Arriving into Toledo we were taken around the most scenic views I have seen, winding around tight roads eventually pulling in to a parking area where we literally jumped off the coach to take in the views.
The ancient city of Toledo stands on a hill above the Castilla-La-Mancha plains of central Spain. There is a mixture of Christian, Jewish and Arab monuments located in the city. I wasn’t aware but I am now – its also the birthplace of the Spanish painter El Greco.
Stunning views of the River Tagus in Toledo Spain
Looking across the river Tagus to the town of Toledo was one of the best views I have ever seen. I look at the photos and its so hard to choose which ones to put on the blog.
The view of Toledo Spain across the river
Closer look at Toledo Spain
“Did you know the river Tagus is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula. It is 1,007 km long, 716 km in Spain, 47 km along the border between Portugal and Spain and 275 km in Portugal, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. It drains an area of 80,100 square kilometers.”
After our fill of the view and many photos taken we all climbed aboard the coach to be taken to a drop off point. Again as in many Portuguese and Spanish towns, tourist coaches are not allowed in the city.
To get to the main part of Toledo we had to go via several “flights” of escalators.
As we were walking to the escalators a group of young men tried to get in between us. They were clicking away with their cameras following us up the escalator’s when one of our group turned around to one of them, they were ahead of us and told one young man to stop and move away. It seems it was all a rouse to get us all distracted so they could pick pocket. Our group was very lucky as this was the first time we had encountered pick pockets. Most of us had cameras slung around our necks saying “here we are come and get us”. Lesson learnt for the gentleman, do not have your wallet etc in your back pocket. Remember when Muriel and I were in Lyon and Muriel had a close call with her backpack and theft! Scary!
Once up the top it opened up to a huge square where there were so many food options, the hop on hop off bus and sunshine.
Sunshine and crowds in Toledo Spain
We had an hour to find some food so I went with Peter as he wanted Mcdonalds or Hungry Jacks. In Europe its called Burger King. I knew that both places would have gluten free burgers, not your ideal lunch but at this stage in the tour I didn’t want any problems.
Lunch at Burger King
I ordered a gluten free burger and fries and hard as it may be to admit it, it was delicious.
We caught up with the others and had some ice cream, yes gluten free ice cream also. Wow I’m loving Europe.
That hour went quick and it was back down the escalators to the coach. The view was stunning.
Heading back down to the coach I had to take this photo. Crowds still coming up
Toledo is famous for several things apart from the beautiful view and the gluten free options.
Did you know that Toledo used to be the Capitol of Spain until 1561 when the Spanish court was moved to Madrid.
Toledo is famous for its swords and marzipan. Funny though I didn’t see either being sold in the shops.
Toledo swords were made between the 15th and 20th century. Toledo steel was known for its strength, durability and flexibility. The movie Highlander in 1986 used the Toledo Salamanca which is a rapier. It was based on the real historical sword of King Phillip 11’s rapier which is on display at the Royal Armory Museum in Madrid.
Toledo also produced all the swords and some of the rings used in the trilogy of Lord of the Rings. Apparently there are Lord of the Rings themed shops in Toledo however didn’t see any of them either. We only had an hour to wander to probably wasn’t time to see much. Its such a shame that it was such a fleeting visit as there is so much to see and do in Toledo Spain.
Madrid will be our next stop where we will spend a few days before heading home (this was back in April 2019)
Travel and Lifestyle with Bree 
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I loved my visit to Toledo, but I had no idea about the swords, marzipan or Lord of the Rings! Such a hilly city though, I was in suffering the next day from achy legs lol!
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It looks lovely. I’m so glad you didn’t fall prey to the pick-pockets.
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I had spent part of a year in Rota, a day trip to Seville. All I saw of Madrid was the airport, this was in 1975 and 1976.Thanks for sharing this post about Toledo, history and pictures. Glad that you had a good trip. #MLSTL Michele
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It’s so good to be travelling virtually with you Bree, and Toledo looks amazing, except for the pick pockets! #mlstl
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Sounds like it was a bit rushed, but still a fun time. The first shot of the city is wonderful.
Alison
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The trip looks wonderful – and I totally relate to sneaking in a burger for a bit of a change when you’re travelling – sometimes it’s nice to eat something bland and familiar and give our stomach a bit of a rest. #MLSTL
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You know when I eventually have the money and plan my ‘move’ (albeit temporary) to Portugal I’ll be scouring your posts for info about Portugal and Spain!
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Since we can’t travel right now, it is nice to read about traveling. I look forward to the pandemic ending and Europe allowing Americans back in. I have always wanted to go to Spain.
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Such beautiful and wonderful place. Thanks for sharing it with us. #MLSTL
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There’s a whole romance associated with the thought of Toledo – and your pics only add to that idea. You were lucky not to get done by the pickpockets – we had a close call in Paris with a similar ruse. And so many gluten-free options! #MLSTL
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Oh there certainly is a romance. My sister in law her surname is Toledo I wonder if back years ago they came from Toledo..She was born in Burma (cant remember the new name of the country) Im glad you didnt get done with the pick pockets.. My dad was on a Tube in London and nearly got done also. Thank you for stopping by xx
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Toledo is one of my favourite cities in Spain and so easy to get to from Madrid by train. Thanks for sharing your story and photos. #senisal
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I think thats why it was so busy as its so close to Madrid. Thank you for stopping by
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Beautiful
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Oh Toledo! Thank you for the reminder to pop Toledo back on the bucket list. I was there when I was 20 but would love to revisit. Swords and marzipa… sounds like my kind of town!
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I knew you would love Toledo! It is amazing. There are many sword shops in the center. The cathedrals are great and one has a huge El Greco painting on the wall. We stumbled upon an El Greco display of the 12 apostles in another building which was awesome. We only had a morning to look around so I really want to go back and explore it some more. I look forward to hearing about your visit to Madrid.
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Stunning views! Glad you were able to find some gluten free food.
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Gorgeous views, and I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan and would love to see where some of the swords and rings were made. 🙂
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You will have to visit one day xx
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It’s on the bucket list! 😊
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excellent.
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