The question of which of these trips to do when time is limited is hotly debated on internet forums. Of the two 'main' day trips, Segovia and Toledo, I'd pick Segovia as it's relatively easy to combine it with a half-day in El Escorial or Avila, whereas Toledo is a little more isolated, to the south of Madrid.
Combined Guided Tours of Cities Around Madrid
In a rush? With so many essential day trips to do from Madrid, it can be difficult to see everything. Click on the above link for guided tours that combine a couple of cities in a single day.
- Toledo The former capital of Spain, Toledo has retained its medieval charm, with its city walls and winding streets.
Book a Toledo Guided Tour (book direct) - Segovia The twin charms of Segovia's fairytale castle and Roman aqueduct make Segovia an essential day trip from Madrid.
Book a Segovia and Avila Guided Tour (book direct) - Avila Often overlooked city between Madrid and Salamanca, with some of the best preserved medieval city walls in Europe.
Book a Segovia and Avila Guided Tour (book direct) - El Escorial
El Escorial's monastery and kings' crypt (where the majority of Spain's kings for the past 400 years are buried) are a nice alternative to tourist-heavy Segovia and Toledo.
Book an El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour (book direct) - El Valle de los Caidos
Controversial burial ground for former dictator, General Franco, complete with magnificent stone cross and basilica, built by Franco's prisoners of war from the Spanish Civil War. Close to El Escorial to make a perfect combined day trip. English name is 'The Valley of the Fallen'
Book an El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen Guided Tour (book direct) - Seville & Cordoba by AVE Seville and Cordoba are miles from Madrid, but that's what the AVE train was invented for. Take these guided tours of Seville and Cordoba from Madrid and be back in time for bed.
Book Day Trip to Seville by AVE (book direct) - Aranjuez A royal residence, easily reached by train from Madrid.
- Salamanca
The university city of Salamanca is a bit further from Madrid than the other day trips (two-and-a-half hours away by bus or train) and it warrants at least a night there, but if pressed for time, it is certainly possible in a day trip.
