Segovia overnight vs Day trip to Toledo, train vs plane to BCN

We loved spending the night in Toledo. Actually we spent 2 and it was a highlight of our trip. As for going to Barcelona, I cannot imagine plane fares that are less than the Web fares you can get on Renfe 2 months in advace. They can be as low as 35 euros but mostly run 47 or 58 euros. The train is direct, comfortable, convenient, and faster than flying, counting city center to city center.

What you're missing is that a lot of people just favor Toledo over Segovia. I've been to both a bunch of times and would pick Segovia in half a heartbeat. In fairness, however, Toledo stinks with all the day trippers. Spending the late afternoon and sleeping there would leave a better taste in your mouth. As for Segovia, most people only go down in the gully to look at the aquaduct and eat some dead pig and don't really give the the place a chance. Here's and idea, but it's based on a big fat guess (I always drive): there's no good public transportation between either Segovia or Avila and Toledo without going back through Madrid. IF that's the case, spend the night in Toledo, do what it takes to get to Segovia and spend the night there. Then press on with Avila, etc. La Granja is a good hike for what's there - - I'd skip it for more time in Segovia itself. Three or four hours is plenty for Avila, maybe even less - - walk the walls and poke around near the cathedral and you're just about done. I think you've short-changed Madrid all to hell, but if you hit the two museums, maybe the palace, and worm in a few hours around the Plaza Mayor, you'll pass by enough that will make you want to go back. Personally, I'd pull into Barcelona in time to run up to the market to stuff my face and haul tail for the dock. Obviously it's not my favorite place in the world and it irks me to have to go back every once in a while. The plane idea is nuts. I have no tact.

I like Segovia and it is worth one night, but I wouldn't stay two nights. An overnight in Toledo is far more worthwhile than in Segovia. There is no direct train from Segovia to Barcelona. I believe the Segovia train ends in Charmatin Station and the Barcelona train starts at Atocha. Personally I'd rather take a late afternoon train to Barcelona and enjoy the nightlife there. Flying versus train is usually a similar cost if you can get the discount fares. Flying is more hassle and requires commutes to and from the airports. The train takes you right into the heart of the city.

Help! What am I missing about Toledo? Besides a cute hill town I see a Cathedral. I'm willing to stay overnight, just not sure what there is about it to keep one there overnight or for 2 days. Whereas in and about Segovia I see La Granja, and Avila. This is what I love about the forums - your experiences. Thanks!

What Ed said. Spend the night in Toledo. You'll love watching the crowds leave and then realize you're in a time machine, and they're all in a bus to a hotel Madrid. One day/one night is enough for Segovia on a quick trip. Both Toledo and Segovia are nicely connected to Madrid by rail, but different rail lines. Avila is not. Consider this sneaky way to connect them all: Take the fast train from Madrid to Toledo mid day (so you get to see how crowded it is and get to watch all those crowds drain away by late afternoon). Sleep in Toledo. Enjoy the magic of the city without the hoards until late morning the next day. Grab a rental car and head for Avila (a few hours drive) - Avila is not well connected/served by rail. Spend a couple hours in Avila walking the walls. Back in the car, head for Segovia. Drop the car in Segovia, spend the night and most of the next day, then catch a fast train to Madrid in early evening. Try to carve out another day for Madrid somehow. It's the equal of Paris, London, etc., just doesn't have the same reputation here. It's worth at least a couple full days even on a blitz trip. Hope that helps.

Thanks for sharing!!! That's the kind of help I need! I will look into the short car rental. Any recommendations on places to stay in either of those places? Budget: under 100 euros a night.
Thanks!

We loved La Posada de Manolo in Toledo - really a great place. Not cheap (I think under 100 euro), but I found it worth every europenny.

Oh! Posada del Manolo looks great, but alas there is no availability :-(