njfamily

Just starting to plan. Mom, Dad, two teen girls planning trip to Spain Dec 17 through Dec 30th. Trying to do it on a budget! Barcelona is our must see, so planning the trip around that. After Barcelona I am a little lost as to where we should go. So a few questions:

-Five nights in Barcelona, does that seem right? Four Points Diagonal or the W? (we have discounts at those) From what I have seen the W may be nicer, but Diagonal better located?

-Where to go for remainder of trip? Either head up to San Sebastian (my preference- but not sure about this time of year) or down to Valencia? Is Palma de Mallorca worth a visit at this time of year? Any other suggestions?

We like a combination of city, town and rural, when possible. And also a combination of museums, city culture, dining out, and smaller town charm.

We will be there at Christmas, so any not to miss Christmas towns or activity suggestions welcome.

Any suggestions welcome

Robert2016

The Christmas season (12 days) begins on Christmas Eve and runs until Jan. 5, followed the next day with the festival of Epiphany, but the lights go up the first week of December in most cities. So pick your spot and get your reservations done as soon as possible while there are still some bargins to be had.

It will be quiet on Christmas Day as most places, including restaurants, will be closed. Hopefully your hotel will have a restaurant or cafe that will be open, or you could end up having to raid the mini-bar.

http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...christmas.html
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/e...-san-sebastian
http://www.bilbaoturismo.net/BilbaoT...t-of-christmas
www.esmadrid.com/en/christmas-in-madrid
http://www.visitvalencia.com/en/what...as-in-valencia
www.exploreseville.com/events/chris-holiday.htm

StCirq

What kind of a budget?

IMDonehere

When in Barcelona at Christmas, be sure to get some caganers as souvenirs, if not gifts. (Google it.) It is an old tradition and not considered vulgar or offensive, but funny.

njfamily

Thank you.

Well- just trying to go cheaply! Hoping to get airfare for $700 each- less would be better. We have Starwood/ marriott discount so the hotels I mentioned in Barcelona would be below $100Euro per night, with availability in San Sebastian and Mallorca for that rate. Not opposed to splurging a little on special accommodations along the way if there is something unique! Hope that gives you an idea.

Bedar

If you're on a budget, don't expect to eat in the famous restaurants of SS. They are quite expensive, but there will be less dear, but still good, places.

kja

Depends on what you want to see and experience!

I found 6 nights in Barcelona (not counting day trips) about right for my interests and a VERY busy schedule, and I had already been in the country for more than 3 weeks and so did not have jet lag. Maybe 5 nights would work for you, maybe not!

There is SOOooooo much to see in Spain that I wouldn’t begin to think of giving you recommendations. Instead, I recommend that you consult some guidebooks, perhaps at your local libnrary, to get some ideas about what most appeals to you. Could be a great way to engage your daughters in planning…..

Once you narrow down your options, consider ploting your wish list on a calendar. Each time you propose to change locations, pencil in your transportation, add some time on either side (for getting to/from your lodging, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, getting lost/oriented, etc.). Then see how things fit together. BTW, note that many things in Spain are closed on Monday, and often for all or part of Sundays too; and many things in Spain will also be closed daily for a very long mid-day break.

rivermama

We (mom, dad, and 2 teenage boys!!) are going dec. 21 to Jan. 2. we are planing Barcelona, Granada, and Seville. Never Been...and I'm sure more time will be needed in each spot. Maybe we'll bump into you....lol.

Bedar

After Barcelona, I would fly to Malaga and from there see Granada, Cordoba, and Seville. Much better weather than SS.

yestravel

I agree that December might not be the best time to visit SS. Stick to the more southern cities as mentioned by Bedar.

Robert2016

Sorry, but Christmas in the Basque County is great!