Because we had one more day, we wanted to make a daytrip outside of Madrid. Of course there are a lot of Madrid excursions: Toledo, El Escorial, Segovia, Avilia,... We doubted between Toledo and Segovia. But we decided to see
Segovia.
It’s a small city located 87 km (54 miles) from Madrid and it’s on the World Heritage List of UNESCO.
There is a high speed train that only takes 30 minutes to get you there and it leaves at the train station of Chamartín. The easiest way to get there is by metro. For us (located at Gran Via) it was a 25 minutes ride on the metro (1 euro*).
When you arrive at Chamartín, you go to the desk at the train station to buy the tickets for the fast train, you get reserved seats. Check for the special ‘turista’ tariff of 15 euros* (round-trip). But look for the hours of these trains, it’s only offered certain hours, otherwise you have to pay 22 euros* one-way! More on the hours and tariffs on the
Renfe
website. (You can also take a bus ‘La Sepulvidana’ to Segovia, but that takes about 75 minutes, that’s why we choose the train instead.)
When we arrived in Segovia station, we were located 7 km (11 miles) from the old city centre of Segovia. There is a bus (line 11) that takes you to the historic centre in 15 minutes for less than one euro (0.86 euro*). (If you want, you can already ask for a map at the tourist information desk located in the station). The bus ticket can be bought on the bus.
As soon as we arrived at the Aqueduct (this is where the bus drops you), you can easily walk around to see the old buildings.
If you want to visit the Gothic cathedral, the entrance ticket is 3 euros*. For
Alcázar
(the castle), we paid an entrance ticket of 4 euros*, and an extra 2 euros* if you want to climb the tower (but be prepared to climb 152 steps ;o). Fun fact: I read somewhere that Walt Disney used this castle as an inspiration! Join me on my walk through the castle.
