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Help/Advice on Itinerary for Barcelona - Madrid in October

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Hello! My family (my husband, 2 year old son, my sister and her partner) and I will be in Spain in October. We have an idea of what our itinerary will look like but would love any advice on it. Particularly, if we should travel by train or car in certain areas. Any suggestions on the best restaurants in each location would be much appreciated. All of us are interested in culture, food, a bit of history, and fun!

Day 1 - Arrive in Barcelona (early morning)

Day 2 - Barcelona

Day 3 - Barcelona - day trip to Montserrat?

Day 4 - Barcelona

Day 5 - Depart Barcelona early morning for Sevilla (AVE train to Madrid then to Sevilla)

Day 6 - Sevilla

Day 7 - Sevilla - day trip to Jerez and Cadiz (by car)

Day 8 - Depart Sevilla early morning for Malaga (by train, or would it be better to go by car?)

Day 9 - Malaga

Day 10 - Depart Malaga early morning for Granada (by train, or would it be better to go by car?)

Day 11 - Depart Granada for Codroba (by train, or would it be better to go by car?)

Day 12 - Depart Cordoba for Segoiva (by train)

Day 13 - Segovia

Day 14 - Depart Segovia early Morning for Madrid

Day 15 - Madrid - day trip to Toledo (by train)

Day 16 - Depart Madrid

Thanks!

Posted by
7175 posts

Not including your arrival and departure, you have 6 travel days ...
Barcelona - Seville - Malaga - Granada - Cordoba - Segovia - Madrid.

With a 2 year old I would try and reduce that to just 3 ...
Barcelona (4 nights) - day trip to Montserrat
Fly to Granada (3 nights) - check Vueling for cheap fares and book ahead early
Train to Sevilla (4 nights) - day trips to Jerez+Cadiz and Cordoba
Train to Madrid (4 nights) - day trips to Toledo and Segovia

In October I don't think a short visit to Malaga is worth the effort, especially when you have allocated minimal time in Granada.

Posted by
15576 posts

I like David's plan. The train is much better for you than a car - the toddler won't be strapped in, everyone can walk around, bring food and beverages and have a meal during the long rides. The high-speed trains usually have USB ports and/or electrical outlets, so you can use computers, mp3 players, etc.

The adjustments I would suggest - 2 nights in Granada, adding a night to Barcelona (you'll be jetlagged on arrival and there's a lot to see and do. For most people, a day and a half in Granada is all they need. I would take a day from Madrid and add it to Seville. Except for the exceptionally fine art museums, it's the least interesting destination. I'd spend one day in Cadiz and one day in Jerez, possibly combined with Arcos (by bus). Cadiz and Jerez in one day seems to be trying to fit in too much.

Posted by
7175 posts

Totally in synch with Chani's thinking re extra night in Barcelona (or Sevilla even), as well as Arcos de la Frontera with Jerez.

Posted by
3 posts

Thank you all so much for the great tips! We'll be revisiting our itinerary and making some adjustments to it.

Posted by
1178 posts

you have been given great advice...there is a food car on the train, drinks, sandwiches, etc.

AVE Madrid to Sevilla is 2 1/2 hours... Barcelona to Madrid is 2 1/2 hours....but much better and easier than driving. Get your tickets in advance and save a great bit. See the AVE website or chceck out the site the man in seat 61

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