With only 5 days for Madrid this would be enough time to do a couple of daytrips from Madrid. But I don't see how you could also squeeze in a separate trip to Granada and Malaga.

If you only have 9 days for Spain and are interested in La Rioja, Madrid and Granada/Malaga I think you're going to have to eliminate one of these places. If you think you're ever going to return I'd save Andalucia for another trip where you can spend more time and visit Sevilla, Cordoba, etc....

Andalusia isn;t a reasonable day trip from Madrid - you would be most of the day on the road. Agree that in only 9 days you should stick to 2 destinations.

It's perfectly doable. Andalucía in October is as good as it gets. On return from Rioja, two days in Madrid. Then take the high speed AVE train to Sevilla in 2 1/2 hours, stay two days and then go down to fabulous Málaga city on the coast for the final day.

About Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/
And Málaga: http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/english/ed2/malaga.htm

9 days is just enough for Madrid, Seville and Granada. I wouldn't put La Rioja in there but I'd save it for a future trip to Rioja and the Basque country.

I agree with Eghbert, 9 days will allow you just about enought time to get a feel of Madrid (4 days) before heading to Sevilla and finishing with two nights in Granada. You should book your return flight from Granada instead of having to return to Madrid.

The Rioja demands at least three days just to find your way around and can be combined with a visit to the Basque country (Rioja Alavesa) and Navarra.

Thanks for all the responses. I think I have decided to eliminate Southern Spain from this trip and split my time between Rioja, Ribera Del Duero and Madrid (with day trips to Toledo and Segovia). Now the fun begins as I try and decide on specifics! Thanks again!