More about: 6 Best Day Trips to Segovia from Madrid
If you visit Madrid in good time, apart from enjoying everything the city has to offer, you can take a trip to nearby cities that also have a lot to offer. One of the most recommended is Segovia, just over an hour from Madrid.
1. Organised excursion to Segovia from Madrid
This organised tour to Segovia is ideal if you are looking for comfort and free time to discover the city at your own pace. It includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus a guided sightseeing tour of Madrid before arriving in Segovia.
What you will do on this tour
- Guided bus tour of Madrid city highlights
- Walking tour of the historic centre of Segovia
- Free time for lunch and strolling at your leisure
- Comfortable return by bus ending at your hotel
Details of interest
- Duration: approx. 11 hours
- Price from: CAD 62.
- Included: Pick up and drop off at the hotel, professional guide, guided tour of Madrid and Segovia.
2. Excursion to Segovia with stop in Avila
This combined tour to Segovia and Avila allows you to discover two World Heritage Cities in one day. Ideal if you want to make the most of your day without worrying about transfers.
What you'll do on this tour
- Guided tour of Avila (walls, cathedral, convent of Santa Teresa)
- Tour of Segovia's must-see sights (aqueduct, cathedral and Alcazar)
- Stop for tapas and drinks in Segovia
- Limited but sufficient free time in both cities
Details of interest
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: CAD 79.
- Includes: Guide, transport, option to include entrance fees and monuments and lunch.
3. Excursion to Segovia and Toledo in one day
The combination of Segovia and Toledo in the same day is a practical option if you don't have much time and want to have a first contact with two of the most emblematic cities in Spain.
What you will do on this excursion
- Guided tour of the historic centres of Segovia and Toledo
- Short free time to explore on your own
- Exterior views of the main monuments (aqueduct, Alcazar, cathedral, Jewish quarter...)
- Transport between cities and return to Madrid
Details of interest
- Duration: 11-12 hours
- Price from: CAD 100.
- Included: Guide, return transport, guided tours of both cities.
4. Excursion to Segovia, El Escorial and Valle de los Caídos
This excursion to Segovia, El Escorial and the Valley of the Fallen is a perfect option if you are interested in getting to know three fundamental enclaves of Spanish history and heritage. With a duration of 11 hours, it is a complete and culturally enriching tour.
What you will do on this tour
- Visit to the Monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, declared a World Heritage Site.
- A tour of the imposing Valley of the Fallen and its 150-metre cross.
- Time to explore Segovia, including its Roman aqueduct and the Alcázar fortress
- Accompaniment by an expert guide throughout the day
Details of interest
- Duration: 11 hours
- Price from: CAD 146.
- Includes: Transport from Madrid, English speaking guide, panoramic visits to the three destinations.
5. Excursion to Segovia with hot air balloon flight
Looking for a truly unique experience? This excursion to Segovia with balloon flight allows you to discover the city from the air and enjoy an unforgettable day.
What you will do on this excursion
- Hot-air balloon flight over Segovia with breakfast and champagne toast.
- Free time for lunch and explore the city on your own.
- Possibility of adding a guided tour of the main monuments
- Flight certificate and photographic report included.
Details of interest
- Duration: 6-8 hours approx.
- Price from: CAD 543.
- Includes: Balloon flight, breakfast, transfer from Madrid, guide (if you choose this option).
6. Full excursion to Segovia, Avila and Toledo from Madrid
Another comprehensive and highly rated option for those looking for an uncomplicated cultural immersion. This excursion to Segovia, Avila and Toledo takes you to three World Heritage cities in one day, accompanied by a local guide who will make sure you don't miss a single detail.
What you'll do on this tour
- A walk through the historic centre of Toledo and a visit to the exterior of the cathedral.
- Guided tour of Avila: walls, cathedral and basilica
- Stopover in Segovia with explanation of the aqueduct and the Alcazar
- Comfortable transport, Spanish-speaking guide and direct return to Madrid.
Interesting details
- Duration: 11 hours
- Price from: CAD 212.
- Included: Transfers by bus, expert guide, visits to exterior monuments.
What to see and do in Segovia in one day
On an organised excursion from Madrid to Segovia you will see all the important sights of the city. One day will be enough to get to know this city which, although it has many points of interest, is quite manageable. Once you get there what you can do:
Marvel at the aqueduct
It is almost 16km long and is a construction that was used to supply water to the cities. The Segovia aqueduct has 120 pillars that rise up to 30 metres above the ground and 167 arches. No matter how many times you've seen it in pictures, you'll be amazed when you're there. Don't settle for the obligatory selfie in front of it (although it's also valid): play with your camera to get an original photo that will serve as a souvenir of your trip.
Stroll around the centre
Don't be overwhelmed by sightseeing. Strolling through the historic centre of Segovia is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in the city. Its cobbled streets are dotted with historic buildings, busy squares, medieval buildings and, of course, shops and restaurants where you can enjoy a beer in the open air.
Enter the Cathedral
This is a major point of interest in Segovia and you'll find it right in the centre. The entrance fee is very affordable at 3 euros and you can also book a guided tour of the tower. It is open from morning until 18:30 in winter and until 21:30 in summer.
Eat the typical suckling pig
Every weekend hundreds of visitors come to Segovia from Madrid to try the famous roast suckling pig. Any of its restaurants is good for this, but if you go at the weekend it is better to book in advance, especially if you are a large group.
Visit the Alcázar
It is open from 10am to 6pm in winter and from 10am to 8pm in summer. It is one of the most visited monuments in Segovia and Spain and is open to the public every day of the year except on specific public holidays. The full ticket with access to the tower costs six euros and can be purchased at the ticket office or by booking online from their website (there you can also take a virtual tour to convince you of how necessary this visit is as part of your trip to Segovia).
Tour the Jewish quarter
Leave time during your visit to stroll through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter and cross the Puerta del Sol, from where you'll have great views of the river that runs through the city. In the Jewish quarter you will find, among others, the Corpus Cristi Church, formerly the Main Synagogue.
Segovia on your own
If you prefer to visit the city on your own, you have several options available. Leave Madrid early to make the most of the day in Segovia and book online at one of its restaurants to try its famous suckling pig. Take comfortable clothes and shoes to visit the city. As for transport, you can get to Segovia from Madrid:
- By car: if you have rented a car and want to take advantage of it you will arrive in just one hour, but you may have to look for a car park on arrival.
- By train: the high-speed AVANT train costs about 14 euros and will drop you off at Guimar station in Segovia in about half an hour. It departs from Chamartín station in Madrid and, once you arrive in Segovia, you will have to take a bus to the city centre.
- By bus: this is a very convenient option. Buses leave from the Moncloa interchange in Madrid every 15 to 30 minutes for about four euros and will drop you off in the city centre. The journey time from Madrid is approximately one hour and twenty minutes.
Practical tips for a trip to Segovia
When to go
Segovia receives visitors all year round, but at weekends the city is much busier as visitors come from Madrid to eat suckling pig or stroll along the aqueduct. If you can make your trip to Segovia during the week you will find the city much emptier of people and you will enjoy your visit with more peace and quiet.
Recommended length of visit
One day is enough to visit the key points of Segovia, stroll through its streets and enjoy an aperitif on any terrace. However, don't forget to leave Madrid early in the morning to make the most of the day; bear in mind that in winter it gets dark earlier, so your visit will be shorter.
The weather in Segovia
The temperature in Segovia is lower than in Madrid. In the middle of summer you may not notice much as the aqueduct area has little shade and the heat can be equally sweltering, but you will see the difference when strolling through the streets of the centre. In winter, keep in mind that you will need to wrap up warmer in Segovia than in Madrid.
What to eat
Although suckling pig is the star dish, you can also enjoy other delicacies in Segovia's restaurants. Judiones de la granja, roast suckling lamb, Segovian-style trout and Segovian punch are some of the dishes not to be missed.
What to bring to Segovia
The most important thing is to wear comfortable clothes and, if you visit Segovia in winter, take an extra jumper or jacket, even if you think you might not need one in Madrid. If you are going to Segovia on an organised tour, make sure you check whether or not food is included so that you can either bring money to go to one of the restaurants or bring your own food from home.
If you are interested in the excursion to Segovia, you will also be interested in
Segovia is not the only city near Madrid that you can visit in a day. Another of the most outstanding cities, located at the opposite end of the city to Segovia, is Toledo. In Toledo you will also find medieval buildings, a historic centre that, although it is quite steep, is well worth a visit, and an impressive cathedral that is also one of the most outstanding in Spain. If you want to know more about excursions to Toledo you can visit this article: 4 Best Day Trips to Toledo from Madrid.
If what you prefer is to get the most out of Madrid, I recommend you start your trip with an organised tour that will put you in context of the history, the neighbourhoods and the most remarkable anecdotes of the capital of Spain. In this article about 12 Best Tours in Madrid all the information you need to organise your guided tour.
Finally, museum lovers are in luck, as Madrid is home to some of the most important museums in Europe. My personal recommendation, El Prado (of course) and the Reina Sofía. You can organise your visit by following my practical guides to both museums: Prado Museum in Madrid: Tickets and Tours y Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid: Tickets and Tours.