art works. We had strolled around El Centro on the afternoon we arrived. The next morning we met Andrea and recognized how little we had understood about sites we had passed, some without detecting any significance. On a morning's walk, she told Madrid's story with catching enthusiasm. In the afternoon, Andrea similarly helped us see and understand while viewing paintings by Spain's great masters in the Prado. Through her, our traveling party -- grandparents and 14-year-old granddaughter -- had a stupendous day. .

Marta was an excellent guide. She was highly knowledgable about the art, religious and power forces that shaped Toledo over centuries. A wonderful, personable teacher, she brought the historic city to life. We parted -- grandparents, 14-year-old granddaughter -- feeling as if we had made a friend.