Early planning for Feb. Mar. trip. Comments or upgrades to intinerary would be great

I like the overall pace. The one thing I'd reconsider is the length of the stay in Malaga. It's a nice city--though I was there in April rather rather than February--but there's more to see in Granada (where you're planning only 2 nights) and much more to see in Seville (where you effectively have only 4 nights, given the two planned day trips).

Just a couple of thoughts. You could drop the car in Granada and take a train to Cordoba instead of driving, unless you want the drive itself or have some use for the car while in Cordoba. And you should know (maybe you do) that a train from Cordoba to Toledo means a train from Cordoba to Madrid (Atocha), then another train to Toledo.

Good for you to spend multiple nights in most of those cities instead of trying to see "everything" by moving around a lot.

You might consider going to Toledo on arrival, 2 nights there
Then put all Madrid nights at end of trip

Eliminates the split stay

We had a driver pick us up at airport and take us to Toledo, worth it

Give Granada 3 nights, take from Malaga

Thanks for the great upgrades.

We will add a day to Rondo & Granada and drop one from Malaga. May also add another to Seville since nothing has been booked yet we can extend the trip.

We won't need a car in Granada so will drop it upon arrival but may decide to drive to Jerez & Cadiz and then on to Ronda rather than taking day trips from Seville. Should be plan on an overnight in Cadiz? It might be too much to take in both places in a day and then drive on to Ronda. Another option would be to stop for a night in Arcos and head to Ronda the next day.

Still some fine tuning to do before we start booking flights & places to stay.

I would skip Malaga all together, it is a great city to fly in and out of but not to spend time. Since your renting a car rather than Malaga the nights could be better spent in the white hill towns and national parks, especially since it will be spring and the hills will be green, full of wild flowers, baby farm animals (I'm so jealous). Granada is worth 3 nights and I always go on a weekend since that is when the town is so much fun, people dancing in the street, wedding parties, buskers. Since you have not purchased your flight yet you might want to consider moving your dates to later in the month of March to be able to see Holy Week, Easter is the end of March in 2024. Arcos has a great Holy Week and not so packed like Seville. Don't get me wrong I love Seville during Holy Week, yes it costs more and there are tons of people but so worth it. With your current itinerary I agree with going from the airport to Toledo before heading south to Andalucia. Also back to the flights: you could fly into Seville and out of Madrid or the other way around. Most flights from the USA will land in Madrid too early to check into a hotel or Airbnb so if you continue on to Andalucia you would likely arrive around check in time. Two nights in Cordoba is enough. Enjoy your trip it sounds wonderful. J

Here's a different idea.

Go to Cordoba from the airport (change trains in Madrid) for 3N.
Train to Sevilla for 4-5N. No day trips
Train to Jerez for 3N. Day trip to Cadiz by train, to Arco by bus and spend a full day in Jerez. If possible see a show at the Royal Equestrian School (only offered 2-3 times a week)
Pick up car and explore hill towns, based in Ronda for 2-4N.
Drive to Granada 3N, stopping in Antequera for a few hours (if not Monday, stop outside the town to see the prehistoric dolmens). Return car.
Train to Toledo 2N (consider storing luggage at Madrid station and taking only overnight bag)
Train To Madrid

I haven't counted up the nights, but you have enough to play with. Malaga is nice for a full day but at that time of year, the coast is not interesting. If it's high on your list, maybe drop Antequera and drive to Malaga and drop the car. Then bus or train to Granada

I would not want to drive in and out of Malaga several times--if you are an outdoorsy person, then I'd put that time in Ronda or another nearby town instead, perhaps add a night to Sevilla and Granada. But it's hard to evaluate because Malaga is just a blank at this point -- it depends on what you want to see and do.
If you a seafood person, then I'd stay on the coast near Cadiz.

I have made some changes based on the suggestions received.
Fly from Toronto 2/25 arrive Madrid 2/26 at noon.
Train at around 4PM to Cordobaa for 3 nights.
Train or bus to Seville for 8 nights. Day trips to Jerez and Cadiz.
Rent a car and drive to Arcos for 1 night.
Drive to Ronda for 2 nights while continuing to stop and tour the white towns.
Drive to Malaga. Return the car and stay for 4 nights.
Train/bus to Granada for 3 nights.
Train to Toledo for 2 nights.
Train to Madrid for 4 nights. Day trip to Segovia.
Fly to London for 3 nights. Day trip to either Greenwich or Winchester. We spent a weeek in London a few years ago.
Fly home on Mar. 27th.
Any upgrades or suggestions or things to not miss would be appreciated.

I think you've got it, Bruce--that sounds like a very well balanced trip!

All I can add to your new itinerary is Have a Great Trip.

Bruce, I am sure you will love Malaga. Rick's guidebook treats Malaga like it's nothing more than a transportation hub, but there is so much more to see and do in Malaga. I recommend buying the Michelin Green Guide and Lonely Planet to help in your planning for Malaga.

Some of the things you can do in Malaga:

• take an amazing walk uphill to the Alcazaba (Moorish fortress) and
  you will pass towers, pathways, gateways, arches, patios, fountains,
  and lush greenery and exotic flowers. And the views! Stunning views
  of the city, the port, and the Mediterranean.

  • If you have the energy, then walk to the Castillo de Gibralfaro
    located on a hill and built to protect the Alcazaba. Have lunch at
    the bar/cafe at the top.

• Walk along the seaside promenade.

• Enjoy drinks at a cafe and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean

• You have your pick of art museums - there are tons of them - we liked
  the Picasso

• Visit the Malaga Cathedral

• Have lunch or dinner at the Atarazanas Market.

• The vibrant city center is beautiful with gorgeous architecture, nice
  stores, and lots of cafes and restaurants.

We are looking forward to see the sites of Malaga. We have friends who have stayed there and enjoyed it. Also besides a day trip to Cadiz, which we have previously visited, Malaga will be our only stay on the ocean.
Thanks for the information of some of the things to see and do.

Further to the previous email about things to do in Malaga. We stayed in Malaga for a week in May 2022. Thought I would mention that we rented a car and drove to Rhonda for the day, drove to Gibraltar for the day, and drove to hike Kings Canyon. All very easy and accessible driving. Also, we rented bicycles and rode about 8-10 km along the coast to Candado Beach. Beautiful area and great sea food!! You will enjoy Malaga!!