We are spending 6 days in the Barcelona area and 6 days in the Madrid area beginning in mid-October. Do you ecommend both day trips: from Barcelona to Gerona and Madrid to Toledo? Or is one or the other preferable?

IMO Toledo is a definite yes (tied with Segovia--you could do both)Girona is really nice, but for me, Barcelona could easily take up the entire 6 days. Not that Madrid isn't great, but (after the Prado and Sofia), I like Toledo and Segovia even better.

Toledo, Ohio is a very nice little town. But unfortunately there aren't any direct flights from Madrid to Toledo. You would have to change planes in Chicago or New York.

Happy travels!

Definitely Toledo. The cathedral alone is worth the trip. Consider also Segovia.

A one-day trip to Toledo. A seperate trip to Segovia. IMO Madrid does not require 6 days unless you love the congestion and pollution of the big city. Have a great trip!

Madrid-Toledo: a resounding Yes!
Barcelona-Girona: I would substitute the Costa Brava for Girona. If you're driving, you might even daytrip to the Valencia area (Castellon de la Plana, for example). Yes, that's the opposite direction (Costa Dorada) from the Costa Brava, but it's quite nice and it's do-able in a day.
To answer your question: Toledo and Segovia are preferable. From Barcelona you can visit MontSerrat