8 days in March--Madrid/Seville vs Madrid/Bilbao?

I'd do some research on multi-city air tickets to see which could be cheaper and more convenient, into Madrid and home from Seville, or home from Bilbao. Alternatively, into one of those cities and home from Madrid. You must use a multi-destination search function for the itinerary.

The weather will probably be substantially better in Seville. However, to go to Andalucía for only a 2 or 3 days means not having enough time for the Big 3 (Seville, Cordoba and Granada), whereas the same amount of time in Bilbao would allow you to see some of that city and perhaps a bit more of the Basque Country.

You should check transportation options, however. I think you'll find it easier to reach Seville than Bilbao, starting from Madrid.

My preferred option, though, would be to stay in the Madrid area and see some of the great nearby destinations. Toledo, Segovia, and Cuenca would be my top recommendations.

Thank you very much!

It seems the Americans can get much better return flight costs than Canadians can - making open jaw flights less cost effective - particularly if bought on sale.
I am with acraven on this one, or do Madrid / Bilbao (knowing weather won't be great). Sevilla and Andalusia require a trip of their own.
Decide how many days you want in Bilbao, stay one night Madrid (to deal with any delays and more logistical requirements), then Bilbao, with the remainder in Madrid knowing that day trips can be easily done from there.

Some ideas on how to approach both possibilities.

Basque Country
Day
1. Arrive Madrid. Train to Segovia (1)
2. Train to San Sebastián (3)
3. San Sebastián
4. San Sebastián
5. Early bus to Bilbao (1)
6. Late train to Madrid (3)
7. Madrid
8. Day to Toledo (or more Madrid)
9. Depart Madrid

Andalusia
Day
1. Arrive Madrid. Train to Cordoba (1)
2. Train to Granada (2)
3. Visit Alhambra
4. Train to Ronda (1)
5. Train to Sevilla (2)
6. Sevilla
7. Late train to Madrid (2)
8. Madrid
9. Depart Madrid