Using help from here and other places, I settled on the below for where I will sleep each night, for a trip that encompasses Christmas and NYD (so, knowing places will be closed). There were a LOT of differences of opinion about how long to spend in Madrid. Although I love cities (prefer them to more rural areas), I decided to focus on Andalusia for this trip, partly due to weather. So I am especially interested in how to maximize my short time in Madrid, and in any suggestion on how to profitably spend time in Madrid or Granada on New Year's Day.
12/25-12/29: Seville. If we have time, we will do a day trip in Cordoba, but will not stay overnight in Cordoba.
12/29-1/1: Granada. We have Alhambra tickets for 12/30. Given that everything will be closed, we could go to Madrid on 12/31 or on 1/1, and it wouldn't make much difference either way. I have not booked Granada or Madrid hotels yet, so if anyone has thoughts on this (or thoughts on a very nice dinner for NYE in either city), would LOVE this info
1/1-1/3 - Madrid. We will fly out of Madrid late on the third.
The only piece I am unsure about is noted above -- when to go to Madrid. For the rest of it, it is decided after much agonizing. I had tried to fit in Valencia and even Ronda, so this feels pared down to me! I do not plan to or want to rent a car.
Thanks!