Hello,
We're a family of four (two college-age daughters). We've traveled quite a bit together and like a mix of cities and small towns, exploring untouristy places, sitting in squares, people watching, walking (3 of us like hiking), and visiting cathedrals, museums, and other big sights. We usually stay in budget hotels and eat relatively cheaply. To give you an idea of what I don't like -- I'm probably the only person in this forum who really didn't enjoy Prague -- too crowded, stag parties, didn't feel "authentic" at all. Given all of that, I'd love any comments you'd make about the following trip in July. We'll be flying into Barcelona and I'm planning to spend three nights there, then two nights in Zaragoza. Then I'm hoping we can rent a car and spend approx. a week driving southwest, making our way to Extremadura (Trujillo? villages of the Sierra de Francia?) and Caceres, specifically, where we'd spend two nights. (I'm hoping we can drop the car there, but I haven't checked that.) We'll then go to Salamanca for 2 or 3 nights, and Segovia for two nights. Our final stop will be Madrid, where we'll spend 3 nights before flying home. We have a total of 19 nights in Spain.
Thank you for your help!
Please help with Spain Itinerary
Recent Activity
View all Europe activity »
- 1 The Adventure Begins.. Sarge56 in Italy
- 2
Venice - another trip report (deja vu all over again)
- 3 Gatwick Express 5 for 3 -- available at Victoria station or only online?
- 4 Sights to see, places to stop in drive from Edinburgh to London
- 5 How to make a phone call from a pay phone in London to Germany
- 6 Barcelona - eat, drink, dance.
- 7 10 days in Barcelona - itinerary ideas?
- 8 EU Rule On Olive Oil Roils Europe!
- 9
Iwan2go went...to Prague, Salzburg, Vienna and Paris
- 10 10 days in Andalusia in Feb 2014 - best home base
- 11
A bit of Scotland, wing mirror casualty, 7 days in London, and a Fodors GTG
- 12 Which tour company would be best?
- 13 Stay and Visit Italy/Amalfi and Grand Hotel Ischia Lido - Ischia
- 14 I am Planning about to spend holidays at Windermere
- 15 Northern Italy
- 16
May 24, 2013. How to avoid lines in Paris, and other observations
- 17 Spain and Portugal Itinerary 2 Week Vacation Help
- 18 Barcelona neighborhoods and hotels
- 19 When to exchange US dollars to Euros
- 20 Hotel question...first time to Paris!
- 21 France by rail or car?
- 22 Best castle for 7 and 9 year old boys
- 23 Hotels in Sorrento
- 24 Hair cuts in Florence
- 25 private tour from cruise port in Naples
July can be a very hot months.
Most places like Barcelona, Madrid, Salamnca , Segovia ARE touristy because they have so much to offer.
I am not familiar with small towns - maybe something in the less hot North or the Basque country..
I didn't like Barcelona for the same reasons you didn't like Prague. I often describe it to other people as a place where the whole town is having a party I'd rather not be at. However, it is authentic and if you like Gaudi (I don't) you might be more amused.
Given your stated interests, I'm thinking that you might adore a trip through Catalonia, including seeing the Plaza Major in Vic and its other fantastic architecture, and visiting Girona (magnificent cathedral and lovely old town, plus hiking, hiking hiking in the low Pyrenees and visiting some incredible beach towns like Calella da Palafrugell or Cadaques to cool off in July. Much of Catalonia is very untouristy, especially in the hills, but you do have to dodge the crowds along the Costa Brava, so pick your spots. The Rough Guide to the Costa Brava is very good.
I've not been to the other places you are targeting, so I can't compare. But thought I'd share that.
I don't think Madrid is touristy if you avoid the tourist traps, and that is very easy to do. But do avoid them. They're awful. (I don't mean the museums.)
Thanks for the quick replies. Yes, we're prepared for the heat. We spent last July in Greece, and many days it was over a hundred degrees, so I think I know what I'm in for! I'm looking forward to the cities like Segovia, Salamanca, etc., because I know the sights will be worth it. I'll do some more research into Catalonia. In the meantime, if anyone has any ideas about the Zaragoza - Caceres route, I'd welcome them. Thanks.