Madrid and Beyond including Toledo, Avila and Segovia

Day 1 - Day of arrival - Madrid

On arrival at Madrid Barajas Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where you will stay for 7 nights.

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

Madrid, Spain

Day 2 - Explore Madrid

Madrid can be enjoyed on foot or by using public transport to take you between neighbourhoods. Large in size, full of places to be visited and delights to be sampled; the city has something for everyone. Head to the Barrio de las Letras, the literary quarter, where you can sample some tapas and a glass of Mahou, the beer of Madrid, whilst enjoying the bohemian atmosphere of this popular district. For shopping, the Gran Via, one of the main streets of the city, pretty much has it covered with many high street and designer names in which to shop.

For sightseeing, the Palace of Cibeles (Palacio de Cibeles), home to the city council, is a magnificent white building which, along with the square (Plaza de Cibeles) on which it stands and the 18th century fountain it overlooks, are symbolic monuments of the city. Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is picturesque and within walking distance of the Royal Palace (Palacio Real) and Puerta del Sol – the heart of the city, where one of the city gates once stood.

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

The Royal Palace (Palacio Real)

Day 3 - Toledo

The city of Toledo is easily reached from Madrid Atocha train station by AVE high speed train, making it ideal for a day trip away from the capital. The journey takes around 33 minutes and Toledo’s historic centre is a short distance away from its train station, which itself was designed in Neo-Mudejar style.

It is possible to walk to the centre, but due to Toledo’s geographical location, high on a hillside, making the walk considerably uphill, many prefer to take a taxi or use the bus service from the train station. Famous for its steel and sword making, a trade which stretches back centuries, the city retains a very medieval look and features many historic buildings.

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

Toledo

Day 4 - Segovia

Around 30 minutes is all it takes to reach Segovia by high-speed train (AVE), from Madrid Chamartin train station. Although the AVE arrives at Segovia Guiomar train station, which is located c.7km from Segovia itself, a bus and taxi service operates to the city.

As you arrive into the historic centre what stands out is the spectacular Roman Aqueduct which dates back to around 50 B.C. Deeper into old Segovia you will find historic treasures – Romanesque churches, a Jewish quarter, palaces, a 16th century Gothic Cathedral and the enchanting Alcázar - originally a fortress and today, one of Spain’s most visited and probably best-known castles.

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

Roman Aqueduct, Segovia

Day 5 - Prado Museum, Madrid

The Prado Museum in Madrid, housed within an 18th century neo-classical building, is one of the greatest art galleries in the world and a must for all art aficionados. Home to some of the world’s masterpieces, displaying work from a variety of artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Raphael, Rubens, Bosch and Goya, it is impossible not to spend hours here admiring their work!

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

Prado Museum, Madrid

Day 6 - Avila

The medieval city of Avila is between 1½-2 hours away, by train, from Madrid and boasts one of the best-preserved city walls found in Spain, part of which dates back to 1090. Sections of the wall are open to visitors (except on Monday and public holidays) and a must for anyone visiting this World Heritage City. Inside the walls, you will find a labyrinth of streets housing churches, Renaissance palaces as well as Avila’s Cathedral.

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

Avila

Day 7 - Buen Retiro, Madrid

The main park of Madrid, the Buen Retiro, is a haven to which to escape the maelstrom of city life. One of the largest parks in Madrid, the Retiro, which opened to the public in 1868, is popular with both locals and visitors. Family picnics, dog walking, skating, jogging, people watching from one of the cafeterias, reading a book on the landscape lawns and boating are popular activities here. The Park boasts various fountains and statues, which include the famous Fallen Angel and the impressive monument to Alfonso XII, as well as its centrepiece, the Palacio de Cristal – a glass palace built in 1887.

Overnight at Eurostars Madrid Gran Via Hotel

Buen Retiro, Madrid

Day 8 - Day of departure

On departure from your hotel, transfer back to Madrid Barajas Airport for your return flight to the UK.