Day trips from Madrid
 

My sister and I are going to Madrid in July. We'd like to get out of the city on a group tour one day (would like to be with a group, rather than on our own) - looks like our choices are: Toleda or Avila/Segovia. Any thoughts on either of these trips? Let me know if have other suggestions, as well! Thanks for your help.

Flip a coin--they're both fantastic.

If you do decide on Avila/Segovia, I recommend dinner in Segovia at Restaurante Narizotas at Plaza de Medina del Camp, numbero dos. (You can click on my name and check out my resent trip report--Sleepless in Spain for the menu--or at least what we had.)

Toledo is more interesting, to my mind, but I would not take a tour. It's very easy to get to Toledo by train and there's a bus that takes you from the station up to the town. Some people, I think, suggest taking a bus, but I find the multiple bus stations in Madrid confusing.

If you're on a tour to Avila/Segovia, chances are you will not be able to eat at the restaurant Artlover suggests; you will probably be herded into a restaurant reserved by the tour company.

In the same NW direction, closer to Madrid is El Escorial. Also interesting.

We did daytrips to both Segovia and Toledo from Madrid, and loved both. Here is a link to our trip report, with details on each:

http://www.onelittleworld.com/madrid_1.html

Hope this helps.

I've been to Segovia and found it really nice, and heard from another American college student that Toledo is great, but I didn't get the chance to go. Both should be nice trips, I would think.

I loved Toledo. It is a step back in time. Be sure to leave time to be lost, because it's bound to happen. But, now I'm seeing that you will be on a tour, I'm sure they'll keep you on track. It is a medieval walled city on a hill, with beautiful views. Enjoy!

You just can't go wrong with either of these day trips. Toledo is amazing--the whole city is a historic site--and if you like El Greco, it's a must-see. On the other hand, the Alcazar in Segovia is your picture-perfect castle in Spain, and Avila is a lovely medieval walled city. I'd rather see them on my own, but if you prefer a group tour, go for it. You have to be comfortable with your choice. I enjoy hearing the commentary on a group tour, but I always feel much too rushed. El Escorial, as mentioned by another poster, is really interesting, too, but I'd encourage you to see another city in Spain that is totally different from Madrid--and your choices fit the bill.