Andalucia Final Intinerary - what do you think?
May 2nd, 2007, 02:17 PM
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Andalucia Final Intinerary - what do you think?
Okay, I've got all of the details put together for our honeymoon in September, but now I need to fill in the things like what we should visit in each city and where to eat! We want to take it slow and try to absorb the culture - not try and visit a million different sites or cities. Local markets, resturants and dancing will be high on our list. I can speak Spanish moderately well, so that should be helpful.
Day 1- Arrive Madrid. We are arriving at 8am, so I'm hoping we can get an early check in at the hotel. We are stay at Casa de las Letras. Should we just take a taxi from the airport?
Day 2- AVE to Sevilla. I don't know what time of day yet, but I plan to buy our tickets ahead of time when we arrive in the airport in Madrid. We'll be staying at Hotel Alminar.
Day 3- Sevilla - we hope to catch come Flamenco, and I've also heard about the baths. Is that something we should do? Or should we do that in Granada instead? or not at all?
Day 4- Sevilla
Day 5- Pick up rental car from the train station and drive to Ronda. I think we will try to get to Zahara and Grazelma (is that right?) on the way, but maybe skip Arcos (as Josele suggested). We'll stay at the Casa San Gabriel
Day 6- Ronda
Day 7- Drive to Nerja. We're staying at the Parador here. We tried to get a room at Paraiso del Mar, but they did not have any available with double beds, and this is our honeymoon!
Day 8- Nerja
Day 9- Nerja to Granada. I am thinking maybe we could go to the caves in the AM, then contine on to Granada. Drop off car at the train station. Taxi to hotel? We are staying at Room Mate Migueletes. We tried Casa Morisca, but again the issue with the double beds.
Day 10 - Granada. The hotel was able to reserve us tickets to the Alhambra on the morning of this day.
Day 11- Granada
Day 12- Flight back to Madrid. I booked a flight for 4 euros on Spanair! I was ecstatic. We'll get into Madrid around 6p, which doesn't give us a ton of time, but Madrid is not really our first priority for the trip.
Day 13- Flight back to the states. Again, taxi to the airport?
Thanks to everyone for the help so far, I think this trip is going to be amazing. Any other input is greatly appreciated!
Day 1- Arrive Madrid. We are arriving at 8am, so I'm hoping we can get an early check in at the hotel. We are stay at Casa de las Letras. Should we just take a taxi from the airport?
Day 2- AVE to Sevilla. I don't know what time of day yet, but I plan to buy our tickets ahead of time when we arrive in the airport in Madrid. We'll be staying at Hotel Alminar.
Day 3- Sevilla - we hope to catch come Flamenco, and I've also heard about the baths. Is that something we should do? Or should we do that in Granada instead? or not at all?
Day 4- Sevilla
Day 5- Pick up rental car from the train station and drive to Ronda. I think we will try to get to Zahara and Grazelma (is that right?) on the way, but maybe skip Arcos (as Josele suggested). We'll stay at the Casa San Gabriel
Day 6- Ronda
Day 7- Drive to Nerja. We're staying at the Parador here. We tried to get a room at Paraiso del Mar, but they did not have any available with double beds, and this is our honeymoon!
Day 8- Nerja
Day 9- Nerja to Granada. I am thinking maybe we could go to the caves in the AM, then contine on to Granada. Drop off car at the train station. Taxi to hotel? We are staying at Room Mate Migueletes. We tried Casa Morisca, but again the issue with the double beds.
Day 10 - Granada. The hotel was able to reserve us tickets to the Alhambra on the morning of this day.
Day 11- Granada
Day 12- Flight back to Madrid. I booked a flight for 4 euros on Spanair! I was ecstatic. We'll get into Madrid around 6p, which doesn't give us a ton of time, but Madrid is not really our first priority for the trip.
Day 13- Flight back to the states. Again, taxi to the airport?
Thanks to everyone for the help so far, I think this trip is going to be amazing. Any other input is greatly appreciated!
May 2nd, 2007, 04:41 PM
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Sorry I can't give many details - are you talking about the caves near Ronda? If so, we went - kind of. The sign outside said "The man is in the cave." We waited an hour and no one came or went. Still enjoyed hearing the bells on the sheep. Lovely. Go to Alhambra first thing in the a.m. and make sure you get an English audio guide. Folks were waiting for these by the early afternoon. Make sure you walk into the alcazar - Oh! maybe you mean the caves in Granada! We met a lovely woman sweeping - I hope you speak Spanish. I loved Granada - you will too. Mazel Tov!
May 2nd, 2007, 05:35 PM
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Congratulations!
Are you the bride or the groom?
Here are my comments:
1.Yes. You said it, it's your honeymoon. Where do you live & how long is the flight? You may be tired and are in & out of Madrid pretty quickly......
2. Ave is great.
3. Flamenco yes. Try casa de la Memoria
7. I assume you told the folks @ Paraiso that it was a honeymoon?
Be aware that twins can sometimes be pushed together into one bed (yes I know it's not the same) and the typical European double is not as big as a queen bed...ah but you are young and in love & on your honeymoon. Sigh...
9. Caves? Do you mean Caves as in Cuevas de Granada with the gitanos? I did not see them when I was there but I would like to despite what everybody says about it being tourist trap. But I am a flamenco nut. Not sure if the morning is the best time really for that....unless I misunderstood which caves.
You are still doing a fair anount of buzzing around, especially for a honeymoon. Too bad you are not getting some more time in Madrid.. really think you would like that it is very romantic too. "Try" to see the city at night and plan a small romantic gesture here & there along the way for your significant other...( a flower, have a song dedicated in a restaurant or bar etc..just to make it extra special ...I had a song dedicated to me years ago in Spain & I still remember it (it was from the bus driver!) They are romantic the Spanish
do as they do.
Best wishes to you for long happy life together.
Are you the bride or the groom?
Here are my comments:
1.Yes. You said it, it's your honeymoon. Where do you live & how long is the flight? You may be tired and are in & out of Madrid pretty quickly......
2. Ave is great.
3. Flamenco yes. Try casa de la Memoria
7. I assume you told the folks @ Paraiso that it was a honeymoon?
Be aware that twins can sometimes be pushed together into one bed (yes I know it's not the same) and the typical European double is not as big as a queen bed...ah but you are young and in love & on your honeymoon. Sigh...
9. Caves? Do you mean Caves as in Cuevas de Granada with the gitanos? I did not see them when I was there but I would like to despite what everybody says about it being tourist trap. But I am a flamenco nut. Not sure if the morning is the best time really for that....unless I misunderstood which caves.
You are still doing a fair anount of buzzing around, especially for a honeymoon. Too bad you are not getting some more time in Madrid.. really think you would like that it is very romantic too. "Try" to see the city at night and plan a small romantic gesture here & there along the way for your significant other...( a flower, have a song dedicated in a restaurant or bar etc..just to make it extra special ...I had a song dedicated to me years ago in Spain & I still remember it (it was from the bus driver!) They are romantic the Spanish
do as they do.
Best wishes to you for long happy life together.
May 2nd, 2007, 11:51 PM
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The caves in Ronda is Cueva del Gato, more for trekkers. I'd skip it, as you are visiting the magnificent Nerja caves, most visited monument in Andalusia second only to Alhambra. Caves in Granada is something different, are caves (natural or not) turned into living spaces (casas cueva), but they are in Guadix, east of the province.
I am touring the Ronda surroundings when rain permits, and I'll write an update when back.
I am touring the Ronda surroundings when rain permits, and I'll write an update when back.
May 3rd, 2007, 12:32 AM
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Yes you can go to the caves in the morning in Nerja and then drive to Granada. It is a lovely drive and only about 1/2 hoursd drive away.
The Nerja caves are spectacular but do not take very long to do.
Depending on where you are coming from, you should take jet lag into consideration.
We just ate at Botin which is a MUST in Madrid...FABULOUS. I wrote a whole blog entry about it and it will be up soon.
I have lots of info about these areas on our blog if you look into the archives around March.
http://soultravelers3.com/
Do download Maribel guides as well for Seville etc and look into Penelope Casas book "discovering Spain" for good eating etc ideas.
DONT miss the flamenco in Seville or Granada caves...very sexy and wonderful. Go for small intimate places like mentioned about or on our blog...casa memoria & casa carmen.
Make sure you try the hot chocolate in Madrid...hmmm. See blog for details.
You should not miss the Mesquita in Cordoba while in Seville...it is only a 40 minute nice Ave train away and spectacular...a must see.
Nerja has a gorgeous beach and good food and should be perfect weather and not crowded in September.
Sounds like a fantasitc honeymoon and your Spanish will come in handy. Do the tapa thing in Seville..see triana area too and do not miss bullring in Ronda or Seville.
The Nerja caves are spectacular but do not take very long to do.
Depending on where you are coming from, you should take jet lag into consideration.
We just ate at Botin which is a MUST in Madrid...FABULOUS. I wrote a whole blog entry about it and it will be up soon.
I have lots of info about these areas on our blog if you look into the archives around March.
http://soultravelers3.com/
Do download Maribel guides as well for Seville etc and look into Penelope Casas book "discovering Spain" for good eating etc ideas.
DONT miss the flamenco in Seville or Granada caves...very sexy and wonderful. Go for small intimate places like mentioned about or on our blog...casa memoria & casa carmen.
Make sure you try the hot chocolate in Madrid...hmmm. See blog for details.
You should not miss the Mesquita in Cordoba while in Seville...it is only a 40 minute nice Ave train away and spectacular...a must see.
Nerja has a gorgeous beach and good food and should be perfect weather and not crowded in September.
Sounds like a fantasitc honeymoon and your Spanish will come in handy. Do the tapa thing in Seville..see triana area too and do not miss bullring in Ronda or Seville.
May 3rd, 2007, 01:40 AM
#6
hi, shandirls,
get your hotel to make you reservations for the eveing visit to the alhambra for the day you arrive - it is very very romantic and beautiful - even my very prosaically minded DH had to agree that it was well worth it, and a completely differenet experience to going in the day.
A honeymoon must!
regards, ann
get your hotel to make you reservations for the eveing visit to the alhambra for the day you arrive - it is very very romantic and beautiful - even my very prosaically minded DH had to agree that it was well worth it, and a completely differenet experience to going in the day.
A honeymoon must!
regards, ann
May 3rd, 2007, 03:11 AM
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Shandirls, WTnow is right. You can't be in Madrid and not eat Churro/Porros in an established Chocolateria. Here is where many locals go to: Chocolateria San Gines, Plaza San Ginés 5. You will find few tourists specially if you go inside into their basement room, the place buzzing with locals all the time, and the chocolate thick enough that your heavy spoon won't go inside on its own unless you push it in!
Taking it slow and really soaking in the ambiance is my way to travel, and probably the best way specially in Spain.
Alhambra and Nerja Caves are truly spectacular even in a country full of amazing stuff.
Taking it slow and really soaking in the ambiance is my way to travel, and probably the best way specially in Spain.
Alhambra and Nerja Caves are truly spectacular even in a country full of amazing stuff.
May 3rd, 2007, 06:28 AM
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Thanks so much!
travelprincessnm- The caves i was referring to are near Nerja. I didn't even know there were so many other cave options!
We are going to the Alhambra at like 9:30a, so thanks for the tip on the audio guide. Will we need to arrive an hour early to pick up the tickets?
amsdon- I'm the bride, and we'll be coming from Chicago (leaving here at 5:30p our time, the day after the wedding). It's an 8 hour flight, so 8am in the Madrid will be the middle of the night for us. No doubt we'll be very tired, but if we can stay awake until siesta time, we might just get ourselves right onto the Spain schedule.
We did tell Paraiso del Mar about the honeymoon, and they offered two twins together, but we decided to pass on that idea.
I love the idea about having a song dedication to my sweetie, how would I go about doing it?
Comfyshoes- Thanks so much for the Chocolateria, that is now a MUST for the trip. Hot chocolate and churros. delicious!!
I still haven't heard anyone say anything about the Arabic Baths. What do you guys know about them?
travelprincessnm- The caves i was referring to are near Nerja. I didn't even know there were so many other cave options!
We are going to the Alhambra at like 9:30a, so thanks for the tip on the audio guide. Will we need to arrive an hour early to pick up the tickets?
amsdon- I'm the bride, and we'll be coming from Chicago (leaving here at 5:30p our time, the day after the wedding). It's an 8 hour flight, so 8am in the Madrid will be the middle of the night for us. No doubt we'll be very tired, but if we can stay awake until siesta time, we might just get ourselves right onto the Spain schedule.
We did tell Paraiso del Mar about the honeymoon, and they offered two twins together, but we decided to pass on that idea.
I love the idea about having a song dedication to my sweetie, how would I go about doing it?
Comfyshoes- Thanks so much for the Chocolateria, that is now a MUST for the trip. Hot chocolate and churros. delicious!!
I still haven't heard anyone say anything about the Arabic Baths. What do you guys know about them?
May 3rd, 2007, 09:35 AM
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Nerja to Granada is 1h30min drive, non-stop, but for sure you'll make stops. First east along the coast to Salobreña (good view), then north crossing Alpujarras. I have a report on this, if you are interested.
BEWARE, Comfy means Churros and Porras, (porros is joints, so take care with the spelling).
I went to an Arab bath, it was great, really, but it was in Amman (Jordan) so it wont help much
. I believe those here are the same basically.
BEWARE, Comfy means Churros and Porras, (porros is joints, so take care with the spelling).
I went to an Arab bath, it was great, really, but it was in Amman (Jordan) so it wont help much
. I believe those here are the same basically.
May 3rd, 2007, 01:48 PM
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After or before the caves I would stop in Frigiliana and just walk around...to the top and enjoy the views and atmosphere, hidden narrow streets in the old town.It is very romantic and pretty and as ancient as the alhambra with a connected history. THEN go to Granada.
The hot chocolate in Madrid is like pudding.
The hot chocolate in Madrid is like pudding.
May 4th, 2007, 06:25 AM
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Funny that you all mentioned the hot chocolate yesterday, I saw "Passport to Madrid" last night on the travel channel, and indeed, that is no hot cocoa like we have here. It's literally like a cup of melted chocolate. I bet it's to die for with churros! Can I eat it for breakfast??
May 4th, 2007, 06:45 AM
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Regarding picking up the tickets at the Alhambra. I would arrive at least an hour earlyto pick up your reserved tickets for the Nassrid Palace since you will only have a short window of time to enter into the Palace. They are pretty strict on checking the timed entry tickets. I also used the audio guide and it was well worth it. They will ask for you to leave identification in order to rent the audio guide. I absolutely loved the Alhambra, it was one of the top highlights of my trip to Andalucia.
Last night I watched Passport to Europe. I think I had my hot choc. and churros at the same place where Samantha enjoyed her snack. Not sure if you can have them for breakfast, but that would have been yummy!
Last night I watched Passport to Europe. I think I had my hot choc. and churros at the same place where Samantha enjoyed her snack. Not sure if you can have them for breakfast, but that would have been yummy!
May 9th, 2007, 01:36 PM
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Another question for everyone - At the beginning of our planning, we considered doing some guided tours of the cities (probably Sevilla and/or Granada). Do you guys see any value in doing any tours, or should we just grab our guidebook and go?
May 9th, 2007, 01:49 PM
#18
hi, agan, shand,
no need for a guide in granada, nor in Seville, i would guess. Have you found Maribel's guides yet?
and excuse me if I nag you about the evening visit to the alhambra!
regards, ann
no need for a guide in granada, nor in Seville, i would guess. Have you found Maribel's guides yet?
and excuse me if I nag you about the evening visit to the alhambra!
regards, ann
May 9th, 2007, 04:39 PM
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Your schedule looks good, but one big question--why aren't you flying in and out of Malaga since you're not planning on really being in Madrid?
I agree that the caves in Nerja are even more spectacular than Ronda.
Suggest Los Gallos in Seville for flameco and agree that Frigiliana is worth a stop if you have time.
Congratulations and have a great trip.
I agree that the caves in Nerja are even more spectacular than Ronda.
Suggest Los Gallos in Seville for flameco and agree that Frigiliana is worth a stop if you have time.
Congratulations and have a great trip.
May 10th, 2007, 08:28 PM
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Looks like a great itinerary that you have planned. Similar to the trip my wife and I just returned from (see some of my earlier posts). You will love both Sevilla and Granada - we stayed at the Hotel Alminar and Casa Migueletes and loved them both. Great breakfast included at Migueletes. The one at Alminar looked fine too but we opted to pass on it and found a chocolate/churros place instead.
We also stayed near Ronda at Cortijo de las Piletas. Really liked it, and we took Josele's recommendation and had a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting at El Predictatorio just outside of Ronda - beautiful view back at Ronda from great vantage point.
Grazelema was nice and had a super lunch there. I'll have to look at my pictures for the name of it. Everyplace we ate was actually great.
I think you have a good itinerary - I wouldn't add any more despite the temptation. We actually cut Cordoba out so that we could spend another day in Sevilla.
Can't help with the baths but Casa Memoria in Sevilla was great for Flamenco. The Alminar recommended another place, but it's a two hour show which was more than we wanted. The hour at Memoria was just right for us.
We also stayed near Ronda at Cortijo de las Piletas. Really liked it, and we took Josele's recommendation and had a wonderful meal in a beautiful setting at El Predictatorio just outside of Ronda - beautiful view back at Ronda from great vantage point.
Grazelema was nice and had a super lunch there. I'll have to look at my pictures for the name of it. Everyplace we ate was actually great.
I think you have a good itinerary - I wouldn't add any more despite the temptation. We actually cut Cordoba out so that we could spend another day in Sevilla.
Can't help with the baths but Casa Memoria in Sevilla was great for Flamenco. The Alminar recommended another place, but it's a two hour show which was more than we wanted. The hour at Memoria was just right for us.
