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4 nights in spain before soccer trip

Posted by (San Francisco) on

Hi all!
I have posted about this before and gotten great advice, but we had a small plan change so I need a new plan... My son is participating in a soccer training in Madrid and San Sebastian starting Easter Sunday in 2016 for 8 nights. As part of this we will do a little sightseeing in Madrid, possibly a half day to Toledo or Segovia (not sure), and go to San Sebastian area.

Originally we were hoping for the whole family to go a week prior but alas, I am not made of money! So now my son and I only are flying in (likely to Madrid, but doesn't have to be), arriving the Wednesday prior.

So that gives us 4 nights (during Semana Santa) before meeting up mid-afternoon in Madrid with the team that Sunday.

We would like to see some Semana Santa processions. Thinking of going to Zaragoza for 2 nights (wed-fri) as per Brad's great suggestion of loving Holy Thursday there. Then sometime on Friday moving somewhere else for 2 nights (Toledo? Salamanca? Avila? ???)....

It will be a little tough with 2 two night stands to hit it off, but then we will have 5 nights in Madrid, then 3 in San Sebastian...

OR I could just base somewhere (rather it not be Madrid) for all 4 nights and day trip out.... I do want to see some of the Semana Santa activities, but with a 13 year old boy, he's not going to be very fun if we are standing around ALL day watching processionals... but it is important to me to see some of it.

Ideas? Thoughts?

Thank you!!!!
Kim

Posted by
7175 posts

Sevilla is the main focus for Semana Santa celebrations etc. Have you considered spending your four days there?

Posted by
1178 posts

Sevilla is the epicenter of the Semana Santa celebrations and is the most famous and largest...expect long waits, large crowds, and not much of a great experience for a tourist. I have been told, but have not been to, by native Spanish that the smaller towns and cities have equally impressive, and perhaps more, celebrations. Zaragoza, and Zamora have both been recommended as impressive. One is east of Madrid and one is west, both on the rail/bus lines. Zamora is near Salamanca, and Avila. They also have good celebrations. You might want to choose between Zamora, Salamanca and Avila as they are relatively close to each other. See one and perhaps visit the other. From this area to Barcelona you will take the train to Madrid and the Charmartin train station, then the train to the Atocha station on the south side of the city, From there it is 2 1/;2 hours to Barcelona. Enjoy your trip.

Posted by
1008 posts

Haven't heard of Zamora, I will look at it!

Yes I do want to go to Sevilla, but I just fear it will be too hard and crowded... especially with just me and my kid. Originally thought about staying in Cordoba and day tripping to Sevilla... could do that I guess, even day trip to Ronda from there too I think?

Hmmmm.....

Posted by
7175 posts

You are probably right to be cautious of Sevilla, by yourself with a 13 yo at such a crazy time. I like the idea of ...
Train to Segovia - 1 nt
Bus to Avila - 1 nt
Train to Salamanca - 2 nts
Train to Madrid

Posted by
1008 posts

OK I am still working on this... I just can't seem to get excited about any of the choices...except Toledo but too long to spend 4 nights there! Also trying to cut down on travel time....

Back to thinking about basing in Cordoba - getting a vrbo there for 4 nights, and then day tripping out... can get to both Seville and Malaga in about an hour (however, not sure how it being Holy Thursday- Saturday affects train schedules???)....

What do you think?? Too crazy?

Kim

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