Early planning for trip to Spain - a few basic questions
Oct 30th, 2012, 07:40 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Early planning for trip to Spain - a few basic questions
Hi all. After much pondering as to where our big trip should be in 2013, we decided on... Spain. Which isn't much of a decision, I know, since that's too big a place to see in one trip. A couple of basic questions just to help me get started:
1) When? We prefer spring or fall, although work is busier in the fall, so we generally go in the spring or early summer. Is May a good time to go?
2) We'll be there about 2 weeks. I'm very interested in Andalucia, and could possibly plan a trip just there, right? Seems like there's plenty to see. After all, we've been to Italy 3 times, 2 weeks each, and there are a lot of places we haven't seen yet. Ditto France. Would it be too rushed to try to include Barcelona on the same trip? Or Madrid? We could do 3 days of one or the other on one end of the trip.
3) Best resources - other than this forum (I love the forums and ALWAYS do trip reports when I return as a thank you for all the planning help I get), what are the best websites, books etc. to help me along?
4) I know NO Spanish, but I will start taking care of that situation soon. I assume English is better in bigger cities, less available in smaller places.
What do you think? A push in the right direction and I will get started and won't be back until I have some more specific questions!
Thanks as always,
Alice
1) When? We prefer spring or fall, although work is busier in the fall, so we generally go in the spring or early summer. Is May a good time to go?
2) We'll be there about 2 weeks. I'm very interested in Andalucia, and could possibly plan a trip just there, right? Seems like there's plenty to see. After all, we've been to Italy 3 times, 2 weeks each, and there are a lot of places we haven't seen yet. Ditto France. Would it be too rushed to try to include Barcelona on the same trip? Or Madrid? We could do 3 days of one or the other on one end of the trip.
3) Best resources - other than this forum (I love the forums and ALWAYS do trip reports when I return as a thank you for all the planning help I get), what are the best websites, books etc. to help me along?
4) I know NO Spanish, but I will start taking care of that situation soon. I assume English is better in bigger cities, less available in smaller places.
What do you think? A push in the right direction and I will get started and won't be back until I have some more specific questions!
Thanks as always,
Alice
Oct 30th, 2012, 08:21 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
May is an excellent time of year to go to Andalucía. Full spring blossom, but the summer heat is still a couple of months away. And May is serious festival season down here. Most of the festivals go way back in time and are primarily local events. Great opportunity to excperience the local food, wine and culture and get under the skin of things. The region is full of Phoenician, Roman, Jewish, Christian, Moslem and Gitano history and culture.
In May, all Andalucian towns - especially Granada and Córdoba - celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spani...es-de-mayo.htm
Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/co...pring-fair.htm
May is also the month of the famous Jerez horse fair and the San Isidro festival in Madrid.
Feria de Caballo de Jerez: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm
San Isidro in Madrid: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html
Sevilla is the queen of the cities in the South, and this site gives great and updated info: http://www.exploreseville.com/
Madrid and the Andalucian cities Málaga (wonderful city by the sea), Sevilla and Córdoba are very well connected through the high speed AVE train. Long distances, but with AVE you go from city center to city center in no time. It will therfore be easy to end the trip with some three days in fabulous Madrid.
This is the best updated guide to Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do
And I can highly recommend Michal Jacobs' "Andalucía" as an introduction to the region, the cities, villages, history and culture. No conventional guide book, but going before or after having read this are two different worlds.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andalucia-Pa.../dp/1873429789
Just happy to help when you come to more detailed questions!
In May, all Andalucian towns - especially Granada and Córdoba - celebrate the "Cruces de Mayo": http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/spani...es-de-mayo.htm
Córdoba in May is something special, the "cruces" celebration is followed by the patio competition leading on to the flamenco inspired Feria by the end of the month.
Córdoba patio exposition and competition: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/patios.htm
The Feria in late May: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/co...pring-fair.htm
May is also the month of the famous Jerez horse fair and the San Isidro festival in Madrid.
Feria de Caballo de Jerez: http://www.andalucia.com/festival/jerez-horse-fair.htm
San Isidro in Madrid: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/san-isidro.html
Sevilla is the queen of the cities in the South, and this site gives great and updated info: http://www.exploreseville.com/
Madrid and the Andalucian cities Málaga (wonderful city by the sea), Sevilla and Córdoba are very well connected through the high speed AVE train. Long distances, but with AVE you go from city center to city center in no time. It will therfore be easy to end the trip with some three days in fabulous Madrid.
This is the best updated guide to Madrid: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do
And I can highly recommend Michal Jacobs' "Andalucía" as an introduction to the region, the cities, villages, history and culture. No conventional guide book, but going before or after having read this are two different worlds.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andalucia-Pa.../dp/1873429789
Just happy to help when you come to more detailed questions!
Oct 30th, 2012, 08:23 AM
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 522
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spring is beautiful in Andalucia, but spring is earlier there than in New England (where I live). I've been there 5 or 6 times, always before Easter, at least partly to take advantage of shoulder season rates and also to avoid the heat. Barcelona is a very long distance away (check it out) if you're driving.
As for Madrid, it depends where you're flying into. If you're using Madrid at one end of the trip or the other, you could spend a couple of days there, depending on your interests. Go to a bookstore or library and look at travel books to get an idea of what different areas might offer you and what you might be most interested in seeing. To me, Madrid was just another big city with huge stone buildings that lacked personality. Others LOVE Madrid and the museums full of art.
The first time I went to Spain, I knew no spanish. At that time, not many Spaniards outside the city spoke English but the only time we had a problem with that was trying to get train schedule information. I loved Spain so much, I started studying Spanish using Pimsleur's audio cassettes, other language instructional materials, took a class at the local college, etc. It really helps you to get the most of your trip if you can engage the locals even in a limited fashion. Everyone appreciates your efforts.
Do a search on this forum by selecting "Spain" and read the various threads about hazards and delights of travel there, to help you focus.
Buen viaje.
gail
As for Madrid, it depends where you're flying into. If you're using Madrid at one end of the trip or the other, you could spend a couple of days there, depending on your interests. Go to a bookstore or library and look at travel books to get an idea of what different areas might offer you and what you might be most interested in seeing. To me, Madrid was just another big city with huge stone buildings that lacked personality. Others LOVE Madrid and the museums full of art.
The first time I went to Spain, I knew no spanish. At that time, not many Spaniards outside the city spoke English but the only time we had a problem with that was trying to get train schedule information. I loved Spain so much, I started studying Spanish using Pimsleur's audio cassettes, other language instructional materials, took a class at the local college, etc. It really helps you to get the most of your trip if you can engage the locals even in a limited fashion. Everyone appreciates your efforts.
Do a search on this forum by selecting "Spain" and read the various threads about hazards and delights of travel there, to help you focus.
Buen viaje.
gail
Oct 30th, 2012, 09:02 AM
#4
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Andalusia is VERY hot. WE have been twice in late April and it was already beach weather - well up in the 80s. We ended it in Madrid the very first days of May and the high was about 100.
You can easily do 2 weeks in Andalusia - with perhaps a couple of days on the beach at Marbella. We have done one trip of 10 days and one of 12 days (Andalusia alone - days in Portugal or Madrid were extra) and still have a lot to see and do.
You could add a couple of days in Madrid (IMHO 3 days is plenty including a day to Toledo) or Barcelona (suggest flying to the latter).
In tourist towns English is fairly widely spoken but I would definitely bring a menu reader. Also be prepared for the different schedule of life (lunch at 2 pm and dinner at 10 pm - with nightlife beginning at about midnight). Definitely be sure your hotels have good AC and a pool if at all possible.
You can easily do 2 weeks in Andalusia - with perhaps a couple of days on the beach at Marbella. We have done one trip of 10 days and one of 12 days (Andalusia alone - days in Portugal or Madrid were extra) and still have a lot to see and do.
You could add a couple of days in Madrid (IMHO 3 days is plenty including a day to Toledo) or Barcelona (suggest flying to the latter).
In tourist towns English is fairly widely spoken but I would definitely bring a menu reader. Also be prepared for the different schedule of life (lunch at 2 pm and dinner at 10 pm - with nightlife beginning at about midnight). Definitely be sure your hotels have good AC and a pool if at all possible.
Oct 30th, 2012, 09:19 AM
#5
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
definitely look into adding Madrid to the tail end of your trip. It will be pleasant in May. Unless you're flying out of Barcelona you'll probably be here anyway. We did 3 days which felt just about right when looking back. It's not as laidback as the rest of the country and there is a lot of stress with the euro crisis. Being a capital city we encountered 3 protests in front of federal buildings. That said, those were the only negative things that impacted our stay there. Go for culture, food (you'll be in tapas heaven), nightlife, and of course the architecture. A simple stroll along Gran Via will give you an idea of the latter. Visit the world famous Prado and the royal palace. Relax in the beautiful (and BIG) Retiro Park. Enjoy people watching in any one of Madrid's lively squares like Plaza Mayor or Callao. Thousands of smiling faces make it lively. Madrid also had the most convenient and efficient subway system of any of the places we visited (and we visited a lot) You can take in a bullfight if that's your thing or enjoy a Flamenco show w/ Sangria in hand.
Oct 30th, 2012, 09:22 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
and in regards to your question about Spanish, most of the younger crowd speak it and i do too. (20's and younger) It was usually only older waiters who didn't speak a word of it so don't worry. Just learn some basics and you'll be fine. The people are very friendly and enjoy helping others enjoy their beautiful capital
Oct 30th, 2012, 10:31 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Spring is a wonderful time to visit Andalucia. I visit almost every year for Semana Santa (Easter week) which is generally someitme from mid-March to mid-April. It can actually be chilly and rainy during this period....by chilly I mean mid-60's during the day and low 50's at night. It can be colder in the more mountainous areas than the beaches or inland plains. A couple of weeks after Semana Santa many of the large and smaller towns start their local Feria's - some go into May. Then as kimhe notes May is a great time to visit for the weather and festivals. I've visited three times in the beginning of May and the weather has been wonderful. One trip it was light sweater weather and another in the low 80's, still quite reasonable.
You could easily spend 2 weeks focused on Andalucia. However, if you wanted a taste of Barcelona or Madrid (especially if you need to fly into one) you could do 10 days in Andalucia and 3-4 in Madrid/Barcelona. I wouldn't try to visit Madrid, Barcelona AND Andalucia in one 2 week trip personally as it would be a litte fast paced for me (and also sounds like too fast for your travel style).
For a first trip to Andalucia I'd do a minimum of 4 nights in Sevilla (although you could easily spend a week and use as a base) and 2 in Granada. Cordoba is often done as a daytrip (due to time limits) from Sevilla and can be done this way but if you're visiting in May especially and can budget a couple of nights in Cordoba it's a wonderful stop. There are so many other places to recommend for a first trip (Malaga, white villages, Cadiz, sherry triangle, etc...) but I'd recommend grabbing a book on Andalucia and reading up on what interests you the most as we all have our personal favorites!
You could easily spend 2 weeks focused on Andalucia. However, if you wanted a taste of Barcelona or Madrid (especially if you need to fly into one) you could do 10 days in Andalucia and 3-4 in Madrid/Barcelona. I wouldn't try to visit Madrid, Barcelona AND Andalucia in one 2 week trip personally as it would be a litte fast paced for me (and also sounds like too fast for your travel style).
For a first trip to Andalucia I'd do a minimum of 4 nights in Sevilla (although you could easily spend a week and use as a base) and 2 in Granada. Cordoba is often done as a daytrip (due to time limits) from Sevilla and can be done this way but if you're visiting in May especially and can budget a couple of nights in Cordoba it's a wonderful stop. There are so many other places to recommend for a first trip (Malaga, white villages, Cadiz, sherry triangle, etc...) but I'd recommend grabbing a book on Andalucia and reading up on what interests you the most as we all have our personal favorites!
Oct 30th, 2012, 10:32 AM
#8
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Reagrding temperatures/weather in May, this is the statistics for the past 16 years:
Sevilla (inland Andalucía), highs 75-90F and average 9 hours sun/day.
Málaga (coastal Andalucía), highs 72-80F and average 9 hours sun/day. One day with rainfall pr. week
Madrid, 66-82F, average 8 hours sun/day and two days with rainfall pr. week.
Barcelona: 68-75F, average 8 hours sun/day and one day rainfall pr. week,.
Sevilla (inland Andalucía), highs 75-90F and average 9 hours sun/day.
Málaga (coastal Andalucía), highs 72-80F and average 9 hours sun/day. One day with rainfall pr. week
Madrid, 66-82F, average 8 hours sun/day and two days with rainfall pr. week.
Barcelona: 68-75F, average 8 hours sun/day and one day rainfall pr. week,.
Oct 30th, 2012, 10:53 AM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all SO much! kimhe, thanks especially for the information about all the festivals. May it is, not sure early or late, probably earlier rather than later. And I think I'll start planning an itinerary that has us in Andalucia for 10 or 11 days, and then Madrid for 3 or so. Barcelona will be on another trip.
I'm a big fan of Livemocha for language help, I've used it to brush up on both my French and my German before trips, so I think I'll start studying Spanish there.
As I start to put together an itinerary, I will certainly be back with more specific questions. Next June is our 35th anniversary, and I've been debating the various merits of all KINDS of trips, from Galapagos and Macchu Piccu to Africa to... Spain! I can already tell that this will be a spectacular trip.
Thank you all,
Alice
I'm a big fan of Livemocha for language help, I've used it to brush up on both my French and my German before trips, so I think I'll start studying Spanish there.
As I start to put together an itinerary, I will certainly be back with more specific questions. Next June is our 35th anniversary, and I've been debating the various merits of all KINDS of trips, from Galapagos and Macchu Piccu to Africa to... Spain! I can already tell that this will be a spectacular trip.
Thank you all,
Alice
Oct 30th, 2012, 12:49 PM
#11
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
CathyM has given some excellent advice, as always. And speaking of personal favourites, I have to throw in one for Málaga city, one of my most beloved cities in Spain after 25 years of intensive travelling in the country. A couple of articles:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalis...pleasures.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/200...el?INTCMP=SRCH
And when it comes to Madrid, I've previously posted these suggestions. Could at least help you get started and the imagination going:
Have lunch at Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes in down town Calle Alcalá, 42. One of the city's most emblematic cafés. Grab a window table and watch Madrid life on bustling Calle Alcalá. Take the lift up to the roof topp terrace (the azotea) for the most spectacular views of the city. http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarApl...ntificador=179
Watch the sunset over the Guadarrama mountains from the terrace at El Ventorillo in the Vistillas park. Great pollo al ajillo, some say the best in town. Map, video and some pictures: http://11870.com/pro/restaurante-ventorrillo
Have lunch or some tapas at Casa Granada, on the 6th floor of an apartment building just off Plaza Tirso de Molina. Hard to find and a great terrace. http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Vide...ada-Video.html
Café Central, just off bustling Plaza Santa Ana, is a fabulous jazz venue with live performances from the best artists every night at 10. Entrance 14€. Good food also. Populart, a little further down the street, is also a great place.
Experience world class flamenco at one of the best tablaos. Madrid is arguably the flamenco capital of the world. Although the art form comes from the South (Andalucía), everybody has to conquer Madrid to get to the top. On their way there, or as an opportunity to try out new things and get an up close audience, many of them work the top tablaos. I recommend Casa Patas and Cardamomo, both close to Plaza Santa Ana.
http://www.casapatas.com/
http://www.cardamomo.es/
A stroll in the beautiful Retiro Park. http://www.aviewoncities.com/madrid/parquedelretiro.htm
Asturian Casa Mingo for the best grilled chicken and cider: http://www.casamingo.es/
Watch the video, and you're sold:
http://11870.com/pro/casa-mingo/videos/bc313f19
Txirimiri in Calle del Humilladero, 6 gives you an idea of why the Basque kitchen is considered among the best in the world. In the midst of one of the best tapas/restaurant districts in town, in and around Calle Cava Baja in La Latina.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ri-Madrid.html
I never leave Madrid without having had the squid in its own ink and the famous cod at Casa Revuelta, also in the same district.
http://11870.com/pro/casa-revuelta
You should also try the excellent salmorejo, a somewhat thicker variant of the tomato/vegetable soup gazpacho, in Según Emma just behind the newly reopened gourmet-oriented San Miguel food market. http://11870.com/pro/segun-emma
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ma-Madrid.html
The Reina Sofia contemporary art museum. The second floor with Picasso, Dalí, lots of other painitings, posters, films, photos etc., dealing with a couple of the greatest civilizational breakdowns of the 20th century, the Spanish Civil War and WWII, completely blew my mind off a couple of years ago. And, of course, the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums!
The Rastro flea market on Sunday, just as much about having some tapas and a vermut as about shopping: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/el-rastro.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/journalis...pleasures.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/200...el?INTCMP=SRCH
And when it comes to Madrid, I've previously posted these suggestions. Could at least help you get started and the imagination going:
Have lunch at Café del Círculo de Bellas Artes in down town Calle Alcalá, 42. One of the city's most emblematic cafés. Grab a window table and watch Madrid life on bustling Calle Alcalá. Take the lift up to the roof topp terrace (the azotea) for the most spectacular views of the city. http://www.esmadrid.com/en/cargarApl...ntificador=179
Watch the sunset over the Guadarrama mountains from the terrace at El Ventorillo in the Vistillas park. Great pollo al ajillo, some say the best in town. Map, video and some pictures: http://11870.com/pro/restaurante-ventorrillo
Have lunch or some tapas at Casa Granada, on the 6th floor of an apartment building just off Plaza Tirso de Molina. Hard to find and a great terrace. http://www.tripfilms.com/Travel_Vide...ada-Video.html
Café Central, just off bustling Plaza Santa Ana, is a fabulous jazz venue with live performances from the best artists every night at 10. Entrance 14€. Good food also. Populart, a little further down the street, is also a great place.
Experience world class flamenco at one of the best tablaos. Madrid is arguably the flamenco capital of the world. Although the art form comes from the South (Andalucía), everybody has to conquer Madrid to get to the top. On their way there, or as an opportunity to try out new things and get an up close audience, many of them work the top tablaos. I recommend Casa Patas and Cardamomo, both close to Plaza Santa Ana.
http://www.casapatas.com/
http://www.cardamomo.es/
A stroll in the beautiful Retiro Park. http://www.aviewoncities.com/madrid/parquedelretiro.htm
Asturian Casa Mingo for the best grilled chicken and cider: http://www.casamingo.es/
Watch the video, and you're sold:
http://11870.com/pro/casa-mingo/videos/bc313f19
Txirimiri in Calle del Humilladero, 6 gives you an idea of why the Basque kitchen is considered among the best in the world. In the midst of one of the best tapas/restaurant districts in town, in and around Calle Cava Baja in La Latina.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...ri-Madrid.html
I never leave Madrid without having had the squid in its own ink and the famous cod at Casa Revuelta, also in the same district.
http://11870.com/pro/casa-revuelta
You should also try the excellent salmorejo, a somewhat thicker variant of the tomato/vegetable soup gazpacho, in Según Emma just behind the newly reopened gourmet-oriented San Miguel food market. http://11870.com/pro/segun-emma
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...ma-Madrid.html
The Reina Sofia contemporary art museum. The second floor with Picasso, Dalí, lots of other painitings, posters, films, photos etc., dealing with a couple of the greatest civilizational breakdowns of the 20th century, the Spanish Civil War and WWII, completely blew my mind off a couple of years ago. And, of course, the Prado and Thyssen-Bornemisza museums!
The Rastro flea market on Sunday, just as much about having some tapas and a vermut as about shopping: http://www.madrid-guide-spain.com/el-rastro.html
Oct 31st, 2012, 07:51 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Boy, do I have a lot of things to look at and research to do! I'm starting to think we'll need more than 2 weeks, wonder if I can talk my husband into THAT (I may have to play the 35th anniversary card...).
I do love these forums, I get so much good information from them. I am diligent about posting trip reports after each trip (by way of a thank you), but am quite in awe of those of you who seem to be active on the boards all the time.
Alice
I do love these forums, I get so much good information from them. I am diligent about posting trip reports after each trip (by way of a thank you), but am quite in awe of those of you who seem to be active on the boards all the time.
Alice
Nov 2nd, 2012, 11:33 AM
#13
Join Date: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,297
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I think Cathy and kimhe have given you all the info you need for a great trip at the best time of year (the other month being Oct.) I would also read maribelsguides, I like to read reviews on Tripadvisor to find good hotels.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 09:47 AM
#14
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,699
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In Madrid, I would go on tour a tour provided by the Tourism Board located in Plaza Mayor. I did a tour of historic Madrid and it added greatly to my enjoyment of Madrid-a city which I fell in love with. Also don't miss the San Miguel market for lunch or dinner. Yes, it's full of tourists but you can have a tapas tour around the market and chat with other tourists. Don't miss Toledo as a daytrip or overnight.
As for Andalusia, I would recommend Granada and Sevilla and you must not miss the Alhambra or the Seville Cathedral. If you need recommendations for hotels, I can recommend some cheap but nice options.
It helps to learn some phrases for Spain so glad that you're learning some of them.
I must admit, even though I studied Spanish for 7 years-Spain was never a must-see for me. But after visiting it for two weeks-the food, the hospitality and the sites made me wish I could visit again soon. I still miss the cafe con leche in the morning-Starbucks is not the same. And the bar culture and walking around after 11pm with many other families about.
As for Andalusia, I would recommend Granada and Sevilla and you must not miss the Alhambra or the Seville Cathedral. If you need recommendations for hotels, I can recommend some cheap but nice options.
It helps to learn some phrases for Spain so glad that you're learning some of them.
I must admit, even though I studied Spanish for 7 years-Spain was never a must-see for me. But after visiting it for two weeks-the food, the hospitality and the sites made me wish I could visit again soon. I still miss the cafe con leche in the morning-Starbucks is not the same. And the bar culture and walking around after 11pm with many other families about.
Nov 3rd, 2012, 06:56 PM
#16
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alice, with two weeks I think you should leave Madrid and the surrounding area for another trip. There really is enough in Andalucia to fill every minute of your time. And, it's not too early to start your planning, just be sure that your hotel has good AC. We spent an uncomfortable night in early April roasting in our hotel.
There is so much to see beyond the beauties of Seville, Cordoba or Granada. My DH still talks about our hike down the Rock of Gibralter, a lazy afternoon spent at the Balcony of Europe, and our evening walks along the cliff's edge in Ronda. Andalucia has something for everyone and is at her best when you can take the time to spend a few lazy afternoons just soaking up the atmosphere. What a great way to celebrate your 35th!
--Annie
There is so much to see beyond the beauties of Seville, Cordoba or Granada. My DH still talks about our hike down the Rock of Gibralter, a lazy afternoon spent at the Balcony of Europe, and our evening walks along the cliff's edge in Ronda. Andalucia has something for everyone and is at her best when you can take the time to spend a few lazy afternoons just soaking up the atmosphere. What a great way to celebrate your 35th!
--Annie
Nov 5th, 2012, 07:32 AM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 779
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Annie, I think we can go a few days past 2 weeks(I will have to play the 35th anniversary card, but hey, I'll bet it WORKS), and I WOULD like to spend 3 days in Madrid. After all, our next trip to Spain will likely involve Barcelona and that surrounding area, so this is the best time to see Madrid.
emily71, I'm a BIG fan of tourist bureau walking tours (private ones too for that matter), always informative. We've had several occasions where we were the only ones on the tour - a private tour for very little cost!
Here's a question - is it too early to look for airfare? I like to leave my dates flexible to get the best rates. But that means I can't book hotels (or B&Bs, which we prefer) until I have my airfare booked. Generally, I try to do airfare for a May/June trip in January and start booking hotels in February. Is that too late?
Alice
emily71, I'm a BIG fan of tourist bureau walking tours (private ones too for that matter), always informative. We've had several occasions where we were the only ones on the tour - a private tour for very little cost!
Here's a question - is it too early to look for airfare? I like to leave my dates flexible to get the best rates. But that means I can't book hotels (or B&Bs, which we prefer) until I have my airfare booked. Generally, I try to do airfare for a May/June trip in January and start booking hotels in February. Is that too late?
Alice
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Captpablo01
Europe
9
Oct 15th, 2012 10:55 AM
