Spain in October- Itinerary Opinions

Given your restriction to start and end in Madrid, it looks pretty good!

The only tweaks to think about:

1) You may want an evening train from Toledo to Madrid, instead of an afternoon one. Since the day of arrival is often a jet-lagged haze, and since Toledo has many indoor attractions (synagogues, El Greco paintings, etc), you may want more time on your second day for these. You can then spend the first day walking around or taking the tourist tram (great views and photo opportunities). Look into how many attractions you want to see in Toledo before booking your train tickets.

2) There is now an AVE direct from Seville to Barcelona, which is less hassle than a flight, and door-to-door may come out even or be a little shorter. Even if you have to change trains in Madrid, you may want to take the train on this route.

Note: if you do take the trains and have to change in Madrid, you may also have to change levels. If you do, you don't have to go back through security. Ask for the elevator connecting the levels and you'll not only save time, but avoid the risk of getting lost in that very confusing station. (Trains for Barcelona leave from the upper level, and trains for Toledo leave from the lower level; I don't know where trains for Seville leave from).

I don't think Toledo makes a good location to be under the effects of jet lag.
It is quite intensive, mostly indoors, with lots of history to absorb.
I would stay in Madrid which has more walking options and the wonderful Retiro Park.
Head to Toledo on day 4 for your overnight.
Day 5 would be a train connection at Atocha for Sevilla.

Your itinerary looks great!

The only change I thought about was to leave Madrid till the end of the trip, but then I re-read your post & realized you purposely want to be in Barcelona for the FIFA soccer game(s).

• If you choose to take David's suggestion & leave Toledo for day 4, you may want to leave most of your luggage at the left luggage in Atocha train station & just take an overnight bag.

• If you decide to take the AVE train from Sevilla, it's a direct train
  to Barcelona, so you don't have to change trains in Madrid.

• Here is the website for train schedules/tickets: http://www.renfe.com

• If you're over 60, you may want to buy the 'Tarjeta Dorada' (Golden
  card), that will give you 25-40% discounts depending on days of
  travel: http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/tarifas/tarjeta_dorada.html

• You may want to buy your tickets in advance & save some money but
  make sure you pay with PayPal.

BTW, October is a great time to travel! Sevilla may still be warm & you may get some rain, so take a light waterproof jacket!

¡Buen Viaje!

You may consider stopping in Córdoba (for at least half a day) on your way down to Sevilla to visit the amazing Mezquita.

You can leave your luggage at the bus station located right behind the train station.

If you decide to visit Córdoba, make sure you get train tickets from Madrid >> Córdoba then Córdoba>> Sevilla.

¡Hasta luego! :-)

I think it looks great. While your heart might be set on seeing Barca, don't forget about the other teams that would be potentially playing during your trip there. It might be possible to see a game in Sevilla or, like I did, at Athletico Madrid. Enjoy your planning!

Hello,

That's true, Toledo is an amazing location and most of the tourist I talk to tell me they enjoyed it even more than Madrid, so it may be something you keep for a day you're awake ;)

It' s a pity you don't have time to explore a little bit more the region of Andalucia which is very authetic and where the food is amazing. There are 3 cities that really are worth for it: Seville, Cordoba and Granada. Granada is a bit far and deserves 2 days to be visited but you may want to consider spending one night less in Barcelona and spend one entire day in Cordoba and visit the great Mezquita.

Chiming in late with our experience from September 2015. We did Toledo as a day trip from Madrid and wished we had spent the day in Madrid as Toledo wasn't to our tastes. Tourists everywhere. The saving grace was poking around the streets but it wasn't worth a full day. We LOVED both Cordoba and Granada and spent 2 nights in each. The Mesquita is beyond words - absolutely fascinating. We enjoyed walking around Cordoba in the old areas and had a truly memorable afternoon in the Plaza de Las Tendillas full of locals - we happened on a festival of sorts which included a visit by some shepards complete with their very large dogs. Granada and the Al Hambra are a must from my perspective - and this was my second visit to the Al Hambra. Again, we enjoyed the walks around the old part of Granada as much as the Al Hambra and found some terrific places to eat or to simply sit and enjoy a class of wine and soak up the ambience. If there is an opportunity to one or the other I think you would find it well worth the extra stop.

Congrats!
This is one of the few times I have seen an itinerary which makes practical sense! Enjoy!
BTW: may I mention how I was given given two free tickets to a "Classico"? Thrill of a life time!