Spain: Suggesstions for trips from Madrid

Posted by John (Denver, CO, USA) on 07/31/09 11:00 AM

I will be traveling to Spain for the very first time. I have settled on taking an apartment. Now I’m completely blocked by all the choices of sites to see in Madrid and the surrounding areas and beyond.

I do have the “Best of Europe” book (primarily city sites), and have been reviewing the site, that I believe has me set for the city of Madrid sites and self discovery. I wonder if you have some suggested itineraries for the following.

1) 1 – 3 day trips by car from Madrid
a. I though this could be like Toledo, Segovia, Avila,
b. Or, Castille La Mancha to see the windmills
c. What would be the most “efficient” planning to do this
2) 2 – 5 day trips by train from Madrid
3) 2 – 5 day trips by train and car from Madrid

Posted by Rachel

New York, NY, USA

07/31/09 12:51 AM

3 posts

Toledo is a quick train ride from Madrid, so you don't need to drive there. the trains run pretty frequently and there is a bus that takes you directly to the center of the city from the train station.

Posted by George

Philadelphia

07/31/09 01:31 PM

655 posts

I second the Toledo idea above. The old city is fascinating. In the other direction is Seqovia, also interesting, especially on market day, and with very good restaurants.

Posted by Norm

Ottawa, Canada

07/31/09 02:27 PM

4555 posts

John...how long will you be in Madrid...and will you have a car already? If not, don't bother with one. The destinations mentioned already are good ones...Segovia to the north and Toledo to the south, each easily reachable by fast trains. You could take the train to Segovia, spend the night, then take an early La Sepulvedana bus to Avila (about an hour's journey), then back to Madrid on a bus (about 1:20). Buses are very comfortable and inexpensive. You can find the schedules for that route at http://www.venta.avanzabus.com/compra/busqueda.jsp . You could also do these as separate day trips.
To the south, you could take the fast train to Toledo, stay the night, then take a Samar intercity bus to Consuegra to see the windmills on the plains of La Mancha (about an hour's journey, several buses/day) then the same company's bus back to Madrid (about 2 hours.) These, too, could be separate day trips. Bus info (in Spanish, but easy to follow) at http://tinyurl.com/nmg56d . Of course, you could do any of the above combinations by car....but you have to watch the traffic in Madrid, and the parking in Segovia and Toledo....lots of tips in Rick's "Spain" book.

Posted by H J

LaGrange, Ga, USA

08/01/09 06:39 PM

1178 posts

This is what I did in March...and it worked great! Train from Madrid, Atocha Train Station...arrive in Toledo 1/2 hour later. (The ticket will have the coach number and seat number printed on it.) At the train station get a Taxi to your hotel/hostal...or, if you are there just for the day, take the city bus, OUTSIDE of the train station parking log to Plaza Zodocover...it is the main starting point. I stated at Hostal Posado de Manolo and highly recommend it -- a few steps from the cathederal....then, Toledo is a walking city, as there are no tourist autos permitted, take out and walk. Highly recommend the Santa Ana Musuem (new in March), the St. Tome Church, the Main Cathederal, and all the little side streets...a wonderful time and place! I was there three days and did not see all.