We (76F & 76M) are just beginning to plan a 3-week visit of Spain in late September to mid-October 2025. We live near SFO but are visiting friends near BOS first, so we will be departing from BOS on 9/22. We need a slower pace these days: no whirlwind tour itinerary. We'd like to spend 4-5 nights in each place, but OK with 3 nights in 1-2 places.
I visited Spain 4 times over the years: San Sebastian (day trip); Barcelona (3), Sitges (2); Monserrat & Mallorca (port calls); and in 2017, Madrid (4), Toledo (3), Granada (3), Ronda (2), Seville (3) & Cordoba (stop). My husband has never been to Spain but it's next on his wish list. He indicated an interest in Mallorca, Toledo, Barcelona & Granada (probably because I've mentioned how much I enjoyed them!). I've been trying to plan an intinerary based on his interests. That said, I am saving Andalucia for when we visit friends in Malaga, so not planning on Granada on this trip.
I found a non-stop flight from BOS-Palma (not yet reserved). This would be a nice relaxing start to the trip. Open to suggestions for a good base on Mallorca with interesting sights within walking distance and/or close to bus routes. Beach not necessary.
Then take the ferry from Palma to Barcelona. Any experience with this?
In Barcelona, we'll visit the usual sights (excited to see Sagrada Famila with a roof!) and would enjoy staying a convenient neighborhood for sights but also a pleasant one for walking and dining.
Then by train from Barcelona to Valencia, a place I've never visited. ==>Or other place you suggest.
Then by train to Toledo (I toured with JuanJo--he was just wonderful!)
I'd like to visit somewhere else new (to me); Segovia sounds like a winner, so perhaps we could do 3 days each Toledo and Segovia as they are not far apart. Another place I'd like to spend more time is Cordoba (although perhaps better done in the future Andalucia trip).
End the trip in Madrid for 4 nights and fly home to SFO.
We favor small apartments with kitchen(ette) so we can prepare our own breakfast and pretend we're locals by shopping in the same shops, bakeries, etc., each day and getting to know people. We plan to eat the "big meal" out at 2-3 p.m. Spanish-style.
Is it a good route? How many nights would you allocate to each place, of the 22 nights?
Thanks your your ideas and suggestions!