How to Visit Ávila and Segovia in One Day from Madrid
*Disclosure: I only recommend products/services that I would use myself & all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links meaning that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission which in turn helps fund my next adventure! Please read the Privacy Policy for more information.
If you’re visiting Madrid and want to see more of Spain’s rich history beyond the city limits, a day trip to Ávila and Segovia is one of the best ways to do it. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites known for their medieval charm, jaw-dropping architecture, and storybook scenery. And the best part? You can experience them both in a single day!
During my first visit to Madrid, I knew I wanted to go on a day trip, but had a hard time choosing which tour to book. Many Ávila and Segovia tours also include Toledo, but after researching more, I realized that would be too busy of a day, and I was nervous that it might feel too rushed. That narrowed down my options quite a bit, and what really sold me on this tour is that it includes the entrance tickets to the major sites in each city. I would’ve hated to go to Segovia and not be able to go inside the Alcazar.
I booked this full-day guided tour through GetYourGuide, which has been my go-to booking platform for nearly a decade. It’s easy to use, the tours are consistently high-quality, and you can even download the GetYourGuide app to access tickets, track updates, and check in straight from your phone.
If you’re short on time but want to maximize your itinerary, this tour is a fantastic way to explore two of Spain’s most beautiful cities without worrying about logistics or transportation. In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know, so you’ll know by the end if this tour is for you!
The Alcázar of Segovia
From Booking to Boarding: How the Day Begins
The booking process was seamless, and the tour listing on GetYourGuide matched the experience perfectly. It’s a full-day tour which lasts about 9 hours, so we knew it would be a long one, but that’s exactly what made it worth it - plus, you get to see so much in one day.
The meeting point is along the Gran Vía in Madrid, one of the city’s most central and tourist-friendly areas. It’s within easy walking distance of most major hotels and surrounded by cafés, making it convenient to grab a quick breakfast before departure. You’ll arrive 15-20 minutes before the departure time, and although there were several other groups gathering for different tours, the check-in process was organized and efficient.
My first impression, however, wasn’t the best. As we arrived at the meeting point, I was surprised by how many people were waiting there. It seemed like at least 100 people, and at the time, I didn’t realize multiple tours were departing from the same location, so I thought we were going with a large group. Our group ended up being 25-30 people, and even though I usually prefer smaller group tours, by the end of the day, I was pleasantly surprised. The pacing was well thought out, with just enough guided commentary and plenty of free time to explore both towns on your own.
Once on board, the tour immediately felt comfortable. The bus was modern, air-conditioned, and equipped with Wi-Fi, USB chargers, and reclining seats. The guide struck the perfect balance of upbeat and informative without overwhelming the group with too much commentary that early in the morning.
Exploring Ávila: City of Walls and Saints
Your first stop of the day is Ávila, a city that feels straight out of a storybook. It’s completely surrounded by medieval stone walls that have stood for centuries and still remain beautifully intact. The moment you see them, you’ll understand why Ávila is considered one of Spain’s most enchanting walled cities.
Before entering the city, you’ll make a quick coffee and restroom stop at a viewpoint overlooking Ávila’s medieval walls. It was the perfect introduction to the day ahead. A moment to stretch, sip your café con leche, and admire one of Spain’s most impressive sights before even setting foot inside the city.
Once you arrive inside the city walls, your guide will lead a short walking tour filled with fascinating stories about Ávila’s history, culture, and its connection to Saint Teresa, one of Spain’s most beloved saints. You’ll visit landmarks like the Basílica de San Vicente and Ávila Cathedral, both of which are impressive examples of Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
After the guided portion, you’ll have free time to explore on your own. I loved wandering the narrow streets with my mom and popping into local shops. We even found a little wooden marionette in a shop window that we couldn’t resist taking home.
Some of us from our group had lunch at La Rubia de Ávila Restaurante, where we enjoyed a local meal with traditional Castilian dishes. It’s located near the meeting point when it’s time to depart Ávila and is very reasonably priced.
Ávila is compact, walkable, and full of charm. Whether you decide to walk a section of the famous city walls or simply sit at a café and people-watch, you’ll get a glimpse into a part of Spain that feels wonderfully untouched by time.
Exploring Segovia: Castles, Cathedrals, and the Famous Aqueduct
After leaving Ávila, you’ll make your way to Segovia, a city that feels like the perfect companion to Ávila. The drive takes just under an hour, and if you don’t know anything about Segovia, you’re in for a treat. Segovia is home to two famous sites: the Roman Aqueduct and the Alcázar of Segovia (which is a castle).
You’ll start your visit with a guided walk through the city, stopping to admire the Alcázar of Segovia, the fairytale-like castle said to have inspired Walt Disney’s design for Snow White’s castle. I’ve seen a lot of castles throughout Europe, but this one instantly became a favorite. The details, history, and panoramic views from the top were incredible.
The guided portion of the tour also includes the Segovia Cathedral, one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain, and Plaza Mayor, the main square surrounded by cafés and small shops. Fun fact: nearly every town in Spain has a Plaza Mayor, which simply means “main square.”
You’ll have a good amount of free time in Segovia to explore on your own, grab a bite to eat, or simply wander. My mom and I decided to walk to the top of the aqueduct, which meant lots of stairs, but the view was absolutely worth it. We also treated ourselves to gelato afterward and spent some time walking the winding cobblestone streets.
I appreciated that the pacing in Segovia felt relaxed. There was enough time to explore at your own rhythm without feeling rushed, which isn’t always the case on group tours. If you love architecture and history, Segovia will easily be one of your favorite stops in Spain.
Is This Segovia & Ávila Day Tour Worth It?
If you’re a first-time visitor to Spain or someone who prefers stress-free travel days, this tour is a fantastic option. Everything is organized for you, including transportation, entry tickets, and optional lunch add-ons, so you can focus on soaking up the experience. You don’t have to worry about navigating public transportation or finding parking, and that convenience alone makes it worth it.
This tour is great for couples, families, or solo travelers who love history and architecture. It’s also ideal for anyone with a limited amount of time in Madrid who still wants to see more of central Spain. At around $60 per person, it’s an excellent value considering everything that’s included.
If you’re looking for an easy and inspiring day trip, this is one of the best ways to see two of Spain’s most magical cities in one day.
The full-day tour from Madrid to Ávila and Segovia runs about nine hours in total, returning to the city between 6 and 7 p.m., depending on traffic. You’ll travel by comfortable coach bus with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and cushioned seats. It’s a smooth and relaxing ride, and you may even find yourself taking a quick nap on the way back to Madrid like I did.
What I appreciated most about this tour was how well it balanced guided experiences and free time. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn from your guide while also exploring both cities at your own pace. The guide on my tour was energetic and friendly, sharing fun historical facts without overloading us with too much information. It was the perfect mix of educational and enjoyable.
Tips for Taking This Tour
A few small details can make a big difference in how much you enjoy this day trip. After taking this tour myself, here are a few helpful tips to make your day run smoothly.
1. Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking quite a bit, especially in Segovia. Both cities are hilly with cobblestone streets, so sneakers or supportive walking shoes are your best friend.
2. Bring water and a light snack: There are breaks built into the itinerary, but it’s nice to have something on hand during the drive or while exploring. You’ll have time for lunch, but depending on the season, restaurants can get busy.
3. Download the GetYourGuide app: I can’t recommend this enough. The app makes it so easy to access your tickets, see your meeting point, and get notifications about your tour in real time. It’s also great if you’re traveling without reliable Wi-Fi.
4. Choose the optional lunch add-on if it’s available: If your tour still offers the pre-arranged lunch option in Ávila, go for it. The meal was delicious, and it saved time that would’ve otherwise been spent searching for a restaurant.
5. Bring small bills or coins: You might want to grab a coffee, tip your guide, or buy souvenirs. Many small shops in Ávila and Segovia prefer cash.
6. Expect a full day, but not a rushed one: You’ll be on the go for about nine hours, but the pacing feels just right. There’s enough time to see everything without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Be ready for a mix of guided time and independence: You’ll get plenty of insight from your guide while also having free time in each city. This balance is one of the best parts of the tour.
If you’re looking for a day trip from Madrid that combines history, culture, and charm, the Ávila and Segovia full-day tour is one of the best ways to do it. The logistics are simple, the pacing feels balanced, and the destinations themselves are straight out of a storybook. From walking the medieval walls of Ávila to standing beneath the towering aqueduct in Segovia, this tour gives you a glimpse of Spain that’s both authentic and unforgettable.
I booked my tour through GetYourGuide, which is the platform I use most often for activities when I travel. The booking process is fast, flexible, and easy to manage through their app. You can read reviews, download your ticket right to your phone, and even cancel if your plans change. It’s truly one of the easiest ways to book tours and experiences while traveling.
If you want to maximize your time in Spain without the hassle of planning transportation or researching schedules, I highly recommend booking this tour. It’s stress-free, affordable, and one of those rare group tours that still gives you space to explore on your own.
And if you’re looking for other nearby cities to explore from Madrid, make sure to check out my other posts, including my 2-Day Salamanca Itinerary and Hacienda Zorita Hotel Review for inspiration on where to go next.
Happy travels!
-Tess
Looking to discover more destinations in Spain? Check out these articles!
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!