Madrid to Toledo & Segovia: Alcazar, Cathedral & Lunch

Summary

Two medieval cities, Roman aqueducts and winding alleys in one day

You’ll wind through Toledo’s tangled lanes with a local guide, watch damasquinado artisans at work, taste traditional Castilian lunch, and stand beneath Segovia’s ancient aqueduct before exploring its storybook Alcazar. Expect plenty of walking on cobbled streets—and moments that linger long after you’re back in Madrid.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to look left!” That’s what our guide, Elena, called out as the bus curved above Toledo. I pressed my forehead against the window and honestly, I just stared. The city looked like a tangle of stone and orange roofs clinging to a hill — not quite real. We hopped off at Mirador del Valle for photos (everyone did), but it was the breeze up there that got me — dry, carrying this faint scent of dust and something floral I couldn’t name. Elena pointed out where the Tagus River looped around below, tracing her finger in the air like she’d done it a hundred times.

The walk through Toledo started at Zocodover Square — busy with locals on their way somewhere else. The streets are narrow, cobblestoned, and honestly a bit confusing if you’re not following someone who knows them. Elena led us through the old Jewish quarter, pausing by doorways with faded symbols carved above them. She told us about damasquinado — gold inlaid into steel — and then we watched an old craftsman at work in his workshop. He barely looked up but grinned when someone asked about Game of Thrones swords (apparently he’s made a few). I tried to say “damasquinado” right; pretty sure I butchered it because he laughed.

Lunch was simple but good — bread that crackled when you tore it, some kind of stew with saffron I could still taste hours later. Then back on the bus for Segovia. It’s only about an hour away but feels like another world. First thing you see is that Roman aqueduct just standing there in the middle of everything; pigeons perched along the top like they own it. We had time to wander before meeting at Plaza Mayor, where kids were chasing each other around the cathedral steps.

The Alcazar in Segovia is… well, it looks like something from a fairy tale but also weirdly solid — thick stone walls and cool shadows inside even though it was warm outside. Twenty-two kings lived there? Hard to picture anyone living in rooms that echo so much when you walk across them. Elena told stories about secret passages (she swears some are real), and then we all just stood for a minute by a window looking out over fields rolling away from the city. I still think about that view sometimes — how quiet it felt after all those winding streets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Toledo and Segovia highlights

• View Toledo from Mirador del Valle
• Start guided tour at Zocodover Square
• Walk through Toledo Jewish Quarter
• Pass by Toledo Cathedral
• Pass by Alcázar of Toledo
• See San Juan de los Reyes from bus
• End Toledo tour at San Martín Bridge
• Visit Damasquinado workshop in Toledo
• Arrive in Segovia and see Roman Aqueduct
• Guided tour of Segovia Cathedral
• Pass by Plaza Mayor of Segovia
• Visit Alcázar of Segovia

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Madrid to Toledo & Segovia take?

The tour lasts around 11 hours including travel time between cities and guided visits.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is included if you select the All-Inclusive option when booking.

Are entrance tickets to Alcazar & Cathedral included?

Yes, entry fees are covered if you choose an option with tickets included.

How much free time do we get in each city?

You have about 3 hours in both Toledo and Segovia with some guided time and some free time.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup; transport leaves from a central meeting point in Madrid.

Can children join? Are strollers allowed?

Yes, children can join and strollers are allowed but bring your own baby car seat if needed.

Is this tour suitable for people with reduced mobility?

No, due to steep cobbled streets and lots of walking, it’s not recommended for those with reduced mobility.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The guided tour is monolingual—check your booking for language options available on your date.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transport from Madrid by air-conditioned coach, guided walks through Toledo and Segovia’s historic centers, entry tickets to both Alcazar and Cathedral (if selected), a visit inside a damasquinado workshop unique to Toledo—and if you pick the All-Inclusive option, lunch is part of it too before heading back as evening falls over Madrid.