Hello all, I'm trying to figure out a plan to see both of these places in one day. I originally wanted to get to El Escorial in the morning and then move on to Segovia. But after looking at public transport options, the amount of time getting between the two seems unreasonably long. So then I was thinking to reverse it, Segovia in the morning. But that would require a train ride back to Madrid and then bus to El Escorial, which after looking at train/bus schedules doesn't seem to be too bad. But I'm wondering if this is such a good idea. Is there a bus company I don't know about that travels between El Escorial and Segovia? If i must, i'll just cut out El Escorial and focus more on Segovia. Not too interested in doing Avila. Could use feedback regarding doing these two places in the same day (if I cut out El Escorial, give me ideas for places near Segovia I can go to). Thanks!
You could easily spend the whole day in Segovia - there is much more to see there than at El Escorial. I enjoyed seeing El Escorial, but I will probably never go back. I could go back to Segovia over and over.
This past May we visited the Valley of the Fallen, El Escorial, and the Roman Aqueduct in Segovia in one day by renting a car. We weren't rushed, but we didn't tour the rest of Segovia. Have a great trip.
And there's the rub: Segovia has a very pretty old city that's great to wander in. Plus some ancient churches (viewable only from the outside as I recall). I admit, though, that the aqueduct is a pretty unbelievable sight, so I agree that if that's all you have time for, the stop would be worthwhile. Might I suggest that (if you have a car) you head to Segovia first and see how it plays out. Maybe you get to El Escorial that day; maybe you don't.
Trying to avoid renting a car, but I'll look into it. If anything we'll only do Segovia and head back to Madrid when we feel like it.
It really doesn't work well to do both places in one day, especially without a car. Segovia is a full daytrip unto itself, including time for a nice lunch and to wander the Medieval streets. El Escorial is a several hour visit, plus the hour plus it takes to get there and back.