Segovia is one of the most popular places to visit in Spain, and for a lot of good reasons. There are many ways to explore the city, and taking advantage of the free Segovia tours that are offered is one of them. You get a free guided tour of Segovia and see the fairy tale castle, Gothic Cathedral and what Segovia is most well known for, the Roman aqueduct.
My kids really love this place, and they always remember the night tour of Segovia we took around the Jewish Quarters. There are symbols projected onto the stone floors with light as you walk through the streets, and carved symbols in the stones. They always enjoyed looking for the hidden symbols, and I would just marvel at all the sights and history.
We still go to Segovia from time to time, to have a walk around or maybe to visit a restaurant we really liked. We do love walking around Madrid on a normal day, but any reason is good to have a chance to see this beautiful city again.
A free tour of Segovia is a great way to explore the city alone or in a group without shelling out a bundle of money. You get a comprehensive overview of the city and its history from a professional guide and the opportunity to meet other travellers with similar interests.
In this article I want to give you some of the best options for free tours and free walking tours in Segovia. I have put together a list from all of the top tour providers. So let’s take a look at some of the best free tours in Segovia, Spain.
If you are in a rush and can’t read the whole article:
Best Free Segovia Tour Overall – Guru Walks Essential Free Segovia Tour
The best free tours in segovia, spain
There are a number of operators that offer free tours of Segovia, and I will list a number of the ones I have personally used, and others that have great reviews all around. Some offer more than one free tour of Segovia, with the difference being the time spent at each landmark, which ones you visit, time of the day etc…
Guruwalks Free Segovia Tours
Guruwalk is a tour operator that has free walking tours in over 1000 cities around the world. They operate on a ¨pay what you want¨ model, so if you really enjoy the tour, you can choose to leave the guide a tip at the end, but it is not mandatory. All of the guides they use are from the local areas so have extensive knowledge of the cities. A unique and budget friendly way to explore and learn about a new city.
- The essential Free Segovia Walking Tour: This is the most extensive tour they offer lasting a cool 2 hours. You will see all the historic landmarks from the Aqueduct, House of Peaks, The Jewish Quarter, Cathedral and much more before you end the tour at the Alcazar and learn all the history about each one from your guide. The tour is pet friendly and there are also radio guides available.
- Heritage Segovia Free Walking Tour: This is very similar to the essential tour, but the tour lasts a little less at 1 hour and 45 mins. You will still get to see all of the major sites, but spend a few minutes less at each one so maybe not as much info as you would like, but still a great way to get to know the city.
- Legends & Mysteries: Looking for a free night tour of Segovia with a little mystery, got you covered. On this tour you learn all about the legends of the city like the mystery of the devil’s bridge or the legend of the house of peaks. This aside, Segovia is a beautiful city when it’s all lit up at night.
So these are the main ones Guruwalks have on offer, but you can check out all of their free Segovia tours here.
ToursGratis.Com
Toursgratis.com is another operator that provides free tours to cities around the world. They also have paid options, and organize private tours of Segovia if this is something you are interested in. If you book one of the free Segovia tours, then you can choose to leave a tip at the end of the tour.
- Free Night Tour Of Segovia: You will see all of the main sites lit up at night and hear of the history, and some of the darker history that some of these pretty places carry. You will walk through the squares, see all the churches and Cathedral, and end the tour in the Jewish quarter of Segovia after around 1 hour and 45 mins.
- Monumental Free Tour Of Segovia: They call it their monumental tour because it lasts for a little over 2 hours, and you see all of the main sites from the Aqueduct to the Alcazar and learn all about them from a professional guide.
- Essential Free Segovia Walking Tour: Another tour where you will see all of the main sites, but the tour lasts a little less at 1 hour and 45 minutes. You might be in a rush and have a meal booked or have to catch a train, so this a good way to get around the city quicker.
They offer a lot more tours including private tours of Segovia, even the chance to take a air balloon over Segovia, but they are not free. You can check out all of their Segovia tours here.
Free Segovia Tours by Civitatis
- Free Guided Tour of Segovia: The Civitatis free tour of Segovia lasts for around 1 hour and 30 mins. The guide is very friendly and knowledgeable, and if it’s still the same guide as the last time I went then it will be a really nice lady called Sonia. A great way to see the best of Segovia in a short period and have time left over to enjoy your afternoon in one of the many bars & restaurants.
Civitatis also have a number of other paid tours you can choose from if you are a little more adventurous. A fly over tour maybe or a hot air balloon, whatever your budget and nerves allow. Check out the rest of their tours here.
Paseando Por Europa
This tour company was started by a group of friends who actually met travelling. They themselves and the tour guides are all very professional. They offer free walking tours of Segovia, and a private tour of Segovia also, but you need to pay for that one and it’s well worth it.
They have two free tours of Segovia. One of them is in the daytime, and they have a night tour of Segovia also if you are staying over. It’s a good way to get an understanding of the lay of the city, then you can double back and see your favorite sights in a little more detail.
- Daytime Free Tour of Segovia: You will see and learn about all the sights, learn all the cool history from a professional guide accompanying you the whole way. It lasts for close to two hours, more than enough to get a photo and learn all the essentials. It also leaves you time to do some solo exploring of Segovia.
- Nighttime Free Tour Of Segovia: The night tour focuses on all the older, more historic parts of the city. The popular buildings are lit up at night and quite a sight. On this tour, the guide will also fill you in on some of the more creepy, sinister stories of the city like the ¨imp of the aqueduct¨ and the secrets hidden in the ¨house of chains¨.
If you like more of a personal touch and want a private tour of Segovia, they also have an option for you. You can even customize your tour to include places you want to see.
The Red Umbrella Tours
Red Umbrella tours are a reputable company that organize tours in various cities around Spain. The guides are very knowledgeable and from the local area so you get all the historic information, but also a lot of local information. Like all the other operators, they offer free tours of Segovia in the morning or in the evening.
All of the tours are really good no matter which one you choose There may be some small variations in the amount of knowledge the guide has, and one may tell you a story the other didn’t. But you will see all the same sights and learn about them on any of the tours.
I tried to give you as many options as possible, as these tours are very busy and tend to get booked up pretty quick.
What Are The Must See Sites In Madrid?
Segovia is a beautiful city as a whole, so it’s pretty hard to narrow it down to just a few things, it would be an injustice. But, there are some sites you definitely have to see when you visit Segovia, and they are all included in all of the tours I mentioned.
These are just some of the main sites in Segovia you cannot miss:
- Aqueduct of Segovia: This impressive Roman aqueduct is the symbol of the city and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Spain.
- Alcazar of Segovia: This beautiful castle was built in the 12th century and has served as a royal palace, a state prison, and a military academy.
- Segovia Cathedral: The cathedral is one of the last Gothic cathedrals built in Spain and features beautiful stained-glass windows and a stunning altarpiece.
- Plaza Mayor: This lively square is the heart of the city and features beautiful architecture and many restaurants and cafes.
- Jewish Quarter: This charming neighborhood features narrow streets and alleys lined with historic buildings and is home to the oldest synagogue in Europe.
- San Antonio El Real Monastery: This 15th-century monastery features a beautiful Gothic cloister and stunning architecture.
These are just a few of the many things you will see in Segovia. Once you finish the tour, freestyle it a little, walk down the narrow streets and see where they take you.
FAQ’s
What is Segovia?
Segovia is a historic city located in central Spain, famous for its well-preserved Roman aqueduct, medieval castle, and beautiful Gothic cathedral.
Are there any free tours of Segovia?
Yes, there are several companies that offer free walking tours of Segovia. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will take you to all the major attractions in the city.
How long do these free tours last?
The duration of the free tours can vary depending on the company, but most last between 1.5 – 2.5 hours.
Is it necessary to book in advance for these free tours?
You should book in advance to secure your spot on the tour, as they can be quite popular during peak season.
What are some of the highlights of a free tour of Segovia?
Some of the highlights of the free tour include the Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar Castle, the Gothic cathedral, and the Jewish Quarter.
What should I bring on the tour?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a bottle of water are recommended, as the tour involves a lot of walking.
Is it customary to tip the tour guide after the tour?
While it is not mandatory, it is customary to tip the tour guide as a gesture of appreciation for their services.
Are there any restrictions on these free tours?
Some of the free tours may have age restrictions, so it is best to check with the tour company beforehand. Additionally, some of the attractions may have dress codes or other restrictions, but all of the options on this list are kid, pet and sandal friendly.
In Conclusion
Taking a free tour is a great way to discover a city and learn about all of it’s history in a short amount of time. Then you can go off on a leisurely pace and explore things in more detail on your own. I always do a walking tour of a city I visit to get a good understanding of the layout, and make sure I don’t miss any of the main sites.
If you are thinking of a day trip from Madrid to Segovia, you should really consider booking one of the free Segovia walking tours. You have no obligation to leave a tip if you don’t like the tour, and no matter what it’s a win for you because you get to walk and learn about the city without having to stare at a map or your phone the whole time.
I would love to hear about your experiences in the comments.
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