I've got a non-stop flight to Madrid in mid October, yes, in a few weeks. I've got the first part booked, Arrive in Madrid early afternoon, train to Valencia for 5 nights. Then I want to go to Zaragoza, but the train is 4 or 5 hours. What if I went back to Madrid, and went to Toledo for 3 nights, then Zaragoza for 2 nights and back in Madrid for 3 nights. I'm trying to limit to 3 cities, but I want to spend at least a day or two in Madrid (I've been twice) and my flight is in the morning, so at least the last night will be in Madrid.
I'm in my early 60's, solo traveler, love cities, not crazy about nature - too scary. I love to walk (usually do 15k/day), bike (Valencia is known for their bike friendliness), I love good food and museums, architecture and hanging out in a cafe drinking coffee or wine. I almost always do a 3 hr bike tour with a group and/or a food tour, but they are becoming so expensive, not sure it's worth it. I also like an interesting / quirky thing to do, like a sardine factory tour, smaller museums that might not be the standard. I found the Origami museum in Zaragoza for example that sounds fun.
Any tips, tricks - skip Zaragoza? Day trip to Segovia? I had considered Bilboa, but logistically, it's a bit far and the weather history suggests light rain and a bit chilly vs Valencia and sunny.

You may not remember, there are two train stations in Madrid
.Chamartin and Atocha.
To go to Toledo or Zaragoza from Valencia you have to change trains in Madrid but also the train station..
The trains to Segovia and beautiful Salamanca depart from Chamartin ( where you arrive from Valencia)

I'm not sure I understand your logic: Rather than a 4 hour bus from Valencia to Zaragoza (buses in Spain are very comfortable), you are opting for two 1.5 hour train rides? Saving that hour wouldn't be worth it to me; maybe it is to you.

Enjoy your trip!

Actually, I thought I would go to Valencia, then Toledo, then Zaragoza and end up in Madrid to fly home.
So I would only be going from Valencia to Madrid, then a 30 min train to Toledo.

Ok, when I type it out, maybe it doesn't make sense. Thanks for your insight.

While in Valencia, visit the Silk Museum - it’s very interesting, and also has a lovely garden where you could have lunch or a glass of wine. Yes, biking in Valencia is a lot of fun. Enjoy!