Spain, Europe
Toledo, Segovia, Ávila, El Escorial, and Aranjuez are all realistic day trips by train. Keep the same Madrid hotel and book ahead when a specific departure matters.
| Where | Getting there | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Toledo | About 33 min by high-speed Avant from Atocha | The walled former capital sits above the Tagus, with a cathedral, synagogues, mosques, and an El Greco collection. |
| Segovia | About 30 min by high-speed train | A Roman aqueduct crosses the center, and the Alcázar stands on the ridge above the old city. |
| El Escorial | About 1 hr by Cercanías commuter train | The vast monastery, palace, and royal mausoleum built by Philip II, set against the Guadarrama mountains. |
| Ávila | About 1 hr 30 by train | The medieval walls still circle the old city, and long sections of the rampart are open to walk. Saint Teresa was born here. |
| Aranjuez | About 45 min by Cercanías commuter train | The royal palace and formal gardens sit along the Tagus. The palace and gardens are the main visit. |