This clear, practical guide explains what to expect on the Three Cities in One Day tour from Madrid, Spain — visiting Segovia, Ávila and Toledo. It includes transport logistics, entry details, time in each city, and whether the tour is worth booking.
What’s included in the tour
The tour departs early from Madrid and runs for approximately 12 hours. You travel in an air-conditioned coach, accompanied by a professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish).
You get guided walking tours in all three cities: Toledo, Ávila and Segovia. Depending on the option you choose, the tour includes lunch in Ávila and/or entry to Toledo Cathedral.
Book this day-trip online here.
How the day typically works
The itinerary usually starts in Toledo. Your guide leads a walking tour of its medieval streets and stops by the Primate Cathedral, offering panoramic views over the city.
Next, the coach takes you to Ávila, where you can walk along parts of the , see the old town and enjoy free time (or lunch, if you’ve selected the upgrade).
The final stop is Segovia. Here you’ll pass by its iconic Roman aqueduct, view the classic castle-like Alcázar and the cathedral (though interior access may depend on the tour variant).
At the end of the day, you return by bus to the original meeting point in Madrid.
Is the pace too rushed?
Given you’re covering three UNESCO-listed cities in one day, the schedule is brisk. Reviewers note the tour moves quickly but is well organised. For many, it’s a valuable way to tick off the highlights without self-coordinating trains or buses.
However, people who like to explore a city properly will probably find the tour unsatisying. It’s a brief highlights reel for each city.
Who this tour suits
This is ideal if:
- You have limited time in Madrid but want to visit all three cities.
- You prefer a guided trip to navigate historic sites and key viewpoints.
- You don’t mind a full-day commitment and are okay with the walking elements.
It’s less suitable if:
- You want to explore deeply in any one city (especially inside monuments).
- You have mobility issues — the tour involves walking on cobbled streets, stairs, and uneven terrain.
- You dislike long coach journeys.
Practical tips before you book
- Arrive at the meeting point in Madrid at least 15 minutes early.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: streets are cobbled, and there’s some uphill walking.
- Bring water, a portable phone charger and sun protection or a jacket depending on the season.
- If available, consider the lunch upgrade in Ávila — it’s a good break and convenient.
- Book well in advance — the tour is very popular.
Quick facts
| Duration | About 12 hours. |
| Transport | Air-conditioned bus |
| Guide | Professional, bilingual (English/Spanish) |
| Lunch option | Available in Ávila (upgrade) |
| Included entry | Toledo Cathedral (depending on option) |
| Walking suitability | Not wheelchair-friendly; involves cobbled streets and stairs. |
Final verdict: If you want to efficiently see three of Spain’s most historic cities from Madrid in a single, well-organised day, this tour is one of the best options. For full-depth exploration, you might prefer separate trips — but this is hard to beat for a convenient first taste of Segovia, Ávila and Toledo.
Book this day-trip online here.
Madrid hotel recommendations
I’ve inspected a lot of hotels in Madrid, and these are three of my favourites.
- Hotel Urban:: Bold design elements from all over the world, make for a swaggering, fun vibe. The rooftop pool is a bonus.
- Room Mate Oscar: Also lots of fun, also with daring design and a rooftop pool. But considerably cheaper (well, usually).
- Villa Real: Embracing heritage, this classy five star is part archaeological museum – it has pieced together more than 100 mosaics from around the Mediterranean.
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More Madrid travel
Other Madrid travel articles on Planet Whitley include: