We have decided to go to Segovia today. Note to self - make sure you know which railway station you will be leaving from. Our first taxi took us to the central station - an eight euro fare before we discover we should be at Chamatin - a 30 euro fare - but we are finally on the train - only a 45 minute trip but when we arrive we find the station is literally in the middle of nowhere, so a further 10 euro fare to the Alcazar. We climbed the tower - 152 steps with a warning that you participate at your own risk! Every 'historic' place you visit costs so be prepared. The Alcazar is amazing and stands in a commanding position overlooking Segovia. We then walk down into town to visit the Cathedral which stands commandingly over a local market selling everything from secondhand clothes, saucepans, fresh produce, spices etc - I take this opportunity to buy saffron. Walking further through the town we finally make it to the Roman aqueduct, supposedly constructed in the first century it is the best preserved example existing to this day. When we catch the train back to Chamatin we decide to catch a local train back into the middle of Madrid. It's an easy exercise to catch the Metro and for a fare of 2.20 euros we are soon back at Sol, centre of the city.
There is a bar at the front of the hotel - very Parisian, we sit having an afternoon wine and watching the crowd go by. I go back down to the jacuzzi for a quick dip before having a complimentary back massage followed by a fabulous facial. Donner is downstairs in the restaurant.
NB: The train system, not only in Spain but in all of Europe, is so efficient and (usually) always on time. The trains are also immaculate - no graffiti to be seen anywhere! Australia should take note.
If taking a train in Spain, as opposed to other countries, you must make reservations for every trip as they have an extensive security system in place which requires proof of journey.
