RBW

Okay, so I am getting down to the wire... I leave for a wonderful week in Spain with Mom in a few weeks. The plan is to fly to Madrid- (redeye) and head straight to Seville. We will be there for 2 days staying at the Dona Maria and taking in sights. On the third day we pick up a car (avis) and drive to Granada, stopping at El Torcal Park near Antequera. One night in Granada (hotel guadeloupe near Alhambra), then drive the next day to Cordoba, with a stop in Priego de Cordoba. Check out the Mezquita and catch the AVE back to Madrid (two nights Hotel Mora). We then sadly depart for the U.S. I know it is an ambitious itnerary, but we want to see as much as possible without spending too much time in transit. Any suggestions for hidden jewels in any of these places is appreciated.

chris

Be sure to stop in the Arab Quarter when in Granada-it's like being in a foreign country w/in a foreign country. You can have tapas of Arab delicacies and stop into a candlelit teahouse for desert. Try to visit La Carboneria (sp?)in Seville for live flamenco. In Cordoba, check out the gardens at the fortress/castle (forget the correct name now). To me, they were more beautiful than the gardens at the Alhambra. I stayed at the hotel Mora and it is convenient to the subway station whcih should open up Madrid to you. Have a glass of wine at one of the cafes in the Plaza Mayor-site of many inquisition executions, bullfights, etc. You'll love Spain.

RBW

Thanks Chris! I can't wait.

Pat

Will be interested to see how you like it. We'll be in Alicante, south of Valencia, for one week in late September, driving or taking train to everywhere else. Flying into Madrid, first (due to Freq Flyer miles) then heading for several days in Portugal before heading down to Alicante area.

Maira

Try to get to the Cathedral in Granada, and visit the Royal Pantheon of Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand and their daughter (Juana?). There's also an adjacent museum dedicated to them. Truly impressive; I particularly remembered a life-size statue made of King Ferdinand while he was still alive. Interesting to look at it and imagine looking at the real person. Kind of spooky in a way. Traffic in Granada is horrendous, so try to get there really early. The Alhambra is up on a hill, you may even want to drop your Mom first, if need be. Get there EARLY.

Maribel

Ditto the visit to the Cathedral plus magnificent Royal Chapel in downtown Granada! But please take the little jitney to and fro downtown from the Alhambra grounds, just below the main entrance. It's so easy and lets you off at the Plaza Nueva, then a short walk. Departs every 10-15 min. <BR> <BR>Also if time permits, at sunset take Mom in a taxi to the plaza "mirador" in front of the Church of San Nicolás in the Albaicín quarter. The views of the Alhambra from that vantage point are truly stunning. <BR> <BR>And treat your mother to a lovely meal either at the Parador on the terrace (weather permitting ?) or in the pretty, ornate d. rm of the Alhambra Palace Hotel. They have a set menu/ fixed price dinner there which we really enjoyed and found a very good value. Very nice service, and views of the city from the hotel's terrace are also lovely at night. Hotel makes an atmospheric "rest stop" anytime of day. <BR> <BR>And we loved our lunch in Córdoba at "Taberna Casa Pepe" in the Judería near the Mezquita. Can just have tapas or a full meal. Lovely place, creative food, great homemade desserts, including a yummy ice cream made with olive oil! And always filled with locals. <BR> <BR>Have a wonderful time!

RBW

Hi, Thanks to everyone who replied- I love this site! We are staying on the Alhambra hill, so it should be pretty easy and we'll probably pick up our tickets in Seville. Also we were already planning on dinner at the parador, as could not get reservations to stay. It is wonderful to reaffirm ideas and get new suggestions. I am 27 and my mother 53, (and in great shape) so we plan on doing a lot of walking. We even plan on a quick hike in El Torcal Park. She is treating me to this special week and I am doing the planning, so I really hope not to disappoint. We are both so excited. Maribel, the Cordoba suggestion sounds perfect for our quick stop there. So, fodorites, I'll report everything when I get back and- please if you have any other last minute suggestions, keep em coming!

Dr. Ed

We did a similar itinerary last year and had a blast! Just a few ideas... <BR> <BR>1)From Madrid you might do a day trip up to Segovia to see a great castle & huge Roman aqueduct where underneath we had a superb meal at Meson de Candido. <BR> <BR>2)In Sevilla,we enjoyed a historic walking tour w\ wine tasting,tapas & a witty American ex-pat guide Dan O'Burn(sp?) email- [email protected] <BR> <BR>3)Also from Sevilla we did a day trip one hour north to a charming white hilltop village Aracena and ate cured Jabugo ham and bottle of 1995 Rioja Reserva on the main plaza.

Pedro

Close to Doña María Hotel ( the best views over La Giralda tower from the upper terrace ) you have some great places to have tapas: Bar Giralda (my favourite), Casa Robles and Robles Placentines ( you can have tapas or a full meal, good desserts as well ). If you want to change to good Italian food( and not expensive at all ), San Marco Meson del Moro has a superb location within the old arabic baths in Sevilla. Other places to taste local ambient and good food: <BR> <BR>Taberna Coloniales ( Plaza del Cristo de Burgos ) <BR> <BR>Los Cuevas ( Los Remedios ) <BR> <BR>Taberna Sol y Sombra ( incredibly picturesque but far away in Castilla Street, Triana ) <BR> <BR>Sierra Mayor ( close to Plaza Nueva ) <BR> <BR>Have a good time!

RBW

So many amazing suggestions! I've printed all of them more. We'll be certainly be packing it in, but surely well worth it. Always the caveat, so little time...

Linda

While in Sevilla, best tapas and most authentic ambiance, Sol y Sombra in the Triana sector across the Guadalquivir river. Have a wonderful trip. I love SPAIN!!!!!