Madrid and the Old Towns of Castile
Three days in the city, plus day trips to Toledo and Segovia, then an overnight stay in the cliff-side town of Cuenca
A week based in Madrid. The first two days cover the Royal Palace, the Old Town, the Prado and Retiro Park. The next two days take high-speed trains to Toledo and Segovia. On day 5, visit the hanging houses of Cuenca and stay in the Old Town to see the night views. The next day, walk the gorge trail and return to Madrid. The last day includes the Reina Sofía Museum. Compared with the five-day version, this one adds Cuenca and more relaxed time in the city.
Midday in the old towns is hot in summer. Cuenca and Segovia are cold in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrival and the Royal Palace Old Town
Madrid（Puerta del Sol、Plaza Mayor、Royal Palace of Madrid）
About 40 minutes from the airport to the Literary Quarter. In the afternoon, walk to Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 2 · The Prado and Retiro Park
Madrid（Prado Museum、El Retiro Park、Puerta de Alcalá）
Walk to the Prado. In the afternoon, go boating in Retiro Park, and in the evening return to the Literary Quarter for tapas.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 3 · Toledo Day Trip
Take the AVANT from Atocha station, about 33 minutes to Toledo. See the cathedral and the Alcázar, and return in the evening.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 4 · Segovia Day Trip
Take a high-speed train from Chamartín, about 27 minutes to Segovia-Guiomar station. Transfer to bus 11 to the Aqueduct.
Try the roast suckling pig at lunch. Book Alcázar tickets ahead in peak season.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 5 · Cuenca's Hanging Houses and Old Town
Cuenca（Plaza Mayor of Cuenca、Cuenca Cathedral、Hanging Houses of Cuenca、San Pablo Bridge）
Take a high-speed train from Atocha, about 55 minutes to Cuenca station. Then take a bus up to the Old Town and explore on foot.
The Old Town is steep with narrow streets, so pack light.
Stay: Cuenca Old Town
Day 6 · Cuenca Gorge and Return
Cuenca（Castle Quarter & Arco de Bezudo、Huécar Gorge、Museum of Spanish Abstract Art）
In the morning, walk around the castle district and the Huécar Gorge trail. In the afternoon, take the high-speed train back to Madrid, about 55 minutes.
Stay: Barrio de las Letras
Day 7 · Reina Sofía Museum and Departure
In the morning, walk to the Reina Sofía Museum to see Guernica. In the afternoon, take the Metro or express train to the airport.
The Reina Sofía Museum is closed on Tuesdays. If your visit falls on a Tuesday, go to the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum instead.