1 Week in Spain - itinerary help

Stephen: Madrid: I stayed at the Hotel Europa two summers ago. It was perfect. It is very close to Puerta Del Sol square, which has people in it all hours of the night, but the hotel has good sound-proof windows. An occasional light sleeper, I had no problem sleeping.

If you have the time and inclination, a bullfight in Ventas Stadium is worth it if the spectacle of a bullfight doesn't bother you and your son. Keep in mind that some people are morally opposed to bullfights. Order tickets in advance if you want to go.

Because of time constraints, I couldn't make it to Toledo, but people I know rave about it.

Seville: This is my favorite city in Spain. I stayed at YH Giralda, a former abbots' house for the nearby cathedral. The Giralda has the No. 1 characteristic in a hotel I like: quiet.

Go on a guided tour of Seville with Concepcion Delgado. She's wonderful and knowledgeable.

See a flamenco in Seville. See Rick's recommendations for which one to go to.

See the cathedral. To me the Seville cathedral isn't just another European cathedral. It's pretty impressive.

Visit the Alcazar Palace. It provides a good taste of Moorish Spain. The Alhambra is Granada is a better site, but the Alcazar is a good substitute if you cannot make it to Granada.

Do take a day trip to Cordoba from Seville to see the Mezquita site. Cordoba isn't far from Seville, and the Mezquita is definitely worth it.

You can easily do Toledo and/or Segovia as day trips from Madrid. Each one is about 30 minutes by train, so you could use your two extra days for those. Puerta del Sol and the Plaza Mayor are about a block apart, so that won't take much wandering. You might consider a hop-on/hop-off bus tour of Madrid, which would give you a good view of the newer parts of the city, as well as the old town. The commentary is very good. As I recall, it takes about 90 minutes for the whole route.

Stephen,

IMO, I'd suggest keeping the 3 nights in Sevilla.

I'd add the other 2nights to Madrid & this way you will have time for a day trip to Toledo &/or Segovia.

So, consider this:

• Sevilla (3N) = 2 full days in Sevilla.

• visit Córdoba on your way to Madrid.

• Madrid (4N) with day trip to Toledo &/or Segovia = 3 full days in Madrid {less if taking day trip(s)}

Here is the website for train schedules/tickets: http://www.renfe.com

You may consider buying your train tickets in advance if you want to save money ( up to 120 days in advance)
Make sure you use PayPal to pay for them.

Hope this helps!

I endorse everything Priscilla suggests above, but I would maintain Córdoba as a day trip from Sevilla, rather than a stop with luggage on your way to Madrid.

June 17 - Fly Frankfurt to Jerez (direct flight) and take train to Seville (3 nights), arriving around 1300.
Plaza Espana & Triano (neighbourhood across the river)
June 18 - Seville - Cathedral, Alcazar, Bull Ring, Santa Cruz neighbourhood
June 19 - Seville - Cordoba day trip
June 20 - Morning train to Madrid (4 nights) - Afternoon to Prado & El Retiro Park
June 21 - Madrid - Toledo day trip
June 22 - Madrid - Royal Palace followed by Walking Tour
(Almudena Cathedral > Plaza Oriente > Plaza Mayor > Puerta del Sol > Gran Via > Cibeles > Puerta de Alcala)
June 23 - Madrid - Segovia day trip
June 24 - Return to US from Madrid.

There are horse shows in Jerez at the Royal Equestrian School and in Cordoba at the Royal Stables. Check the days and times and try to see one of them. If you go to Jerez, also take the Tio Pepe sherry tour, it's fun and interesting. There are good views of Seville from the Cathedral tower. Be among the first to enter in the morning, take a few minutes to enjoy the relatively empty church, then climb the tower before it gets crowded. I think the Alcazar is the best sight in Seville. Though much smaller and less majestic than the Alhambra, the detail is even more sumptuous, because it is better preserved and not as old. See a flamenco performance in Seville at La Casa del Flamenco rather than the very touristy shows that come with drinks and food. Lots of good tapas in Sevilla. In Madrid, try the tapas at Mercado de San Miguel (just a few minutes' walk from Puerto del Sol). I stayed at the Europe both times I was in Madrid. The staff are terrific, but I was very disappointed by my one venture into the restaurant. The Naval Museum is really good (about a block from the Prado). You have to have your passports with you to enter (it's run by the Navy).

I would stick with staying in Seville and Madrid, just because it's easier than changing hotels for the short time you have in Spain. For a day trip to Toledo, take the commuter train from Atocha. You should buy tickets there and back a couple days in advance. There are a lot of day-trippers and trains do sell out. Toledo is better as an overnight, but you may not want to pack up and change rooms once you are in Madrid. If you do, you could leave most of your luggage at the hotel and go to Toledo with a small overnight bag.

You can visit Cordoba as a day trip or as a stop on the way to Madrid, whichever is more convenient for you. If you choose the latter, buy separate tickets to Cordoba and to Madrid. There is luggage storage at the bus station across the street from the train station. You can save a lot on these train tickets if you buy them in advance at discounted prices. The cheap tickets usually go on sale about 2 months in advance. If you plan to do that, read this article first.

Thanks for the great info! I really appreciate it!