Spain

Would you like to show each other some of the places you enjoyed before, or go someplace new to both of you?

We are not totally sure about that. Traveling to Nerja is out because the weather really won't be warm enough for a beach town - at least I don't believe so. I would like to go to Granada, but I had my daughter as a tour guide; so I am not sure I would really know my way around!

Another question for all of you...any comments on NH hotels?

We stayed in NH hotels in Amsterdam. They are very nice hotels. Modern rooms and amentities. We also are doing the south of Spain middle to end of April. I am just starting the planning. We fly into Barcelona.
Are also hoping to take the ferry to Morocco.

You don't need a tour guide for Granada! It is very walkable. I highly recommend Carmen del Alcubilla de Caracol near the Alhambra as a place to stay. Nice ambiance, welcoming host, great views. Ten days is not a lot of time. How about flying into Madred, include Toledo, Sevilla or Cordoba, and Granada. That is a nice loop you can do all by train. Toledo is lovely and romantic, and we were so glad we spent a couple of nights there instead of making a day trip.

Completely agree with Lola including lodging at the Carmen. If possible stay in the room at the top floor with the balcony. In addition to Madrid, must stops are Granada, Toledo, and Seville.

Wow, thanks to all of you - great ideas. I am so grateful for all of your help!

Yes, that is the room! ( The one George described.)

Would any of you suggest that we travel to Portugal at all? This was a late night thought we had last evening!

In Spain, unless you want to retrace one or the others steps, there is still room for: Avila, Segovia, Salamanca, Valladolid, Burgos, Bilbao, San Sebastian, or Pamplona (with stops a castles) if you want to stay north. Seville, Cordoba, Jerez, Arcos, Ronda, Gibraltar and Cadiz if you want to go south. If you're going mid summer, I'd probably choose north. If you will be there when the weather can be changable, go south.

Mary, I have to agree with Lola; spend your 10 days in Spain, and save Portugal for another trip. Pick up a copy of Rick's Spain book, peruse, and put together an itinerary. What time of year are you going? One year we did the beaches in So Portugal (Algarve) at XMass, and we were wading in the surf. But this year we were in the Costa Del Sol in the first of June and it was not that hot. South Spain and South Portugal can be lovely even in the middle of the winter.

Thank you all so very much! I really appreciate all of you taking the time to share your thoughts! I will re-share all of our adventures upon returning!