Day trips outside of Madrid

Old Aug 8th, 2001, 05:58 PM
  #1  
Lara
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Day trips outside of Madrid

We will be staying in Madrid for 3 nights at the end of October and are interested in possible day trips to Toledo, Segovia or Avila. Since our time is limited does anyone have recommendations on what a reasonable itinerary would be including "must sees" and transportation tips.
 
Old Aug 10th, 2001, 08:56 AM
  #2  
Jose
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The best you can do is rent a car and:
Day #1: Toledo (the hole day there will be not too much), buy a little guide to help you un the itinerary)
Day #2: Segovia, including La Granja de San Ildefonso (11 Km far from Segovia), Palacio de Riofrío (a smaller copy of the Royal Palace in Madrid). And if you have enough time, try Rascafría (and the Monasterio de Santa María del Paular).
Day #3: Go to Ávila, but also take your time for San Lorenzo de El Escorial (with the room with all the Spanish dead Kings from Felipe II)
 
Old Aug 10th, 2001, 11:58 AM
  #3  
mimi
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Why rent a car ? We found everywhere we wanted to go very easy and cheap on the train. Toledo is a lovely trip and for that it was simple to go to the main station and catch a train that ran all day long. It would be even cheaper to take a tour than to rent a car. If you haven't been to Madrid before you will want to spend the other two days walking the city and seeing the Royal Palace and the wonderful museums such as the Prado. Great city to walk in if you are staying at a central location such as the Plaza Sol.
 
Old Aug 10th, 2001, 04:54 PM
  #4  
Pedro
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I would skip Avila even if it is a city with a special character and quite representative of what Castilla region is, but I would put Segovia and Toledo before, the first for its ambient, the aqueduct and how nice it is, the second because of its splendid monuments although it is usually crowded with daytrippers. You can get the best view over the city from the circular road facing the city, crossing the River Tajo.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 02:41 AM
  #5  
Jose
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The need of the car depends on how many places you wish to visit.

In you are going only to Toledo as the above said, you better go by train from Atocha, with departures each half an hour-if I remenber.

Going into Segovia and Ávila is posible by train, eather by bus (to Segovia with 'La Sepulvedana', I think they have a web site, but cannot promise you).

But if you're going to other wonderfull places as La Granja (near Segovia) or San Lorenzo de El Escorial (near the way to Ávila), the car will be a better choice, because of the missing time in the stations.

And if you are going to stay in Madrid one or two days, I must tell you that traffic in Madrid is owfull, so the better is take Metro (or even taxis)
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 02:51 AM
  #6  
Kathy
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If you are only doing day trips, definitely take the bus or train to a few places, definitely take a bus or train. I prefer the buses - generally faster and more comfortable. They pretty much run every hour or so to the places you mentioned. If you try to squeeze in too many optional sites on the way to or from Toledo, Segovia, etc. you'll end up not seeing much of anything. I would go to Toledo, then either Segovia or El Escorial. I think Avila could be left out. I also agree to take one of those three days to spend in Madrid.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 06:41 AM
  #7  
Graziella
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Hi Lara, i agree with Cathy, do not try to see too much, as she says Toledo for one day, and then Segovia and and the Escorial. I think the Escorial is a very fascinating destination for one full afternoon, and you can take a bus there, or even a taxi if you check the price ahead of time.
Sometimes taxi can be a surprise, they can drive you, wait for you, and all together is very convenient and you avoid the renting a car , parking and getting there....


 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 09:28 AM
  #8  
Salsa
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Do see Toledo. Do NOT take a commercial bus tour -- make absolutely sure you see it on your own. Fortunately, October is a lovely month with not many tourists, otherwise I would advise arriving there late in the afternoon, spending the night, and seeing it first thing in the morning. You will find the Valley of the Fallen (Los Caidos) unforgettable -- try to include it on your trip outside Madrid.

But I wouldn't shortchange Madrid, esp. if you haven't seen it before. Three days isn't quite enough to see it, and I'd be hesitant to take even one day trip, let alone three. But if you want a little flavor of Spain outside Madrid, make it Toledo.
 
Old Aug 11th, 2001, 11:04 AM
  #9  
john
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i live outside madrid for several months in 1996 and went back last year. w/o question, toledo should be your destination if you can choose only one. the cathedral is very unique w/ it's choir in the middle of the church, the streets are fantastic. i'd take the train from madrid, get a taxi to the main square (trust me, it's hilly) and spend a full day, if not a night as well. i took three friends last year to europe who were all rookies and after 16 days we all said toledo was on top of the list. happy travelin', john.
 

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