We're going to be in Madrid for 4 days in late May. We want to travel to Segovia for the day. I understand there is a new service by high speed train but am unfamiliar with booking and where to catch the train. Can you help me:
1. Where do we catch the train?
2. Should we pre-book it on the internet? Is it cheaper?
3. Any suggestions on a special meal-probably lunch-in Segovia?
Thanks, Paul

1 & 2 -
Click on the following threads and you'll find your answer:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35125860
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35113996
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35111914

3. Jose Maria or Meson de Candido. I ate at Candido in Feb 08. My lunch, which included an appetizer of sauteed mushrooms, entree of its famous suckling pig, and a dessert plus 1 soda and 1 water came out to €44. There are other restaurants that offer a 3-course suckling pig meal for €22 or so, but I can't speak for their quality.
http://www.mesondecandido.es/

Just for those who are wondering the same and don't want to go through all the above threads-

1. train leaves from Chamartín station (northern Madrid)

2. no need to pre-book for the AVANT train unless it's a holiday. AVANT train r.t. fare is €14.40 (€9 each way; 20% discount for r.t.)

3. any of the "big 3"-Cándido, José María, Duque

product is the same; difference is in location (Cándido, next to aqueduct), # of locals vs tourists (José María gets more of the former), décor (Duque is more "cozy/intimate&quot.

Price is about the same; Duque's typical menu of sopa castellana, cochinillo (roast suckling pig), ponche segoviano (the typical dessert) runs a bit less than the other two.

Thanks YK and Maribel, you've both been very helpful. I think we'll wait until we get to Madrid to purchase our tickets. Looking forward to some more adventure. Paul

Don't forget to check out Maribel's Guides. There is a section on Segovia
http://maribelsguides.com/