Hello Spain Travel Community! My husband and I will be in Spain Aug. 27-Sept. 12. After researching places to visit online as well as several travel books, including Rick Steves', I am looking for input on what I've come up with for an itinerary:
3 nights in Bilbao: sightseeing -- Old town, Cathedral/churches; Mercado de la Ribera; The Guggenheim; Archeology Museum; Azkuna Zentroa Cultural Center; possible trip to Getxo if time permits.
2 nights in Donostia-San Sebastian (Note: we plan to take the coastal road allowing us an opportunity to explore a coastal town) -- sightseeing in San Sebastian: Old town; La Concha Promenade; Monte Urgull; Basilica de Santa Maria del Coro; San Telmo Museum; Cristina Ena Park.
1 night Vitoria-Gasteiz: We have tentatively planned to visit the Arrikrutz Cave in Onati on our way to Vitoria. Is it worth a stop? Sightseeing in vitoria-Gasteiz -- Plaza de la Virgen Blanca; Medieval Quarter; Cathedral; Archeology Museum; Florida Park; Casa del Cordon.
1 night Logrono: We plan to stop and visit the Medieval Center in Laguardia. Sights in Logrono: Old Town; cathedral/churches; Museo de la Rioja.
Question: we have kicked around the idea of 2 nights in Laguardia using it as our bas for sightseeing in this area. Thoughts??
2 nights in Pamplona: sightseeing -- Cathedral de Santa Maria; Plaza del Castillo; City Walls/Citadel; Plaza de Toros; Navarra Museum; Taconera Gardens.
2 nights in Girona (note: as we plan to visit the Monesterio Nuevo de San Juan de la Pena on our way to Girona): sightseeing in Girona -- Jewish History Museum, Jewish Quarter, Catedral/Basilica, Arabic Baths, Medieval Quarter/City Walls; day trip to Figueres to visit the Dali Museum, Port Lligat to visit the Dali House Museum and lunch/walk about Cadaques.
5 nights Barcelona: sightseeing -- Sagrada Familia (we will purchase tickets as soon as September dates open up); Park guell, Casa Batllo, walk about the gothic quarter and explore other neighborhoods; visit the markets (Mercat de la Boqueria, Mercat de Santa Caterina), Picasso Museum; trip to Montserrat.
We enjoy learning about the history and culture of the areas we visit and exploring public gardens and leisurely walks in old town centers. Am I being overly ambitious with this itinerary? What are the the not to be missed sights and those that we should consider only if time permits.
We appreciate your thoughts and comments on our plans. Thanks for taking the time to read and respond!