enjoyinglife

Just booked the flight, but have plenty of time to plan as I am going in November. I don't speak much Spanish. I was thinking of driving around Spain and perhaps going to Portugal and/or Morocco. I enjoy museums, theatre, dance, shopping, nature, etc. Any suggestions on itineraries? Any suggestions for rental car companies? Any assistance is greatly appreciated.

Egbert

Public transportation is excellent in Spain. The country is too big to drive around in with the excellent high speed train and cheap in country flights. Cars are nice to drive around the small towns in Anadalucia or up North but you can get anywhere. You have Madrid, Seville, Granada, Cordoba, Malaga, Cadiz, which is a great first trip. Maybe fly from Granada to Barcelona for a few days and train back to Madrid. If you really want to include Barcelona which I might save for a future trip.

danon

agree with PP

TrvlMaven

I spent a month studying in Spain last summer and would highly suggest using public transportation over driving. Riding the bus (or train) allows you to enjoy the countryside views. If your Spanish is limited--even more reason not to add driving to the mix.

kimhe

Fabulous dance scene in Spain, much based in the flamenco community. You should especially keep your eyes wide open for performances by either Rocío Molina (National Dance Award 2010) and Israel Galván (National Dance Award 2005). They are both paying deep tribute to the flamenco tradition while making it new.

Rocío Molina:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1UppjudfVs
http://www.deflamenco.com/videos/ver...igo=FLA%7C3276

Israel Galván:
http://www.flamencotv.es/es/actualid...-de-danza.html

Among many others, you should also look out for fabulous Joaquin Grilo and Pastora Galván, Israel's sister and voted best female flamenco dancer in 2010 by Spanish critics.

Joaquin Grilo: http://www.flamencotv.es/es/componen...lle-again.html

Pastora Galván in a modernistic tribute to how the older women dance in the Andalusian patios: http://www.flamencotv.es/es/componen...e-pastora.html

The agenda is updated here:
http://www.deflamenco.com/agenda/events.jsp?accion=p

alihutch

You're also more likely to meet people if you travel using public transport

thisblonde

Agree with above statements on public transport - the trains are great to get from place to place. Check out the RENFE website (in English): www.renfe.com for schedules and prices.

I do agree that you should leave Barcelona and points north for a separate trip. It will save you some money and you can concentrate on other areas.

Re: Portugal / Morocco. Know that it is difficult to get to Portugal from the south of Spain (Sevilla / environs). So if you want to go, fly from Madrid. Morocco is easily reached from the south of Spain by flight or by boat.

Around Madrid you have: Segovia, Salamanca, Toledo. Segovia has the aqueduct and a beautiful castle, as well as an interesting old city. Toledo was El Greco's favorite place to paint and has beautiful views and history. Both Segovia and Toledo are good for day trips from the city (spend the night in Madrid). Salamanca is a bit further away - I would suggest spending the night there.

In Andalucia (south) you have a ton of cities to see. I live here, so I am terribly biased Transportation from Madrid to Sevilla can be quick, but also pricey - 2.5 hours AVE high speed train door to door, but between 50 and 80 euros one way. If you take the bus its 20 euros but 6 hours.

Major cities are Sevilla, Granada, Cordoba. Beautiful smaller cities are Ronda, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera. Plenty of tiny beach towns that are reachable by bus for a day trip. The south is steeped in history, so we've got castles and fortresses and mezquitas and cathedrals galore. Depends on what you're into.

Feel free to message me directly if you have any questions!