Day Trips from Madrid
 

We will be in Madrid for three nights. Having been there twice before we would like to make two day trips while there. We have to base ourselves in the city because I mistakenly booked a no refund hotel! I've never done that before!
We were watching a Rick Steves segment on Spain and he visited Segovia and Avila. We could travel to each city one day.
What is anyones feeling about these two cities, what should we see there with only one day, or........would you suggest somewhere else?
Thank you,
Alison

Segovia is great - Avila unless interested in Saints not so much IMO -Toledo is a must for sure. All easily done by train - for lots on trains check Renfe or www.loco2.com and www.seat61.com' BETS-European Rail Experts. and www.ricksteves.com. I liked Salamanca a whole lot too though that is farther afield.

Segovia and Toledo. Both are very easy and quick to get to and have enough to keep you busy for the day. We thoroughly enjoyed both of these cities.

Toledo and Segovia, easy trips and lovely places. Further afield Cuenca, interesting and very different.. accessible on the fast train.

Segovia and Avila are each good choices. Other options: Toledo (though I think it deserves 2 full days) and Salamanca (which I think deserves at least 2 days). All are covered in just about any guidebook.

Or stay the night in Toledo, even if you have already paid for a room in Madrid! Look up "sunk cost."

If you haven't been to Toledo, then definitely go there. The most magnificent cathedral anywhere (and I have been to London, Paris 4 times, Italy 10 times - Venice to Capri and everything in between) and have seen many churches/duomos/cathedrals. Every time you turn around, you will be saying,"Wow!". And there is more to see in Toledo, too.

I looked up "sunk cost!!!" I've never heard that expression, never having worked in finance!! I have to think about this one. WE did Toledo years ago, but I don't remember it at all, so we just might have to do it again!! Thanks!

Ávila is a beautiful walled town, even if you're not into saints. The imposing walls are a UNESCO heritage site, with around a dozen gates, and many towers. The 13th-century basilica is impressive and there's a royal monastery (San Tomás?) outside the walls, with beautiful cloisters.

Toledo has more to see, but Ávila has enough for a day, whereas you'd need several days to have a satisfactory visit to Toledo.

Segovia is another beautiful walled town, with a wonderful castle. A good part of the walls are hidden by modern buildings, but it's worth your while to take a walk outside the part of the walls that can be seen from below.

Remembering to consider "sunk costs" helps me gain perspective on my choices. Whatever you choose, I'm glad you found it a useful idea!

Yes I forgot about Avila's walls - inside the walls to me was nice but not awesome - Segovia has walls as does Toledo.

As others have pointed out, Toledo is an easy day trip by tour bus or car. The old portion of Toledo is fascinating.

No need to take a tour bus or a car -- there are regular routine buses.

As already noted, many people visit Toledo for a day trip and many of us are glad to stay longer, see more, and see this wonderfully evocative city at night.

Thank you!

Alison

Trains are the best way to get to Toledo - much faster than bus and trains always more comfy than buses. But sometimes trains sell out so book in advance or take the frequent cheap buses as a last resort. But don't drive if you don't have a car already - parking can be a challenge and no need for car once in Toledo.

Faster, yes; more comfortable? In the eye (or elsewhere) of the passenger. All else being equal (and it rarely is), I like putting luggage in an undercarriage rather than hefting it up onto a train.