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A short stay - would you sacrifice time in Madrid in order to see Toledo?

We will only have two days and two nights in Madrid on an escorted tour in October. We will have perhaps 6-7 hours on our own on the first day in Madrid, and a half day guided tour the second day. Should we take the optional tour of Toledo on that second day? We probably will not have a chance to return to Spain in the future, so which would be your choice?

Posted by
145 posts

Not quite sure what other cities you're visiting on your tour, but Toledo was amazing. We loved it. We had 1.5 full days of sightseeing in Madrid and 1 day each for Toledo and Segovia. I would definitely go to Toledo (or Segovia) given a chance. You can get back to Madrid for a late meal after Toledo.

Posted by
782 posts

Toledo is a must see city and easily accessable by train from Madrid.Take the bus from train station up the hill to the main town,we spent two nights and enjoyed it.
Mike

Posted by
41 posts

Anna,
We start with two days in Madrid . From there we go to Cordoba, Seville for two nights, Granada, Valencia, and finish with two nights in Barcelona. It sounds like the side trip to Toledo may be worth giving up the time in Madrid. Thanks for your reply.

Mike,
The tour group provides the transportation to Toledo, so it will be super easy to get there. I loved the hill towns we saw in Italy, so I do think Toledo will be a good choice. Thanks for our reply.

Posted by
11 posts

I really enjoyed Toledo and, other than the museums, did not love Madrid. In Toledo, I found the synagogue particularly interesting and the drive into town is stunning. Wear comfortable shoes, it is very hilly. I typically don't shop much while traveling but Toledo had beautiful enamel jewelry and the moorish-style tiles at select stores are actually made locally.

Posted by
5211 posts

Toledo is an amazing medieval city full of history & culture; it's one of my favorite cities in Spain!
I'd definitely recommend Toledo to anyone who loves history, architecture & art.

Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
7175 posts

Do you have detailed travel notes of your tour so you know what sights you see with the group on the morning of Day 2? I would definitely take the Toledo option, and fill the time you have on your arrival day with other things..
http://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions-/madrid-e-mad-mad.htm

You can see highlights of Madrid as such ...
1000 Royal Palace
1200 Walk from Palace > Plaza Mayor > Puerta del Sol > Gran Via > Plaza Cibeles > Puerta de Alcala
1400 Stroll thru El Retiro Park after lunch on Calle de Serrano
1600 Prado Museum