This is my first time to Spain, with arrival and departure in Madrid. I plan to spend time in the south Toledo, Granada, Cordoba, including Sevilla, can I fit in Barcelona and still have a day or two in Madrid or will that be too much?
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
9 days....6 cities? Way too much. You'll spend all your time travelling. Fist question....does the nine days include day of arrival/departure?
Posted by
OP
oregon, wisconsin, usa
2 posts
Thanks Norm, I thought it would be too much! Trip is actually 8 days NOT including arrival and departure. Want to get the most I can and figure staying in the south is probably best, but had heard I should really try to get to Barcelona. That will have to wait!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
An open jaw ticket would add time. We did nine days over New Years last year -- Madrid 3, Cordoba 1, Seville 3, Granada 3, and home from Malaga. Saved the time and expense of returning to Madrid
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Frank's suggestion is a good one to save time. But if that's impossible for you, you might want to consider 3 days in Madrid (1 day for a day trip to Toledo), then on Day 4, travelling early towards Sevilla, stopping for several hours to visit Cordoba on the way. Day 5 can be devoted entirely to Sevilla. Day 6, catch an afternoon bus to Granada (about 3 hours), enjoy the evening touring the Albaycin. Day 7, tour the Alhambra. Day 8, make your way back to Madrid (bus or train...bus runs more frequently, and is cheaper, and takes about 5 hours, 20 minutes longer than the train.)
I would suggest you buy your train tickets in advance. There's no discount for Madrid-Toledo, but by purchasing before you leave, you can be assured of the trains you want, to maximize your time in Toledo. For Madrid-Cordoba and Cordoba-Sevilla, you can get discounts of up to 60%. You can start booking 62 days in advance....with them putting in new fares at midnight, Spanish time, you can actually start booking the evening before in Oregon. The site is in Spanish, but it's not difficult to manouever, and if you have any problems, we can help. Check for details at the RENFE website.
(ADD)
You should also buy your Alhambra tickets in advance....it's a very popular place, and admission is strictly limited. Their official ticket website can be found here.