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First time in Spain - a week in Andalucia in mid-October

Posted by (Detroit) on

Good evening folks,

I'm working on an itinerary for my upcoming trip and I could use some help. I think I'm probably trying to fit too much in now that I've glanced at some approximate timetables for trains between towns, but I'm struggling with what (if anything) to cut. Here's what I have so far:

10/16: Sunday - Arrive in Madrid at 8:45 AM. Spend the night in Madrid.
10/17: Monday - Madrid. Spend the night in Madrid.
10/18: Tuesday - Train departs Madrid at around 1:50 PM arriving in Toledo at 2:20 PM. Spend the night in Toledo.
10/19: Wednesday -Train departs Toledo at 1:25 PM arriving in Cordoba at 4:45 PM. Spend the night in Cordoba.
10/20: Thursday - Train departs Cordoba at 3:50 PM, arriving in Seville at 4:30 PM Spend the night in Seville.
10/21: Friday - Seville. Spend the night in Seville.
10/22: Saturday - Train departs Seville at 3:30 PM, arriving in Granada at 6 PM. Spend the night in Granada.
10/23: Sunday - Granada. Spend the night in Granada.
10/24: Monday - Train departs Granada at 3:30 PM, arriving in Madrid at 7:00 PM. Spend the night in Madrid.
10/25: Tuesday - Depart Madrid at 10:45 AM flying to Detroit

I put the times for trains in just to see if it made any sense at all; the times obviously might be significantly different on the actual dates I'll be traveling.

If you had to cut one place off this itinerary, which would you pick?

Also, although it may seem that I've got a pretty rigid itinerary here, I'd ideally like to maintain some flexibility. Things never go exactly as planned. How necessary is it to book accommodations in advance in Andalucia in October and how far in advance would you book?

Any assistance provided would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Moe

Posted by
15788 posts

I'd book as soon as possible. Andalucia is so hot in summer, it's low season. It picks up in the fall and October is a popular month. I would however make sure all the bookings were cancelable.

You don't say what your main interests are. If European painting is a high priority, you'll want at least a day and a half, maybe two, just for that in Madrid. Then I'd probably eliminate Toledo. However, if it isn't, then Madrid is the least interesting city on your trip.

In any event, go straight to Toledo on arrival for 2N. Then Cordoba, Sevilla, and Granada with your last night/s in Madrid. That gets rid of one hotel change.

I would take later trains. Remember, you have to go from your hotel (to pick up your luggage is) to the train and from the train to your hotel to drop the luggage. You can either eat a picnic supper on the train or go to dinner after you check in. Dinner is typically from 9.30 or so. A 10.30 dinner is far from out of the ordinary.

Posted by
6 posts

We are from the Detroit area and visited Toledo, Cordoba, Seville and Granada before flying home from Madrid in May. My only concern is that you may not find a place to get your Covid test that late in Madrid, unless you have made arrangements in Granada.

Posted by
31 posts

Thank you both, great points!

I do plan on visiting the Prado and the Reina Sofia in Madrid. Aside from art, I'm mainly interested in history, architecture, food, and music.

I forgot about the COVID test. I was kind of hoping that requirement might be gone by October. I'd imagine I could get the test done in Granada before heading back to Madrid that Monday?

Posted by
80 posts

About covid. You can just buy Abbott BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Ag proctored test with you, and it just works fine. I returned from Greece 20 days ago using this test.

Posted by
15788 posts

I'm curious about your skipping the Thyssen museum, which is my favorite, but then I love Impressionism. Check the website to see if they'll have a special exhibition while you are there, I've been to 2 and both were wonderful.

Interested in history, then consider visiting the Naval Museum in Madrid (be sure to have passport with you). Even though the explanations are mainly in Spanish only, I had a great visit.

Posted by
31 posts

It's mostly down to time. I don't think I could fully appreciate all three in the relatively short amount of time I'm allowing for Madrid. I think I overdid it when I was in Florence earlier this year.

I know I'm not going to see everything I'd like to see on this trip, which means I'll have reasons to return.

Incidentally, the US is scrapping the COVID test requirement for flights returning from abroad. I gather this Sunday will be the last day it's required, so that's one less thing to worry about.

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