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Spain Itinerary: Advice Needed

Hello:

My husband and I are traveling in Spain for 9 nights next spring and I’m seeking help with our itinerary. We are spending at least 3 nights in Sevilla and at least 3 nights in Madrid (flying into Sevilla and out of Madrid). We are in our 30s and we enjoy visiting smaller, more authentic towns and experiences (dinners, walks, shows) to museums. We’d like to have a non-rushed pace but still see all the highlights.

(1) How should we spend the other 3 nights? We are currently thinking 2 nights in Arcos and adding a night to Madrid (4 nights total) to allow a daytrip to Toledo. I’m trying to avoid spending just one night, but is it worth the effort to have a night in Toledo? If so, is it better to do 2 nights in Toledo and a daytrip to los Pueblos Blancos (with the guided tour RS recommends)?

(2) Daytrips from Madrid: what are the opinions on priority (most worthwhile, enjoyable) – among (A) El Escorial and Valley of the Fallen, (B) Segovia or (C) spending more time in Madrid?

(3) Cordoba: is it worth a stop on the way from Sevilla to Madrid or not worth the bother?

Thanks in advance for any opinions and advice!

Posted by
586 posts

Hey, Tiffany! We spent a week in Spain last winter, for New Year's, visiting Barcelona (I say it's a can't miss city in Spain!), Madrid, El Escoreal, Toledo and then Sevilla. We did Toledo and Sevilla as high-speed AVE day trips from Madrid, using Madrid as a base. These AVE trains are expensive, but lightning quick and on time...also quite comfortable. Here are two links for you, one to my Report from Spain blog, and another with the details of our itinerary. Definitely get RS Spain 2009.

Report from Spain: http://moltogentileitalia.blogspot.com/2009/01/report-from-spain.html

One Week in Spain Itinerary: http://moltogentileitalia.blogspot.com/2009/04/week-in-espana-itinerary-barcelona.html

Posted by
4555 posts

Tiffany...
1) I would suggest adding a night in Arcos, one in Granada (you CAN'T go to Spain and miss the biggest tourist site in the country!;)), and one in Toledo...it really is worthwhile to spend a night there to see it with all the daytrippers gone.
2) Priority-wise from Madrid, I would put Segovia at the top of the list for a day trip.
3) Yes, Cordoba is definitely worth a stop on the way to Sevilla. With three nights there, you'll have lots of time to see the city and surrounding sites, and spend a day in Cordoba.
Although it's too early now, you can save up to 60% on rail costs by booking up to 62 1/2 days in advance at the Spanish rail website, RENFE. Click here to bookmark the site where you can check schedules and purchase tickets when you are ready. American credit cards are accepted, and you will be able to print your tickets out at home.

Posted by
46 posts

Thanks for the help, Norm and Gio!

Regarding Barcelona and Granada - I wish we could fit them in on this trip, but as RS suggests, I am planning on returning, and will save them for next time! :)

Posted by
34 posts

Your trip sounds about right (only with the definite assumption of coming back to see Barcelona and Granada; I agree with the others that they are two of the great highlights of Spain). I find that spending a night in a city adds that much more to grasping its "feel". Cordoba is a more than worth the time; it is a fascinating city that will continue to invite you to return once you have left it. Remember that no travel trip is worth making a marathon; walk casually with eyes and heart open to the people around you. Good luck!

Posted by
1178 posts

Toledo! Was there in March for several days and returning in October.....Hostal Posada de Manolo...built in the 1400's [as everything else also it seems!] near the cathederal...st. Tome church..the cathederal...Museum at Santa Ana...all worth seeing and worth seeing again!! PS Travel by train, 1/2 hour from Madrid...tourist autos are not allowed within the city! Have fun

Posted by
2 posts

Granada and Nerja!! cut out 1 night in Madrid and 1 night in across.