Segovia, Avila and Salamanca

After breakfast we head out to Segovia travelling across the rugged Sierra de Guadarrama.

Alcazar of Segovia.  This medieval castle was destroyed by fire however the outside remained intact.

We enter Segovia.  Church of Segovia.



This 1st century Roman aqueduct system is still intact.  No mortar was used in it’s construction.  It’s now UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gothic cathedral that took 200 years to complete.

Then we drive to Avila which has these amazing city walls.  They are in incredible condition.



Then we drive to Salamanca where we will spend the night.  This is our hotel which used to be a nun’s residence.

Salamanca is a famous town known for its university.

This is a private residence. I wonder if they might require a housesitter?

Another beautiful door.

Beautiful ceiling at University of Salamanca

A stork has built a huge nest on this bell tower.

The view from our room at night!

Madrid and Toledo

This morning we meet our group for breakfast at the hotel and head off to tour Madrid.  First stop is the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family.

The guards were just heading back inside when we got there.

Next is the Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta de Alcala Gate.

This is the Plaza de La Armeria 

Philip IV of Spain

In the afternoon we head to Toledo.  What a charming place.

A panoramic shot of Toledo.

The Tagus River which flows all the way to Lisbon.



Lots of narrow streets.

And beautiful doors.

Plaza del Ayuntamiento

St. Tome Church

This is a masterpiece done by El Greco and hangs in St. Tome Church.

Then we visit a synagogue which is the oldest standing synagogue is Europe.



We walk over the bridge to our bus and leave Toledo.

Sunday in Madrid

The promenade out front of our hotel is beautiful.

A stroll up the promenade is what we had in mind for Sunday morning…

However when we go outside we discover thousands of people walking up the promenade and we’re not sure what’s going on…there is lots of cheering and banners.  Lots of families and it seems peaceful however we’re wondering it it’s a protest.  The road is closed to traffic which is lovely but this is normally a very busy main road.  It turns out that every Sunday the road is closed to allow people to stroll or bike up the boulevard.  Today is extra special because it’s a special Saint’s day and Madrid also won a soccer match.  People are very happy.  They are headed up to Plaza de Sol where there is music and entertainment.

As we’re not feeling like the loud music and people we remain on the boulevard but visit other places.  We will be going to the Prado Museum tomorrow with our tour.

Next we decide to stroll the botanical gardens.  It’s so beautiful and peaceful.



Cute little frog on a lily pad.

Apparently some of the Netflix Bridgerton series was filmed in these gardens.

Bev and I decide to get some lunch.  Due to the crowds it’s difficult to find a vacancy. 

We do find a place called ViCool which has a great plat de jour for €15.50.  Delicious!  We then head back to the hotel as we are meeting the group from Gate 1 at 7 pm.

This is the plan. Starting in Madrid and finishing in Barcelona. Great group. 29 of us. All Americans except ourselves and two other Canadians from Toronto.  Our leader is Jorge who is from Barcelona. A great person.  

First day in Madrid

We have settled into our hotel and had a good night.  We are staying at the NH Madrid Nacional Hotel on del Prado which is a great location.  Just around the corner from the train station where we took the train from the airport.  We will be here 4 nights.

This morning after breakfast we head off to explore.  The weather is beautiful. 

Love the buildings.  The architecture is beautiful.

This is the metropolis building which is now the Four Seasons Hotel.

Are we in Paris?

Living walls are very popular.  Madrid is very green with lots of parks and promenades.

Great shopping!

There’s a “man” on the balcony…looks like he’s naked.

There was several of these wickets along the road selling all sorts of books.

Just hanging out!

Plaza de Cibeles. Magnificent!

Inside the Plaza de Cibeles we look at some exhibits then head to the observation deck.

Beautiful view.  We head back and stop for gelato on the way.  I can barely keep my eyes open.  I’ll probably fall asleep before dinner!

Off to Madrid

Bev and I about to board our flight at YVR.

Flying Air Canada.

Charming streets with lots of eateries.

Amazing living wall.  Weather is perfect.  24 degrees and sunny.

Cute little tapas bar for a late lunch.

Great cappuccino!

The view out the window of our hotel room at the NH Madrid Nacional Hotel.  Beautiful botanical gardens just across the street.