Your Toledo excursion will begin on the 35-minute train ride from Madrid, during which our guide will lay out the basic timeline of the city's history and some of the main themes to think about. Once in Toledo, you'll begin our walk at the main square Plaza Zocodover, so called because it once served as the town's Souk, or main market. You'll visit the stunning Cathedral, whose origins go back to the seventh century, and which boasts a superb collection of Gothic altarpieces, funerary monuments, and choir stalls. It also contains a rare religious painting by Francisco Goya.

From here, you may head to the Synagogue of Santa Maria la Blanca, stopping along the way at the church of San Tomé to examine one of El Greco's masterpieces, The Burial of the Count of Orgaz, within the context of medieval funerary customs and the relevance of its setting in Toledo. The fourteenth-century Synagogue nearby, which houses the Museum of Sephardic Culture, is crucial to our understanding of the Jewish influence on Spanish culture. After a tour of the Jewish quarter, you will visit the late fifteenth-century Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes, commissioned by the Reyes Católicos, and a perfect setting for a discussion of the political and religious decisions taken by the monarchs.

You'll get the train back to Madrid with your guide, where you'll part ways. You'll leave with an understanding of Toledo's rich history, a true city of three distinct cultures.

Looking for another day trip that explores turbulent Spanish political history? We suggest our Madrid to El Escorial excursion.

Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the walk best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
The tour begins at Madrid Atocha train station, where you will meet your guide. You will travel back to Madrid with your guide and end the tour back at Madrid Atocha. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map. The train journey takes about 35 minutes, and your guide will have in her possession your advance round-trip train tickets. This walk includes a stop for lunch at a restaurant of your choice based on your expert guide's recommendations (at your own expense).

Is this tour walking intensive, and/or wheelchair accessible? 
We do cover extensive territory on this tour. Please contact us with any questions; we will be happy to advise if this tour will be appropriate for you. Please note that many sites in Toledo are unfortunately not very wheelchair-accessible.

Is a break for lunch included on this tour?
Yes. Based on client feedback we now include a lunch break (at your own expense) on the tour. If you have special dietary requirements please let us know by leaving a client note or emailing info@contexttravel.com