Seville and Granada

Seville: the Alcazar for sure. Take a walking tour run by Concepcion and her associate Alfonso- Discover Sevilla- (reference in RS book) which will give you a great overview; we took a follow on tour of the Alacazar with Alfonso as well- really great. Eat lots of tapas! Go to the Casa de la Memoria for the flamenco performance they have every night- really authentic, reasonably priced and at an early hour for Spain (I recall it as 9 but I think there may even be one show at 7:30 too). Walk all around the Barrio, check out the Cathedral. If you like Roman ruins, take the half hour bus out to Italica. Go to the Museo des Bellas Artes if you like museums. Great shopping in Sevilla too! we enjoyed the tapas at La Sacristia and also at Cevericeria Giraldo (both near the Cathedral as I recall), as well as quick beers at Bodega Santa Cruz in the barrio (packed with locals. Granada: I don't know your hotel, but be sure and tour the Alhambra. We toured first by day and were so enchanted we went back and got tickets to do the nighttime tour, which was magical. we enjoyed dinner at Oliver's but were the only diners there at 9 pm- restaurant was full by the time we left @ 10:30-11! We loved Sevilla and hope to return. Granada was a once in a lifetime experience because our primary reason for going was the Alhambra, and it did not disappoint. Have a wonderful time!

for Seville you have to visit the cathedral - it's amazing can't miss it. after that you can wonder the old town, or head to the river side, or see the bull fight ring, or royal garden. there are a lot of things to see just depending on your energy level after the cathedral (be sure climb the clock tower).

I can recommend the Tablao Los Gallos flamenco show for your night in Seville- a high quality and memorable performance, 35 euros per person. It's "touristy" in the sense that Spaniards don't pay to see flamenco, but, James Michener wrote that he never saw "authentic" flamenco in his decades of travel in Spain.

Melissa, I was just in both locations in June, so they're still fresh in my memory. > Sevilla - since you'll only be there for a short time, I'd highly recommend the magnificent Cathedral and the Alcazar. You could possibly arrange a local tour with Concepcion that covers both locations. I'm not sure you'll have time for much more. > Granada - I would definitely recommend visiting the Alhambra. You'll have to get reservations well in advance (which you can do online), which will allow entrance to the palace at a specific time (don't be late as they're very strict). I'd recommend at least a quick look at the Generalife Gardens as they're beautiful. Some other ideas for Granada: > A Segway tour of Albaicin and Sacromonte (the old Moorish quarter) - the tours are in Plaza Nueva and there are several different tours operating there. I found the one with the yellow trim provided a great tour (I can find the name and other details if you're interested). > Gypsy Flamenco show - I really enjoyed the show at Venta El Gallo. Most hotels sell tickets and you'll be picked up at your hotel. There are several shows a night, and 21:30 is probably a good one to see. I didn't have dinner there so can't comment on the food. I haven't posted a review on Trip Advisor yet, but I felt that the performers provided a skilled and passionate demonstration of Flamenco. One free drink is provided with the cost of admission. The circumstances of my visit were a bit unusual (it's a long story) and I felt that I was exceptionally well treated by the management there, so no complaints. Happy travels!

Sevilla...another good tour company suggestion: Really Discover Sevilla...the groups are small, the guides very informative. Excellent tour.. Sites to see: The old Jewish quarter, the library of the indies - with the actual log of Columbus Amazing!!! as well as other explorers...the tobacco ware house where Carmen worked!! These you will see on the tour. Really Discover can also get you tickets to an excellent Flamenco show...Be there early and sit up close!!! There is a great restaurant on the square behind the Cathederal...as you stand at the base of the tower, look across the square to your left at the corner intersection of the square with the street. Eat on the square at sunset...Amazing!!!

By the way, why do so many people use "Sevilla" instead of Seville these days, but not Lisboa, Firenze, Muenchen, etc.