September Spain Itinerary-- Seeking Input

Lindy, we're going for our first trip to Spain in October. From all my research, I think you have a nicely planned trip. Maybe dig a little deeper on Seville, the more I looked the more I have found to do. I'm really excited to explore it! I bet you'll find plenty to keep yourself busy for 2.5 days.

Be careful with your plans for the Madrid area. Hitting 3 cities in 4 days, you'll need to check carefully on the closing days of the sights you want to see. Also be sure there isn't a holiday that would upset your plans.

Won't comment on your agenda except to say that Ronda was one of our most beautiful memories of Spain. It is very relaxed compared to the other cities in Spain that you are going to. We stayed at a funky little hotel right on the edge of the gorge. It was a spectacular view, and one we won't soon forget. Spain was wonderful, but very large and a little harder to get around than Italy was, as we do not rent cars, we rode buses and trains everywhere.

Toledo is much better as an overnight. I'd go there (via Madrid). Use the morning to see more of Barcelona, then an afternoon train, spend 2 nights, 1 full day in Toledo, then 2 nights in Madrid. Skip Segovia - something has to give :-( Otherwise, I like your plan. One day in Ronda is enough, 2.5 in Sevilla, barely. Also consider the evening tour of the Nasrid Palaces at the Alhambra on your first night. I really enjoyed that, think it's better before a day visit.

Have you read this article about the trains in Spain? You should plan to buy tickets as early as possible to get cheaper prices.

Just one night in Toledo as opposed to the two suggested by Chani would still allow for Segovia ...
Day 1 - Arrive Barcelona - 4 nights
Day 2,3,4 - Barcelona sights
Day 5 - Train to Madrid, then on to Toledo - 1 night
Day 6 - Explore Toledo. Evening train to Madrid - 3 nights
Day 7 - Royal Palace, Prado
Day 8 - Segovia day trip
Day 9 - Train to Granada - 2 nights
Day 10 - Alhambra, Albaicin
Day 11 - Bus/train to Ronda - 1 night
Day 12 - Bus/train to Sevilla - 3 nights
Day 13 - Cathedral, Alcazar
Day 14 - Cordoba day trip - Mezquita
Day 15 - Depart from Sevilla

Only one thing to add,when you only spend one night in Ronda,you will wish that you had stayed longer and on the gorge.
Mike

I think your itinerary with David's tweaks is pretty good, especially with your stated interests. I personally enjoy Toledo far more than Madrid, so getting an overnight there versus just a daytrip should be worthwhile. It is so rich with layers of history, culture and architecture if you can spend the time to see the sites not usually included in the whirlwind daytrip. The Mezquita (with Visogothic elements, converted to a church and ruins of a Roman roadbed all in one tiny package), the two synagogues with Mudejar designs and the various El Greco artwork. Plus scenic views from the edges of town, city walls, the Alcazar, the Military Museum and wandering the narrow winding streets. Note that Toledo is at the end of a commuter rail line, so any visit is a dead-end trip anyway.

You may find the bus is more convenient to get to Ronda from Granada. Check and compare schedule on RENFE and ALSA and keep in mind with rail construction, there is a bus to rail transfer right now (it is seemless but is an extra step and time if you take the train).

I prefer a morning ticket for Alhambra because then you can stay for lunch and wander the grounds until you are ready to leave. And it might be cooler.

Looks good to me. If you leave it as is you will have a wonderful trip! I do have some thoughts, but it's all minor - seems like you have a handle on things!

David's suggestion about the one night in Toledo is something to consider. I am torn on Toledo - on my first visit I loved it and would have strongly suggested an overnight. On my 2nd visit I wasn't as much of a fan and say that it is a place to see the sights but that it is kind of dead at night. That said, the cathedral lit up at night is spectacular. We had an apartment with a terrace with a cathedral view and sitting up on that with a bottle of wine and watching the lighting change as it got darker was a highlight of the trip.

I love Granada, your 2 nights is fine, I would not go any shorter. Be sure to wander the Albayzin, go to small plazas up there, not just into San Nicholas and back (although you should certainly do that, too).

Seville is also wonderful, that is not too much time. I would leave it as is. If I really wanted another night in Ronda, I would take it off Madrid.

Thanks so much for the additional insight and suggestions! They have been very helpful. I hadn't thought to visit Toldeo before Madrid, but given the train routes/schedule, that makes a lot of sense if we choose to stay overnight. I think I'll incorporate these tweaks and run by my significant other, so that we can start booking hotels this week. Many thanks!