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Segovia & Avila day trip from Madrid

My husband & I are researching day trips from Madrid to Segovia and Avila. I see Spain Day Tours and Viator both have options. Any opinions on these and recommendations of one over the other or another company you used?

Posted by
7224 posts

Viator is a 3rd party that sells other people's tours for a profit. They are not the people that will do the tour. Have you checked the Rick Steves Guide for recommended tour guides?

I have not been to Avila. I went to Segovia on my own. Very easy. I used the guidebook to see the sites. I took a train and then there is a shuttle bus typically waiting to take you to Segovia city center.

Posted by
9025 posts

We did a great tour of Spain and France this year and had an extra day in Madrid. We did a day tour of Segovia and Avila. I didn't use Viator, but found it on the internet. It was excellent.

Posted by
10 posts

So would you folks who went to Segovia recommend it as a day trip? I am considering adding a day to our time in Madrid so we can go there. Thanks

Posted by
29130 posts

Segovia is a very worthwhile day trip. It's a short train ride from Madrid's Chamartin Station. There are several types of trains on that route. The travel time is nearly identical, but the fare variations can be wild (I see 11.10 to 35.40 euros, one-way, to travel on Dec 17), so take a look at the schedule on Renfe.com with an eye on the price column.

The station in Segovia is a bit of a walk from the historic area, so you might want to hop on a city bus.

Other good day trips from Madrid are Toledo, Cuenca (must buy well ahead of time to get an affordable ticket on an express train) and Alcala de Henares. Toledo, Cuenca and Segovia are each worth spending one or two nights (or three nights in the case of Toledo), but they are close enough to Madrid that most people probably hit them quickly on a day trip.

Posted by
1613 posts

Adding another vote for Segovia as a day trip. We easily saw the Roman aqueducts, alcazar, cathedral, stroll through the city center. (I am a walker.) Early morning departure from Madrid (don't remember the exact time, probably around 8 - 8:30 AM) and return late afternoon.

Posted by
7224 posts

IMO, Segovia is perfect for a day trip. Research a bit before you go so you know what you want to see and the location of the various sites, but it is a city that is easily seen in one day. There are some cities like Toledo and Cordoba that I really believe need and deserve more than a day trip. I loved Segovia and its location and size lend itself nicely for a day trip from Madrid.

There is a RS walking tour of Segovia in the guide.

Posted by
12021 posts

We really enjoyed Cuenca, Avila and Segovia as a day trip. We rented a car which made it easy for us.

Posted by
29130 posts

Suki, you don't mean that was all done on one day, do you? It's about 380 miles, and ViaMichelin estimates the driving time at almost 7-1/2 hours.