Spain in July - Advice needed on itinerary (Female travelling alone)

I would want the maximum number of nights in each of these Spanish cities, but if one had to be shorter, then I'd probably do only one night in Cordoba. It doesn't sound like you really have time for France. What's the maximum total time you'll be able to take? Train and bus service is similar in both directions of travel.

Hi Laura.

Thank you so much for your reply.

I have a total of 9-10 nights for Barcelona, Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. I love walking the streets, culture, architecture, history, etc. I like the beach for about an hour, and then I'm done. I want to be able to sit at a cafe and watch life go by a little, too, as I sip a cup of strong coffee. I like to stay at a 3-star hotel with charm near the middle of the most interesting part of a city.

I usually prefer a train to a bus, but maybe I should be more open. What do you think?

What would you do if you were me? Thanks again!

Start in Barcelona - 3 nts
Fly to Granada - 2 nts http://www.vueling.com/en
Train to Cordoba - 2 nts
Train to Sevilla - 3 nts

It really depends on your previous and next destinations as to which order.
And your preferred means - train or plane.

Jai,

Having visited all the cities on your list (Spain), I will answer your questions then will add my opinion:

1). The route you'll choose to take depends on where you're coming from & where you plan to go next.

You may consider traveling to Córdoba, Sevilla & Granada & save Barcelona for another trip especially for a 9-10 night trip.
I would do something like this: Córdoba (3N), Sevilla (3N), & Granada (3N)-- not necesarily in this order as this would depend on what I said in #1 above.

2). "What would be the ideal number of nights in each place?" Ideal? That depends on what you want to do & see there.
I spent 4-5 nights in each of these cities & wished I'd had more time to truly explore each of these cities.

3). "Does any other advice come to mind?" My new philosophy when it comes to travel... "Less is More".

By this I mean, spend more time in less destinations.

Happy planning!

Keep in mind that July is one of the hottest months in Andalucía: http://www.holiday-weather.com/andalucia/averages

The link above gives you the averages. We were there in October & when in Córdoba & Sevilla, it was in the high 90's and the taxi driver said; "this is nothing compared to the summer!"

Priscilla had the same thoughts I did - there is a big difference between loving warm weather and being able to enjoy being outside for most of the day when the temps are nearing (or over) 100 in Andalusia (the hottest part of Europe). And the order of your trip may be dictated by where you are are arriving from and departing to. Madrid and Barcelona are big international airports and easy to find flights in and out of. Sevilla and Granada have small regional airports that can only handle smaller planes. There are fewer flights in and out, to fewer destinations.

Thanks so much to everyone for the amazing help!

• The number of recommended days you all gave me and why was so helpful. Especially when you said you wished you'd had more time, Pricilla as well as your itineraries (number of nights), Priscilla, Laura and David. Though they aren't all identical, it all helps me decide!
  
• Also, the comments on the weather. It made me consider changing the travel time to September. I may have enough flexibility to do that. We'll see.
• Thanks for the information about the train and bus service. I guess I'll have to see what works best.
• Priscilla, I love "less is more." I agree. You can really love a place when you just absorb it, rather than running through it!

For those who said it depended on where I will be coming from, I will be leaving Canada for either Amsterdam or Paris, most likely. Then to Spain for my 10 days or so. I may go from Spain to Toulouse (I love Toulouse and have a friend there) for a few days, and then back to Amsterdam or Paris before leaving Europe.

ONE MORE QUESTION ON HOTELS: Do you have a favorite hotel near the center in Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba and Barcelona? I would rather be able to walk most of the time. (3 stars or inexpensive 4 stars)

Many thanks so much, once again, to everyone.

KLM/Air France may be your most flexible choice for airfares ...

Fly in to Amsterdam
Fly (via Madrid) to Sevilla - 3 nts http://www.vueling.com/en
Train to Cordoba - 2 nts
Train to Granada - 2 nts
Fly to Barcelona - 3 nts http://www.vueling.com/en
Train to Toulouse
Train to Paris
Fly home from Paris

In Barcelona look at 3 star Hotel Jazz ... http://www.hoteljazz.com/default-en.html
Well located near Plaza Catalunya, and between the Ramblas and Passeig de Gracia, it is well reviewed on Tripadvisor, and is subsequently often booked out.

In Sevilla and Cordoba I have stayed at both of these central hotels with great atmosphere ...
http://hotelsimonsevilla.com/
http://www.hhposadadevallina.es/

In Granada this hotel is good value and offers superb Alhambra views ...
http://www.hotelcasamorisca.com/en

In Seville, I've stayed at the Amadeus and loved it - and planning to go back in March. I understand that RS has started using it for their tours, so it gets booked up.

In Cordoba, my choice (again, been twice, staying a third time) is the Don Paula. It's well-located, no breakfast (but kettle and fridge in the room), clean and comfy. I've always taken a double room (solo), don't know what the singles are like.

My bargain find in Granada was Hostal Rodri. Great central location, short walk to the cathedral, easy walking to the Albaicin.

In Barcelona, I'm returning in March to Pensio2000. No breakfast, but there are drinks and snacks 24/7. No elevator, but great location.

All were clean, quiet and comfortable.

Jai,

In Córdoba, we stayed at, 'Hesperia Córdoba', right across the Roman Bridge:http://www.nh-hotels.com/hotel/hesperia-cordoba

This hotel has a small pool & a bar on the terrace & it offers amazing views of the Mezquita across the river, especially when it's all lit up at night.
The buffet breakfast was delicious & well worth the price!

If you choose this hotel, make sure you sign up for their 'Rewards program' for a discount.

In Granada, we stayed at Anacapri Hotel (RS recommendation):
This hotel is right in the historic center steps from the cathedral, Royal Chapel & Plaza Nueva.

In Sevilla, we stayed at, 'Amadeus Hotel', for 4 nights, then we moved down the street for our last night at, 'Hotel Fernando III'
because Amadeus Hotel was all booked with RS tour group.

Both of these hotels are in the Santa Cruz District.

We did not eat breakfast at either of these hotels, but enjoyed breakfast everyday at a café nearby, for much less than what the hotels were charging.

• http://www.hotelamadeussevilla.com/en/
• http://www.hotelfernandoiii.es/en/seville-centre/

Thank you so much, David, Chani and Priscilla!

Your hotel information is fantastic. I am checking them all, and it's so helpful to have recommendations of places I might never have found or considered. All your help on the hotels and itinerary suggestions are really make my planning easier than it was while I was searching the Internet on my own. Can't thank you enough!

By the way, I got the RS guidebook for Sevilla, Granada & Southern Spain (Oct. 2015). And one of my favorite books is his Europe 101: History and Art for the Traveler.

Be advised, we spent 10 days in Andalusia in mid-September and the weather was still VERY warm. Getting around by train was very easy, though be ready for strikes.

Recommended hotels, all Rick-approved, well-located and quite comfortable (with A/C) with helpful staffs.

Granada: Hotel Reina Christina
Sevilla: Hotel Maestranza
Cordoba: Hotel Mezquita
Madrid: Hotel Francisco I

Thank you, Cuban Coffee. The hotel recommendations and weather warning are both much appreciated.