History Tour Help

Posted by josephine.bonaparte on 05/20/22 01:38 AM

Hi guys! It's my first trip to Spain going for 10 days, starting June 27.
I'm looking to do 2 days in Madrid, then El Escorial, Burgos, Valladolid, Segovia and my final 3 days in Granada. YES I'm aware its too much, but I'm trying to see as much as possible. I'm having issues though in deciding were to go after El Escorial.
Could someone please advice me?
Should I do:

El Escorial ( half day then travel ) - Segovia ( 2 night ) -Vallodolid ( 1 night) -Burgos ( 1 night )-Madrid -Granada ( 3 nights)

I'm going insane trying to figure this out
Someone please advice this soul.
Gracias!!

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

05/20/22 06:32 AM

7159 posts

The order might depend on how you’re getting from place to place; rental car or public transportation. If by car, then San Lorenzo del Escorial, Segovia, Valladolid, Burgos, then Granada. Granada is the outlier in your trip. I know everybody wants to see the Alhambra, but it’s way out of the way from everything else on your list. For historical sights there are so many places in that same area. There’s nothing wrong with Valladolid or Burgos, but they’re seldom on the first time to Spain visit list. Out of curiosity, of all the places in Spain, what made you choose the places you chose?

Posted by josephine.bonaparte OP

05/20/22 03:03 PM

5 posts

Thank you for your reply.
I'm actually doing the whole endeavor by train or bus.
The reason why I'm choosing these places is because of Doña Juana I of Castille and Phillip II. I'm following them/ their times in a way. I'm interested in Cathedral of Granada, Charles V palace , more than the Alhambra to be honest.

I would love to hear your suggestions now that you know my method of transportation. Thank you in advance for answering. Have a wonderful day.

Posted by Scudder

Hudson Valley

05/20/22 03:42 PM

2267 posts

At first, I thought this was a crazy itinerary, but seeing that you have a specific focus, I dig it!

I think the order you have them listed in a reasonably efficient order—it might call for a mix of trains and busses. Rome2Rio.com would help sort the specific transportation options.

Are you flying out of Granada, or do you have to backtrack to Madrid? If backtracking, you may need to take the train the night before.

(Contrary to unenthusiastic advice here, I visited El Escorial a few months ago, and really enjoyed it. The royal tomb was closed, but I did get to see the dead baby cake.)