Segovia & Avila: Day tour from Madrid with guide & lunch

Summary

Walk ancient walls, taste Castilian flavors, and hear stories in Segovia and Avila

You’ll walk Ávila’s ancient walls, explore cathedrals built into fortresses, and stand beneath Segovia’s soaring Roman aqueduct on this day trip from Madrid. With a local guide sharing stories (and jokes), plus a traditional Castilian lunch with wine included, you’ll find moments—like touching centuries-old stone or tasting roast pork—that stick with you long after you’ve left Spain.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the chill — not cold exactly, but that kind of dry mountain air you get leaving Madrid behind for the Sierra de Guadarrama. Our guide, Marta, handed out little facts about the land as we drove, but honestly I kept staring out at the hills. When we reached Ávila, those city walls just rose up out of nowhere — massive stone blocks, all patched together over centuries. I ran my hand along one and it felt rough and cold, like it could tell a thousand stories if you listened long enough.

Marta led us through winding streets to Ávila Cathedral. She explained how its apse is actually part of the wall — cathedral-fortress, she called it. Inside was dim and echoey; someone lit a candle and the waxy smell mixed with old stone dust. We stopped by Basilica de San Vicente too (I tried to pronounce it right — failed), then wandered past a group of schoolkids on a field trip who seemed way more interested in their snacks than Romanesque arches. Can’t blame them.

Segovia was brighter somehow — maybe just the sun bouncing off all that pale stone. The Roman aqueduct is wild in person; I’d seen photos but standing under it made me feel tiny. Lunch was at this place near Plaza Mayor: white beans from La Granja (earthy and rich), then roasted suckling pig with crisp skin that crackled when I cut into it. The local wine tasted almost peppery — or maybe that was just me being hungry after all the walking.

After lunch we shuffled into Segovia Cathedral (so much gold everywhere) and finally climbed up to Alcázar de Segovia. It really does look like a ship’s bow jutting out over the valley — windier up there than I expected. Marta pointed out where two rivers meet below; I tried to take a photo but mostly ended up squinting into the light. Still think about that view sometimes when things are noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ávila's Historic Sites

• The Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range
• Visit the Walls of Ávila
• Tour Ávila Cathedral
• See Basilica de San Vicente
• Visit Iglesia-convento de Santa Teresa

Day 2 — Discover Segovia's Landmarks

• View the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia
• Tour Segovia Cathedral
• Explore Alcázar of Segovia

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Madrid to Segovia & Avila?

The tour lasts a full day, including travel time between Madrid, Ávila, and Segovia.

Is hotel pickup included for this Segovia & Avila tour?

Yes, hotel pickup in Madrid is included in your booking.

What monuments are visited during the tour?

You’ll visit Ávila’s city walls, Ávila Cathedral, Basilica de San Vicente, Segovia’s Roman Aqueduct, Segovia Cathedral, and Alcázar de Segovia.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

Yes, lunch includes La Granja white beans, roasted suckling pig, punch cake with ice cream, wine, mineral water, and coffee.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Entry tickets for all listed monuments are included in your tour price.

Will there be an official guide during the visit?

An official bilingual guide leads walking tours in both Ávila and Segovia.

Is this tour suitable for families with children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Madrid by air-conditioned van with Wi-Fi onboard; guided walking tours led by an official bilingual guide in both Ávila and Segovia; entry tickets to all main monuments on the itinerary; plus a traditional Castilian lunch featuring local specialties like white beans from La Granja and roasted suckling pig served with wine before heading back to Madrid in the evening.