Spain - logistics

Just to clarify regarding the train - I meant should I make sure to take the train in order to see some more of Spain, or would I not see much from the train?

Flying to Madrid is expensive from Jerez, and reasonable from Sevilla but if I have to take a train there should I just take it all the way and skip the flight, especially since I'll have a long day of flights the next day?

Madrid is one of the greatest cities of Europe - it would be tragic to just blow through without spending at least a little time there.

You can take the high speed train from Seville to Madrid. It's comfortable and efficient, and although some of the scenery will be pleasant, it's not like you're really "seeing" the country.

If you're into history, you should try to take some time to visit the great old cities of southern Spain - good lord, you've got Granada, Cordoba, the white hill towns of Andalucia - some of the most interesting and historic cities in Europe (or the world). Seems like a crime to just skip them all.

FWIW, I think most Americans are completely clueless about what to expect in Spain. There's a lot more fascinating stuff there than you probably think (I'm sure you're looking forward to visiting with family in Jerez, but take some time to stop and smell the roses!).

Frommer has stated that there are twenty four must cities to see in Europe; I have been fortunate enough to visit them all. Not to denigrate the fine people of Madrid but I would not put that city into my "upper echelon" of cities to visit. It is a newer city and, at least in my opinion, worth about a day or so. A few nice squares - an excellent museum, nice royal palace and that's about it. (Good tapas!) Generally, altho Madrid would not be on the "top places to visit" list - Spain as a country absolutely would be. Think I saw a list of most visited countries in the world and Spain was listed second (After France) - a lot to see/do and not terribly expensive. You'll have fun.

One other possibility is to return from Malaga. Has a large international airport that is easy to get to. On our last trip to Spain we fly into Madrid and home from Malage on a very good Delta flight direct to New York and then connected to Denver.

I am a little confused by your posting. Are you starting in Brighton or St. Paul?

(That's why I ignore Frommers! ;))
Madrid is a fascinating city with much to see and do. And there are several fascinating day trips using Madrid as a base. But, if you don't want to take away time from Jerez, take the fast train from Sevilla, as suggested earlier, then jump aboard the hop-on, hop-off bus at Puerta del Sol and at least see the highlights. You might have a chance to sample the restaurants and nightlife of Plaza Santa Ana and Chueca as well. And since you're starting out on an internal European flight, 90 minutes should be enough to check in and get thru security.
In Jerez itself, I would hope you could have access to a car, and visit nearby places like Cadiz, Arcos, and Ronda.

I am flying to Spain from Brighton, and then on to St. Paul.

I have done many trips in the past where I crammed many things into a few days. I would much prefer to miss some sights while staying in one place longer getting to know it better. That being said, I am hoping to see more of Andalusia than just Jerez. Especially at this time of year (early March), if I have to choose between a day in Andalusia and Madrid I may choose the former if logistics allow.

I can fly Jerez to Madrid before leaving for home, but the first flight would be Iberia, scheduled to arrive Madrid at 8am at T4, then the KLM flight would depart from T2 at 10:15. I would most likely have checked luggage, then there’s the shuttle between terminals. Most worrisome, though, is the fact that these are two different airlines, so if the Iberia flight is late, I’m SOL for the KLM flight I think. I just looked at the stats for the Iberia flight and they’re very good. For those that know Iberia and the Madrid airport better than I do – any thoughts on whether this plan is too risky?

Thanks!

Train is a good option from Jerez to Madrid. You can take a "medium distance" train from Jerez to Sevilla (about an hour), then the high speed AVE from Sevilla to Madrid (about 2 and 1/2 hours). There are deep web discounts for the AVE if you make reservations.

Besides the sherry, Jerez is also famous for the royal equestrian school. Every Thursday throughout the year, there's a show "How the Andalusian horses dance". In peak seasons there are additional shows on Tuesdays. Going to some of the other "white hills town" is a good idea. You can go by bus to Ronda if you don't want to rent a car, and the historic coastal city of Cadiz is reachable by train.

Re Madrid, I'd definitely vote for spending a day there. You can't do it all, but you could choose a couple of things, e.g., the Prado and Retiro Park, take Rick's walk from Puerto de Sol to the royal palace, etc. You definitely could make good use of just one day.

Too risky for me, that's for sure. Terminal 4 at Barajas is huge...and it'll take you a while to get your luggage and catch the shuttle bus (or taxi if you don't mind spending the extra) over to the other side of the airport, where T1, 2, and 3 are located. As well, the aircraft probably won't overnight in Jerez....it'll probably come in from Barajas earlier that morning....so if it's late, you'll be late before you even get off the ground. For peace of mind, I'd stay in Madrid the night before.