During this 3 hour Prado Museum tour with skip-the-line tickets, we will explore the Prado Museum, famous not only for works by such major Spanish artists as Velazquez and Goya, but also for a wide range of Flemish, Italian, and French art–representative of the far reach and influence of the Spanish Empire. Under the tutelage of an art history expert, we’ll gain a broad, contextual understanding of this exciting collection while visiting some of the most significant paintings in one of the world’s greatest art museums. Our Prado Museum tour is offered daily for both small groups and private tours.

Interested in further exploration of Madrid's art museums? We recommend our Private Thyssen Museum tour.

We’ll begin our tour by looking at the paintings that once formed part of the private collections of Spanish monarchs. These works are the initial core of the Prado Museum and account for the presence of such masterpieces as The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch and The Descent from the Cross by Roger van der Weyden, two of the most important paintings in the Prado. Next, we'll turn our attention to the advent of the Habsburg dynasty in Spain. Brought upon by Charles V, who, along with his son Philip II, became prominent patrons of Venetian artists, chiefly Titian. We may dwell for a while with this artist's powerful portraits of both regents. We’ll also discuss how a fascination with Italy—specifically Venice—infused the work of Velazquez, whom King Philip IV (grandson of Philip II) sent to Italy in order to acquire paintings.

Next we’ll look at Rubens, who sojourned at the court in Madrid and who provides a unique contrast to Velazquez, in particular Velazquez's famous Las Meninas. We'll finish in the Goya rooms, where we can review the relationships between artists and their royal patrons as we study such works as The Family of Charles IV. We'll conclude with a deep appreciation for the variety of masterpieces contained within the Prado, and how this museum serves as a capsule of European history from the Renaissance to modernity

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Our small group tours cover many of the same itineraries as our private tours, but they place you with other travelers in groups of 6 or less. They operate on a pre-scheduled calendar, and are designed to provide an opportunity to engage with and learn from other travelers. 

Can you focus in depth on a specific theme?
We can organize this tour on a private basis around a special theme such as the Italians, Flemish Painting, or Peter Paul Rubens.

Will you purchase skip-the-line tickets for me?
Yes, though we will still need to wait in the small security line which is required of all visitors to the museum.

Is this tour wheelchair-accessible?
The museum is accessible to wheelchairs with the exception of certain areas connected to the Villanueva building due to its design. Please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise; we are also happy to design a private, customized tour for visitors with mobility concerns.

There are 7 in my group but your website won't allow me to include more than 6 participants. Can't you make an exception?

The Prado requires special reservations for larger groups. Please contact us for information on pricing and availability in this case.