Barbara was a great guide for our Segovia tour. She shared her knowledge and made the experience enjoyable. We particularly enjoyed the small details she would highlight to provide context to watch we were seeing. Highly recommend her to future guests.
Segovia Day Trip from Madrid
Connect Segovia’s Roman, medieval, and royal stories in one day
The Finer Details
With a fantastic array of monuments from Roman, medieval, and Renaissance times, Segovia is one of the best-preserved historic cities in Castile. Its charming medieval streets and squares are dotted with Romanesque churches, Gothic private homes, and Renaissance palaces, earning it a place on the UNESCO Heritage list in 1985. Our Segovia day trip from Madrid, in the company of an expert guide, provides an excellent introduction to the many special cultural facets of this exceptional city.
Tour Description
Beginning with a bus ride from Madrid's Moncloa bus station, we will proceed directly to the base of the Roman aqueduct with a discussion of this structure, the best preserved example of its type, highlighting the skill of Roman engineers.
As we make our way towards the castle—known as the Alcazar—we will come across late Gothic palaces and squares, go past the city’s medieval grain depot, and learn about Segovia's tumultuous relationship with the Spanish crown, which resulted in the destruction of its cathedral and the foundation of the current one. The last great Gothic cathedral to be built in Europe, it houses a triptych by Ambrosius Benson and an important collection of Flemish tapestries, as well as Baroque altarpieces. As we reach the outside of the Alcazar, its fanciful reconstruction provides an opportunity to discuss the romanticized view of the Middle Ages and issues of conservation, while its commanding view of the plain below includes a Templar church and two important monasteries.
Explore Segovia with an Expert
Segovia was once the seat of the royal court. It is historically tied to Isabella, the Catholic Monarch who, together with her spouse Ferdinand of Aragon, sponsored Christopher Columbus’s expedition to the Indies, as well as setting up the Inquisition. It was in this city that she was crowned Queen of Castile, and also where the headquarters of the Inquisition were set up.
After a short break to take in the views, we will make our way back through the Jewish neighborhood. The itinerary includes a stop in the church of Corpus Christi, the converted main Synagogue. After, we will assess the reuse of religious and lay buildings as we stroll through the once-gated Jewish quarter.
A Closer Look at Segovia's History
If time allows, we could visit the 15th-century Clarissan convent of St. Antonio el Real, which features breathtaking Mudejar wooden carved and gilded ceilings, produced by Muslim craftsmen. Alternatively, we might visit the 12th-century church of San Justo and discuss its Romanesque frescoed and carved decoration.
At the end of the six-hour tour, Segovia is yours to continue exploring at your own pace. Stay longer for lunch, revisit favorite corners, or linger beneath the aqueduct as the city shifts into the afternoon rhythm. If you prefer, you can journey back to Madrid after the tour concludes. Either way, Roman ambition, medieval faith, royal politics, and enduring local traditions will continue to echo long after the day ends.
At the end of the six-hour tour, Segovia is yours to continue exploring at your own pace. Stay longer for lunch, revisit favorite corners, or linger beneath the aqueduct as the city shifts into the afternoon rhythm. If you prefer, you can journey back to Madrid after the tour concludes. Either way, Roman ambition, medieval faith, royal politics, and enduring local traditions will continue to echo long after the day ends.
Includes
- Alcazar
- Segovia Cathedral
- Corpus Christi Church
- Roman Aqueduct
- Round-Trip Bus Tickets
- Venue Tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we get there?
You will meet in Madrid and take the bus with your expert. The journey is about 1 hour.
You will meet in Madrid and take the bus with your expert. The journey is about 1 hour.
Can you focus in-depth on a specific area?
We can potentially organize a private walk on a special theme. Please contact us for more information.
We can potentially organize a private walk on a special theme. Please contact us for more information.
Can we arrange a private car instead of taking the bus?
For private tours, sure. Just mention this in the notes section of the booking, and we'll get in touch with a quote.
For private tours, sure. Just mention this in the notes section of the booking, and we'll get in touch with a quote.
Is this tour walking-intensive and/or wheelchair accessible?
This tour is fairly walking-intensive, and the route may include narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets. Please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise.
This tour is fairly walking-intensive, and the route may include narrow sidewalks and cobblestoned streets. Please contact us to discuss in more detail your mobility concerns so that we can best advise.
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Segovia Alcazar
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Segovia Cathedral
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Corpus Christi Church
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Roman Aqueduct
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Moncloa Bus Station
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Wonderful, highly recommended trip to Segovia! Marta made each part of the our day come alive with her expertise in archeology, history and art!
Barbara Perucka was wonderful. First, she got us to the bus station in the midst of the Madrid Marathon — a trip that involved at least two changes of underground trains. Maybe we could have made it on our own, but I have strong doubts about that. Second, she made our visit to Segovia extra fascinating. Her knowledge was extremely impressive. As was her manner — we very much enjoyed being with her. Jennie and Tom Hyman
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