El programa de viajes para mayores de 55 años de la Comunidad suma 25,000 plazas adicionales

The program for travelers over 55 years old in the region, Cultural Routes, will have 25,000 more spots this year to reach a total of 350,000 in over 1,400 itineraries, as announced by the Minister of Family, Youth, and Social Affairs, Ana Dávila, during the presentation event on Tuesday.

All itineraries include accommodation in three-star hotels or higher, full board, a program of excursions and visits, and a tour guide throughout the journey.

Prices range from 350 euros per person for four-day stays on the Peninsula, up to 1,995 for an international tour with a minimum duration of eight days.

Among the over a thousand options presented this year, there are 423 national routes (178 getaways, 184 national routes on the Peninsula, and 61 to the Balearic and Canary Islands) and 868 international routes (37 to Portugal, 450 international medium-distance circuits, 240 grand tours, 68 international cities, and 73 express circuits), as well as 69 cruises and 53 Christmas markets.

One of the main novelties of Cultural Routes this year is the waiver of the single room supplement for caregivers traveling alone.

Furthermore, since last year, the relationship status of the companion is no longer considered, so any adult resident in the Community of Madrid can participate in this initiative.

This regional government initiative, now in its 20th edition, aims to promote healthy living, greater personal autonomy, and prevent loneliness.

Since its inception in 2005, the project has been expanding its tourism offer for national and international itineraries, both medium and long-distance, and cruises.

Since the first edition, over a million residents of Madrid have been able to enjoy the main cities and regions worldwide.

Dávila emphasized that Cultural Routes promote «the physical, social, and intellectual well-being of seniors and prevent possible loneliness.»

NEW ROUTES TO GAMBIA OR SOUTH KOREA

In this edition, running from April of this year to March 2026, and with booking opening starting from March 10 at participating travel agencies, new destinations have been added such as Apulia and Calabria (Italy), Gambia (West Africa), or South Korea and the Jaén Castles Route or the Cíes Islands in Spain.

Additionally, a new type of route called Express Circuit has been introduced, lasting 5 days and 4 nights to medium-distance international destinations such as Croatia and Montenegro; Warsaw and Croatia; Naples and the Amalfi Coast; or Florence and Tuscany.

The program is carried out through a collaboration agreement between the Ministry of Family, Youth, and Social Affairs of the Community of Madrid and the Union of Travel Agencies (UNAV), which represents the seven companies responsible for marketing Cultural Routes.