Travelers: myself, wife, 2 middle school children
Goals: visit art museums, cathedrals, some "must see attractions", enjoy Spanish cuisine.
After 5 nights in Granada and Malaga, the proposed plan is to drive a rental car to Sevilla, by way of Ronda.
I am looking for suggestions for an itinerary for the next 7 days of the trip, with these parameters:
1. El Prado in Madrid is a must.
2. We must be in Barcelona on day 12 to leave the country the morning of day 13.
So, of the 7 remaining days:
How many days in Sevilla?
How many days in Madrid?
How many days in Barcelona?
Or is there any reason for Cordoba to be preferable to Sevilla?
Or should a day in Toledo be sandwiched in before Madrid?
Is it preferable to keep the rental car until Madrid, or is it wiser to return it in Sevilla and rely on trains for the rest of the trip?
I have saved up a long time for this, so convenience in terms of less time waiting in terminals to maximize seeing sights is worth the car rental cost.
On the other hand, if train stations from Sevilla to Madrid provide easier access to accommodations and major sights compared to hassles of city driving/parking, then that would prevail.
I assume the train, or even a flight, is the better way to get from Madrid to Barcelona.
Again, time and convenience will prevail over reasonable (ouch) costs.
Any thoughts on the above, or other additional suggestions about hotels (2 to 4 stars) or recommended sights/activities, are very much welcomed, and thank you in advance.
PS - Yes, more time would be preferable - but this is what we have.
Also, the children are remarkably patient, well-behaved and resilient.