Best 18 Days Through Spain and France?
Jan 31st, 2012, 03:18 PM
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Best 18 Days Through Spain and France?
I'm planning my first trip to Europe for summer 2012 and was hoping for travel itinerary suggestions. I'm flying into Madrid in mid-June and flying out of Paris 18 days later. I'm 25 years old, traveling alone and on a budget (read: cheap accommodations), and would like at a minimum to explore Madrid, Barcelona, and Paris. I know 18 days is "short," that is why I am limiting my trip to Spain and France. I'd like to see both places' best museums and monuments, have a chance to taste amazing food and wine, see a bullfight or two, etc. to create a memorable trip that I likely won't be able to experience again for several years. Any suggestions for an excellent travel itinerary would be very much appreciated. Thank you!
Jan 31st, 2012, 03:31 PM
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You should take a look at San Sebastián, the gourmet capital of Spain, some of the best city beaches on the continent, wonderful landscapes, a local culture that people take grat pride in and European Capital of Culture 2016. Affordable flights to Bilbao in one hour from Madrid. Direct bus to San Sebastán in 70 mins. Cheap flights to Barcelona in one hour.
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/07...tin-spain.html
http://travel.nytimes.com/2011/08/07...tin-spain.html
Jan 31st, 2012, 03:35 PM
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I think you're smart to know that you really shouldn't try to do alot more than Madrid, Barcelona & Paris in 18 days. Frankly I'd stick with just these cities and do various daytrips. You could easily spend 5 days in Madrid, and a week in Barcelona and Madrid.
At a minimum I'd budget 4 nights for Madrid, and 5 for Barcelona and Paris. So at the very most I wouldn't try to do more than one additional overnight base - but again could easily do just these cities. You loose 1/2 day each time you move between.
At a minimum I'd budget 4 nights for Madrid, and 5 for Barcelona and Paris. So at the very most I wouldn't try to do more than one additional overnight base - but again could easily do just these cities. You loose 1/2 day each time you move between.
Feb 1st, 2012, 01:51 PM
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You are getting good advie about not rying to do too many places. I'd add one thought: as you move from place to place try to get a feel for the countryside. Don't make it a 100% urban trip. I am a Spain guy, but in all honesty, the French country side can be spectacular.
