Spain for a week

First off, Lisbon is not in Spain. And the Madrid, Lisbon, Barcelona is a huge triangle that would involved a lot of travel time. In winter because of weather I would focus on something like Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada in that general area. Travel is short and it is very historical and unlike much of Europe because of the Moorish influence. Save Lisbon and Barcelona for another time.

I would suggest any of the following: Madrid, Toledo (1/2 hour by train) Sevilla, (2 1/2 hour by train) Salamanca (1+hour by train). You leave from a different train station(Charmartin) to get to Salamanca. Atocha station for the other two. Three days in Madrid, 2 in Toledo,and 2 in Sevilla. You will enjoy the three cities I know. Or, any two of the cities [INVALID]

What Frank said.

Thanks for the advise. I am also aware that Lisbon is not in Spain. I just saw this suggested route from RS's "Railpasses" tab and thought it interesting.

Jonny, if you only have a week I would pick no more then two places. If I go to the States for week it wouldn't make alot of sense for me to choose to do Vancouver Canada( which like Lisbon is not in same country) then San Francisco, then Houston, then Florida ,, all in a WEEK,, yet I imagine one could ! Remember, just because its in a book, any book, doesn't mean you have to follow the idea completely. I like your Barcelona and Madrid idea, I have no experience in Spain, but I think you are right to focus on two main cities with a daytrip or two thrown in.

Thanks Pat. I think I'm going to stick with Madrid and Barcelona with one or 2 day trips. I know Madrid is a bit far from Barcelona but I think I can manage it. Since I always stay at least 3 days or more in one city instead of bouncing around every 2 days anyway, I feel confident that this route will work out better for me.

Madrid and Barcelona are seperated by quite far apart, but the high-speed rail covers the distance in about 2 1/2 hours, so you'll loose very little time traveling. We spent three nights in Barc without leaving the city and easily could've spent another two or three nights. Segovia is a wonderful day trip from Madrid - beautiful, charming city.

I agree with the others who voted for just Barcelona & Madrid on this first time visit. You're travelling down from Europe and these 2 cities will be the easiest to access without any extra travel. Both cities are diverse and have plenty of things to see and enjoy. Once you have spent 7 days in Spain you'll be hooked and ready to return for a separate trip of the entire Iberian penisula.

Thanks Bob and Steve!! I'll look into Segovia, too.