Hi MM or anyone who reads this!

My Sister and I will be in Madrid from 4/22 - 4/26(short amt of time, I know). First time and not sure what day trip to take. I know there is a lot to do in Madrid, but we want to take one or two train day trips to Toleda, Segovia, Castilla, ect., to experience some countryside. Which place would you recommend? and should we spend a night in any of them or return to Madrid? We want to experience site-seeing but also good cafes, wine, charming towns, and to mingle with locals. We don't need wild nightlife, just hanging out people watching type stuff and Flamenco! Any suggestions? Thanks~K

Toledo is first in the list. The more information you get about the place the more you will enjoy it.

Andres

If you go to Toledo, I would suggest taking the bus, not the train. My experience in Spain tells me that for shorter trips (under 4 hours)the busses are more reliable and usually quicker than the trains. Maybe other disagree. For more info about Toledo, Segovia, Salamanca, Avila, etc... just search for them on the message board. Chance are that there are hundred of posts about what to do in each place.

You will want to see Segovia for sure. While you are on the way there stop and see Valley of the Fallen. Also El Escorial. When you are in Segovia and looking at that aqua duct, just remember that it is over 2000 years old, and still functional. It is put together without steel rebar or mortar. Modern civil engineers think have made a major accomplishment when something they have built last through the first good wind storm.

I would recommend Segovia for a day trip out of Madrid. The train ride is scenic. The town is charming.

KarenKFla writes: Is that five FULL days you have in Madrid?? If you're flying in from the U.S. day-1 (22 Apr) could be a 'jetlag washout.'

Madrid and environs are NOT the most scenic part of Spain - maybe that's why they it's called la Mancha.

I like both Toledo and Segovia for daytrips from Madrid; but with as little time as you have, I wouldn't recommend sleeping two nights there and two nights here.

Many people will tell you to go to el Rastro Sunday, but not me! I particularly enjoy Retiro Park on a Sunday morning (that's 4/23). There are many 'street' entertainers, and sometimes you're lucky enough to encounter a Cantaor de Flamenco con Guitarrista. Flamenco is a late night (early AM) activity at most Tablaos Flamencos. Don't expect to find it in early evening.

As for all that other stuff you want to do in 5-days (like mingling with the locals): Lots of luck!

Hi Karen --

When you go to Toledo, I highly recommend you going to the Parador which is outside the city and having a nice cool drink on the "terraza". Seeing as you are going by public transportation, you will probably need to take a taxi to get there. There are beautiful views of the city from the terrace.

For Segovia, the bus is more recommendable than the train since the bus will drop you off closer to the tourist sites than the train. If you happen to rent a car, there is a great road that runs around the outskirts of the city and gives you great scenic views of the city as well.

Have a great trip!

Hola!

I watched a great flamenco show last year at Casa Patas. Very enjoyable. Check out the website at www.casapatas.com
I forgot the exact address, but it is easy to reach by metro, or even on foot, depending on where you are lodging.
Enjoy!

la calma

I just got back from a week in Madrid and I did a day trip to Toledo. The only problem with a day trip to Toledo are all the tourist and school children on day trips and the tour buses! I would suggest going to Chinchon for a nice lunch. The town is only 45 to 50 mins. away by bus. Take the Metro to Conde Casal and hop on bus # 337 Bus company La veloz. The bus leaves every half hour during the week. Same schedule coming back. I would visit this town during the week but not on the weekend that's when the locals head out of town to eat lunch there. Lunch at any of the restaurants surrounding the Plaza are nice. Just make sure that you get a table on one of the balconies. The restaurante Cafe de la Iberia serves lunch up until 5pm. There is also a Parador off of the Plaza Mayor that is worth visiting. During Holy week Chinchon has a Passion play so it may be crowded while you are there. Have fun.

Hi Karen --

If you are looking for something a little more off beat the international tourist track, I would recommend paying a visit to the windmills in La Mancha region (province of Toledo and area surrounding Ciudad Real). Think Don Quijote.



We just got back from a day trip from La Ruta de Los Molinos de Viento (the Windmill Route). Not sure how good your Spanish is, as the abovementioned link is to a Spanish page.

It was really interesting to see the windmills that I have always associated with Spain upclose.

After traveling from town to town (you would need to rent a car... but it's an easy drive from Madrid) stop at a local mesón and have some


and a little



and you'll be good to go! Have fun!

PS. Hi La Calma!

I would recommend either two, Toledo or Segovia. Ávila and Salamanca are a little farther away, and you can't have it all!!!

The train to Segovia is really slow, it takes about 2 hours, while the bus gets you there in 1 hour and a half or less. Desert dweller advice is a good one, but I would rent a car for that.

Eddie, Madrid is not La Mancha, although I agree that its environs are not the best (in my opinion the south part of Madrid is really ugly), but the Sierra has really nice places to walk and still enjoy crystal clear waters and blue skies.

Thanks everyone for all your input! I have booked a hotel in Toledo for one night...it's called Pintor El Greco...we will take the bus from Madrid as everyone seems to suggest it being the best way! Thanks again. Karen

Hi Karen,

another suggestion: For a perfect relax go to the Arabic Baths in Madrid, C/Atocha 14, right off the Pl San Jacinto Benavente. I was there last year - incredibly refreshing and relaxing after a day of sightseeing. Website at www.hammamspain.com (Spanish and English). You must bring a bathsuit, but everything else is provided (towels, soap). They offer several packages, combining the bath with a massage/lunch/dinner and belly dance show.
Enjoy!

La calma

P.S.: Hi Chica!!!!

Hi again!

Thanks for you message Karen!
No, I did not dine at the restaurant of the hammam because they were booked out that evening (Sat night´s dinner and show). The restaurant looked really nice and if the food is just half as good as the baths it´s still worth trying out...
Go for it and tell us how it was!

From Prussia with Love,

la calma

Hi Karen --

Another suggestion for a day trip from Madrid. We were in Sigüenza today, the province of Guadalajara. It's a beautiful town with an impressive cathedral and castle. While it isn't quite Toledo, it is historical in its own right and very medieval. You certainly won't run into the tourist crowds that you will in Toledo. The train station is right in the middle of town as well... it is on the Madrid-Barcelona line.

I haven't put our pictures up on a website yet, but found this webpage that has some great shots.

On Sunday we will be heading to Cuenca to see the Casas Colgadas (I've seen them before but my husband, who is Spanish, hasn't!) among other things.

Hopefully your notebook of ideas is getting full!

hi Karen,

I agree with the other posts for your daytrip to Toledo! But I also did a day trip including lunch from Madrid to Avila / Segovia. The aquaduct in Segovia is a must-see,as is the castle. Avila is beautiful, and you will remember the day forever. I have to say it was my favourite of all the tours I did, and one I will repeat when I return to Madrid. It can be booked on the net, however, I just booked with the concierge in the hotel last time, and was collected at the door! Have a great trip!!

Tia

"Chinchon"........as previously noted, is wonderful, the lamb lunches are delicious around a wonderful town square, actually a circle. There is a nice Parador there also. Take it in for a breather from Madrid. Buen viaje!