For a Half Day

Monasterio de San Lorenzo de El Escorial: This monastery lies just 50km (31 miles) northwest of Madrid, in the town of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. The extraordinary rectangular edifice with four spired towers was built by Philip II, as a memorial to his father, Charles V, and is a combination of monastery, church and palace. It contains numerous artistic treasures, an austere 17th-century church and a beautifully decorated library with vaulted, painted ceiling.

Trains depart from Atocha and other Cercanías stations on the C-8a line to El Escorial, from where a two-minute bus trip leads to the monastery. Buses also leave from Moncloa's Intercambiador, going directly to El Escorial Monastery (bus lines 664 and 661). The road route is along the NVI motorway - turning off on the A6 at 50km (31 miles). The monastery is open Tuesday to Sunday 1000 and 1800 (summer) and 1000-1700 (winter). Admission is charged. Information is available from the tourist office, Calle Grimaldi 2 (tel: 91 890 5313), or online at www.patrimonionacional.es.

For a Whole Day

Toledo: Often described as the 'soul of Spain', Toledo lies 70km (43 miles) south of Madrid and is easily reached by bus (from Estación Sur de Autobuses), car (along the N401) or train (regular departures from Atocha Station). The capital of Visigoth Spain (AD 567-711), Toledo is closely associated with the Cretan-born painter, El Greco, who lived and worked here from 1577 until his death in 1614. El Greco is regarded as the first great genius of the Spanish School, and some of his most famous paintings are on show here, including El Espolio (Christ Stripped of His Garments) in the Cathedral and The Burial of Count Orgaz in the medieval church of Santo Tomé.

The hilltop city has changed little since medieval times and enjoys a magnificent setting atop the Tagus Gorge. Visitors should look out for the Moorish gate, Puerta de Bisagrai, the Sinagoga del Tránsito, built in the 1360s and now a museum to Sephardic culture and the Jewish Diaspora of the Spanish Jews, the cathedral and the magnificent Renaissance hospital of Santa Cruz, now a museum. The tourist office, Puerta de Bisagra (tel: 92 522 0843) can provide further information. Information is also available online at: www.castillalamancha.es/turismo/SP/Portada.  

Segovia: North of the Sierra de Guadarrama, 90km (55 miles) north of Madrid, easily reached by train (there are regular departures from Chamartín Station and Atocha Station), by bus (from Estación Sur de Autobuses), or by road (along the A6 and the AP61), lies Segovia. Once an important Roman city, evidence of its splendour is the magnificent 2,000-year Augustan aqueduct which remains intact to this day. The Alcazar (dating back to the 15th century) was originally a Moorish castle and later the residence of the Catholic Kings. Along with the aqueduct, it is the most distinctive landmark. Other jewels include the 16th-century cathedral and the churches of San Esteban (classic Romanesque architecture) and San Martín. The historical part of Segovia is quite small and everything is within walking distance. Patronato Provincial de Turismo de Segovia, Plaza Mayor 6 (tel: 92 146 6070; www.segoviaturismo.es) can provide further information.