Any advice on the following itinerary would be much appreciated! I'm traveling with my husband, I've been to Spain before but he has not and we'd like to add a location we've both never been to before, which is why we included San Sebastian. 9/14: fly from NYC - Madrid 9/15: arrive in Madrid at 12:45pm/half day in Madrid 9/16: Madrid 9/17: Madrid to Toledo, stay in Toledo overnight 9/18: Toledo to San Sebastian via 5.5th train, half day in San Sebastian 9/19: San seb 9/20: San seb 9/21: San seb 9/22: San seb to Barcelona via 5.5 hr train, half day Barcelona 9/23: Barcelona 9/24: Barcelona 9/25: Barcelona 9/26: Barcelona
9/27: Barcelona to Madrid to NYC Do you think this is do-able and were getting enough time in all three locations? I know we could spend a lot more time in Madrid but I've been and were not interested in seeing all the sights there, but, more interested in meandering around, eating well and taking in the city, leaving more time for San seb and Barcelona. We really want it to feel relaxed and not feel like were spending our entire vacation traveling. But, we are in Barcelona for 4-5 nights so let us know if there any day trips from there that would be good for us. Also, any recs on where to stay in Barcelona? Were looking at el born, la barconelata and exemplie areas and are pretty torn. I'm also working on trying to change our flight open jaw out of Barcelona as I know that would make our trip easier. But, well see if thats feasible. Also, any info on rail passes would be much appreciated! I'm thinking a 4 day Spain rail pass would be the way to go? Thanks in advance!
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
You don't need a railpass. Just buy your tickets ASAP on Renfe.com, and you can probably get some cheap Promo fares. Personally, I think you are slighting Madrid and will have too much time in San Sebastian, but that's just my opinion.
Posted by
CA, USA
266 posts
I was just in Barcelona and Madrid for 9 days last month. I think you have the right amount of time in Barcelona - we had 3 full days and two half days. I loved where we stayed - Hotel Granvia. It's really well located at the beginning of the Eixample and near Plaza Catalunya. A major renovation was just completed and it opened in June. I found it a good value. If you mention you are a Rick Steves reader they may offer a discount or daily breakfast (in our case, as the reopening rates were already a good deal). We had 4 full days in Madrid, but took two day trips to Toledo and Avila and Segovia. I didn't love Madrid and two days would have been enough for me. If you can change your flight to be open jaw you would save a lot of time (and maybe money too - no train back to Madrid). The previous suggestion is right about not needing a rail pass. If it were me, I'd line up your vacation as is, but don't book any hotels that require payment in full or buy train tickets so you can change your mind if you find you want more time in Madrid (or less in San Sebastian), etc. It's nice to have firm plans and to get good deals in advance, but I've come to realize I like the flexibilty of being able to change my mind. Must eats in Barcelona are Xaloc and Paco Meralgo. I've also heard Cal Pep is awesome.
Posted by
Arlington, VA, USA
123 posts
We loved San Sebastian. In 2008 we were there 4 days and did a day trip to Bilbao by bus. Great seeing the Guggenheim there. Also did 6 days in Barcelona. So much to see and do. Spent some time at Montjuic (spelling?) & Montserrat which was really awesome. we stayed on Las Ramblas but dont recall hotel name
Will try to locate it. Sounds like a great trip you have planned! enjoy!