We are taking a family vacation to Spain/France in June 2012 w/ our three kids (ages 15, 13, 8). We fly into Madrid and have 12 full days in Spain before taking a train to Paris. I could use some feedback on our tentative itinerary for Spain. - Fly from US to Madrid 1: Arrive in Madrid in the morning, Day in Madrid 2: Day in Madrid 3: Day trip to Toledo 4: Day in Madrid 5: Day trip to Segovia 6: AVE from Madrid to Sevilla 7: Day in Sevilla 8: Day trip from Sevilla: White Hill Towns 9: Train from Sevilla to Barcelona 10: Barcelona 11: Barcelona 12: Barcelona
13: Train to Paris Any feedback would be appreciated.
Posted by
Park Ridge, IL
524 posts
Lance What a great trip for your family! So glad you are spending several days at each destination! Reconsider long train trips. From the GoSpain website: Flights from Barcelona to Seville
There are regular flights from Barcelona to Seville. You should be able to get flights much cheaper than train or bus if booked far enough in advance. By far the most convenient way of getting from Barcelona to Seville. Also, from Barcelona to Paris Orly Airport. About 1 1/2 hours. Reliable discount airlines fly these routes and as noted above, if purchased far enough in advance are cheap. However, read the fine print about luggage size and number, as overweight luggage, reserved seat, first boarding, any food or drink, etc is extra! Perhaps you are thinking a railpass will be cheaper. But rail vs flights costs are not longer automatically cheaper especially for longer distances. You have to price out the journey both ways to find out. However, with 4 of you, I bet the train is a lot more. Check out skyscanner.com for SpainAir, Vueling and other airlines. The best part is you will have regained 2 travel days for fun and sightseeing! Let us know your evolving itinerary! Bobbie
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
It does sound like a great trip! We did a similar 12 day trip last May, including Granada and Cordoba and spending less time in Madrid. But your plan is excellent too. (Cordoba is right on your way between Sevilla and you might consider a stop there to see the Andalusian horse show which is very interesting and not expensive.) Flying from Barcelona to Paris is a good idea. From Sevilla to Barcelona, however, the AVE train takes only 5 hours 20 minutes. If you add the time of getting to the airport, going through security, extra wait time, and travel from BCN airport into the city, flying and train would be pretty similar, and the train is far more comfortable and much simpler. However, The train probably would cost more, at 85 euros pp for the Estrella fare.
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
A good itinerary!! Comments: From Madrid (Atocha Rail Station) the journery is 28 minutes, door to door. The trains leave exactly on time. The train tickets may be purchased on line up to 62 1/2 days early for a discount. They will show the coach number and the seat number as well. Good luggage storage space as you get on the car. From Madrid to Sevilla the trip is2 1/2 hours. There is a food car (sandwich, snacks, etc.) Check out Really Discover Tours in Sevilla..small groups, good leaders. Your children will love the Columbus connections - even with his handwritten journals! In Madrid, the Park Retiro will offer a good walk and relaxing as well. In Toledo, I would walk out the door of the station and hail a taxi at the front door, or walk to the street and take the city bus to Plaza Zodocover, the cienter of the city. Get a map and walk wherever you wish. You will enjoy it more than the tour bus I know from experience. Check out the Moon Guide to Spain(Amazon) for good information, as well as Rick Steves guide.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
I think you meant to say " From Madrid Atocha to Toledo the journey is 28 minutes," no?