3 days Spain...where next?

For Pete's sake, plug them back into some of the places on the list. You've short-changed everything, but Paris and Provence the most. You're not exploring Europe, you're smashing through it with your head down.

Remember that 3 nights is only two full days, and 2 nights is only one full day. If you really want a fast trip, you can plug in lots of places. But I agree you're shortchanging the places you've already listed (assuming you haven't been to any of them before). If you want to see a lot of places in a short amount of time, take an escorted tour; they can cover much more ground than you can on your own. If you want to go on your own, slow down, so you actually enjoy the places you see, and remember more than just the train rides. You should know that Provence as seen without a car will be mostly cities: Arles, Avignon, Aix, Marseilles, Orange, Nimes. I went without a car and saw all of these (in 10 days). But the "Provence" of small towns and lavender fields is not really accessible without a car, and you need some time to enjoy it. I enjoyed my Provence trip, but I accepted up front that I would only be seeing a limited section. If that appeals to you, fine. If not, skip Provence and use the time for other places.

While I am all for spending more time in Spain, I agree with Ed here. Three nights in Paris is really only two full days. Two nights in Provence is only one full day. Since you aren't saying how you intend to move between places (no cars, buses, or slow trains?), it is hard to tell whether you are even accounting for the time it will take to get from place to place. I would redistribute your days to spend more time in the places you have already identified.
EDIT - Apparently Harold and I were typing at the same time and he finished first.

This is hard. The fast train service is limited, not enough to pick anywhere in Spain. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.spanish-web.com/rail/highspeedrail.png&imgrefurl=http://www.spanish-web.com/rail/highspeed.php&h=491&w=600&sz=42&tbnid=nK6ELtkUjU9N2M:&tbnh=90&tbnw=110&zoom=1&usg=__HXQAYVMdozyWh2cZhPhoyLG-OZA=&docid=DubYlRYAhb1EzM&hl=en&sa=X&ei=NfCLUZSEM_iy4AOcmYFQ&ved=0CEQQ9QEwAg&dur=430 Seville and Granada are wonderful, Seville is on the fast train line so that may be a logical choice, and you can stop in Cordoba enroute for a visit to the Mesguita and surrounding quarter. Toledo is also really nice and served by a fast train spur from Madrid. You didn't mention when you are traveling. If you're in the heat of summer, you may prefer to stay north.

Thank you all for your replies. With my my head lifted high I will back up a bit and mention that we will be traveling in June with a tour group until day 3 of Barcelona. As they depart for the US hubby & I will continue on our own. We are used to this sort of travel, without ever feeling rushed or fatigued. Wr enjoy places were we can connect with people & their culture. We are open to any and all adventures. Again,I respect all thoughts and encouragement as we prepare for our journey ahead.

You are coming off of a tour, where housing is arranged for you in advance, transportation is waiting for you, and all is planned. On your own, you can't travel with the same efficiency as a tour does because they have it down. They never get lost, or miss a train, and the bus picks you and your bags up at the door. How do you intend to get from place to place? High-speed rail isn't everywhere, and flying has its own limitations although the flights themselves are short. You really have to make sure that you are factoring in how long it takes to pack/unpack/get to the station/wait and do it all again in the next city.

Nancy, yes flying is most definitely an option. As this isn't my first rodeo, I realize time is not on our side. In fact, i never even unpack a suitcase. is that really necessary? As we will be in Barcelona, I can take a flight to Sevilla or Granada and, as Brad so kindly suggested, take AVE train to Madrid. I guess I was looking for suggestions as to where y'all would travel if you only had 3 nights between these two cities? I can put my big girl panties on from there... :)

Well, I think people are trying to tell you that we wouldn't travel anywhere else in that time. Since you say you want to connect with people and their cultures, you aren't giving yourself much chance to do that by rushing around. Slowing down in the places you already have planned will make that more possible.

Although I never feel "rushed" while traveling (part of the benefits of being a yoga teacher :)) your point if very well taken and will be considered. Thank you.

I have not been to Spain but am researching a trip there, and I think you could easily put those last five days into Madrid and take a few side trips from there. There are a bunch of really good options for that: Avila, Toledo, El Escorial, etc. that way you are seeing a lot but only need to change locations once, which strikes a balance between your desired pace and everyone else's suggestions.

Well, if you are Ok with whirlwind trips (as I do sometimes) and want to ask about Morocco, then I would say go... and you do need 3 nites. I would go to Tangiers, Chefchouen and Asilla for a taste of Morocco. You could also spend the time in Sevilla, Granada, etc., but if you want to venture off to Africa, then head to Morocco. It is really hard for me to say that as you are giving up on one of my favorite places in the world... Provence, but if you do not have a car there it will be a bit limiting anyway. On my trip to Spain a few years ago, the part I loved the most was definitely the south and the few days in Morocco.

Thank you girls! You have given me food for thought. I appreciate your answers in consideration of the question answered. And Elle... Chuckles to the Bridgette Jones comment. :)

Hi Kris,
Yes, you are skimming through these cities but that can be a good way to get an overview of places that are new to you. You could spend a week or two in some of these cities and still not "see it all". After spending a couple of days in each, you will have a better idea where you want to spend more time the next time you travel. It is my personal opinion that trying to "see it all" can wear you down. In other words, believe that what you miss this trip, you will see on the next trip. My next trip is to Morocco in June, and I decided to go for 2 weeks and really get immersed in the culture. Whatever you decide, have a great time.

Judy, thank you! You took the words right out of my mouth. That is exactly how we travel and appreciate that you "get it!" Have a great time in Morocco! Maybe we'll run into you there!