More about: 6 Best Day Trips to Segovia from Madrid
If you visit Madrid with 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. Organized excursion to Segovia from Madrid
This organized 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, as well as a guided panoramic tour of Madrid before arriving in Segovia.
What you will do on this tour
- Guided bus tour through Madrid highlights
- Walking tour of the historic center of Segovia
- Free time for lunch and strolling at your leisure
- Comfortable return by bus ending at your hotel
Details of interest
- Duration: 11 hours approx.
- Price from: $45
- Includes: Pick up and drop off at hotel, professional guide, guided tour of Madrid and Segovia.
2. Excursion to Segovia with stop in Avila
This combined excursion 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 will 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 with tapas and drinks in Segovia
- Limited but sufficient free time in both cities
Details of interest
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: $58
- Includes: Guide, transportation, option to include entrances and monuments and lunch.
3. Excursion to Segovia and Toledo in one day
The combination of Segovia and Toledo in one day is a practical option if you do not have much time and want to have a first contact with two of the most emblematic cities in Spain.
What you will do in this excursion
- Guided tour of the historic centers of Segovia and Toledo.
- Brief free time to explore on your own
- Exterior views of the main monuments (aqueduct, Alcazar, cathedral, Jewish quarter...)
- Transportation between cities and return to Madrid
Details of interest
- Duration: 11-12 hours
- Price from: $73
- Includes: Guide, round trip transportation, 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.
- Tour of the imposing Valley of the Fallen and its 150-meter cross.
- Time to explore Segovia, including its Roman aqueduct and the Alcazar
- Accompaniment by an expert guide throughout the day.
Details of interest
- Duration: 11 hours
- Price from: $98
- Includes: Transportation from Madrid, Spanish speaking guide, panoramic visits to the three destinations.
5. Excursion to Segovia with hot air balloon ride
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 to have 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: $392
- Includes: Balloon flight, breakfast, transfer from Madrid, guide (if you choose that option).
6. Complete excursion to Segovia, Avila and Toledo from Madrid
Another complete 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 will do on this tour
- Walk through the historic center of Toledo and visit the exterior of the cathedral.
- Guided tour of Avila: walls, cathedral and basilica
- Stop in Segovia with explanation of the aqueduct and Alcazar
- Comfortable transportation, Spanish speaking guide and direct return to Madrid.
Details of interest
- Duration: 11 hours
- Price from: $154
- Included: Transfers by bus, expert guide, visits to exterior monuments.
What to see and do in Segovia in one day
On an organized excursion from Madrid to Segovia you will see all the important points of the city. One day will be enough to get to know this city that, although it has many points of interest, is quite manageable. Once you get there what you can do is:
Marvel at the aqueduct
Its length is almost 16km and it is a construction that served to supply water to the cities. The aqueduct of Segovia has 120 pillars that rise up to 30 meters from the ground and 167 arches. No matter how many times you have seen it in pictures, it will surprise you when you are there. Do not settle for the obligatory selfie in front of it (although it is also valid): play with the camera to get an original photo that will serve as a souvenir of the trip.
Stroll through the center
Don't be overwhelmed by sightseeing. Strolling through the historic center of Segovia is one of the most beautiful experiences you can have in the city. Its cobblestone streets are dotted with historic buildings, busy squares, medieval buildings and, of course, stores and restaurants where you can enjoy a beer in the open air.
Enter the Cathedral
It is a major point of interest in Segovia and you will find it right in the center. The entrance fee is very affordable, it is 3 euros and you can hire a separate 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 that, but if you go on a weekend it is better to book before, especially if you are a large group.
Visit the Alcazar
It is open from 10 am to 6 pm in winter and from 10 am to 8 pm 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 holidays. The full ticket with access to the tower is priced at six euros and can be purchased at the box office or by booking online from their website (there you also have a virtual tour to convince you of how necessary this visit is within your trip to Segovia).
Tour the Jewish quarter
Leave time during your visit to walk through the narrow streets of the Jewish quarter and cross the so-called Puerta del Sol, from where you will have great views of the river that runs through the city. In the Jewish quarter you will find, among others, the Corpus Cristi Church, the former Major 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. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to visit the city. As for transportation you can go 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 parking lot upon 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 center.
- By bus: this is a very convenient option. From the Moncloa interchange in Madrid buses depart every 15 to 30 minutes for about four euros and will drop you off in the city center. The trip from Madrid takes about one hour and twenty minutes.
Practical tips for a trip to Segovia
When to go
Segovia receives visitors all year round, but on weekends the city is much more crowded with visitors coming from Madrid to eat suckling pig or walk 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 tranquility.
Recommended duration of the visit
One day is enough both to visit the key points of Segovia and to stroll through its streets and enjoy an aperitif on any terrace. But don't forget to leave Madrid early in the morning to make the most of the day; keep in mind that in winter it gets dark earlier so your visit will be shorter.
The weather in Segovia
In Segovia the temperature is lower than in Madrid. In the middle of summer you may not notice it much since the aqueduct area has little shade and the heat can be equally suffocating, but you will see the difference when strolling through the streets of the center. 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 trout or Segovian punch are some of the dishes you should not miss.
What to bring to Segovia
The most important thing is to wear comfortable clothes and if you visit Segovia in winter take an extra sweater or jacket, even if you think you might not need it in Madrid. If you are going to Segovia with an organized tour make sure you check whether or not it includes food 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 one day. Another of the most outstanding, located at the opposite end of the city from Segovia, is Toledo. In Toledo you will also find medieval buildings, a historic center that, although with significant slopes, is worth visiting and an impressive cathedral that is also among 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 squeeze the most out of Madrid, I recommend you start your trip with an organized tour that will put you in context of the history, neighborhoods and the most remarkable anecdotes of the capital of Spain. You have in this article about 12 Best Tours in Madrid all the information to organize your guided tour.
Finally, museum lovers are in luck, because in Madrid are some of the most important museums in Europe. My personal recommendation, El Prado (of course) and the Reina Sofia. You can organize your visit following my practical guides about both museums: Prado Museum in Madrid: Tickets and Tours y Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid: Tickets and Tours.