Spain after Italy Tour?

Posted by julyeleven on 03/23/17 04:48 AM

My 18 year old daughter and I will be doing the 9 day tour of Italy with 2 nights on our own in Venice after the tour ends. We have 4-5 days before we need to fly back and would like to stop in Spain. She's been studying Spanish for 4 years. We could fly from Venice to Madrid or Seville and want to get to the countryside rather than doing another large city. Would this work well? Recommendations on where to go? Ideas on how to maximize her opportunity to meet people she could speak with? Thanks.

Just looking at Barcelona; maybe this city and day trips are a better option for us?

Posted by David in Brisbane

Brisbane, Australia

03/23/17 07:51 AM

7175 posts

There don't appear to be direct flights from Venice to Seville, so make Madrid your base, and take a few day trips to towns close by.

Day
1. Fly from Venice to Madrid
2. Madrid - Royal Palace & Prado
3. Day trip to Toledo
4. Day trip to Segovia
5. Fly out of Madrid

Posted by Kim

Paris

03/23/17 08:01 AM

10205 posts

If you want to get out into the countryside, indeed, why not fly to Seville and then head out from there? I know that Spain folks on the Forum will have some great ideas for you!

Good for her to be able to practice her Spanish in a real situation!

p.s. if she wants to practice her Spanish, Barcelona is the last place you want to go. The Catalans are very proud of their language and separate identity. She will be more welcomed speaking Spanish in the areas around Madrid or Seville.

Posted by Chani

Tel Aviv

03/23/17 01:37 PM

15788 posts

Look for flights from Verona and Bologna. A couple years ago I flew from Bologna to Sevilla. Getting out to the countryside means renting a car, but she'll have plenty of opportunity to speak Spanish in Sevilla and Cordoba. If you can't find a suitable flight to Sevilla, then fly to Madrid and spend time in Toledo.

Posted by Enric

Barcelona (Catalonia)

03/23/17 01:40 PM

3071 posts

... not that you wouldn't be welcome here in Catalonia if you speak in Spanish, you certainly would, we're very welcoming people to all of our guests, regardless what language you choose to speak, lol!... and if necessary we can also speak Spanish :).... but it's true that if you want to "immerse" yourself in Spanish language and culture it's best to visit a "Spanish" region -so to speak- and either Castille or Andalucia are no doubt better choices for that.

HOWEVER.... you'd be missing out Catalonia, not only Barcelona, but a thousand other places that are very worthwhile visiting, from the picturesque towns in Costa Brava, to Montserrat, Sitges, Tarragona, Besalú or Girona among many others and you won't be able to experience our distinct culture, our festivals, heritage.... if you give me your potential dates I can check out if there's any cultural event that you shouldn't miss. Your choice.