Avila and Segovia City Tour – From Madrid.

About this tour in Madrid

• CrewSpanish, English
• Duration7 hours
• CancellationTour Cancellation Policy - Spain.
• Pick-upHotel pick-up available

Itinerary

1. Avila Hilltop Panoramic Viewpoint.

   The hilltop panoramic viewpoint of Los Cuatro Postes is located on a hill just outside the walled city of Ávila, Spain. It is considered the best place to get a comprehensive view of the city's medieval walls and architecture.

   About the viewpoint:

   The spot is famously associated with the legend of Saint Teresa of Ávila. As a child, she and her brother attempted to run away from home to seek martyrdom, but their uncle caught them on this hillside and brought them back.

   • The monument: The site features a 16th-century religious monument with a cross at the center, surrounded by four Doric columns.
   • The view: From this vantage point, you can appreciate the scale and strategic placement of Ávila's well-preserved city walls, towers, and gates, as well as the surrounding landscape..   
     

2. Segovia famous Roman Aqueduct.

   Segovia's Roman aqueduct is its most famous feature, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985 that stands as a testament to Roman engineering. The aqueduct was built around the 1st century AD to carry water to the city and remained in use until 1973, though its primary function was long replaced by the mid-19th century. It is one of the best-preserved Roman aqueduct bridges in the world, famous for its 167 arches and granite blocks fitted together without mortar.

   Aqueduct details

   • Construction: Built during the Roman Empire to transport water from a mountain spring to the city.
   • Structure: Made of over 25,000 granite blocks fitted together without any mortar, with 167 arches.
   • Scale: The aqueduct is approximately 15 kilometers long, with the most impressive section reaching a height of 28.5 meters.
   • Significance: It was a vital part of Roman urban planning, supplying water for public baths and houses, and remains a powerful symbol of Segovia's history.

3. The Alcazar of Segovia.

   The Alcazar de Segovia is a medieval castle in Segovia, Spain, known for its stunning location on a rocky outcrop and its ship-like shape. While its origins may trace back to Roman times, the current structure primarily dates from the 12th century, and the word "alcázar" comes from the Arabic word for castle. It has served as a royal palace, state prison, and military academy, and is now a museum and military archives building.

   
   

   Location and design

   • The Alcázar is situated on a rocky crag above the confluence of the Eresma and Clamores rivers, overlooking the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.
   • Its distinctive shape, resembling the bow of a ship, is one of its most notable features.
   • It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Old Town of Segovia.

   History and uses

   • The castle was originally built as a fortress around the 11th century.
   • It has served as a royal palace for 22 monarchs, a state prison, a Royal Artillery College, and a military academy.
   • The castle was heavily restored after a fire in 1862, with some of the new turrets and towers added for dramatic effect.

What’s included

Good to know before you go

Frequently asked questions