Sitting high atop a hill overlooking the Tagus River, it’s easy to see why Toledo is a popular day trip destination from Madrid. With the entire city being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, there’s an abundance of history and culture to dive into. View masterworks by hometown artist El Greco in the eponymous museum, take in the imposing Puerta de Bisagra, and admire the postcard-worthy vistas from the Alcázar. Don’t forget to spend some time in the sprawling cathedral with its sparkling golden altar.

Toledo is located just 72 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Madrid. Thanks to high-speed trains, the trip by rail only takes half an hour. Driving, it clocks in at just under an hour.

Segovia’s dramatic beauty and rich history make it an unforgettable escape from the bustle of the capital. The city dates all the way back to pre-Roman times, and you can see evidence of this history at the iconic Aqueduct of Segovia. Travelers shouldn’t miss out on the breathtaking views from the commanding Alcåzar of Segovia or the towering Segovia Cathedral.

At just under 100 kilometers (62 miles) away, the trip from Madrid to Segovia usually takes a bit over an hour by car. By bus, the travel time can be up to two hours, but by high-speed train, you can arrive in just 30 minutes.

Home to one of Spain’s most well-known monuments, a day in San Lorenzo de El Escorial is a fantastic way to explore this historic town. Once home to the monarchs of Spain, the Monastery of El Escorial is without a doubt the town’s biggest draw. This royal site attracts over 500,000 visitors every year, and still contains the tombs of kings past. Aside from the monastery, other popular nearby points of interest include the Casita del Infante, Casita del Principe, and the controversial Valley of the Fallen monument.

It takes just around an hour to travel the 62.5 kilometers (39 miles) from Madrid to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, whether by bus, car, or train.