KILLED - Madrid to Segovia Day Trip With World Heritage Castle, Roman Aqueduct, and El Escorial Tour

Highlights

  • - Travel in a private, air-conditioned mini bus with only 19 other people an an expert local guide who gives the tour exclusively in English.

  • - See the stunning Roman aqueduct in Segovia from the very best viewpoint.

  • - Visit two of Segovia’s most popular attractions - the Cathedral and Castle - and enjoy fully-guided experiences inside both.

  • - Stroll the streets of Segovia with your expert guide and learn about the rich history of the city.

  • - Enter El Escorial, one of the Ancestral Home of Spain’s monarchs, and see their traditional burial place.

Summary

Segovia is the jewel in the crown of Central Spain and home to three of its most incredible attractions: a magnificent Roman Aqueduct, a jaw-dropping gothic cathedral, and a medieval castle so beautiful it was used as the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle by Walt Disney. This exciting day trip from Madrid with private transport takes you inside of all three with guided visits and features a bonus visit to El Escorial - the ancestral home of Spain’s Monarchs.

Tour info

Duration
10 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Adult: (15-99 years)
€140.00
Child: (2-14 years)
€130.00
Infant: (0-1 years)
€0.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

RODILLA coffee bar, Plaza Emperador Carlos V, 9, Madrid, 28012, ES

Dropoff location

RODILLA coffee bar, Plaza Emperador Carlos V, 9, Madrid, 28012, ES

Why take this tour?

Segovia is the jewel in the crown of Central Spain and home to three of its most incredible attractions: a magnificent Roman Aqueduct, a jaw-dropping gothic cathedral, and a medieval castle so beautiful it was used as the inspiration for Cinderella’s castle by Walt Disney. This exciting day trip from Madrid with private transport takes you inside of all three with guided visits and features a bonus visit to El Escorial - the ancestral home of Spain’s Monarchs.

You’ll meet your guide and small group of 19 fellow travelers in central Madrid, where you’ll hop on a private, air-condition minibus for the drive to Segovia. In just over an hour, you’ll be passing under the medieval city walls and entering the stunning Alcázar, a medieval castle and that will be familiar to anyone who likes Disney movies. Here you’ll enjoy a full tour of the castle and learn about the ancient dynasties that built it from your expert guide.

Strolling through the narrow streets of the old Jewish Quarter, you’ll arrive at the Segovia Cathedral, one of the finest examples of gothic architecture in Europe. Your guide will show you the most interesting parts, like a full-sized wooden sculpture of Christ, then take you on a short city stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Segovia, passing the lovely Church of San Martín and the bizarre facade of the Casa de los Picos. Your destination is the city’s titanic Roman Aqueduct. This nearly 2,000 year-old watercourse is one of the finest surviving Roman aqueducts in the world and you’ll enjoy an amazing view of it from our favorite viewpoint while learning about the history of Roman conquest in the Iberian Peninsula. 

After a break for lunch with plenty of recommendations from your guide, you’ll hop back in the bus and head to El Escorial, the one-time residence of the kings of Spain. This is a palace that has to be seen to be believed. Part monastery, part immense, opulent palace, you’ll explore some of its most impressive rooms while learning how the building was willed into existence by the Catholic Church, a visionary king, and a flood of gold from the Americas. The highlight of the visit is seeing the Pantheon of the Kings, an enormous chamber holding the coffins of 26 kings and queens from the Habsburg and Bourbon dynasties, and learning about the burial practices of European royals. 

Your tour lasts 1.5 hours, and also includes the basilica and private apartments of the royals. Then you’ll hop back in the bus for the hour-long drive back to Madrid. 

Segovia and El Escorial are two of the most beautiful and history-rich attractions in Spain. This day trip lets you explore it without worrying about any of the logistics; all you have to think about is what to ask your guide next.


Sites Visited: 
  • Segovia:
    • Alcazar (inside)
    • Jewish Quarter
    • Cathedral (inside)
    • Plaza Mayor
    • San Martin (outside)
    • Casa de los Picos
    • Roman Aqueduct viewpoint
  • El Escorial Royal Palace:
    • Basilica & royal chapel
    • Royal Tombs (Pantheon of the Kings)
    • Royal Apartments & bedroom of King Philip II (where he died)

What’s included?

  • Guided tour & tickets of the Segovia Alcazar Castle & Cathedral

  • Guided walking tour of Segovia city

  • Guided tour and tickets of El Escorial Royal Palace, including the Basilica & royal chapel, Royal Tombs & the bedroom of King Philip II

  • Round-trip transport from Madrid

  • Expert Walks tour guide

  • Lunch

  • Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off

  • Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

  • Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.

  • Segovia Cathedral and El Escorial Royal Palace can be subject to unforeseen closures due to particular celebrations. In the case where sites are closed, we will give you explanations from the outside.

Before you go

  • Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • Segovia Cathedral and El Escorial Royal Palace can be subject to unforeseen closures due to particular celebrations. In the case where sites are closed, we will give you explanations from the outside.

  • Please remember that Segovia Cathedral and El Escorial Royal Palace are holy places, and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress.

  • Photography is not permitted inside Segovia Cathedral and El Escorial Royal Palace.

  • Please note that guests may only carry small handbags. Larger backpacks are not allowed inside Segovia Cathedral and El Escorial Royal Palace.

  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.