Ávila and Segovia: Day Trip from Madrid with Entry to the Alcázar of Segovia

Travel to the highlands of Spain and visit two picture-perfect towns full of monuments from Roman and medieval times. They’ll beguile you and offer a glimpse into the soul of Old Castile.

Out of a brown, arid wilderness rise the town walls of Ávila. And what walls they are. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries while the Reconquista was wresting territory back from the Moors, they were designed to stand the test of time.

They succeeded.

Long, tall, and thick, they form a protective perimeter (2500 meters in total) around the town. 87 stern semi-circular towers further helped deter foes, and friends were allowed in via one of nine vigilant gates. It’s impressive and remarkably well preserved.

When you pass through, you’ll find the town inside medieval and devoted to its most famous child, St Theresa of Ávila. Highlights abound such as the gothic Cathedral of Ávila and many romanesque churches. Or perhaps keep it simple and sip a café con leche with the old men in the Plaza Mayor.

Onwards to Segovia.

It’s surrounded by legend and myth, but there's nothing fictional about the stunning aqueduct that runs right through the city. It’s from Roman times and might appear like a train track of the gods. It has two tiers of arches, near flawless stone and dominates the city for over 800 meters (it continues beyond too for miles).

There are other lures. The beautiful Alcázar might seem vaguely familiar – Walt Disney is said to have modelled the Disneyland castle on it, and the 16th century cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe.

More than that though, its streets have a charm and vibrancy that have proved timeless.