Just booked a one week trip to Spain, flying in and out of Madrid the first part of Feb, 2 adults and 3 kids 12-9-5
Any help planning? Someone recommended heading to Toledo and making a loop back to Madrid? Do I need to rent a car?
Thanks

I'm impressed with how casually you are taking this -- going to Madrid in winter and not even knowing what you are going to do or about the Spanish train system, and with 3 little kids to boot. Not sure why they aren't in school.

anyway, Spain has a very good rail system, so you don't need to rent a car to go to most cities, but definitely not Toledo from Madrid. Madrid is the capital in the center of the country, so a lot of rail lines sort of spoke out from it, similar to France and Paris. I just took the bus instead of the train which is about as fast and leaves you off closer to the city, I think. That's another thing, Spain has a very good intercity bus system, also, for major destinations.

Not sure what you mean about "making a loop" back to Madrid. The train will go to Toledo and another train will go back. There's no looping involved as it is a direct train.

Hi there:

Just finished my trip report to Madrid. I organised my trip in a couple of weeks.

Ger’s unplanned trip to Madrid


You can spend a week in Madrid and just do day trips, or stay a few days in Madrid and a two days in either Toledo or Segovia.

No need to rent a car. Train service is excellent.

Get focused on an itinerary and booking accommodation. With young children, I would be inclined to book an apartment for the week in Madrid, and do day trips.


Regards … Ger

<<Not sure why they aren't in school.>>
Maybe because the parents feel that international travel is more educational than finger painting and sing-alongs.
Could be that they work for an airline and they fly when there are empty seats.
Not sure why you are sticking your nose into their business.

As for the OP;

Stay in or near Madrid and take day trips, perhaps overnight in Cuenca or Merida.
Near Merida are some neat castle ruins (Alange, Medellin),

Car is better and cheaper if you are interested in the above.

Yes, Toledo is definitely worth visiting. And I'll second the recommendations of Segovia and Cuenca. Personally, I'd opt for public transportation, as its comfortable and convenient and your children can move around while on the train.

Enjoy!

International travel is, of course, educational, and parents have reasons for their decisions, but someone has absolutely no clue about current educational standards if they think it is about "finger painting and sing-alongs." I'd be doing some serious school observations if that was what I thought a 12 year old was doing! My 9 year old Granddaughter is doing Algebra and writing essays on different scientific fact finding methods and doing comparative uses and evaluations. That barely touches on her day. Actually a little break now and then would be good anyway. . . .

Now, for the OP.
Madrid is the highest capital in Europe and gets very cold in winter. You may be lucky with a warm spell, but be prepared with warm clothes. Check temperatures so you know what to expect.

Check maps, train routes and busses.

Toledo is not good included in a loop. There are short, cheap, less than 30 minute trips from Madrid to Toledo and back. Train ends below the city and there is a little hike into the city center. I think there is a shuttle, but I just walked. Bus ends in city center, as I recall. Do check this out to be sure. Driving into Toledo can be awful, personal experience, would not do it again. Toledo is basically on a mountain top, so cold and windy in winter. Dress in layers. You will be fine. It is a fantastic city!!! Read up on the history. Quite amazing! Things to do/see: Toledo Cathedral is stunning, mind-blowing really. The synagogue and the history of how it was built is very interesting. The El Greco museum is wonderful. If it is running, take the little train that circles around the mountain with great views of Toledo. Toledo is known for metal work with exquisite swords, knives, etc. and for the kids, beautiful and sweet marzipan. Toledo at night is haunting.
***Now, check this to be sure, but I think, rather than returning to Madrid the night before to catch a train or taxi to the airport, it is OK to do it from Toledo if it is not during traffic hour, so you could spend your last night there.

Segovia has a magnificent Roman Aquaduct, a gorgeous church and Isabella's Castle. You can easily imagine the knights showing off for the ladies waving from the castle windows. It also has a lovely central plaza, though might be too cold to enjoy, and excellent restaurants. Sorry, don't remember exactly how long, but it was not long, by train/bus from Madrid. Wonderful day trip!

Madrid has charming Plaza Mayor, world class museums like the Prado (get a good guide book and read ahead to choose specific things to see or you may just wander all over, lost, or take tour), the Palace (take the tour) and Retiro Park (great for a walk or boating if you happen to get a really warm day.) A tapas tour would be fun, even for the kids and there are some great music venues all would enjoy.

You said a week, but is that 7 nights (six days) on the ground or do you have a week and another weekend? Exactly how many nights actually in Spain? With jet lag, getting oriented, etc. arrival day does not count for sightseeing and neither does departure day.