We've got 8-9 days to devote to Barcelona, Madrid, El Escorial, Segovia and need help deciding on the number of days to spend in each area. Any suggestions are welcomed. We assume we'll need nearly one full day for travel between BCN and MAD.
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
Actually, the new high speed AVE train between Barcelona and Madrid is only 3 hours, city center to city center. This is definitely the way to go, and advance purchase tickets aren't that expensive. You will want to fly open jaws (multi-city), flying into one city and out of the outer, and taking the AVE between them. You want to split your overnights between Barcelona and Madrid; El Escorial and Segovia would be day trips from Madrid. These parts are easy, and non-controversial. Ah, but how many nights to apportion for each? That's harder. The eternal battle of "which do you like better, Barcelona or Madrid" will never be solved (check this thread for examples) http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm/rurl/topic/85310/madrid-or-barcelona.html Just to complicate your planning: my favorite of all the places you mentioned is "none of the above." It's Girona, seen on a day trip from Barcelona.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17432 posts
Actually, it is down to 2.5 hours. You can easily be in Madrid by noon and have the rest of the day there.
Posted by
OP
New Berlin, WI, US
156 posts
Already have all the info on the hi-speed train. I figured that by the time we check out of one hotel, get to the train station, travel to the next city and check into the second hotel, we've pretty much blown the better part of at least the daylight hours. Has one city more sites than the other or should we just plan to split the time equally? How about the area NW of Madrid?
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
"most of the dalylight hours." When are you going, December? You'll certainly lose about 6 hours total, but that still leaves plenty of time to wander around exploring and for some meals. The amount of time between Barcelona and Madrid is really dependent on your interests. For example, if you prefer laying on a beach, Barcelona will be your place. Make sure you study your guidebooks and figure out which city has the most that interests you. I will say there are far more daytrip opportunities from Madrid. You don't mention Toledo, but that should be at the top of your list. I even recommend an overnight or two if you can. But it's an easy daytrip. Just based on the daytrips you mention, Madrid is at least 5 days.
Posted by
OP
New Berlin, WI, US
156 posts
Spent 2-3 days in Toledo several years ago. Just noticed in RS book that many of the major museums, etc. are open until 1900 -2000 hrs so the day of travel between BCN and MAD can be used to visit some of the sites.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
5 posts
I would say 4 days in Barcelona and 5 days in Madrid, but you won't see everything you want! I personally like Madrid the best, along with the side trips to El Escorial, Toledo (stayed there two nights), Valley of the Fallen and Segovia. Madrid is generally cheaper than Barcelona, especially accomodations. If I had my way to adequately see all that you mention, it would be Barcelona - 4 days Madrid - 4 days Toledo - 2 days El Escorial/ Valley of Fallen - 1 day
Segovia - 1 day