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Need advice on 2 week Christmas itinerary

I need advice on a 2 week European travel itinerary for this upcoming Christmas break (roughly Dec 21 - Jan 4). The wife and I will be traveling with our 11 year old daughter. Couple notes on us:
- This will be our first European trip as a family. The wife has been to Paris, and I travel for work to Belgium and Czechia. Would like to avoid those cities to see something new.
- We enjoy museums and historical sites (but in moderation with 11 year old).
- Daughter loves futbol.
- Was initially considering London, but with Brexit uncertainty I rather just move that trip to another time.
- Christmas markets are not a must see for us. If they are there, we'll check one out, but not required.
- Obviously will be cold, but "less" cold area is better. Would like to walk around towns without trudging through knee high snow.
- Not into skiing.
- Enjoy eating at local places and soaking in culture.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Posted by
8159 posts

Spain is nice that time of year. Here is a rough draft plan of a similar trip I took last December through January:
Fly into Barcelona
Barcelona 4 nights
Train to Madrd
Madrid 2 nights
Train to Seville
Seville 3 nights
Bus to Granada
Granada 3 nights
Bus to Malaga
Malaga 2 nights
Fly home from Malaga

Posted by
8176 posts

I dislike traveling in cold or chilly places when warmer times are available. Temps in Madrid will possibly reach 50 degrees F. Take a warm coat.

It is even colder in London in December.

Posted by
2596 posts

Parts of Italy might be a good idea for a "less cold" area.

Posted by
4591 posts

Rick Steves has a video about Christmas in Italy posted on this website.

Posted by
8 posts

I'm intrigued by the Spain itinerary. Will spend some time researching a 2 week trip. I know it's a gamble with the weather, but we will be ready for it. Thanks for the replies!

Posted by
8159 posts

It was sunny for ten straight days when we there and 70 degrees on New Year's day in Cadiz

Posted by
15777 posts

Andalucia is the warmest, driest part of Europe. They have futbol :-)

With two weeks, fly open-jaw Madrid/Barcelona. You might even be able to get tickets to a Barça game. Allow at least 3 full days for Barcelona. Madrid has 3 superb art museums (European paintings) and a top-notch palace (1 day for highlights, add another 1-2 for the art museums). Andalucia is incredible - the Alhambra in Granada, the Mezquita in Cordoba, the horses at the Royal Equestrian School in Jerez and the Royal Stables in Cordoba, great food. I've been twice for 3 -plus weeks in February with temps mainly in the 50's, sometimes 60s, many sunny days, little rain. December should be similar and drier.