jspires

My husband and I are planning our first trip to Spain in September. We would llike to visit San Sebastian, Barcelona, Madrid, Seville and more in the South. Any suggestions for an itinerary, and method of travel would really be appreciated. We are in our 60's..... fairly fit and willing to drive as long as it is not too crazy. thanks for any info.

Robert2016

You'll only need a car if you plan on exploring some of the villages outside of your main destinations. Everything else can be city center to city center by train.

Since September is a busy month, you should make your hotel reservations as soon as possible, then plan on how you're going to get around.

HappyTrvlr

Be aware that it will still be HOT in Andalusia, Seville, Cordoba, Granada. Perhaps ypu could travel in October for a better weather experience. Or , at least, put Andalucia at the end of your trip. Driving is not problem at all in Spain.

PalenQ

Trains for large cities where cars can be a hassle -for what you want to see trains definitely though once in say Seville and if wanting to drive thru the iconic white villages between it and Ronda rent a car there for a few days though buses go right thru them too.

For lots on trains check www.renfe.com - Spanish Railways official site for booking your own - www.seat61.com - www.ricksteves.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com.

IMDonehere

As noted the trains are the best way to get from city to city. If you see the a train called the AVE, it is hi-speed and will save you some time. It does not run between every city. For example, there is no AVE to San Sebastian/Donostia.

maitaitom

Here's our 2015 Spain trip report (with photos). We visited Barcelona, Granada, a few Pueblos Blancos, Sevilla, Cordoba, Toledo and Madrid. One of our all-time favorite European journeys. Hope this gives you some ideas (and stuff you should book in advance in Barcelona and Granada).

<B>http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/spain-2015/</B>

aliced

Ahh, with three weeks you should be able to go all the destinations you hope; we were there for 17 nights but didnt include San Sebastian, but started in Barcelona. We "trained" from Barcelona to Madrid to Cordoba to Seville, where we picked up a car to go through the Pueblos Blancos to Ronda, then Grenada, then ended up with a few days "chilling out" in Marbella on the coast. Perfect. Favorites were Barcelona, Cordoba, Seville and Marbella.

kja

It depends on your preferences and interests, but I think the idea of visiting each of these destinations in 17 days would be quite ambitious, and as already noted, September can be extremely hot in much of Spain. I would strongly encourage you to identify the things you most want to see in each location, check their opening/closing times on the internet, and mark them on a calendar. Then pencil in your transportation, add some time on either side (for getting to/from your lodging, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, getting oriented, etc.). And 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.

You should be able to have a wonderful trip. Hope that helps!

danon

kja makes a good point.
You will have to do some research on your own first.

steelmagnolia

Hi. We did this last year. Arrived at Madrid and immediately rented a car. Roads are fantastic and easy to ride. Definitely try to stay in los Paradores. Some of them are magnificent castles and old monasteries and very reasonable priced. Become a member via their website and you will get better fares. Sometime we would go to a region and just looked at booking.com and find a good place. We went all around Spain. We even crossed to France and stayed a few days to expereince Lourdes. Ole!

jspires

Thank you all so much for your tips and advice. This really helps to give me a focus for planning our trip! Am so excited to experience Spain!

PalenQ

If renting car get the International Drivers' Permit from your local AAA -think is required in Spain.