Madrid River Segway Tour

This Segway tour lasts approximately an hour and a half and takes in Madrid’s newest park. An expert guide will tell you the story behind this green space, which follows the course of the River Manzanares. Until the early 2000s, a motorway ran through here; it was buried to create a new green space just a stone’s throw from the city centre.

This new space has not only improved the lives of Madrid’s residents but has also become a perfect habitat for plants and animals. The renaturalisation of the river has brought herons, kingfishers, hoopoes and dozens of other species to the city. As well as the wildlife, during the tour you’ll also see the following attractions:

• Manzanares Dams – The river is spanned by eight Herrera-style dams. They are kept open so as not to interrupt the flow of water
• Segovia Bridge – The oldest of Madrid’s viaducts. It was built in 1584 to a design by Juan de Herrera. Constructed from granite blocks, it is still used by pedestrians and vehicles
• Huerta de la Partida – The former vegetable garden of the Palacio de los Vargas. Its agricultural past has been honoured with almond, walnut and olive trees, and a ‘stone river’ that recreates the former course of the Meaques stream. It also features a viewpoint
• Toledo Bridge – The most monumental. Its most striking features are the small shrines housing the sculptures of San Isidro Labrador, the city’s patron saint, and his wife, Santa María de la Cabeza
• Arganzuela Footbridge – The most modern. It consists of two sections that ‘rest’ on an artificial hill situated in the middle. It was designed by the French architect Dominique Perrault
• Puente del Rey – The entrance to the Casa de Campo, the former royal hunting grounds which now form the capital’s largest park
• Puente de los Franceses – Located near Príncipe Pío station, it ensures the smooth passage of trains. You’ll recognise it by its reddish colour

Before setting off, the guide will give a brief demonstration on how to ride the Segway. Don’t worry, it’s intuitive and easy to learn.