Hi,
Is it possible to cover El Escorial and Segovia in a day? I thought of starting early and reaching El Es by 10am and leave to Segovia by 1pm. google maps says 42min drive.
so I can get half day in Segovia and return to Madrid by late eve train.
Is this doable and recommended or better to split into 2 days?
Pls guide
Although organized tours are anathema to Rick Steves' readers, we did this, easily, with a bus/tour company daytrip ( ... gasp!) tour from Madrid. Our hotel (Preciados) happened to be walking distance to the tour office, and we got an effortless trip-no gas, no parking. We made only one mistake: Optional lunch in the company-reserved restaurant in Segovia was just fine, and fairly priced, but took too long out of our "free time". We should have omitted the lunch and settled for a walking-sandwich to make the most of the trip.
Edit: Added word "optional".
How will you be traveling? If by rental car then yes, it can be done in a day. If by public transportation (bus to El Escorial is the best way), then likely not. And the time of year is a factor. With long daylight hours in summer, you can still see things late in the day. In winter, your time available is much shorter.
Three hours to see Escorial is a minimum but doable. But remember to factor in getting to/from your car or bus station and time for lunch.
Thanks all.
I thot of taking train from Madrid to El Escorial by 8am. Should be there by 9:30 and spend about 3 hrs and then take a cab to Segovia and return to Madrid by late evening train.
