Bus tour today to Avila & Segovia.
Avila is a 12th century walled city with 20,000 residents inside the walls and 70,000 outside. It is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Spain and boasts 8 monumental gates, 88 watch towers and over 2,500 turrets. It sits at 1,250 metres which we didn't really notice on the way there as it was very gradual. It does snow there in the winter but the countryside, like that of all we had seen, was very dry.
Segovia was stunning! Lots of Roman ruins and an impressive 894m long aqueduct right in the middle of town (our concierge was right - you can't miss it). Lunch was included in the tour where we feasted on roast suckling pig for which Segovia is renowned. Lunch was shared with a couple from Uruguay who spoke some English. He is an accountant! Visited Alcazar, a castle said to have inspired Walt Disney.
We asked our tour guide about the high visibility and numbers of police in Madrid, some of whom walk around with semi automatics slung over their shoulder. She explained that it was due to the Arabs who are armed and difficult to control.
Arrived back at our hotel, then ventured out for some dinner. We were both still full from lunch so it was just drinks and the nibbles that accompany all drinks. Finished up back at the hotel bar doing the same.
