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Sevilla and Cordoba, how to divide our stay

Sevilla and Cordoba, how to divide our stay

Old Oct 4th, 2013, 09:50 AM
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Sevilla and Cordoba, how to divide our stay

I just booked our tickets to Spain for mid March 2014. March is not our usual travel month to Europe because of the expected cooler temps and shorter hours of daylight ( daylight saving time doesn't occur until March 30 in 2014). However, all that considered, this still seemed the right time to take that long awaited trip to Andalusia and March was the only time we can go next year

We will have 25 nights in Spain, arriving and departing Madrid. My plan was to leave for either Cordoba or Sevilla after arrival and end the trip with a couple of nights in Madrid, a city we visited once previously for several says.

I have read so many favorable comments about Sevilla that I'm wondering if rather than 3 nights in Cordoba and then 5 nights in Sevilla, we should spend one full week in Sevilla and do Cordoba as a day trip. I'm already seeing that I have too many places I want to visit and not enough time unless we make more short stays than I would like.

Would you recommend staying overnight in both cities or can we enjoy Cordoba as a day trip using public transportation? I don't plan to rent a car until we leave Sevilla.

Thanks for any comments that will help get my trip planning started. Deborah
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 10:00 AM
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A night or two will suffice for Cordoba, but you MUST visit Granada !!
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 10:50 AM
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It is difficult to answer, as it really depends on you, but with 25 nights (all for Andalucia and Madrid?), I don't see how you could not benefit by spending 2-3 nights in Cordoba. I actually liked it better than Sevilla (weird, I know).
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 12:23 PM
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Bedar, I plan on visiting Granada for sure, just not sure how many nights to stay there!!

Yorkshire, I appreciate your comments. You were very helpful when I started my research for Andalusia a few months ago. We just got back from a trip to France so now it's time to move on to our Spain trip. I appreciate your comments about Sevilla and yes you seem to be in the minority regarding Sevilla (not that there is anything wrong with that LOL

The two cities are not that far apart in distance, so did you feel they had different "vibes", enough to make an overnight important to capture more of the atmosphere of Cordoba rather than as a day tripper? I'm trying not to make too many hotel/apartment changes. Yes, it is all for Madrid and Andalusia but when I start listing my "like to go to" its Cordoba, Sevilla, Ronda, Costa del Sol, Granada, Madrid--and then thanks to past comments from you, Cadiz and its coastline--something has to get eliminated!! Thanks again, Deborah
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 12:38 PM
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Yes, that's basically it--they felt very different, and with day trips, places often feel so different in the evening. I think the best thing is to peruse a guide book or website featuring Cordoba's attractions and see how many appeal to you. If you are just visiting the Mezquita and walking around the old town, then a day trip is certainly adequate.
One reason I chose to overnight in Cordoba was that I was immediately heading there upon arrival in Madrid after an overnight flight. I felt shaving off that extra hour by train (and staying in a smaller place first) beneficial to my jetlag. good luck!
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 12:46 PM
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Do NOT miss Granada - the Alhambra is unbelievable. I would not spend all the time in Seville - but would divide. Cordoba is wonderful in the evenings - very different than at daytime - and perhaps more views into the gardens/atria of some of the beautiful houses.

Have you checked for holiday dates while you are there - can make the cities madhouses.
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 01:29 PM
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We, too, prefer Cordoba to Seville. You should spend 2 days in Granada, 2 in Cordoba, 3 in Seville (it's larger), and perhaps go to Cadiz, Puerto de Sta. Maria, and Jerez. Ronda can be struck, if necessary, but you should have plenty of time to do all.
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 01:35 PM
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I was glad to have two full days in Cordoba. That could mean either two or three nights, depending on when you travel. Enjoy!
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Old Oct 4th, 2013, 01:37 PM
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Thank you for the comments, I think since our travel dates are March 12 to April 7 we should be missing the holidays and/or festivals , unless there is something unique to Andalusia that I'm not seeing? I've just started my research and although this will be our third trip to Spain, the Andalusia region seems to have a high concentration of sights I consider a "must see" for me yet knowing I won't be able to see all of them. Thanks again, Deborah
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 10:39 AM
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I would spend 5 in Sevilla. 2 in Cordoba and 2 in Granada. Cadiz and Malaga are nice too.
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 11:09 AM
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I agree that Granada is a highlight. Give it at least 2 nights, if not 3, and be sure to reserve both day and evening visits to the Alhambra well in advance.
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 11:15 AM
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Egbert, thank you. I now have several different travel books about Spain from the library along with my own Fodors' and my mind is whirling with Andalusia possibilities

Here is my first effort of an itinerary for 25 nights

Cordoba-3

Sevilla-5 pick up a rental car to somewhere near

Cadiz-5

Ronda-2

Malaga-5 (in or somewhere near)

Granada-2 drop car upon arrival

Madrid-3

I hope to use apartments for the 5 night stays and hotels for the shorter stays.

I appreciate the comments that helped me get started on my trip planning. Keeping in mind it is March/April and not beach weather do you think I'm planning too many days near the Andalusia coast? I thought there would be smaller towns to visit from there as day trips and we do enjoy the quiet of beaches in off season but not if it's too quiet!! Thank you to everyone, Deborah
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 11:15 AM
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OP said " I don't plan to rent a car until we leave Sevilla"

Cordoba is a leisurely drive from Sevilla, you have the option of taking the rather bland and boring expressway via Carmona or - nicer but of course a bit slower - follow the foothills via Lora del Rio (doesn't this sound like the name of some Hollywood star?) and Posadas.

If you leave after breakfast, you can even be in Granada by nightfall if you really only want to dedicate half a day to Cordoba - enough for the Mezquita and a stroll through the old town.
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 11:16 AM
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I'm also one who wasn't that wowed by Seville (maybe it was everyone hyping it up), but really enjoyed Cordoba and Granada. We spent two nights in Cordoba and were very happy we did more than just a day trip. Here is a link to my trip report along with pics. We were there in late March in 2012.
http://www.fromhometoroam.com/catego...ope/andalucia/
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 01:11 PM
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I really liked Cordoba, also, and while I did do it as a day trip from Seville, I would have liked to have spent more time there. I would not change the itinerary to a week or so in Seville and only Cordoba as a day trip. There isn't that much to do in Seville that you need a week to be satisfied, or it isn't that compelling. Of course I'm sure you could find something to do for a week, but it isn't a super huge city, after all (not like Paris or London).
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 01:26 PM
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Thanks for the comments. jgg I remember reading your postings on home to roam in the past. Your photos are lovely and I'm glad to see blue skies in most of them during your March visit

Christina, I know what you mean about staying busy in the large cities and of course the weather is a factor you can't control!! Ron and I just got back this week after 10 days in Paris with beautiful weather and we still had sights we didn't get to--I'm putting them at the top of my list for the next visit. On the other hand, we were 2 weeks in the Burgundy/Jura region before Paris with more rain than sun and were very ready to leave Deborah
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 01:29 PM
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I thought 1 night / 1 day enough for Ronda. I actually left earlier than I had planned because I was ready to move on.

Depending on your interests, you might want a bit more time in / around Madrid. FWIW, I thought Madrid worth 4 full days, Toledo worth 2 full days, Segovia worth 1 full day, etc. I didn't visit Cadiz or Malaga, but would think you could trim there if you want to make more time for central Spain.
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 02:18 PM
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kja, I try to avoid one night stays if possible.

My husband did not "take" to Madrid on our first visit so I was trying to limit our time there for his benefit and to give him a second chance to hopefully see the charm of Madrid.

I'd like him to remember Madrid with fondness so that I can propose another visit concentrating on the places surrounding Madrid that you mention.

Ron enjoys impressive bridges and aqueducts so I think Ronda will appeal to those interests and a reason he would like a future visit to Segovia. Thanks for your comments, Deborah
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 02:31 PM
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Sounds like you have good reasons for your choices! (And thanks for your reply - it's always good to know that a poster noticed one's comments, even if they choose a different course of action.). Just to throw another thought out there, have you conserved Salamanca? Easily worth 2 full days IMO.
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Old Oct 5th, 2013, 03:49 PM
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Madrid is a big city...my husband also did not "take" to the city until we stayed in
elegant Salamanca district north
of Retiro. ...away from strictly touristy areas.
We usually spend four days in Madrid ( we love art museums) , one day trip.


Malaga is a lovely spot...an Andalusian town on the sea.
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