My wife and I went to Santiago de Compostela and Madrid, plus a day trip to Toledo between 22 and 29 March, and it was incredible! Santiago, Madrid, and Toledo were breathtaking, stunning, and wonderful! Santiago and Galicia in general were our favorite places..... we loved the dense forests, rugged mountains, and architecture.
We spent our first night in Spain at the Melia Castilla so we could quickly get to Chamartin for the AVLO to Santiago, spent two nights in Santiago before returning to Madrid.
Santiago de Compostela:
We stayed at the Hotel Compostela, wonderful hotel with good breakfast, easy walk to the historic district and train station. We did a 2 hr walking tour of the city with a wonderful guide, who explained the history/architecture of the city and Camingo de Santiago, ending with a tasting of Galician wine and cheese. We also strolled on our own around the historic quadrant and marveled at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, homes, and smaller churches, including one from the 10th century. We ate at Abastos 2.0 and O Siendo, and visited a food hall near Hotel Compostela. Weather was perfect....slightly chilly to mild and overcast/drizzly.
Madrid:
Before our trip to Santiago, we stayed at the Melia Castilla Hotel, excellent room and good breakfast. We ate at Cabo do Mundo before crashing at the hotel for the night.
On our return to Madrid, we stayed at Catalonia Las Cortes near Plaza de Santa Ana, smaller room, but exceptional breakfast and excellent bar. We did a guided tour of the Museo Reina Sofia and Prado Museum, explored the area around Plaza de Santa Ana and Plaza Mayor on our own. One of the days was dedicated to a guided tour of Toledo (see below) plus flamenco that night at Cafe Ziryab--both were incredible! In Madrid we ate at Botin, Cervecería Santa Ana, Revoltosa Prado, and Ocafú Prado, all were excellent! Weather was nice and mild.
Toledo:
We joined a half-day, guided tour of Toledo, and the guides were excellent, but unfortunately glossed over significant portions of Toledo history, and I wished the tour guides spoke more about Toledo's complex history and cultural influences. The guides overwhelmingly focused on the Reconquest and Inquisition, barely touching on Toledo's Carpetani, Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic periods. Toledo's layout reminded me of older cities I've been to in Jordan like Madaba, As-Salt, and 'Amman, since much of Toledo's ancient sector is a labyrinth of narrow streets radiating out from squares and public buildings--such as the stunning Toledo Cathedral. In Toledo we ate bocadillos and marzipan, yum! Weather was noticeably warmer than Madrid.
Transportation:
We had a layover in Lisbon between IAD and MAD both ways. First layover cut it close at 70 min, but 2nd layover provided ample time at 3 hours. Both legs of the flight were chill.
We took an AVLO to Santiago, and returned to Madrid on an AVE, both trains were excellent, fast, and punctual. The route was very scenic and beautiful, showcasing the diversity of Spain's landscape.
We walked/took taxis around Madrid. Taxis were convenient, cheap, and a great way to explore the city.
Practicalities:
Never used cash except for giving 10 euros to the bagpiper in Santiago--I also play bagpipes so we had to support a fellow piper! Compared to what we are used to, prices were extremely low, the most we paid for a meal was roughly $140 at Abastos 2.0, and approx. $350/night at Catalonia Las Cortes. My wife and I speak decent Spanish, so we were able to get around, order food, and interact with people without issue.
For souvenirs we got a rosary in Santiago, some postcards, marzipan, and lots of pictures.
Next time we go to Spain we plan on going to Seville, Cordoba, and Grenada.