We plan to buy the high-speed train ticket from Madrid to Cordoba and spend few hours in Cordoba, before picking up the second leg from Cordoba to Sevilla.
1) It would be Dec 29, 2018 - seems like a high season for traveling in the entire Spain?
2) How long shall I plan for Cordoba?
3) I understand there is a place to store luggage (paid) - is that right?
Thank you.
The bus station across the street from the train station has luggage storage. Like all things -- how much time you spend is really your choice. A couple of hours to five or six. You can walk through the Mezquita in hour if that is all you want to see. As a min I would allow at least four hours from arrival to departure time.
For a stopover try to allow 4-6 hours, longer if you have it. The Mezquita is a must. Use the audio tour. Wander around the old city if the weather allows. We had a great lunch here http://casamazal.es/en/ but not sure of winter hours.
The weather may determine how long to stay. The other consideration is there are numerous trains in the Cordoba to Sevilla run so you may risk buying it on the day of (maybe when you arrive in Cordoba and have determined your energy and the weather. You can do some dummy buys to see if it really saves any money buying ahead. Or consider a changable ticket where you buy latest and change to earlier.
As well as the Mezquita, the Alcazar is okay....its garden much better. As it is designed less about flowers and more about evergreen plants and hardscapes, it can still be nice at that time of year. I enjoyed the Archeological Museum (i side so good for a rainy day). There is the Jewish Quarter, synagogue and points of interest, but it really doesn't take too long. If weather is good, the old Roman Bridge is a nice stroll to see the city from a different view.
If you ti ed it right and had an interest, there is the old city of al Zahra, but best done as a tour. Leaves Cordoba about 10:15 (I think) and returns after 2. You could get a taxi. There is no taxi waiting, but others say the staff will call one for you.
If you visit Mercado San Miguel while in Madrid and enjoyed it, consider Mercado Victoria in the park half way between the train station and old town. Quieter and more laid back. A great Venezuelan booth, but as cooked fresh, allow 10 minites or so for preparation . Not a buy and go booth.
There is/was a luggage storage business actoss from train station, but somewhere I heard he recently closed his business.
Yes, luggage storage is in the bus station, which is right across the street from the train station. Just walk over there after you get off the train.
Let's see...30 minutes to drop off luggage and get to the Mesquita by cab, a little longer if you want to walk. 2 to 2.5 hours in the Mesquita, then back in time for your train. Bare minimum to just see that one sight is 3-3.5 hours, which would be tight. I'd think about 5-ish hours, walk around town and eat lunch/snack after the Mesquita.
THANKS all - very helpful!!
