ebean

Instead of doing the bus/train from Granada to Seville, we are thinking of renting a car and having a day of sightseeing and then dropping the car off on a one-way rental in Seville.

We are very interested in seeing the caves at Pileta (we saw the caves in the Dordogne and they were mind-blowing). and then maybe a walkabout/lunch in a sweet small town then up to Seville.

Looking for itinerary suggestions that make some linear sense (e.g., not waaaaay in a separate direction) as I'm doing all the driving in a stick-shift (my husband doesn't drive stick and automatic transmission is extremely expensive for the 1 day one way rental). we are doing all big towns (barcelona, madrid, seville, granada (not so big?) - with a day in toledo. so a small not-too-touristy place midway maybe post caves would be great.

All ideas welcome. This would be very beginning of October.

Thanks.

bean

Bedar

If you rent a car, be sure to have an IDP (International Driver's Permit). Get it from the Automobile Club, also a free map.

The most important feature of a car is the trunk. Make sure you get one with adequate room for all your luggage. Leave NOTHING visible in the car.

I'd have lunch in Ronda, a pleasant town with good restaurants.

MyriamC

I wouldn't do Ronda. You will have not enough time to see the town.
Since you have to be in Benoaján for the caves, I'd make a stop in Antequera which is pretty authentic. After the caves, have lunch at Al Lago in Zahara de la Sierra. Then further along the A-375 / A-376 to Sevilla.

kja

Ronda is about 1/2 hour by car from the Pileta Caves. Antiquera is more than 2 hours away, and closer to Granada. So one consideration might be whether you want to stop before or after visiting the Pileta Caves. As a fan of cave art, I would make that my first stop, so I could linger as long as I want -- if opening hours permit that -- and then time my visit to another place accordingly. BUT it depends on opening hours (which, of course, can include a LONG siesta), your preferences, etc. JMO.

All of the places on your itinerary are places that I would call cities, but most have relatively small, walkable Old Towns.

IME, Ronda does not take long to see, but of course, that depends on what you want to see / experience and at what pace.

Hope that helps!

ebean

it all does - though i have to figure out how to get an international driver's license. i've driven in france, scotland, germany - have never needed that. hmmm.

kja

If you are in the U.S., as your profile indicates, then getting an international driver's permit is very easy -- go to a local AAA office.

You will need a passport-style photo (but most AAA offices can and will take them), complete a form (where you plan to be, etc.), and pay a fee for the photos and the IDP. Be sure to take your U.S. driver's license with you! I always take my passport, too, just in case there are any questions. You should be able to check the AAA web-site to find the nearest office that provides this service.

Christina

It is NOT an international driver's license although I think I've even seen some countries' websites call it that. It's a permit and is just a translation. I just got one at AAA, it cost $20 but I'm a member, I think it costs more if you are not. The AAA office near me does passport photos very cheap ($3). It's not a big deal to do that, so I bet any place that gives you the IDP will, but check, of course.

It will speed things up if you download the form online and fill it out in advance. You can do this by mail if you have to.

ebean

thanks.

kimhe

Another vote for Antequera, the so called heart of Andalucia or the crossroads of Andalucia. First of the Granada emirate towns to fall to the Christians in 1410 and as genuinely Andalucia as it gets. Here you'll find dolmens (some 5000 years old burial chambers), Roman baths, a Moorish Castle, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and Baroque bell towers.
http://www.wild-about-travel.com/201...ing-antequera/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia/antequera

I can recommend lunch in the restaurant in the corner of the peaceful Escribanos square in front of the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, the first partly Renaissance-style church in Spain (built 1514-1550). Up here it's totally peace and quiet. Next to the recently excavated Roman baths beneath and looking up on the 13th century Moorish alcazaba/fortress. Great views over unique landscapes (the spectacular Torcal limestone mountain, the Peña de los enamorados/Lovers leap etc.) An excellent terrace also. My favourite spot in all of Spain after 30 years of intensive traveling in the country. https://no.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html