The Community of Madrid has its own program for the over 55s to continue traveling at a good price and with everything organized. It is called Cultural Routes of the Community of Madrid and has become, season after season, one of the preferred formulas for those seeking to know Spain and Europe.
Rutas Culturales is a regional program aimed at residents of the Community of Madrid aged 55 and over who want to travel in groups with itineraries already designed, accompanying guide and closed services at a reasonable price. The program seeks to facilitate access to cultural, active and leisure tourism to people who perhaps would not dare to travel on their own, but do not fit the classic Imserso profile.
Eligibility requirements
To sign up for the Cultural Routes it is enough to be 55 years old and be registered in a municipality in the Community of Madrid, without the need to be retired. Registration is processed through collaborating agencies or channels enabled by the Community of Madrid, in opening periods that are announced at the launch of the annual campaign, which in 2025 was last March 10.
The program offers a wide range of destinations, usually divided into blocks of getaways in Spain (coast, inland, spas, heritage cities), circuits in Europe and, in some seasons, longer routes to specific international destinations. These are group trips with transport included (generally by bus or plane, depending on the destination), accommodation in selected hotels, half or full board and guided visits or excursions.
Among the new features of this edition is the incorporation of a new type of route called express circuit, with a duration of 5 days and 4 nights to medium-distance international destinations. The cultural routes for non-professional caregivers have also been added to the offer, which includes a free single room supplement for caregivers traveling alone.
One of the attractions of the Cultural Routes is that the prices are fixed and transparent. The final cost usually includes round-trip transportation, bus for excursions, accommodation, most of the meals, accompanying guides, a basic program of visits and travel insurance. What is left out is usually personal expenses, some specific entrance fees, optional activities and sometimes single room supplements.
How it differs from Imserso
Although they may seem similar programs, the Cultural Routes have their own approach. They do not depend on the central government, but on the Community of Madrid, and are not only aimed at pensioners. In addition, the proposal places special emphasis on visits to historic cities, artistic heritage, thematic routes or wine and gastronomic experiences, beyond the classic sun and beach package.
When the campaign opens, full information is usually disseminated through the website and the official channels of the Community of Madrid, as well as through the collaborating travel agencies. It is advisable to review the catalog of routes calmly, compare dates and levels of activity (there are more relaxed trips and others with a greater load of excursions) and book in advance, because places tend to sell out in the most popular destinations.