Seeking Advice on Itinerary Draft (November)

Posted by Kent on 03/20/24 01:17 AM

I'm currently in the process of planning a trip to Spain and have put together a rough itinerary, but I'm seeking some advice and recommendations to make it even better.

To provide some context, my arrival and departure flights are both scheduled for Barcelona. Here's a brief overview of my itinerary draft:

Day 1 : Barcelona -> Madrid

Day 2: Madrid

Day 3: Madrid (Day Trip to Toledo or Segovia)

Day 4: Madrid -> Seville

Day 5: Seville

Day 6: Seville -> Granada

Day 7: Granada

Day 8: Granada -> Barcelona

Day 9: Barcelona

Day 10: Barcelona (Day trip to Costa Brava, Montserrat or Girona)

Day 11: Barcelona

Day 12: Departure from Barcelona

Is it better if I do it the other way round? Barcelona > Granada ..... > Barcelona

I would greatly appreciate any feedback, suggestions, or adjustments you may have to offer. Whether it's hidden gems, must-see attractions, or tips on transportation and accommodations, I'm open to all recommendations!

Best Regards

Kent

Posted by patc13

03/20/24 01:29 AM

28 posts

How are you getting from Barcelona to Madrid?

Sometimes you can get a deal at about the same cost to fly into Madrid and depart from Barcelona, which would save much of a day's travel.

Posted by Kent OP

03/20/24 01:42 AM

2 posts

I've considered the option of flying into Madrid and departing from Barcelona, but unfortunately, the cost difference compared to flying into Barcelona and departing from there is quite high. So, I am planning to take the train to save on expenses.

Posted by kmkwoo

Massachusetts, USA

03/20/24 03:45 AM

1700 posts

Your trip is very rushed but I assume you realize that and are fine with it. For example, you really only have about 1.5 days in Seville, and that is not nearly enough time. Seville is a fairly large city with numerous interesting sites. I think you will feel frustrated with so little time in Seville. If you can, take an early train from Madrid to Seville, and then when you leave Seville, take a later train (to give you more time in Seville) to Granada.

With only 3 nights in Madrid, I wouldn’t do a daytrip unless you really aren’t interested in art museums. Madrid has some outstanding art museums, and if you like and appreciate art, it would be a shame to rush through them or skip them altogether. And on your arrival day you won’t be able to appreciate much because of jet lag. If you aren’t that interested in art, and you think Toledo sounds more interesting to you, then by all means visit Toledo. It’s a 30-minute train ride from Madrid. Haven’t been to Segovia, but based on what I’ve read, I think Toledo is more important historically and more interesting.

I see you are thinking of a daytrip from Barcelona. I would choose Girona. But again there is so much to see and do in Barcelona that I don’t think you really have time for a daytrip. Keep in mind that many of the Gaudi buildings require buying advance tickets. Which just makes it more difficult to see a lot of sites in one day. Also keep in mind that daytrips can be tiring.

Perhaps you could wait and decide on the daytrips when you are in Spain. You might decide when you are in Madrid and Barcelona that you want to spend all your time there.

For transportation, I would take the trains or ALSA buses. You don’t need a rental car for this trip.