Let’s start with the obvious. The massive 11th-century city walls are among the best-preserved in Europe. You can actually walk along parts of them, which is a pretty unforgettable way to see the city and surrounding plains.
If you're visiting Madrid and looking for a day trip that’s easy, scenic, and historically rich, Ávila is one of your best bets. Just 110 km from the capital, this small Castilian city is best known for its incredibly preserved medieval walls and deep religious roots, most notably as the birthplace of Saint Teresa. Ávila isn’t big, but it packs in a surprising amount of cultural and spiritual significance, all wrapped up in a quiet, walkable town. Whether you're into Gothic cathedrals or just looking to escape the city for a bit of Spanish countryside, Ávila has plenty to offer.
The defining feature of Ávila is its 2.5-km-long medieval walls, complete with turrets and gates. You can walk along several sections and take in sweeping views of the city’s rooftops and the Castilian plains beyond. It’s the best way to appreciate Ávila’s military past and unique layout.
Spain’s first Gothic cathedral doubles as a defensive structure. Its apse actually forms part of the city wall. Inside, you’ll find dramatic stonework, vaulted ceilings, and religious art. It’s worth stepping in just to see how seamlessly this building blends sacred and strategic architecture.
This Romanesque church stands on the site where Saints Vicente, Sabina, and Cristeta were martyred. Rich in symbolism and detail, its multicolored stone façade and ornate carvings make it one of Ávila’s most architecturally striking landmarks. You can opt for a guided tours if you want to learn more about the stories behind it.
Once a royal and religious hub, this Dominican monastery is known for its three distinct cloistered courtyards. It also houses the tomb of Prince Don Juan and a small museum of natural sciences. A visit here gives you a window into Ávila’s intellectual and monastic heritage.
The Convent of Saint Teresa was built over her childhood home. Inside, you’ll find a chapel, relics, and a small museum dedicated to her life and writings. Whether you follow her spiritual teachings or not, her presence is deeply woven into Ávila’s identity, and this site reflects that.
For religious and medieval heritage: Go with the Segovia & Ávila tour. It covers Ávila’s walls and St. Teresa Church, plus a walk through Segovia’s Roman and medieval landmarks.
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For the most variety in one day: Choose the Toledo, Segovia & Ávila full day tour. It’s a fast-paced but well-rounded trip through three UNESCO cities with distinct histories and styles.
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For a more academic and cultural angle: Pick the Ávila & Salamanca tour. Salamanca adds golden sandstone buildings, university heritage, and rich Gothic architecture to your day.
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Yes, Ávila is ideal for a day trip. It’s just over an hour away and offers a striking change of pace from Madrid. You don’t need to stay overnight to experience its highlights.
A guided day tour is the most convenient option, especially if you want context on the sites without planning everything yourself. It usually includes roundtrip transfers, access to top landmarks, and a local guide to explain the history and layout.
You can cover most of Ávila’s major sites in about 4 to 6 hours. That includes walking the walls, visiting the Cathedral, seeing the Basilica of San Vicente, and stopping by the Convent of Saint Teresa.
Yes, you can walk along sections of Ávila’s famous walls. Entry is usually included in guided tours, or you can purchase a ticket on-site. The views from the top give you a great sense of the city’s layout and surrounding countryside.
Definitely. Many tours pair Ávila with Segovia, Salamanca, or even Toledo. These combinations are popular because they’re geographically close and offer contrasting architecture and history, all within one well-organized itinerary.
Cover all the main highlights of 2 UNESCO cities in the language of your comfort.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Toledo and Segovia
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers in AC bus
Pickup from Madrid
Entry to: Toledo Cathedral and Alcázar of Segovia (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Walk the narrow historic streets and pass by gems like the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Upgrade to add on tickets to the majestic Toledo Cathedral.
The enchanting city of Segovia welcomes you with its ingenious Roman Aqueduct. Upgrade to add on tickets to the iconic Alcázar.
Deep dive into Toledo! This tour packs art, history, culture and landmarks in a single day.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Toledo
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Round-trip transfers in an AC Coach
Pick-up from Madrid
Entry to Toledo Cathedral (as per option selected)
Guided tour with entry: Santa Maria la Blanca, San Juan de los Reyes, and Santo Tomé Church (as per option selected)
Exclusions
If you are short on time, book this half-day tour and see the best of Toledo in 6 hours.
Inclusions
Half-day tour of Toledo
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)
Round-trip AC transfers from Madrid
Entry to Toledo Cathedral (as per option selected)
Exclusions
Juggle 3 UNESCO cities in a day with a well-rounded itinerary and a bilingual guide.
Inclusions
Full-day tour of Toledo, Segovia and Ávila
Expert English and Spanish-speaking bilingual guide
Round-trip AC transfers from Madrid
Entry to Alcázar of Segovia
Exclusions
Check the location shared on your final voucher to meet your guide and board your comfortable transfers for the day.
Walk the narrow historic streets, and pass by the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes.
This enchanting city welcomes you with its ingenious aqueduct, iconic Alcázar, and beautiful Segovia Cathedral that towers over the highest part of town.
Surrounded by 11th-century walls, beset by an enormous Roman necropolis, discover the city's historic center – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dive into 200 years of Toledo’s vineyard traditions alongside a local viticulturist.
Inclusions
Full-day guided tour of Toledo
Round-trip luxury AC van transfers from Madrid
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide
Visit a family-run estate with a viticulturist
Taste 3 regional selections
Exclusions
Inclusions
Guided tour of Toledo Cathedral with entry
Expert English and Spanish-speaking guide
This tour comes with entry tickets and a bilingual guide for unique insights.
Inclusions
Exclusions
Enjoy the convenience of round-trip transfers and explore Toledo your way!
Inclusions
Round-trip AC transfers from Madrid
Panoramic bus tour of Toledo with a guide
Expert English and Spanish-speaking guide on the bus
Tickets to:
Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca
Church of Jesuitas
Mosque of Cristo de la Luz
Church of Santo Tomé-Burial of the Count of Orgaz
Royal College of Doncellas Nobles
Church of El Salvador
San Juan de los Reyes
Jesuit Church
Toledo City Hall tourist tax
Exclusions
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.