I need advice on guided tours vs. on-your-own when you don't have alot of time. My husband and I are attending a destination wedding in Spain and then adding on few days of travel afterward. We're going to Granada, Sevilla and Madrid for sure and hoping we can squeeze in Cordoba. Because we're on such a tight schedule, we'll only get one full day in Granada 10/16, Sevilla 10/18 and Madrid 10/20, each day bookended with an evening and morning. I was thinking of going on private tours if I can still book them. I already lost out on Granada as the guides there are booked up the day we'll be there. On our way to Seville on 10/17, I was hoping to hop off the train and get a private tour in Cordoba for a few hours then hop back on and continue on to Sevilla. The next full day in Sevilla we'd get a local guide then spend the rest of our time on our own. Madrid is so huge we'll just pick a few things to do as we fly out on the 21st. I've read lots of pros and cons on doing your own thing vs. guided tours and I'm willing to do the work to strike out on our own but that might be too much for little return. Maybe trying to stick Cordoba in is overkill but I just hate the thought of missing the Mezquita. This may be my only chance at seeing Spain. Your thoughts?
Posted by
TX, USA
4085 posts
Well, this will be an adventure but I understand the desire to see as much as possible.
In Granada, I feel like you mean you missed out on getting tickets to the Alhambra. However I am seeing tickets available for Oct. 16 at the official site. You will be fine without a guided tour. https://tickets.alhambra-patronato.es/en/producto/alhambra-general/. The Cathedral and Royal Chapel are also very easy to see on your own. Not saying a guide isn’t useful but you could do all of,this without one.
Yes, it isn’t hard to hop off the train in Cordoba for the Mezquita. Take a taxi to and from the station. They are also easy to find, Someone else can probably help with the luggage question.
Seville in one day hurts my head, but a private guide will definitely help you make the most of it.
Lots of people love Madrid - I just haven’t reached that point yet. I usually spend the extra night in either Seville or Granada and end up with a half day in Madrid before my early flight the next day.
This is indeed a whirlwind trip - but you sound young. Is it the optimum way? Nope, but it will give you a taste and it IS doable.
Posted by
Irving
2956 posts
On our way to Seville on 10/17, I was hoping to hop off the train and get a private tour in Cordoba for a few hours then hop back on and continue to Sevilla.
DB Bahn (https://www.bahn.com/en) shows a direct train departing Granada at 6:32 arriving at Córdoba Central at 8:10. The next direct train departs Granada at 13:40 so I say go for it but take the early train. It appears it’s too soon to buy your ticket on Renfe’s website: https://www.renfe.com/es/en so keep checking.
Someone else can probably help with the luggage question.
There are no left luggage lockers in the Central train station but there are across the street at the Estación Autobuses Cordoba bus station: https://www.estacionautobusescordoba.es/.
Posted by
11159 posts
Do everything possible to see the Mezquita, one of the world’s treasures. The plan lined out above will work.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
3844 posts
Yes, for for it. I thought the Mezquita in Cordoba was more impressive the. The Alhambra. Try and book a guide through ArtenCordoba. We had a private guide, wasn’t too expensive. They have availability, I checked.
Posted by
Idaho, USA
7294 posts
I would stop in Cordoba to see the Mezquita and would just do it on your own. Just try not to stop too long and take away time from Sevilla.
I loved taking several gorgeous photos in the Mezquita!
Posted by
Wisconsin, USA
137 posts
We also had limited time in Seville. We took a horse and carriage which has a bit of commentary about the buildings as we went by and toured the cathedral, including climbing the tower to glimpse the roof. I think we bought cathedral tickets in advance, but I remember it was confusing finding the right entrance, so double check that.
Posted by
Los Angeles
954 posts
Posting the link the tour guide agency mentioned above. They look good and reasonable.