Hi. In December I'm going to Spain for 2 weeks, for the first time, and I'm going solo. I want to see the Alhambra and Mezquite, so I'm going to Granada and Cordoba - trying to figure out how to allot the days given my focused interests. I love walking, feeling a sense of history, small towns and cities, and art but don't enjoy crowded museums.
What I really want is to feel like I'm going back in time. This is why I love Rome but I've been there 3 times and I'm trying to branch out. The atmosphere of a place matters the most to me, more than doing any particular cultural thing or seeing any beautiful site. I loved Mdina in Malta, the magical quiet from the walls surrounding you. So I think I should go to Toledo also. From what I've read I think I might like Granada - a little edgy, the Albyacin, mountains in the background. Maybe I go to those three and not Seville? I love art but cannot tolerate crowds well, so smaller or less known museums are good for me. I went to the Borghese Gallery in Rome and remember none of it - can't do crowds like that. If I go to Seville I will go to the Fine Arts Museum. I have been to many European capitals and I'm sure I would love Madrid but I think that's a different trip for me, probably with my boyfriend.
I know this might be criminal but I am not interested in food or restaurants. I'll be buying groceries and eating wherever seems not intimidating as a solo woman, polite but with no Spanish - I will get some useful phrases cued up! I fly into Madrid on Dec. 12th and out of Madrid Dec. 25. Here's what I'm thinking:
Dec. 12 after landing Madrid take train to Toledo, stay 4 nights even though not as big as the other places and not as much to "do" because the first 2 days I will be in a jet lag haze. From what I've read on this forum I think I'll love the quiet at night when daytrippers have left.
Dec. 16 train to Cordoba for 2 nights (or 3 if I skip Seville?)
Dec. 18 train to Seville for 3 nights (or skip Seville because even though many things to do it is more of a big city which I don't think I want)
Dec. 21 train to Granada for 3 nights (more if I skip Seville)
Dec. 24 fly or train to Madrid night before flight
If I skip Seville I could do a few nights in Madrid but I'm not sure that's a good use of my time. I like being in one place longer than most people (Vienna 10 days not enough!) and really seeing people living regular life. I like doing nothing in these amazing places with beautiful architecture and feeling surrounded by history.
Thank you very much!