cos8mati

My friend and I are traveling to Spain in mid-October.
We will be arriving in Madrid October 19. Plan to spend one night there and then head by train the next day to Córdoba for two nights, Seville for four nights, two nights in the White Hill towns, three nights in Granada and back to Madrid for four nights.

Question - have I positioned the Hill Towns where it makes the most sense?

What town is a good home base to explore that area? I was thinking possibly Antequera, Malaga, Jerez or Ronda. Looking for suggestions.

On our return I am planning a trip to Toledo. Deciding between a day trip or staying for one or two nights. Suggestions please.

So far we only have our flights to and from New York so any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

aliced

Yes, looks like good schedule; Ronda would be a good base for your two nights, but since you can easily explore Costa del Sol from there , add a third and take one off Granada, it was our least favorite city. Jerez de la Frontera was just ok, we stayed there first night out of Seville. Preferred Arcos & Ronda, wish we could've gotten to Nerja too. After Granada we went to Marbella and loved that town, stayed 2-3 nights just relaxing. Toledo and Segovia are good day trips from Madrid, four nights will give you leeway; we did Segovia instead of Toledo, just didnt want another overnight change as we began in Barcelona.

Bedar

You have allocated your 16 day trip well. I would stay in Ronda for an exploration of the white villages route. Remember that Nov. 1st is a holiday so you'll want hotel reservations. You're going to have a great trip !

kja

I like your plan and think your timing and sequence make sense.

I was very glad to have spent 2 full days in Toledo.

PalenQ

Just a bit on trains -AVE and faster trains have a tiered fare system - the earlier you buy you could save money- check www.renfe.com to book your own ticket. Good sources of info on Spanish trains check www.seat61.com (lots of tips on buying discounted tickets); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Ronda is an exceptionally cool looking city- buses scoot between Seville and the Hill Town and Ronda.

cos8mati

Thank you all so much. Great advice. Fellow travelers are the best resource. I read guide books but they tend to be a little more generic to please everyone. Travelers speak their own language. Thanks again. Any other ideas welcome.

kja

As you plan, 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.

Book your tickets for the Alhambra well in advance.

Enjoy!