Inspired by recent trip reports, I am planning a trip to Valencia in early October. I found a good price non stop flight to Madrid. Will stop in Cuenca for 2 nights then have an appealing b&b reserved for 6 nights in Valancia. Due to a Valencia Day festival on Oct 9, my B&B and many places do not have rooms beyone that, though I could find something if I really wanted to stay longer in Valencia and change hotels. Does anyone have experience with the Valencia Day celebration? Internet searches indicate there will be some events earlier in the week associated with the festival which may be interesting; but because the 9th is a Friday, more visitors than usual are expected for the long weekend.
I was hoping to go to Zaragoza next, stopping in Teruel, but the Fiestas del Pilar week and weekend in Zaragoza (Oct 12 is main day) is expected to draw millions (per AI ??); rooms are definitely scarce and prices way higher than usual so I have ruled out Zaragoza unless anyone suggest compelling reasons to try to be there. Teruel interests me but not for 4 nights. I considered Tarragona but not excited. This leaves me 4-5 days to fill.
Sept 29 arrive on nonstop flight to Madrid. Train to Cuenca. Sleep Cuenca.
Sept 30 sleep Cuenca.
Oct 1 – 6 sleep Valencia 6 nights (possible nearby day trips)
Oct. 7-10 ?? (open to suggestions) maybe sleep Salamanca 4 or 5 nights; day trips potentially to Avila, Segovia, Zamora and others. (Could add 1 night)
Oct. 11-12 Sleep Madrid (could be Oct 12-13 or just 1 night)
Oct. 13 (or 14) nonstop flight home from Madrid (not booked yet)
AI suggests mountain villages of Sierra de Francia as daytrip from Salamanca, but bus transport seems difficult and I haven’t found day tours. Anyone have information? (Although I used AI for some ideas, I don’t trust or rely on it.)
Background: Solo woman traveler, late 70s, no car, lower budget traveler, interested in art, history, scenery, light hiking; enjoy good food and wine but not a foodie or food tour person. I have been to Barcelona, Girona, Madrid, Toledo, Cordoba, Granada, and Seville previously.