Two questions...We are looking at visiting Segovia, El Escorial and Toledo from our base in Madrid. First off, would you recommend taking the train or bus? And also, is it possible to do Segovia and El Escorial in one day? Our next stop is Zaragoza, would you recommend doing any of these stops on the way to Zaragoza?

Toledo is 35 minutes from Madrid by AVE (high speed train). I don't believe Segovia can be reached from Madrid by train, but bus is quick and easy.

Do not use train for Segovia!! We did this and it was a big mistake as the trains are CErcanias which are like commuter trains and take forever. Better take bus.

www.lasepulvedana.es for bus schedules

ttt

If you hire a car to Zaragoza can stop in Medinaceli (uptown). There is a Roman triumph arch and cool streets.
If not, best take a train to Zaragoza.

on your way to zaragoza you have alcalá de henares, ( also easily reached by commuter train), the birthplace of cervantes.

besides strolling in this world heritage town, i suggest you do not miss cervante´s home/museum. it is very well preserved and a joy to walk through.

next stop: siguenza. this is a lovely town, full of history and boasts one of the great paradors. this is worth a 2-3 hr stop in this town, unless you decide to sleep over.

have fun.