Spain Itinerary

Old May 16th, 2017, 12:06 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Spain Itinerary

I am planning a trip to Spain in August, 2 parents plus 3 young adults. My thoughts were 2 days in Barcelona, 4 days in Malaga and 2 days in Madrid. Thoughts? Also, can you travel by rail from Barcelona to Malaga and Malaga to Madrid?
cballas is offline  
Old May 16th, 2017, 12:26 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 9,613
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That would be a busy trip, particularly the two days in Barcelona and Madrid. August is very hot in Spain and you may wish to move slowly. What are your priorities for the trip - what do you like to do and see? Where are you coming from? If flying in from the US or Australia, you may want some time allotted just to recover from jet lag.
KTtravel is offline  
Old May 16th, 2017, 02:35 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,561
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What's a day? You measure travel by nights spent at X location, not days because you transit between destinations during the day.

Two days could be arrive on 1st, leave on 2nd. Or it could be arrive on 1st, stay on 2d and 3d, leave on 4th because that's two FULL days in the location or it could be something else.

Two nights is not ambiguous.
BigRuss is offline  
Old May 20th, 2017, 06:52 AM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,934
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Barcelona, Madrid and Málaga are all connected through the very comfortable high speed AVE train. From city center to city center in "no time", Málaga to Madrid is for example 350 miles and only 2h 30 mins (renfe.com). Barcelona to Málaga is about 6 hours with the AVE train, so perhaps consider taking one of about ten daily low cost flights between Barcelona and Málaga in 1h 40 mins. The tickets are about 40-60€ (momondo.com).

And hopefully you are in Málaga during the annual city Feria, this year from August 12. to 19. The festival commemorates the re-conquest of the city by Isabella and Ferdinand in 1487. An execllent opportunity to experience the joyful Málaga atmosphere and fiesta spirit, the music, the song, the dance, the Málaga wines and the wonderful food. http://www.andalucia.com/festival/malaga-feria.htm
http://www.malagaturismo.com/en/events/malaga-fair/34
kimhe is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2017, 11:46 AM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the info. We actually have 2 1/2 days in Barcelona and Madrid. Staying in Marbella on the Costa del Sol, just to relax and see some of the city/area. Too bad we will miss the Feria as we will be there the week before. Also, looking for advice on where to stay in Barcelona. I have TONS of Marriott points so need to limit it to one of those properties. Had originally booked in Hotel Arts but have read some reviews that it not conveniently located, not much in the area. Have also booked the Renaissance as it seems more centrally located. We will be seeing the sites during the day but will be looking for restaurants, wines bars and nightlife at night. Thoughts on either of those properties.
cballas is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2017, 12:32 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Don't know how much you know about Spain, but lunch tends to be the main meal of the day (2:00 pm to 4:30 pm), especially in the south during the heat of the summer, and August can be very warm, day and night.

The Renaissance is the rebranded AC Diplomat, renamed by Marriott. It's well located and should be comfortable, but in August I would pick somewhere with a good rooftop pool, not just a terrace, for the children's sake.

You can read Maribel's Guide for her dining recommendations in Barcelona.
Robert2016 is offline  
Old May 23rd, 2017, 02:16 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Also, can you travel by rail from Barcelona to Malaga and Malaga to Madrid?

kimhe has covered it but to further elaborate book really early - months if possible at www.renfe.com (Spanish Railways site) for nice discounted tickets - for lots of good info on Spanish trains check www.seat61.com- great advice on discount ticket booking on your own; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Spain's AVE trains are super-duper high-speed trains rolling along at up to nearly 200mph many places - so once where the 'Pain in Spain was mainly on the train' - it no longer is.

That said 6 hours is a long time for anyone on trains - fly perhaps Barcelona to Malaga then take the train back. But do book early to save lots of money.
PalenQ is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
winniethepooh
Europe
8
Feb 18th, 2017 02:48 PM
2idocs
Europe
5
Jun 14th, 2016 12:56 PM
RBHaaland
Europe
10
Sep 15th, 2013 06:28 AM
tweishuhn
Europe
8
Mar 23rd, 2012 05:07 PM
Tania
Europe
13
Feb 22nd, 2004 05:54 AM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -