So after making plans for the Cinque Terre and everything we got a sudden wedding invitation from friends in Madrid, so it looks like our anniversary trip will be in Spain instead of Italy. Oh well. Anyway, I’m thinking about cute places close to Madrid, and Toledo and Segovia came to mind-- I’d been to Toldeo many years ago and it was cute cute and Segovia looks nice in a similar way. Reports? Suggestions for hotels, bed and breakfasts, grub, attractions? Also, is Iberia Air anything to fear? They’ve got cheap tickets from here.
Oh, Madrid tips, too, I suppose-- we’ll be there twice-- once in a suburb at a hotel of the groom’s parents’ choosing, but on the way back through we want to stay in the city. Thanks.
The best way to get acquainted with Madrid is to make use of the open top bus tours . They cost about €12 and you can hop on and off the buses all day. There are three routes covering different parts of the city and the one ticket is valid on all three. Being Madrid these buses run until midnight. Once you have got your bearings then just go as you please . The Royal Palace is a must see , the art galleries of course and the many parks. We visited Toledo last year and , of course you must visit the cathedral with it’s many El Grecos. We are going to Madrid again this September and hope to visit Segovia , probably on the train
How much are you budgeting for accommodation in Madrid?
Segovia and Toledo are both great. I remember a great dinner at El Meson Candido in Segovia (not sure exactly of the spelling, but it’s a small town, you’ll find it.)
I wouldn’t consider Iberia an airline to fear. When I lived in Spain for about 2 years, the family I stayed with had close connections to the airline, and no mishaps or especially scary stories. They were a little leary of the smaller commuter flights, Aviaco I think was the company that handled those.
Toledo is really cool, as you already know if you have visited. Have you considered staying at the Parador’s (kind of national Spanish hotels)? The one right outside of Toledo is very nice, we stayed there last year. Very nice rooms and excellent resturant. There is also a hotel at the bottom of the escalator to the top of Toledo that looked kind of neat (can’t remember the name now). We are considering that for our next stay. Have fun.