Valencia?

You have understood this country is about 2/3 of texas and Santiago is about as far as you can get for Grenada.

Given all of that it is certainly possible and you might like to look at the train system to get to many of these bits rather than automobiles. If that interests you have a look at the spanish train map and prices. http://www.renfe.com/

My suggestion is to base yourself in Madrid in an apartment.Then take trains or cheap flights to where you want to go.I always stay in Madrid because it is the center of Spain and so well connected w/rest of country.I like the idea of being able to leave most of my stuff in one place and just take a carryon for my short trips.When I come back to Madrid,I know I have a place to relax,do laundry and get ready for my next trip out .I always make it a point to visit my favorite city, Santiago-loads of cheap flight-only 1 hr away!

If you have 3 weeks you can hit those places - in 2 weeks it is trying to cover too much. And IMHO if you are headed south it makes little sense to visit Granada and ignore Seville and Cordoba.

If it were me I would spend 4 days in Madrid, 3 or 4 in Barcelona (by train) then hop a budget plane to the south and spend a couple of weeks in Andalusia, which IMHO is the most unique and fascinating part of Spain. (Frankly I don't like Madrid much and find it boring - except for the nightlife - which I'm assuming neither of you is up for.)

Marriott is tied into the AC Hotel chain in Spain, so you may want to start there with your planning. They have hotels at all of the destinations your daughters interested in, but you have to plan you trip according to your transportation needs, short flights vs high-speed rail.

Going by rail can be quicker on some routes (Madrid-Barcelona, Madrid-Valencia) than flying because of the time spend going to and from the airport and the need to be at the airport at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure.

This is all good stuff. I do also like the idea of basing in apartment and going from there - and we could use the points in AC hotel chain.

I prefer rail over flying -

I have heard that about Madrid NY traveler - you are not the only one - no, night life is of no interest to either of us.

The places my daughter said were of interest were just a starting point - I am giving her ownership of part of this - so that there is not "complaining" that can happen (and has) on our two last Europe trips.

I will look into Andalusia - thank you!

Mom:
I am sure your daughter will love the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias in Valencia; a most beautiful city.
Barcelona,Madrid,Santiago,Granada are really charming all of them.
Being in Madrid, you can do beautiful day trips to Segovia, Toledo or Aranjuez,all of them really good places.
If you want, you can take a look ar the report of our visit to Madrid and Valencia(with some notes on Aranjuez and alcalá de Henares) at:
http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/10-days-in-madrid-and-valencia.cfm or by clicking on my name.Count on at least 4 days in Madrid(plus any day trips); 4 days in Barcelona, 2 days in Santiago and 3 in Granada(plus any day trip to any other city in Andalucia); for Valencia no less than 3 or 4 days.
Enjoy your trip!!!!!!!

Santiago de Compostela and Valencia are each a bit of an outlier here.

If you like apartments, and a slow pace then Madrid for 5 days - day tripping to Toledo and Segovia, makes sense, as does 4 or so days in Barcelona.

I concur with Andalucia as probably the best place for a third base - Seville also has many apartment rentals available and day trips can be taken to Cadiz, and Cordoba. Granada, if only for the Alhambra, should not be missed. It doesn't lend itself well to a day trip, but it does have an AC hotel.

Oh, and Madrid has a couple of "decent" museums, in addition to the nightlife, I hear.

In 2-3 weeks

might pick 3 cities more south

for better temps less rain in April

"Green" Spain nice but colder more rain so

Madrid

Seville

Barecelona

for me maybe the Parador at Ronda

nice marriott.com on your points best

www.eurocheapo.com great tips

www.ricksteves.com good tips

Have fun,

Spain is really many countries held together by a geographical and political fiction. While Castilian is spoken everywhere, other regions speak other languages and dialects.

Madrid is wonderful for museums and as a hub to visit the many worthwhile towns nearby.

Barcelona has a sense of design and joie de vivre rarely seen elsewhere. Catalan is based not in Castilian but Provençale.

Moorish Spain is how many people imagine Spain and is deep and rich in Islamic, Jewish, and Catholic history and culture.

They speak Gallego in Santiago de Compostela which is combiantion of Portuguese and Spanish. And due to the Celtic influence, the bagpipes are the regional instrument. It is heartening to watch to watch the pilgrims walk into the main square after finishing The Camino. And if you are there at the right time, you can see the botafumiero, a six foot incense burner swing across the Cathedral. Here is a wonderful hotel in Santiago if you decide to go there.

http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/a-tafona-do-peregrino.en-us.html?aid=306395;label=Booking-En-II-g52dOWxV4BrAybRYE7fWlAS4500589259;sid=10ecc12307dc93e084ae408ba876cb2d;dcid=1;checkin=2012-05-26;checkout=2012-05-27;srfid=a84d2b9eb085e767ed0d9efbaaaa4ca0X33

________________________________

It all depends on what intrigues you and your daughter. The train system in Spain is excellent with some high speed trains connecting some cities. Also look at Vueling and Spanair for internal flights.

If you are in Andalucia during Easter you might have to book hotels early.
Madrid is a great city especially for art lovers....
Spending a couple weeks in Andalucian alone would be missing most of Spain - a very diverse and interesting country.

Right now the plan would be to arrive after Easter - it would be wonderful to be there during that time but crazy and I think miles harder to use - looking into it.

This is wonderful information. Spain is one country that I have not researched too much - so I appreciate it - it is my daughter's choice - excited to start to plan. Lots to look into!

Madrid is wonderful in its small but perfectly formed centre, it has two world class museums, some fantastic building and while I often agree with NY traveler he has it wrong about Madrid. In addtion to the city you can also pop out and see the spanish royal families old palace which just goes on and on and even visit Toledo by bus or train. You may not be a foodie but spanish food is worth understanding to benefit from .

I've never touched the night life but could spend many a week in madrid.

What you do need to know is that the Spanish (particularly in the summer and in the warmer parts) keep very odd hours with a couple of hours sleeping in the middle of the day and eating at 11 at night. It takes a little time to get atuned to this concept.

If you plan on Renfe from Madrid to anywhere and get your tickets on the internet make sure you get Madrid (city) and not Madrid Barrajas (airport) I wanted to go from Madrid to Salamanca on the train, bought my ticket and found out AT THE AIRPORT that my ticket was from the main station. It was pretty hard to talk my way on to the bus in my muy mal y muy poquito espanol!! If you go north to Santiago give a thought to San Sebastian..The north country is beautiful and not drowning in Brits as we found the south.

Re: daughter's hope to study in Spain..You might scope out Salamanca..a university town, not large, well laid out, very historical and from the three weeks I have just experienced there very safe. It is student oriented, small enough to be travelled on foot..2 and 1/2 hOurs west from Madrid. My daughter's classes were from 4pm to 8pm and I went all over the place alone meeting her after 8. I am 80yrs old and NEVER felt unsafe, threatened or stressed. I saw no street people, a few gypsies sitting quietly on church steps with their hand out..but nothing else. I have felt less at ease in Spokane, Seattle, Grand Rapids,Barcelona, Paris etc, etc. When I travel I try to be aware of what's around me, go where people are and have found this much rewarding. I will continue to go until I am heading for 6 feet under.

Madrid has a couple of quite good museums and a fairly charming Royal Palace as well as the Plaza Mayor. But, IMHO after 2 days we had seen what we wanted - and it was hot as hell (98 the first week of May) we actually tried to go home early - but couldn't get seats - so we wandered for one day and did a trip to Toledo (also interesting - but not in the category of Seville or Cordoba).

Not sure - but I just don;t find Mdrid very intresting - despite later business trips with a local to show me the "great stuff" that IMHO was pretty boring. Retiro Park - is just a park - IMHO Central is much more interesting,

If you fly in and out Through Madrid, you will be doing a lot of backtracking. Could you possibly fly into Barcelona and out from Madrid?

I agree with the suggestion to include more of Andalucia instead of Valencia and Santiago which are off you main travel path.

After Easter you could still be in Sevilla for the April fair, which is fantastic. More beautiful horses than I have ever seen in my life.

We did a similar trip last April/ May, visiting Barcelona, Toledo. Sevilla. Granada, Cordoba, and Madrid, in that order. We traveled exclusively by train on tickets we bought in advance at 60%off on Renfe. The Spanish trains are wonderful.

You could easily add Malaga as it is right on the AVE train line from Madrid.

We had a lovely and very inexpensive apartment in Toledo which I can pass on if you are interested. I highly recommend spending a couple of nights in Toledo instead of day tripping from Madrid.

Yes, enzian please pass it along

NYtraveler - my cousin has traveled the world many times over and does not care for Madrid either - to each his own right?

Amcan! You made me smile ear to ear - way to go ! I will look into that as well.

There is a chance I can use a timeshare so we may spend a week in the southern region - I need to nail down the details at least rough and go from there - we might even do a week on immersion classes for her... oh the possibilities. I know it might rain a lot so I have to figure that in too -

A second for Salamanca...a world Heritage city and wonderful college town My favorites in spain for your purposes: Madrid (yes!) Salamanca, Sevilla, Granada, Barcelona. HAve fun. Sounds great!

I also love Madrid, used to visit in the 90's and have come back in the three past years and not only for the nightlife. Have posted some suggestions on this thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/what-to-do-for-3-days-nites-in-madrid.cfm

Andalucía is fantastic, the Phoenician, Roman, Jewish, Muslim, Gypsy and Christian culture and history are everywhere. Both Córdoba, Sevilla and Málaga are connected to Madrid by the high speed AVE train. From city center to city center in almost no time. Buy tickets in advance on renfe.com to save more than 50%.

Info about Andalucía: http://www.andalucia.com/
Sevilla: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/sevilla.htm
Granada: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/granada.htm
Málaga: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/home.htm
Córdoba: http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba.htm

I recommend you to see flamenco in either Sevilla or Madrid! A wonderful art form, and if you know where to go it's hundreds of miles apart from what most foreigners believe it to be and are presented with.

Eva Yerbabuena: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IW3mZNprq0

Barcelona and Valencia can also be reached by the AVE. Valencia has been booming the last decade, and I recommend you to go before "everyone" has been there: http://www.aboutvalencia.com/

And, as noted before, be aware of Semana Santa/Holy Week from April 1 to 8. It's huge in Spain, and especially in Andalucía. Devotion and fiesta hand in hand. In Sevilla you should book accomodation way ahead and expect sky high prices.
http://www.andalucia.com/festival/easter/home.htm

You can see a lot in three weeks but even with that time it would be very rushed to see all you mentioned. I would pick three regions at most and do a week in each. But even the regions are large enough that you probably don't want to do bases and day trips. I know apartments are attractive but they really aren't conducive to seeing a lot of different places. They are great for a week or so in one city but if you are going to do many day trips you end up using a lot of time backtracking to your base. Plus you miss the ambiance of smaller towns at night (when all the 'daytrippers' are gone).

In a week you could see the three highlights of Andalucia - Seville, Cordoba and Granada. And they are well linked by train/bus. The white towns are wonderful but better seen by car as there are fewer bus/train options. Malaga is also wonderful but doesn't have as much historical and visual interest so I wouldn't advise that unless you had already seen Seville and Granada. Granada is a big university town so your daughter might want to check it out.

Someone suggested Salamanca which is also a university town, plus just a very beautiful place. But it's too far from Madrid for a day trip. Toledo and Segovia are possible as day trips from Madrid but a lot of their appeal is the atmosphere they take on in the evenings which you only get by staying there.

Barcelona is of course a fantastic city and worth at least four days.

I would fly into Madrid, spend about three nights, with a day trip to Toledo. Then train to Segovia for a few nights, then bus (I think better than train but check schedules) to Salamanca. Then on to Seville for at least three nights and Granada for three. Many people just go to Granada for the Alhambra, but if you daughter is interested in possibly doing study abroad in Spain she should spend a few days and get the feel of some university towns. I'd probably add one more place in Andalucia - Cordoba or Ronda. Then fly to Barcelona for whatever time you have remaining - hopefully at least four days.

That would give you a taste of three regions, you'd seen (some of) the best cities including a couple of towns known for their universities. You'd have mostly two to four night stays which is better than a lot of one nighters, although still rushed by some people's standards. I would fly out of Barcelona, even if it meant changing planes.

I have trip reports covering all the places I listed, if you click my and scroll back you'll find them. I always decide which places I want to go by looking at photos. Here are mine:
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/spain___segovia_salamanca_toledo
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/sevilla_cordoba_granada
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/madrid
http://www.pbase.com/annforcier/barcelona

Wow great stuff! Isabel thank you so much and thank you for taking the time to map out some kind of itinerary - that is what has left me a little at a stand still. I can fly out of Barcelona - just not direct but if it makes sense 100% that is what we will do.

My daughter gets pretty bad jet lag - so I might spend 4 nights in Madrid to help her get adjusted. The first few days with her in Europe are always rough with sleeping.

Kimhe - such great stuff too. thank you so much -

Everyone thank you for the wonderful suggestions. Now let the planning begin!

Mom, is your daughter interested in studying abroad? If so, really do look at Salamanca. There is a huge American and Canadian SA population there. And though that's not why she's going, it would mean new friends she would feel comfortable with immediately. Beautiful town. (I enrolled in the program there for two months myself, as an adult.)

Kit - yes, she is very interested. What a treat for you to go for two months! I will look into it.

I have to confess this is one of the first times I am 100% overwhelmed with planning a trip - as I am limited on my knowledge of Spain. Before we got to Italy for the first time I had dreamed of going for so long that I had down much of what I wanted to do. This trip is really for her.

I also have been following a family that moved to Spain a number of years ago with their little daughte (motzart) - (on her blog and facebook) and that has given me some idea and she gave me some suggestions as well. (She use to post on Fodors)

Yes, to each his own....but sometimes one wonders .......

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buen_Retiro_Park

Some budget accomodation suggestions that I've been perfectly happy with. Central and safe. All have got basic hotel standard, ensuite bathrooms, safe etc. Well run and helpful and friendly staff.

Madrid, Hostal Persal: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/persalmadrid.en.html

Córdoba, Córdoba Centro: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/cordoba-centro.en.html

Málaga, Hostal Victoria:
http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/victoria.en.html

Sevilla, Hostal Museo: http://www.booking.com/hotel/es/hostal-museo.en.html

Kimhe - that is wonderful - those are the kinds of tips I really need. Thank you!

We and a sister-in-law have stayed at the Persal in Madrid and it is fine and conveniently located.

Don't be so quick to write off the nightlife. For one thing, dinner in Madrid and much of Spain is a pretty late affair, many people go out to eat around 10:00 PM, and not much is open before 9:00 or so. And I loved the late night atmosphere in Madrid in places like the Plaza Santa Ana, where people of all ages, including very young children, are out until the wee hours of the morning, sitting in cafes, wandering around.

And I loved the flamenco I have seen in Madrid on two occasions at Casa Patas, an intimate venue with wonderful dancers and music and very good food (although you don't have to eat there to go to the shows). www.casapatas.com

If you haven't already seen it, there is wonderful information about Spain, including hotel and restaurant suggestions, in Maribel's guide at www.maribelsguides.com

Nikki makes a very good point....night life does not mean just clubs and bars.

It is very common in Spain and Italy to see families late at night having a meal ,
strolling round and ,what seems, rely enjoying the evening outdoors.

Good points Nikki & Danon - I am SURE my daughter would like the night life - she will be 15 at time of travel - oy vey

Hi! I have skimmed over some of the initial suggestions and just adding an encouraging suggestion for keeping Valencia on your list as it is NOT off the main drag and time wise takes the same time it used to take to get to Toledo.

This is a nice interesting easy introduction.. Madrid -Cuenca-( spend the day or overnight)

Cuenca-Valencia

Valencia-Barcelona

Or Madrid-Valencia-Barcelona, ( train) and then FLY to somewhere else( Sevilla/Santiago?) as there are more flights from Barcelona everyplace than Valencia.

The hub around Madrid itself is FULL of interesting smaller towns for day trips or to chill out a day or two.

You will love the North and the South, and the East and the West.

You cannot see all of Spain in that time frame so.. enjoy pinning down a few areas as suggested in all the great posts above.

If you do come to Valencia and want to get together, please let me know. If I am here I would love to meet you and your daughter, and if she wanted I could try to have her meet some local kids.

I could suggest some cooking class while you are in Spain.. or a boat ride.. all this is very easy to do in Valencia, as well as other cities I am sure. Long bike rides in the extended riverbed here are fun.. taking in all the sites along the way.

Have fun planning.

Night life starts after midnight. Most people do not have dinner until 10 PM.

Lincasanova has an excellent point about Valencia. I forgot about the high speed AVE train from Madrid to Valencia, which takes just over 1.5 hours. And it is only 3 tp 3.5 hours to Barcelona from there.

As for dinner inSpIn, we never made it to the "real" dinner after 10 pm, as we quite happy having a nice meal of tapas around 7 or 8.

The apartment in Toledo is Casa de las Mozarabes. If I remember correctly our apartment was 88 euro per night.

Just as a possibility (and because I love this company; I've visited Austria, Switzerland, and Portugal with their services) here's Untours: http://www.untours.com/spainbroker.html I've always loved their location choices and the help without interference that you get.

My absolute highlight of Spain was Granada, but then, the fact that I was there in the summer and it was hotter than hades made it inevitable that I didn't enjoy Madrid as much as I could have.

(Oh, and totally off the subject of Spain, but in response to her interest in wildlife in Costa Rica: my favorite place in South America, the Peruvian Amazon: www.explorama.com ) Not sure if Mom would like it as much as DD, though!

Oh Amy - she would love that - this is what she wanted to go on:

http://www.gobroadreach.com/program-overview-for-primate-studies-high-school-study-abroad-in-panama.asp

This is the one she REALLY wants to go on - we will have to save for the next year and a half to make it happen - http://www.gobroadreach.com/program-overview-for-wildlife-conservation-summer-camp-in-south-africa.asp - she is just getting old enough to get a job - so we want her to have some 'skin' in the game as well...

I was exaggerating a bit about Toledo.. ha ha ha.. but Valencia/Cuenca really ARE on the circuit now with the AVE train.

The Euromed is 3 hours to Barcelona.

If you do keep Valencia in the circuit, please let me know where you plan to stay so I can better weigh the pros and cons for you.

There are numerous language exchange hours at cafés all over most Spanish cities for anyone hoping to use their Spanish here, and at same you will meet some new people while helping them with their English. All ages participate.

MomDD, those trips look awesome! And yes to her helping to pay for it with a part time job--definitely means more when it's your own sweat equity.

Have a lovely time planning for Spain!

There are numerous language exchange hours at cafés all over most Spanish cities for anyone hoping to use their Spanish here, and at same you will meet some new people while helping them with their English. All ages participate.>

Okay this is news to me - can you explain more - how cool!

Dawn:

Don't discount Madrid. I was there in May and loved it.

You can google "language exchange intercambio madrid" putting in whatever city and you will find many, but also walking around coffee houses you can read on their wall and front windows there is usually a poster about "english/french/german night here". Good luck.

I

We are flying into Madrid and will spend 3-4 days min. there at the beginning - my daughter gets horrible jet lag and our trip will be much better if we stay that amount of time where we land. It is also why I want to do the direct flight - it is just easier on all.

Lincasnova - muchas gracias por todo

There are tow AC hotels "near" the train station in Madrid.. the Carlton and the AC Atocha. I sent a friend of mine there this past year ( the Carlton) and she really enjoyed it. I have always loved the AC hotels although sometimes they are not in the exact downtown area. But they have always offered excellent quality/price.

The one in Valencia near the Science center is also VERY nice.

Now that Marriott is running them I imagine they will be fuller than usual. A good move on their part as it has a very reliable reputation.

Just back from Spain last night. Since we are not city people and don't have much knowledge or interest in "art" we found Madrid was not for us, but we did use it to shake off the jet lag too. Since we had expiring Starwood points it also made sense that way, stayed at the Westin Palace. We did love the Royal Palace, but took a day trip to Toledo in the 60 hours we spent there. The Palace was a great location for the art museums but not it the older part of the city that I enjoyed a little more.

We are also Marriott people and used points/certs for AC hotels in Seville, Granada(AC Autograph), Cordoba and then the last night in Madrid before we flew out. DH is plat so we did get some room upgrades along the way and free wi-fi (wee-fee as they say on Spain) but at the regular AC's brekky is not included. The AC Autograph hotels do offer a beautiful breakfast though. If you decide on any of those cities and have questions about the AC's there let me know.

Take it for what it is, but Madrid has just been ranked n. 2 on The Economist's "Globe Shopper City Index".

The index ranks 33 European cities on 22 priorities, including affordability, safety, cuisine, popular events, culture and climate. London is on top, Barcelona on third and Paris on fourth.
http://globeshopperindex.eiu.com/

MomDD - I finally read this thread; I'm so excited for you and your trip.

We recently returned from a 10-day trip to Spain with our 12yo (turning 13yo this month) daughter. We'd been to Barcelona, with our 13yo son, several years previously. On the trip with our daughter, we visited Toledo (we liked, one night only); Granada (we loved the Alhambra, did not like the city); Cordoba (loved the Mezquita, the Roman mosaics in the Alcazar, Casa Andulusi, city was ok); Sevilla (loved the city and the tapas); and to our greatest surprise, really, really liked Madrid. Like you, we'd heard quite a few less-positive comments about Madrid, but it was on our list because we're all big art buffs, and the Prado was a big goal. We loved the numerous plazas with cafes and great people-watching, in addition to the museums. And we enjoyed the tapas culture, too. At some point I'll post a mini-report of our experiences as adventurous but very-little-Spanish-speaking tapas novices.

Hi MomDD!

This sounds like a wonderful trip! DH and I honeymooned in Spain nearly 5 years ago! We stayed in a friend's house in a village outside of Granada, but did some overnight trips and day trips in the region.

We spent the first night in Chinchon, just South of Madrid, on the night before Easter. We had no clue what was going on there (they have a huge Easter celebrations - a big passion play in the plaza, thousands of people attend) and we stayed at the Parador in the heart of it all. I have no idea how they had a room available. It was a real surprise and very exciting!

Check out the Paradors, when looking for places to stay. Most are very reasonably priced. Some of the popular ones (Granada) book up quickly, though, I think.

We also stayed at Paradors in Ronda and Nerja. Loved both places-great towns to walk around, beautiful scenery.

We also did an overnight in Gibraltar, which we thought was fun!

Have a great time planning-we loved Spain and want to get back someday!

DH is plat so we did get some room upgrades along the way and free wi-fi (wee-fee as they say on Spain) but at the regular AC's brekky is not included. The AC Autograph hotels do offer a beautiful breakfast though. If you decide on any of those cities and have questions about the AC's there let me know.>

Thank you! DH is plat as well with them - so hopefully we can get upgraded in some as well. I am SURE I will have questions as this progresses. Will start the serious planning after Thanksgiving.

<At some point I'll post a mini-report of our experiences as adventurous but very-little-Spanish-speaking tapas novices.>

Please do and come back to this thread if you think of it and let me know

Florida - OH MY GOODNESS _ I am embarrassed to say - seriously embarrassed that I had no idea what Paradores were - and had to look it up - I am hooked!!! Talk to me!

MomDD-we absolutely LOVED the Paradores we stayed at!! The one in Chinchon is right off the main plaza and is an old monastery. Our room opened up right onto the main street...we could see the passion play procession going right down the street from our window. It was our first day there and we were kind of jet lagged and it was all kind of surreal, but amazing! We had a charming room - painted doors, the windows were really like doors that opened up to a little tiny balcony like thing, if I remember correctly.

The Paradore at Ronda is right on the gorge and the bridge that leads to the old town. I can't imagine that there is a better location to stay in Ronda. Our room was enormous. It didn't have a view over the gorge, but I'm sure they have ones that do. We had a huge bathroom with a large jacuzzi tub there.

The Paradore at Nerja is more modern, but it sits on a cliff, with a lawn going down toward the ocean and a little elevator to take you down to the beach...little fishing boats on the beach, very picturesque. It was walking distance to the main part of town, too.

I think the Granada one is in the grounds of the Alhambra-hence it's popularity. We went through the lobby and had a drink and snack there on the day we saw the Alhambra (which really is incredible-allot a full day to explore it). I'd lovet to stay there sometime!

We found the service at the front desks to be very helpful and very friendly at all three Paradores we stayed at. All have parking for cars, if you're renting a car. From my experience, I would highly recommend staying at them whenever you have the chance on your visit!

It's funny...a few weeks ago I was digging around in my box of travel articles and information and found my brochure that I picked up there with all the Paradores listed, with photos and other information...DH and I were looking at it and deciding where we'd visit on our next trip to Spain, just based on the Paradores!!

If you have any specific questions about them, just let me know!

Florida - unfortunately I think they might be out of my budget - looking more but it seems they are upward of 250 E a night.

Oh no! Maybe they went up in price...I am pretty sure we didn't spend that much - money was tighter when we got married...I hadn't priced them in a long time. I do know some, probably Granada, were more expensive. This doesn't bode well for my future stays in them either!

I will keep trying - maybe some are less expensive - at a different season that would be fine but this is a budget trip.

I understand completely - I feel badly about giving you a bit of a bum steer!

It is worth checking the paradors via something like booking.com we've often got great discounts for the least good room and then had a free upgrade to a better room. It is worth a try

The paradors vary in price and some of the new paradores are of modern construction. There are no paradores in Madrid, Barcelona, and Sevilla as the system was originally designed to encourage tourism outside the major cities.

The parador in Granada is probably the hardest one to secure a room.

the 5 night card is quite reasonable.. especially for the more rural paradors but may be difficult to access without a car. They turn out to cost about 105E/night.

Re: lincasanoa comments on the 5 night PAradores card. I just came home last week and the card was still available then and best yet you don't have to use it all at once.can transfer it and/or spread it out over a year!!! Am going back to Salamanca for 3 weeks in April and can hardly wait..We stayed at Santiago de Compostella in the Parador for 130E a good price for this lovely place. Paradors.es for info.
Buses are very comfortable and have student rates as well as seniors which I took full advantage of..So much to see, so little time and with the new gov't who knows what will be up and coming for this exceptional country..Have a good time, if you like wine you can buy a great rosa for 3.25E at Carrefours..Sorry but the name flew out the door but the label has several trees on it and one of them is pink. Have a ball with the gal..the bonding will be most of the fun..

That parador in Granada is terribly expensive and you are really far away from the less expensive food options but it did look pretty cool. Before we set up our hotels (mostly on points) we considered paradors and there were some as low as 60-70 euro a night in November so deals can be had. Those real inexpensive ones may be in places you don't want to go however! We signed up as "friends of the parador" on their website and started getting emails with the current deals and friends also get free parking and a welcome drink at the parador. Parking may not matter to you but who would pass up a free drink!

Paradores are lovely but the one in the Alhambra is the most expensive of all, and discounts do not seem to apply. We saved 200 euros in one night by staying next door at the quaint Hotel America, which was 120 euros instead of 320 for the Parador . It was great staying inside the Alhambra for one night, and we did a night visit of the palaces and a walking tour the next day, leaving our luggage at the hotel until mid-afternoon when the tour was finished. We had lunch on the little vine-covered patio and then moved to another hotel for the next two nights.

I'm hoping I'll have time to post about tapas over the Thanksgiving weekend. One thing I loved was that many restaurants serve tapas dishes too, and you can easily mix and match dishes of different size and share them. As my daughter is an adventerous eater, but doesn't have a huge appetite, it worked very well.

Also, I seemed to find, as we looked at paradors, that they were often outside of the city centers. We prefer to be centrall located, so the paradors weren't really an option for us. We stayed in some very interesting small hotels. What kind of hotel prices are you aiming for?

Thank you so much again everyone - I will start to dig in after the Thanksgiving holiday -

Mom

I will ask the editors at Fodor's to forward my e-mail address to you. When you write please put your screen name in the Re: because I try not to open e-mails from unknown sources.

Adu - you can email me - Dawn Noel M at g mail dot com

Bringing this back up - is Morraco safe for a teen and single woman?

If you're considering a daytrip to visit Tangiers I wouldn't bother. If you want to visit Morocco in addition to the places you previously mentioned in Spain (Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Andalucia & Santiago) I assume you found more time than 2-3 weeks. If you have 3 weeks I'd probably stick with the original plan but eliminate Santiago.

Hi Cathy - I am just rethinking the entire thing - I might just stick with southern spain - I can get a week at Marriott's timeshare in Malaga and am thinking of spending a week there and then buidling from there. Have always wanted to go to Morocco but have heard not the best for single woman and teen daughter to travel.

Do you mean you'd still have 2-3 weeks but one week would be at the timeshare in Malaga? I'm not a big fan personally of time shares but if the price is right.....

Yes, still 2-3 weeks but one week based at a Marriott in Malaga - I agree not a huge fan but it is already paid for...and the resort itself appears nice.

If you still want to visit Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia and Andalucia I wouldn't try to squeeze in Morocco. Personally I'd eliminate Santiago as there's just not enough time.

I'd probably do something like (nights are mins but could easily add more time):

-Barcelona - fly into; spend 5 nights
-Valencia - train from BCN; spend 3 nights
-Madrid - train from Valencia; spend 4 nights w/daytrip to Toledo
-Andalucia - 7 nights Malaga timeshare; various daytrips (Granada, Sevilla, Cordoba at the top of my personal list; unfortunately this means you really can't spend the night in any of these great places). I assume you'll also need to rent a car during the time you stay at the timeshare.
-Fly home from Malaga, Sevilla or return to Madrid

This is already 19 nights. If you have 2 more nights you could add Salamanca or add days to the places already mentioned. Personally I'd love to take the 7 nights for Andalucia in the time share and the 2 left over and spend 4 in Sevilla, 2 in Granada and 3 remaining to do several options (explore white villages, Malaga, Priego, Ubeda/Baeza, sherry triangle, etc...).

If you still want to visit Madrid, Barcelona & Valencia I don't see how you'd also fit in Morocco unless it's just a daytrip from the Malaga timeshare.

Are you planning to fly into Malaga? Some flights from the US to Malaga are seasonal.