InTouch Travel

Seattle-born Jennifer, before she and Carlos started their family, was also a guide for Rick Steves and developed quite a fan base of her own. The company she and Carlos manage, LeTango.com, provides advice and itinerary planning for individuals as well as travel agents. Their goal is to help visitors get as close as possible to local life, to introduce their guests to Spain's history, culture, traditions, current events and people.

Getting the most out of a visit to a capital city like Madrid is more than knowing what's on at the opera; the hotel concierge can tell you that. Rather, it's knowing where to go for tapas, which folk singer in which café to applaud … and getting introduced to the chef and the singer afterwards. It's the sort of thing that you won't find in a printed itinerary, but it's what Carlos (and Jennifer, whenever possible) will make possible for you.

Of course, you can go further afield if you have the time. Carlos can easily put together a three-day excursion to the orange groves of Valencia, for example.

MADRID … UP CLOSE WITH CARLOS GALVIN

Madrid

We'll begin with a panoramic visit of Madrid in the car with a stop for views in a park, then begin a walking tour of some of the most historic parts of the city, including Barrio de las Letras and neighborhood near Royal Palace. In the local market, we'll discuss different products from the area and try the churros and chocolate at one of my favorite cafés. Lunch in a typical restaurant, then stroll through the Retiro Park. If things work out, we could also shop in our local market and have lunch at home. Short break for a rest at the hotel (because in Spain everyone stays up late). When we start again, it will be for a tapas-hopping/ culinary tour. And for the final event of the night, we'll take you to an authentic flamenco show.

Daytrip to Segovia

We'll drive over the mountains toward Segovia, with a stop in picturesque La Granja to walk around the beautiful 18th century palace and gardens. In Segovia, we'll begin with a panoramic tour by car, offering great views. A stop to visit the Alcazar is called for. We will then walk to Romanesque churches, the old Jewish Quarter, Plaza Mayor and the famous Aqueduct. We'll talk to an artisan and see the local crafts. Lunch in a wonderful place I know to try the famous regional dish: roast suckling pig. In the afternoon, we'll visit a wonderful café that sells regional desserts. Back in Madrid, we'll try some good wines in the typical taverns of the Austrias quarter.

"Carlos Galvin, a Spaniard who speaks flawless English (and has led tours for me since 1998), offers private tours when he's in Madrid. If he's out, his American wife, Jennifer, also works as a guide. Carlos mixes a city drive (for the big Madrid picture) with a historic walk (to get intimate with the old center and its ways). Carlos and Jennifer can also arrange longer tours of both the city and the region."

— Rick Steves, Edmonds, Wash.

"Superior interpersonal skills. Clearly, Carlos is fond of sharing everything there is to appreciate about the people, history, cuisine, language, culture. Carlos is a highly resourceful, engaging, knowledgeable, well-organized guide and all-around good human being."

— Jackie, Lafayette, Col.

"Barbara and I have thought of you often and pinch ourselves on how lucky we were to have had you as our consultant. Your planning, reservations, (the Seville place was wonderful), and all the special ideas and details suggested made our trip the best. We loved Spain. What a wonderful country full of history, culture, life, art and yes festivals. We want to go back."

— Barbara Dahl.

"Carlos knows and loves Iberia, its people and culture. He also knows Americans. This combination gave the group the special insight that we travel to experience."

— Chuck, Marlton, NJ