My wife and I booked first-time travel to Spain in mid-October (13 days including flying into and out of Barcelona). Our priorities are Barcelona and Andalusia (Seville-Granada-Cordoba). With more time, we would have liked to see Madrid as well, but didn't want to end up rushing too much. At any rate, it will be a great reason to plan the next trip.
Since we arrive in Barcelona (BCN) at 12 noon, we were thinking of catching a late afternoon flight to Seville (or Granada) to avoid having to book a hotel in Barcelona twice (start and end of our trip). Will that be a good idea, and is 4 hours a sufficient gap to allow for delays, i.e. book the local flight from 4 PM onwards? I'm assuming this will all be at the same airport, just moving to the domestic terminal?
Assuming the above is doable, would it be better/more efficient to fly to Seville first, then fly (or train) from Granada to Barcelona, OR will the other way around (Granada first, then Seville, then Barcelona) be a better route?
Below is our draft itinerary – your thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated:
Day 1: Vancouver (via Toronto) to Barcelona
Day 2: Arrive at Barcelona (12 noon), fly to Seville or Granada (is 4 PM onwards a safe gap?)
Days 3-6: Seville (incl. a day trip to Cordoba)
Day 7: Seville to Granada
Day 8: Granada
Day 9: Granada to Barcelona
*Days 3 to 9 can be Granada first followed by Seville if that is more efficient
Days 10-12: Barcelona (3 full days)
Day 13: Barcelona to Vancouver (2 pm departure)