Spain Itinerary

First, if it is not set, I would suggest a return from Malaga. Save the time and expense of back tracking to Madrid. Second, your travel line is not very logical. I would catch Segovia and Toledo during the first part when in Madrid. An overnight loop through Avila and Segovia and then to Toledo and south. I would catch Ronda via bus from Tarif on the way to Granada. I would include an afternoon in Cordoba on the way to Seville. Since the train system in Spain is not as extensive as other parts of Europe, Spain has an excellent bus system that is cheap and fast. You would heed to take the bus from Granada to Malaga for the return. It is still a very packed schedule and I would consider saving Tarif and Morocco for another time.

I realize that people who don't know how often they'll ever get to Europe have to pack in as much as possible. And indeed, Rick's books specialize in this kind of travel! But just to pick one example, Granada has way too much for 36 hours. Sure, there are major highlights, but everyone (I believe Bill Clinton among them) remembers quietly watching the sun go down from the Mirador de San Nicolas, gleaming off the Alhambra. Then we ate in a "Carmen" (an open-air fine restaurant) below the Mirador that our little hotel recommended to us. Spanish life (I mean, the sort of "other" that Rick, wisely, so often points out to Americans ....) is all about enjoying your free time. Make sure you have some free time.

I really have to echo Tim's comments; slow down, and spend a few days in each place. Last month, we did our first trip to Spain. We decided to put all of 16 days into one area; South Spain. We did this because we were reprising a trip that some friends took a couple of years ago. We flew into BCN, stayed two days, then flew to Granada for three nites (using one of the lo-cost inter EU airlines that you can find on Whichbudget.com. and Tim, we climbed the hills and rewarded ourselves underneath Plaza San Nicolas listening to the Flaminco dancers/singers and then had a lazy lunch while we gazed across at the Alhambra . What fun) From Granada we rented a car, picked a logical route for the rest of our trip, and headed out. We drove to Cordoba for two nites, Seville for three, Terrifa for two,(We decided to stay out of Morroco after we talked to some friends that came back and told us how the women in their tour group were hassled/threatened, and after we found out about the bombings of tourist sites in North Morroco. We loved using a cab and guide for Gibralter; it was fascinating.) Our second to the last stop was Ronda. We stayed there for three nites. It was by far our favorite. Then we flew out of Malaga. I really would not want to subject your girls to all of that hotel hopping, unless they are used to that type of thing. We took our cousin with us, who has never been to Europe. She absolultely loved spending a few days in each place, so she could savor the local people and culture.

Too many 1 night stays! Even though you break them up with a two-nighter following, you are still moving way too often. If you are really anxious to get going, then arrive in Madrid and head straight to EITHER Toledo or Segovia (won't be able to do both), stay 2 nights, Sevilla 3 nights, Granada 2 or 3 nights, 3 nights in Madrid at the end and the other 3 nights you choose 1 more spot - I haven't been to Tarif, Nerja, Arcos and we stopped in Ronda only for lunch on our way from Sevilla to Granada. I wish we had had the time for Morocco but I'm going to make it another trip instead and actually get to some of the places I want to be - like Fez, Marrakesh instead of just hitting it with a day trip from Tarifa.

Though staying overnight in almost all these places is wonderful and highly recommended, it also means constant moving and the stress and hassle of transporting luggage and lost time as you check into hotels and get acquainted with a town. I highly suggest you pick a few bases and do more day trips. Segovia and Toledo are easy day trips from Madrid. The southern towns can be done from a central base, especially if you have a car. Sevilla and Grenada need at least 2 nights and you might consider adding a third to one of them if possible.

As with the others I would suggest fewer one night stays...cut out a city or cities and enjoy the sites you can see and imerse yourself in. Madrid is good for two days at least when you arrive, the first to rest and get some relief from jet lag.. Toledo and Sevilla are fascinating. Hostal Posada de Manolo in Toledo is where I have stayed several times. Hostal Phillipe V in Madrid is centrally located. Sevilla, I would look at Patio de Santa Cruz... More time in fewer places will make for a better experience.

Thank you for information and feedback. Would you spend more days in Granada or Seville?

I just got back. Seville is worth 2 days!!!!

It's all opinion, but I prefer Sevilla. Granada is typically a 2 night stay to allow for a full day at La Alhambra and some time in the city itself.