The capital of Spain is rich in attractions, but spending an entire vacation in Madrid is not very interesting. Therefore, it is necessary to provide for one-day excursions, during which you can get acquainted with neighboring cities, cultural and architectural monuments, and there are a huge number of them in Spain.
Escorial
El Escorial at one time was both a monastery and a royal palace, and a country residence in which the Spanish rulers rested. Now El Escorial is not only a memorial, but also a huge repository of works of art, including masterpieces by Titian, Velazquez, El Greco and many other masters. Almost all Spanish monarchs are buried in Escorial; their final resting place is the Pantheon.
Toledo
Previously, Toledo was the capital of Spain, but now it is an incredibly beautiful city, reminiscent of a walled castle. There are many mosques, monasteries, a museum and synagogues in the city. The presence of the Romans is evidenced by ruins, baths and caves. And the architecture reflects the cultures of all peoples who once owned the city - the Romans, Moors, Visigoths, Carthaginians, Spaniards. Someone created, someone destroyed, but in the end a unique city appeared, which must be visited while in Spain.
Royal Palace of Aranjuez
The Spanish Versailles, erected in the 17th century, once served as a summer residence for the royal family. The palace has more than 2,000 rooms for various purposes, although only about 20 are open to visitors, but there are enough of them to appreciate the beauty and scale of the palace. Around the Royal Palace of Aranjuez, there are lush gardens in which you can walk endlessly.
Chinchon
Tired of sightseeing, you can go to the town of Chinchon, which is the birthplace of the eponymous drink. Anise vodka with a strength of 35 degrees was previously the favorite drink of the Spaniards. Chorizo sausages, which are traditionally prepared from pork with the addition of garlic and spices, will be a great addition to the aromatic alcoholic drink. After a hearty lunch, it is recommended to take a walk along the Main Square, where houses and cafes of the 15th-17th centuries are located.
Segovia
In Segovia, tourists can stroll through the many intricate streets, many of which are car-free, allowing them to calmly enjoy the beautiful architecture and be tempted by the aromas that come from the kitchens of the local hostesses. In this city, you can visit the Alcazar castle, in which Columbus was promised sponsorship by Queen Isabella for the discovery of America. The tallest building in Segovia is the 16th century cathedral.
