Hello - We are planning about a \ 12 day trip over the Christmas/New Year's Holiday.
We are a family of 5 (2 college "kids" and one in high school), so our dates are pretty set. (We plan to arrive the evening of Christmas Eve (12/24), but could maybe arrive 12/23 instead of 12/24 - if it would make a big difference.
We are coming from west coast of CA, so long flights. We're thinking it may be best to pick a few cities as a home base, and take side trips, rather than moving around too much. And with 5 of us, probably looking for an apartment stay rather than multiple hotel rooms.
I'm thinking fly into Madrid and out of Barcelona. But other thoughts are welcome - we don't yet have flights.
I'd appreciate thoughts on an itinerary, and specifically on where might be nice to spend Christmas and New Year's. I realize activities will be closed for those holidays - so we hope to be in an area where we could explore the city / self guided walking tour perhaps, and maybe dinner?
Any thoughts on an itinerary - we're just beginning to plan, and thinking roughly:
- Sat 12/24 - Arrive Madrid in the evening. Wondering how many days to stay in Madrid, given everything will be closed on Christmas
- Tue 12/27 - Train to Sevilla (is there time to add a stop in Cordoba? or does that need an overnights stay?)
- Tue 12/27 - arrive in Sevilla. Make Sevilla a home base, with a day trip to Jerez. We'd like to see the horses.
The only show day is Thur 12/29 - though I've heard it's also nice to take a tour and watch practice on a non-show day. Any thoughts on that?
- Would Granada be a good side trip from Sevilla? Or should we consider staying in Granada, and fly (or train) from Granada to Barcelona?
- Would Sevilla be a nice place to celebrate New Year's Eve? Or Granada? Or should we fly to Barcelona on 12/31?
- Sat 12/31 or Sun 1/1 -Fly Sevilla or Granada to Barcelona
- Explore Barcelona, with maybe a day trip to Montserrat or or Sitges
- Thur 1/5 - Fly back home
Thank you for any insights & suggestions. (I just got the Rick Steve's Spain Book so will be diving in!)
Arline