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Camino Frances - 3 May 2024 - Tour of Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo

 

A Whirlwind Three-City Tour: Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo

Today was an epic adventure as we embarked on a three-city tour, exploring the historic gems of Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo. It was going to be a long day, but every moment was worth it.

We started early, grabbing some fruit and pastries from the hotel breakfast room since we didn’t have time for a proper sit-down meal. After finding our meeting point (a small victory in itself!), we were off to our first destination: Segovia.


Segovia: A Roman Marvel and Fairytale Castle

Segovia is home to the iconic Roman Aqueduct, an engineering masterpiece that dates back to the 1st century. We joined a walking tour through the city center, visiting the stunning Segovia Cathedral and the Plaza Medina del Campo. The plaza features a statue dedicated to Juan Bravo, a Castilian nobleman who led the Revolt of the Comuneros, a significant uprising in Spanish history.



One of the highlights was seeing the Alcázar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s design for the Disneyland castle. With its towering steeples and fairytale-like appearance, it’s no wonder it captured Disney’s imagination. Standing there, it felt like stepping into a storybook.

Ávila: A Walled City Frozen in Time

Next, we arrived in Ávila, a city surrounded by an impressive medieval wall. The wall is 12 meters high, 3 meters wide, and stretches an incredible 2,516 meters long, with 88 towers along its length. Walking through the city felt like traveling back in time.

Our tour ended in the Plaza Mayor, where a lively market was in full swing. While some of our group opted to explore the market further, we decided to treat ourselves to a leisurely lunch. After all, exploring works up quite an appetite!




Toledo: A Hilltop City of History and Beauty

Our final stop was Toledo, a breathtaking walled city perched on a hill. To reach the city center, we took a series of escalators (thank goodness for modern conveniences—it would have been a lot of stairs otherwise!). The city is surrounded by a river and flat plains, making it easy to see why it was such a strategic location. Guards would have spotted invaders from miles away.

We visited the Catedral Primada de Toledo, a Gothic masterpiece whose construction began in 1227 and was completed in 1493. The cathedral’s tower stands an impressive 90 meters high, and its intricate details left us in awe.




A Day to Remember

By the end of the day, we were exhausted but filled with a sense of wonder. Each city—Segovia, Ávila, and Toledo—offered its own unique charm and history. From Roman engineering to medieval walls and Gothic cathedrals, this three-city tour was a journey through Spain’s rich past.

If you’re planning a trip to Spain, don’t miss the chance to explore these incredible cities. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes—you’ll need them for all the walking!

11 hours total tour, 17,111 steps, 12.20km

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Location: Ávila, Spain

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