Castile and León – Burgos and Segovia

Our original plan after La Rioja had been to drive to Porto in Portugal to meet up with Marg and Brad. The car rental companies however, had other ideas, wanting more than €500 as a one-way fee. The one-way fee to Madrid airport was only €30, and flights to Porto from Madrid only €50. So we chose to travel south through Castile and Leon.

As a quick detour on our way to Segovia, we decided to visit Burgos. Wikipedia informs me that this is the historic capital of Castille, and has a very famous cathedral. TomTom took us almost to the cathedral square. And it is indeed a beautiful cathedral; but a little different to many we have seen with numerous chapels funded by rich families and kings, dedicated to different saints. It was built over the 13th to 15th centuries. Also noteworthy was the tomb of El Cid (Rodrigo Diaz de Viva,  who Wiki tells me was an 11th century militiary commander).

We also tried the first churros of our trip with coffee in a cafe near the river.

Then, on to Segovia.  This is a beautiful town, only a day trip from Madrid and definitely a tourist hub. Our hotel, Hotel Infante Isabel, was right in the main square, which meant driving up some very narrow and steep, cobblestoned streets; but worth the effort, as the location and hotel were perfect.

Our first stop, after settling in was the Roman aqueduct, right in the centre of town. This really is amazing and worth visiting Segovia to experience. Imagine a complete aqueduct from 50AD, and you are able to walk around it and touch it.

Then the magnificent 16th century cathedral,  and Sally’s eyes lit up again – there were tickets for the ‘torre’. This turned out to be a private tour with just the guide and two couples, up 200 plus stairs. The history of the bell tower was actually very interesting, and we visited the bell ringer’s home – half-way up – and all the bells (each with its own name).

In the morning before traveling to Madrid airport and our flight to Porto, we visited the Alcázar (“al-cuther”). This medieval palace started as a Roman fort, but was built over into a palace in the 12th century by King Alfonso VIII, who I am sure you will know was married to Eleanor of England, and this was their principal residence  (for tax purposes).

With plenty of time to spare, we set off for Madrid airport and after a few false turns, reluctantly dropped Smarty off at the Europcar depot. Finally in the terminal and scanning the flights to Porto we see “FLIGHT CANCELLED”.

More next time.