We've reserved hotels and traveling to Madrid, Seville, Toledo and Cordoba. A medieval treat over Xmas. Any discoveries, especially recent, we should enjoy and see? (At least three people I know are going to Barcelona and Bilbao over Xmas, asi es la vida.)
Posted by
Newburyport, MA
683 posts
Go to Segovia.It has a largeRoman aqueduct in middle of downtown-- you can eat in its shadow and marvel at something so old next to things so new. At one end of the city (which is rather small) there is a fairy=tale type castle which has had many uses
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
I echo Paul and Sara on Segovia....a day trip from Madrid. Also, if you have 2 extra days, visit Granada and the Alhambra, the top tourist attraction in Spain. Once you see this Moorish palace and fortress, you'll understand why Spain is Spain. About 5 hrs southeast of Madrid on good highways (bus and train connections are good), worth an overnight stay. Also, the supposed original home of flamenco. When in Sevilla, see if you can find someone performing sevillanas, the traditional dance of Andalucia....to me, much more interesting, emotional, and downright sexier than flamenco.
Posted by
OP
Brooklyn, NY
17 posts
Thanks, all. The biggest problem has been what to eliminate. We are hoping the days are really longer than we imagine to allow for more. Hubby is a Rome nut, so we will try to fit in Segovia on our Toledo travel day. The tip on dance very welcome.
Posted by
Long Beach, IN, USA
5 posts
Sorry I don't have advice, I have a similar trip planned leaving on December 15th, and return to the U.S. on Jan 1 after spending New Years Eve in Dublin.
Sevilla and Madrid have been recommended for Christmas but it doesn't fit our travel schedule as we have to return to Spain through Salamanca. This is my itinerary now: Arrive Madrid 12.16 until 12.18. Travel to Granada stay 12.19 and 12.20 - stop in Rhonda one night 12.21 - go to Sevilla 12.22 and 12.23. Then on to Portugal with the need of a nice place for Christmas. 12.23, 12.24 and 12.25. Next is Lisbon, 12.26 and 12.27 - Combria 12.28, Salamanca 12.19 and 12.30 and flying out 12.30. Does anyone have any suggestions for Christmas or improvements to the agenda. Salamanca to Spain is requuired.
Posted by
Lima
31 posts
Marjorie, The quickest way to get to Toledo es take the AVE (High Speed Train) from the Atocha Station. The tickets are around 14 euros round trip and it is worthwhile seeing. Take GOOD WALKING SHOES for it is all up hill and downhill.
Barcelona is also a GREAT PLACE and if your friends have the chance, tell them to go the the SAGRADA FAMILIA Church and to WALK up the towers, it is quite a hike, there is an elevator, but the views coming up and down walking are the best. Besides, one does not know if eventually they will close down the stairways. A few years ago all the towers were open and now only two are open to the public.
Posted by
Ottawa, Canada
4555 posts
Marjorie...unfortunately, you won't be able to do both Toledo and Segovia on the same day...Toledo is south of Madrid, while Segovia's to the north. You'll have to flip a coin....I like them both,but Toledo may be better over Xmas. Check out Rick's book carefully for instructions on catching the bus from the train station up the hill to the old town....head to the bus stop to the right just down the road as you exit the train station.