Planning a 2-week trip for next June (I know ... way in advance, but I'm a planning freak to get the most out of time and money and experience... hence, LUV Rick Steves and this community!) We're not renting a car and like to use VRBO for city apartments and don't like to rely on hiring a private car or taxi except for short hops. Any ideas or warnings for doing Barcelona to Madrid to either Granada and/or Cordoba itinerary with side day trips (Montserrat and Toledo perhaps)? We've never been to Spain but prefer to immerse ourselves in just a few great places vs. a whirlwind trip of a little bit of everything, as tempting as it is. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17422 posts
For the places you name-–Barcelona to Madrid, Cordoba or Granada, Toledo, the Spanish train system is great. The AVE trains in particular are fast ( 300 kph), comfortable, and well-run. Our " gold standard" is the Swiss train system and we found the Spanish trains to be just as good or better. If you buy your tickets well in advance on Renfe and get the Promo fares they are not at all expensive. AVE trains do not run to Granada but they do connect Barcelona, Madrid and Cordoba. Do not let that deter you from Granada; it was our favorite place and we spent 3 nights there. It is not a daytrip from anywhere; you need to spend some time. I would also suggest sleeping in Toledo rather than making a daytrip. We spent two nights in an apartment there and really loved Toledo.
Posted by
Whittington
984 posts
As you are dealing with the RENFE website from outside Europe, see the hugely comprehensive guide and find the outstanding discounts when the time comes - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g187514-c80518/Madrid:Spain:Buying.Renfe.Tickets.Online.html
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15781 posts
To get to Toledo you have to take a train from Madrid. It's easy as a day trip but many people have said that it is better as an overnight destination. Seville is a good base. Interesting in itself, and Cordoba is less than an hour by train, Jerez (home of sherry and flamenco) a little more than an hour. There are direct trains from Seville to Granada (about 3-1/4 hours).
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA
206 posts
From Madrid to Barcelona, or Barcelona to whereever, you might also check out local flights instead of the train, as they can be a whole lot cheaper and faster. For example, we flew from Barcelona to Malaga (because we were picking up a car) for only $49. The train was way more expensive. Might be worth checking out. Happy travels. Devra
Posted by
LaGrange, Ga, USA
1178 posts
Suggest you get a copy of Moon Guide To Spain - excellent and I highly recommend it. VBRO is good...I have used it in Spain with good results. Barcelona to Madrid...I recommend the train. AVE is 2 1/2 hours, and none of the airport hassle. The cost may be a bit more, but worth it. You can get tickets on it 40 or so days in advance at a discount. Get information from their site. Also, if you are senior (60+ I think) you can get a discount when purchasing the tickets. You will need to apply for the proper card in person with your passport. May be a good way to have some flexibility in your schedule. Toledo...Recommend you spend the night.. It is a completely different experience with the tourist gone. Hostal Posada De Manolo is a perfect location and they serve a great breakfast overlooking the Cathedral. You might also look at the www.vaughantown.com program for a great experience in Spain.. You will meet and learn the Spanish people on a personal basis...one week there, and then one week traveling.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17422 posts
Devra, I must differ with you about plane versus train, at least for many routes. Between Barcelona and Madrid, the train is both faster AND cheaper. Total travel time is 2.5 hours, city center to city center. No need to add time to get to and from airports, and security/wait time. As for cost, if you book well in advance you can get a Promo fare as low as 32 euros. Between Barcelona and Malaga might be a different result, but Barb did not mention Malaga. And many people traveling from Barcelona and Malaga would make a stop iin Madrid as part of their trip. Madrid to Malaga on the AVE is only 2 hours 20 minutes and Promo fares are as low as 23 euros. Bottom line is the AVE trains are fast (300kph), efficient, environmentally friendly, and a great deal if you plan ahead.
Posted by
OP
Lake Forest, Illinois, USA
59 posts
As always you are all offering so many great insights. Thank you! It is really helpful to get advice about home base cities that work for people without cars. I am going to give more thought to Sienna. And also taking time to stay a night in Toledo sounds interesting. Thanks all. More advice welcome of course!
Posted by
S.F. Bay Area, CA, United States
1878 posts
All train is a great plan for this itinerary. Consider an overnight train between Barcelona and Granada, if still available. We did it on our 2005 trip and it was great. This would help you avoid backtracking for your flight home. Cordoba is a nice stop for the Mezquita, but Seville has much more to offer. Montserrat and Toledo are easy day trips from Barcelona and Madrid respectively by train (or bus for Toledo). Flights have a much higher risk of delay or cancellation, and cheap flights often come with lots of gotchas. Plus train is city center to city center and it's a lot more pleasant riding on train than a plane. You might save a few dollars on price, but maybe not so much after you factor in airport transportation. Plus trains are pretty reasonable too if you book in advance.