Need guidance on towns between Granada and Seville - possible Morroco day ferry trip

4/7 - Segovia day trip (?) - or would more Madrid be better? Last night in Madrid

I would say Segovia is definitely worth a trek; but make that decision when you get there; see how Madrid goes. there is no right or wrong answer it depends on the person; you can't see everything, but easier if traveling solo

Morocco is very worth seeing but not Tangier as a day trip. Sort of like wanting to visit Mexico and just going to Tijuana for the day from San Diego.

Nice trip. From Ronda you can take the train to Algeciras where the Tarifa ferry has a shuttle to carry you to the ferry. You won't see much of Morocco in such a short time - are you planning to stay overnight ? But it will give you a taste.

Morroco was more of a- "I want to say I've been there" stop - and walk through their version of the grand bazaar/market there.
I'm not really really looking to shop, mostly photograph things.
If it is really closer to Tijuana what other city would you suggest as a stop in between Ronda and Seville?
Thanks again for your replies :)

My first impression is that it feels a bit packed/rushed. I would choose one day trip out of Madrid, if any. There is tons to see and enjoy there. The city center is very manageable and enjoyable. I feel it’s underrated. You’re basically giving yourself a day for the palace and museums. Which museums? All three major art museums are excellent and worth a few hours at least.

The Morrocco side trip is a major investment in time and effort for what amounts to a few hours there. You’re already doing a lot of moving around. Moving around takes time that doesn’t show up on the balance sheet. (Getting to and from bus/train stations, waiting for trains/busses... it adds up.) People seem to have mixed feelings about the place anyways. I’d trade a day on busses for an extra day anywhere else you’re looking at. Bottom line is, just because it’s physically possible doesn’t mean it makes sense to do it.

Otherwise, two nights in Granada is just about right. I really like Ronda, a solid day and a night there is good. It’s also a good place/way to break up a long travel day from Granada to Seville. There’s train service from Cordoba to Granada and Granada to Ronda, but not to Seville directly. You’ll have to bus from Ronda to Seville, but that’s only a couple hours. And Seville? You may be saving the best for last. I’ve been twice and wished a had an extra day both times.

Yes, travel to and from Tarifa on both sides is at least partly by bus, probably a different company in each direction, although you could take a train for the leg from Ronda to Algeciras (direct, 2 hours) and then a half-hour bus for the second leg. Tarifa-Sevilla take 3 hours by direct bus. Try www.checkmybus.com/tarifa or http://www.andalucia.com/tarifa/buses.htm for schedules, or also see the companies mentioned in the relevant chapters of Rick's Spain book.

I'm on the "Don't do it" side of the Tangier discussion. You could add the time you save to Madrid, Seville or Cordoba. Or you could even spend two or three nights in Toledo.

People react differently to Madrid. I think it's a good idea to say Segovia is a possibility if you don't have a bunch of stuff still to do in Madrid.

When you get ready to buy your tickets for the Toledo and Segovia day-trips, take a look at the round-trip prices. They seem to be about the same as the one-way fares. If you have to choose specific trains (and I think you do), take your best shot at when you'll want to return. Toledo is actually worth a couple of days, in my view, so try for a late return to Madrid on that day.

There's another good day-trip from Madrid that I rank up there with Segovia (nothing touches Toledo for me): Cuenca. The thing about Cuenca is that you have to take the AVE, and it can get cost-prohibitive if you make a last-minute ticket purchase. So you'd only want to do this if you skip Tangier, add time to Madrid, are positive about a travel date for Cuenca, and can buy the ticket soon. Cuenca's a hill town, so I think it might be quite chilly and breezy in early April. But it's very atmospheric and photogenic. It has a couple of good, small modern-art museums as well as the medieval center set along a ravine.

I think Jerez and Cadiz / Arcos offer better sights and easier logistics for you.

April
3. Arrive Madrid (5N)
4. Madrid
5. Day to Toledo
6. Day to Segovia
7. Madrid
8. Train to Granada (2N)
9. Visit Alhambra
10. Train to Ronda (2N)
11. Ronda
12. Bus to Jerez (2N)
13. Day to Cadiz (or Arcos de la Frontera)
14. Train to Seville (4N)
15. Seville
16. Day to Córdoba for the Mezquita
17. Seville
18. DEPART Seville

Thanks so much for your suggestions, I think I am going to pass on Morocco this trip - I tend to prefer to spend more time in the larger cities to explore and just enjoy where I am. Especially since this trip is by myself - no travel companion to help keep up with train and bus schedules etc.

My next questions would be regarding booking any day trips out of Seville - is it best to just take the bus/train myself to the various sites or are there some really good 1 day tours you have felt worth the money?

Also, any suggestions regarding LA Feria?
I was planning on just wandering around the main sites with my camera (?)
Are there any must see /do activities besides the eating, dancing, and drinking?

Thanks again for your suggestions, they have been very helpful in getting this trip finalized!

Cordoba (Mezquita) is an easy day trip on your own from Sevilla, with fast and frequent trains.