Calling in a Fodor's favor - 8 days in Spain
May 30th, 2015, 04:14 PM
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Calling in a Fodor's favor - 8 days in Spain
As a long time but inactive Fodorite, I realize this kind of post drives many of the regulars crazy, but asking a little indulgence here. It looks like I may have the opportunity within the next couple of weeks to go to Spain (Madrid) on very short notice, which is fortuitous since my son is already studying in Alicante this summer. If the trip goes, I'll need to fly in and out of Madrid, but I'm going to try to set aside seven or eight days to travel out from Madrid, including spending a couple of days in Alicante. Off the top of my head, I know I've always wanted to see El Escorial, Toledo, and the Alhambra in Granada. However, I don't have a lot of time to research my itinerary, hence my appeal to Fodorites. Working with these constraints, how would you suggest creating an itinerary for such a week in Spain? Thanking in advance.
May 30th, 2015, 04:28 PM
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You can do El Escorial and Toledo as day trips from Madrid. Toledo is an easy train trip from Madrid, but you could also stay there for a night.
Granada is worth at least a couple nights. You'll have to reserve your tickets to the Alhambra ASAP. You're late doing this. See what date you can get and then organize the rest of your trip around that date.
Granada is worth at least a couple nights. You'll have to reserve your tickets to the Alhambra ASAP. You're late doing this. See what date you can get and then organize the rest of your trip around that date.
May 30th, 2015, 04:28 PM
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Well the first thing I would look at is the weather - since I am totally heat averse.
We have been to Andalusia twice - in April - and the highs were already in the upper 80s - so by now it is likely to be 90s or higher. If it were me I would aim at places that have a chance to be at least a little cooler - like Barcelona. Madrid is iffy - it was 100 when we were there beginning of may one year but it might be cooler since it's at a higher altitude.
If you don;t mind VERY hot weather - then I would do Andalusia - IMHO the most interesting part of Spain due to it's moorish heritage.
We have been to Andalusia twice - in April - and the highs were already in the upper 80s - so by now it is likely to be 90s or higher. If it were me I would aim at places that have a chance to be at least a little cooler - like Barcelona. Madrid is iffy - it was 100 when we were there beginning of may one year but it might be cooler since it's at a higher altitude.
If you don;t mind VERY hot weather - then I would do Andalusia - IMHO the most interesting part of Spain due to it's moorish heritage.
May 30th, 2015, 04:38 PM
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Were I you, I would see Madrid, take the train to Granada (assuming you'll have Alhambra tickets in hand), and then take the train to Alicante. You don't have much time so I'd keep it simple. Bing, bam, boom, and back to Madrid for your flight out.
May 30th, 2015, 05:07 PM
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The day you arrive, you will probably have a bit of jet lag and be too tired to do much sightseeing anyway. So, if you can manage it, grab a taxi to the train station and go ahead and catch the train to Alicante as soon as you can after landing. It takes just under four hours and you can rest and nap on the train.
3 or 4 nts in Alicante
Train to Granada
2 nts Granada
Train to Madrid
4 nts Madrid
Day trips to El Escorial and Toledo
You could, of course, go straight on to Toledo and spend a night. It seems easier, though to settle into one hotel., and you will need to be in Madrid the night before your flight home.
Of course, your Son's schedule and getting tickets for Alhambra could affect this itinerary.
Have you been before? Alicante is very pretty and has a great market and wonderful gelato.
3 or 4 nts in Alicante
Train to Granada
2 nts Granada
Train to Madrid
4 nts Madrid
Day trips to El Escorial and Toledo
You could, of course, go straight on to Toledo and spend a night. It seems easier, though to settle into one hotel., and you will need to be in Madrid the night before your flight home.
Of course, your Son's schedule and getting tickets for Alhambra could affect this itinerary.
Have you been before? Alicante is very pretty and has a great market and wonderful gelato.
May 30th, 2015, 10:48 PM
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It is not so hot at the moment. Thunderstorms and rain dominate the weather in the majority of Spain.
http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/el-tiempo/
http://www.rtve.es/alacarta/videos/el-tiempo/
Jun 6th, 2015, 05:04 PM
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IMO, it really depends on your interests. If you like art, Madrid itself easily merits 3.5 or -- to include El Escorial -- 4 full days. Magnificent Toledo easily merits 2 full days. Segovia is also worth a day. And then, of course, you'll want time in Alicante. I'm not sure I would try to cram the Alhambra into this trip. You might consider waiting until you have more time for Andalusia and can include Sevilla and Cordoba. JMO. Good luck!
Jun 7th, 2015, 06:02 AM
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I didn't go to the Alhambra until I'll visited Spain several times and I didn't spend an overnight there. It's one site.
It isn't clear to me on how much time you have, but it sounds like plenty of time in Madrid to see things around there, then you need to go to Granada and Alicante, I guess. The problem is those aren't on a direct train line and it's inconvenient. I don't know if there is a good bus between the two or not, you'd have to research. YOu can get to Alicante from Madrid by train without too much trouble in 2-3 hours on a direct train.
I don't think you can even easily get between Alicante and Granada by airline (Vueling doesn't fly direct). So if you can't get a good bus between the two, this itinerary doesn't work very well.
It isn't clear to me on how much time you have, but it sounds like plenty of time in Madrid to see things around there, then you need to go to Granada and Alicante, I guess. The problem is those aren't on a direct train line and it's inconvenient. I don't know if there is a good bus between the two or not, you'd have to research. YOu can get to Alicante from Madrid by train without too much trouble in 2-3 hours on a direct train.
I don't think you can even easily get between Alicante and Granada by airline (Vueling doesn't fly direct). So if you can't get a good bus between the two, this itinerary doesn't work very well.
Jun 8th, 2015, 12:20 PM
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Hi. I studied in Spain (Madrid) many moons ago and returnd for first time 2 years ago. We split our time 4 nights in Sevilla and 4 in Madrid. Super easy (2 hour) train ride to Sevilla. While the Alhambra was am amazing site alsong wth the Generalife gardens, I much preferred Sevilla as a whole-the sites, sounds, music, food...just a thought.
I really like Toledo and Segovia but think the justapositon of Madrid and Sevilla will leave you appreciating each more.
I really like Toledo and Segovia but think the justapositon of Madrid and Sevilla will leave you appreciating each more.
Jun 8th, 2015, 04:11 PM
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"I really like Toledo and Segovia but think the justapositon of Madrid and Sevilla will leave you appreciating each more."-- interesting. Quite in contrast, I appreciate the differences between places much more the more similar the places are overall. Just my take!
