travel around Spain
Mar 23rd, 2017, 04:46 AM
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travel around Spain
Hi! I will be traveling in to Barcelona on June 1 and out of Madrid on June 11th. After much research and sort of following some of the large tour companies itineraries, we have chosen what we would like to see. I am just stumped at the best way to travel to each of these places as far as the best way to book, deals etc.
We will be staying in Barcelona for the first 4 nights. After that (in no particular order) we would like to see Seville, Granada, Madrid and Toledo. We have to end up in Madrid for our flight out. Can anyone suggest the best route i.e. Barcelona (4nt), fly to Seville (2 nights), train to Granada (1 night), train to Madrid (3nights), day trip to Toledo but possible overnight there (if we chose that then 2 nt Madrid, 1nt Toledo). Or stop at Granada before Seville, which makes more sense? When and where do I book my flight for the best deal and any other advice on that? How should I purchase my train tickets for best deal? When to purchase and what type of ticket is best when traveling this many times?
Sorry if I sound clueless, we have never done this before so any advice is helpful. Just looking for the most cost effective and time conscious way of travel around Spain.
Thank you in advance!
Kristalynn
We will be staying in Barcelona for the first 4 nights. After that (in no particular order) we would like to see Seville, Granada, Madrid and Toledo. We have to end up in Madrid for our flight out. Can anyone suggest the best route i.e. Barcelona (4nt), fly to Seville (2 nights), train to Granada (1 night), train to Madrid (3nights), day trip to Toledo but possible overnight there (if we chose that then 2 nt Madrid, 1nt Toledo). Or stop at Granada before Seville, which makes more sense? When and where do I book my flight for the best deal and any other advice on that? How should I purchase my train tickets for best deal? When to purchase and what type of ticket is best when traveling this many times?
Sorry if I sound clueless, we have never done this before so any advice is helpful. Just looking for the most cost effective and time conscious way of travel around Spain.
Thank you in advance!
Kristalynn
Mar 23rd, 2017, 07:51 AM
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With six nights remaining after Barcelona, you can fly to Granada (2 nights), bus to Sevilla (2 nights) and train to Madrid (2 nights) with a day trip to Toledo, but it's a bit fast paced and leaves you little time to actually enjoy each destination.
Why not just fly to Sevilla for 3 nights and finish in Madrid, saving Granada for another visit?
Why not just fly to Sevilla for 3 nights and finish in Madrid, saving Granada for another visit?
Mar 23rd, 2017, 08:42 AM
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We did a similar trip this past September.
5 nights in Barcelona with a day trip to Girona.
Fly to Granada for 2 nights on Vueling Airlines.
Train to Madrid for 3 nights.. We actually took a bus part of the way and then tranferred to train as the line was not complete to Granda.
5 nights in Barcelona with a day trip to Girona.
Fly to Granada for 2 nights on Vueling Airlines.
Train to Madrid for 3 nights.. We actually took a bus part of the way and then tranferred to train as the line was not complete to Granda.
Mar 23rd, 2017, 08:49 AM
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I spent a good deal of time researching--guide books, Fodors forums, tripadvisor, etc. Booked hotels, admissions, concert tickets, flights, etc. through the websites for each venue. Booked private guides by contacting them directly.
Oh,also, from Madrid we did a day trip to Toledo. Took the train and our guide met us at the train station. Probably should have had one more night in Madrid but we were able to see what we wanted.
And of the big 3 museums we loved the Reina Sofia where wee saw Picasso's Guernica.
Oh,also, from Madrid we did a day trip to Toledo. Took the train and our guide met us at the train station. Probably should have had one more night in Madrid but we were able to see what we wanted.
And of the big 3 museums we loved the Reina Sofia where wee saw Picasso's Guernica.
Mar 23rd, 2017, 11:07 AM
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I'd actually do the whole thing by train but would fly from Seville back to Madrid for your flight home. Barcelona to Madrid by train (less than 3 hours); see Toledo as a day-trip while in Madrid. Train to Seville (another 3 hours); train/bus from Seville to Granada (2 hours). Fly back to Madrid from Granada for the return flight home.
What @benmia says about the train to Granada is correct. While you book a "train" ticket from Seville to Granada, you take the train only to Antequera and a bus into the Granada train station since there are no tracks yet (at least there weren't in October).
I also feel this trip is too rushed, and I'd leave out something, likely Granada.
What @benmia says about the train to Granada is correct. While you book a "train" ticket from Seville to Granada, you take the train only to Antequera and a bus into the Granada train station since there are no tracks yet (at least there weren't in October).
I also feel this trip is too rushed, and I'd leave out something, likely Granada.
Mar 23rd, 2017, 12:26 PM
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I keep thinking that I should take Granada out of this as well. My kids are 17 and 12 and we are very active and like to be on the go, however I don't want to be so rushed that we miss a lot of things in each city. We are not really into museums so we won't be spending much time doing that, but I still am not sure about adding Granada.
Another possible itinerary could be 4 nts Barcelona, 2 nights Seville, 1 night Cordoba, and 3 nights Madrid. Would this be better and other than the Mesquite, what is in Cordoba? Is it worth the extra travel? Just thinking that looks easier to get to then Granada. Or I can just do 4 nts Barcelona, 3 nights Seville, 3 nuts Madrid or 4 nts Barcelona, 2 nuts Seville, 1 nt Toledo, 3 nights Madrid? Open to there itineraries as well. I should also say that we are not opposed to renting a car at some point to travel thru some cute towns. We did this from Nice to Monte Carlo last year and it was lovely seeing all of the charming places along the way.
@ biennia How far in advance should I look into booking the flight from Barcelona to Seville? Do you have a contact of a tour guide? I would like to book one in each city on the first day to just get an overview and then we can choose where to go back to on our own.
Another possible itinerary could be 4 nts Barcelona, 2 nights Seville, 1 night Cordoba, and 3 nights Madrid. Would this be better and other than the Mesquite, what is in Cordoba? Is it worth the extra travel? Just thinking that looks easier to get to then Granada. Or I can just do 4 nts Barcelona, 3 nights Seville, 3 nuts Madrid or 4 nts Barcelona, 2 nuts Seville, 1 nt Toledo, 3 nights Madrid? Open to there itineraries as well. I should also say that we are not opposed to renting a car at some point to travel thru some cute towns. We did this from Nice to Monte Carlo last year and it was lovely seeing all of the charming places along the way.
@ biennia How far in advance should I look into booking the flight from Barcelona to Seville? Do you have a contact of a tour guide? I would like to book one in each city on the first day to just get an overview and then we can choose where to go back to on our own.
Mar 23rd, 2017, 07:43 PM
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This trip sounds unpleasantly rushed to me. Here's what I recommend: Get some good guidebooks (or spend some time with a few in your local library) and plot your wish list on a calendar. Each time you propose to change locations, pencil in your transportation, add some time on either side (for getting to/from your lodging, checking in/out, packing/unpacking, getting oriented, etc.). (Each change of location can be "costly" as it is time that you will not have to see or do anything.) Then see how things fit together. You might end up deciding to cut a destination or two.... BTW, 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.
IME, looking at tour itineraries is generally NOT useful, as (a) many of their "stops" are just drive-bys and (b) they have pre-arranged transportation so you never have to negotiate getting around. IME, independent travel that actually includes seeing the things on a tour agenda usually takes about twice as long as the tour would take.
FWIW, 4 nights is not much for Barcelona. 2 nights is very little for Sevilla. If you want to see the Alhambra, you would be well advised to spend at least 2 nights in Granada, more if you want to see any of the rest of that fascinating city. Cordoba holds one of the world’s most magnificent buildings (the Mezquita). 3 nights I not much for Madrid. While many people visit Toledo as a day trip, I thought 50 hours there barely sufficient for its highlights.
For your transportation options, you micht consult rome2rio.com – just be sure to check anything you learn there, as it is not sensitive to seasonal variation and is not always up-to-date.
Consider skipping either Barcelona or Madrid on this trip -- they are the ones that will be easiest to visit on a subsequent trip, since each has a major international airport.
Good luck!
IME, looking at tour itineraries is generally NOT useful, as (a) many of their "stops" are just drive-bys and (b) they have pre-arranged transportation so you never have to negotiate getting around. IME, independent travel that actually includes seeing the things on a tour agenda usually takes about twice as long as the tour would take.
FWIW, 4 nights is not much for Barcelona. 2 nights is very little for Sevilla. If you want to see the Alhambra, you would be well advised to spend at least 2 nights in Granada, more if you want to see any of the rest of that fascinating city. Cordoba holds one of the world’s most magnificent buildings (the Mezquita). 3 nights I not much for Madrid. While many people visit Toledo as a day trip, I thought 50 hours there barely sufficient for its highlights.
For your transportation options, you micht consult rome2rio.com – just be sure to check anything you learn there, as it is not sensitive to seasonal variation and is not always up-to-date.
Consider skipping either Barcelona or Madrid on this trip -- they are the ones that will be easiest to visit on a subsequent trip, since each has a major international airport.
Good luck!
Mar 25th, 2017, 04:51 AM
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Thank you for the input so far. I think we will do Barcelona for 4 nts (already booked apt), Seville 2 nts, cordoba for 1nt and Madrid for 3 nts with day trip to Toledo and possibly Segovia. Or should I take off the 1 nt in Cordoba and do as a day trip? I am really not great with the logistics of planning the travel. I can choose where I want to go and what I want to see when in each place but the travel and logistics seem to overwhelm me.
As I am writing this I am thinking what will we do with our luggage if we have to check out of a hotel but still want to explore a bit? From my brief research into trains and flights around Spain, it looks a little pricey. At any point in this itinerary would it be wise to rent a car and we could also have a place for our luggage after we check out of hotel if needed. Some of our best memories of vacations are exploring in our rental cars but I've never been to Spain so looking for advice?
I would love if someone could use my suggested itinerary and tell me how they would do this if they were me as far as means of exact transportation. The idea of the car rental excites us if possible but not necessary if it is not reccomenned.
It seems as though most fodorites suggest taking places off and staying a bit longer than we would like in each place. This itinerary is what we have come up with after taking places off and I feel this might be somewhat rushed but not in an unenjoyable way for our family.
Thank you so much for your help! I would not be able to plan this trip without all of the great suggestions!
Kristalynn
As I am writing this I am thinking what will we do with our luggage if we have to check out of a hotel but still want to explore a bit? From my brief research into trains and flights around Spain, it looks a little pricey. At any point in this itinerary would it be wise to rent a car and we could also have a place for our luggage after we check out of hotel if needed. Some of our best memories of vacations are exploring in our rental cars but I've never been to Spain so looking for advice?
I would love if someone could use my suggested itinerary and tell me how they would do this if they were me as far as means of exact transportation. The idea of the car rental excites us if possible but not necessary if it is not reccomenned.
It seems as though most fodorites suggest taking places off and staying a bit longer than we would like in each place. This itinerary is what we have come up with after taking places off and I feel this might be somewhat rushed but not in an unenjoyable way for our family.
Thank you so much for your help! I would not be able to plan this trip without all of the great suggestions!
Kristalynn
Mar 25th, 2017, 08:48 AM
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If you do rent a car, make sure that ALL your luggage will fit in the trunk. Leave nothing visible in the car.
Your trip is short, and your itinerary is fine. Pay no attention to people who say you should spend more time in this or that place. Evidently they haven't read just how much time you have for your whole trip !
Your trip is short, and your itinerary is fine. Pay no attention to people who say you should spend more time in this or that place. Evidently they haven't read just how much time you have for your whole trip !
Mar 25th, 2017, 10:30 AM
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I would probably do Cordoba as a day trip instead of one-nighter, but it depends. If you were only traveling with an overnight bag, that wouldn't be that difficult to move for one night as Cordoba is on the way to Madrid, anyway. It's really your call. When I stay in a place just one night on a longer trip like that, I try to find about any decent 2-3* hotel within walking distance of the train station to stay in, it can make things easier and less time-consuming.
You seem to be overdoing the day trips from Madrid, you are only there 3 days but plan to spend only one in Madrid? Well, sure, if you'd rather see Toledo and Segovia, why not, it's your vacation. I'd probably put Toledo of higher interest than Segovia, if you had to choose, even though I liked both.
People do mainly go to Cordoba for the Meztuiqa, but there are quite a few sites and museums there you can see. I'd recommend the Alcazar as a second site to see.
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/alcazar.htm
Perhaps you haven't traveled much, any hotel should keep your luggage after you've checked out until you fetch it, at least the same day. this is not an unusual request. Of course, that would be if you are going to be in the same area, otherwise that won't work. There is no easy solution as to what you'd do with it, depends on your scenario as to where you plan to be and why you'd do that. I would NOT rent a car and go to tourist sites and keep the luggage in it. But if you must, odds are something probalby won't get stolen if it doesn't look obviously like it has stuff in it.
You seem to be overdoing the day trips from Madrid, you are only there 3 days but plan to spend only one in Madrid? Well, sure, if you'd rather see Toledo and Segovia, why not, it's your vacation. I'd probably put Toledo of higher interest than Segovia, if you had to choose, even though I liked both.
People do mainly go to Cordoba for the Meztuiqa, but there are quite a few sites and museums there you can see. I'd recommend the Alcazar as a second site to see.
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/cordoba/alcazar.htm
Perhaps you haven't traveled much, any hotel should keep your luggage after you've checked out until you fetch it, at least the same day. this is not an unusual request. Of course, that would be if you are going to be in the same area, otherwise that won't work. There is no easy solution as to what you'd do with it, depends on your scenario as to where you plan to be and why you'd do that. I would NOT rent a car and go to tourist sites and keep the luggage in it. But if you must, odds are something probalby won't get stolen if it doesn't look obviously like it has stuff in it.
Mar 25th, 2017, 05:02 PM
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If you do rent a car – and honestly, I would advise against it for this trip – here’s my list of what to do if stopping en route with luggage in your car:
- Don’t ever leave anything in the car that can be seen through its windows
- ALWAYS keep key documents including your passport, cash, and bank cards with you (preferably in a under-the-clothes passport pouch, with only what you need for the day outside of that pouch), and be sure that that pouch also has a copy of any key documents you might need on one or more days
- Don’t ever move things from the interior to the trunk in the place that you will leave the car – do that somewhere else, even if it means pulling off the road briefly a mile or so from your destination
- Try to park in a well lighted area where other people might have eyes-on (not so much because they might act, but because their presence might discourage thieves)
- If possible, park your car in a way that would make it difficult for thieves to gain anything – for example, consider backing the car up to a wall to make it difficult to open the trunk or remove anything from it
- Be sure you know how to contact your rental car agency and insurance agency as soon as possible after any incursion
- Only leave your car with things in it if you are willing to come back and find that they are gone
@ bedar: I can’t speak for anyone else, but I most certainly did take note of the OP’s total travel time. I’m a traveler who prefers to see fewer places with enough time to at least see most of the highlights, rather than seeing more places with insufficient time to see much of anything – JMO. The OP is, of course, free to choose whatever plan seems best.
- Don’t ever leave anything in the car that can be seen through its windows
- ALWAYS keep key documents including your passport, cash, and bank cards with you (preferably in a under-the-clothes passport pouch, with only what you need for the day outside of that pouch), and be sure that that pouch also has a copy of any key documents you might need on one or more days
- Don’t ever move things from the interior to the trunk in the place that you will leave the car – do that somewhere else, even if it means pulling off the road briefly a mile or so from your destination
- Try to park in a well lighted area where other people might have eyes-on (not so much because they might act, but because their presence might discourage thieves)
- If possible, park your car in a way that would make it difficult for thieves to gain anything – for example, consider backing the car up to a wall to make it difficult to open the trunk or remove anything from it
- Be sure you know how to contact your rental car agency and insurance agency as soon as possible after any incursion
- Only leave your car with things in it if you are willing to come back and find that they are gone
@ bedar: I can’t speak for anyone else, but I most certainly did take note of the OP’s total travel time. I’m a traveler who prefers to see fewer places with enough time to at least see most of the highlights, rather than seeing more places with insufficient time to see much of anything – JMO. The OP is, of course, free to choose whatever plan seems best.
Mar 25th, 2017, 07:29 PM
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In Spain, who will need an International Driver's Permit. It is not a license but a translation of your driver's license. Spanish police can get cranky if you do not have one. You can get one at the AAA.
And it is the law in Spain, that if you wear glasses to have a second pair in the car.
I am always on the side of seeing fewer things better. I only rent a car in Spain when we are visiting the countryside, otherwise it is a burden.
And it is the law in Spain, that if you wear glasses to have a second pair in the car.
I am always on the side of seeing fewer things better. I only rent a car in Spain when we are visiting the countryside, otherwise it is a burden.
Mar 26th, 2017, 03:45 PM
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Lots of great suggestions! I know that I can leave my luggage at the hotel after I check out but I was alluding more to the fact if we left that vicinity. Makes sense that I might not want to rent a car for the big cities, I'll take that into consideration as well as the international drivers permit.
@Christina... I think we will skip segovia so we have 2 days in Madrid and one day in Toledo. One day in Madrid isn't enough. I want to reiterate, we are NOT interested in visiting many museums at all. With that said, other than touring the soccer stadium and just taking in Madrid, what other "must do's" are there? I also have booked a 3 hour walking tour of Madrid on the first day to give us a general feel and understanding of the city. Figured from there we can choose what interests us and go back on our own.
Can someone please give me a rough draft of what their itinerary would look like? Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid (day trip to Toledo). We need to start in Barcelona and end in Madrid. Examples of flights, trains, tickets, in what order etc...
Thanks again!
@Christina... I think we will skip segovia so we have 2 days in Madrid and one day in Toledo. One day in Madrid isn't enough. I want to reiterate, we are NOT interested in visiting many museums at all. With that said, other than touring the soccer stadium and just taking in Madrid, what other "must do's" are there? I also have booked a 3 hour walking tour of Madrid on the first day to give us a general feel and understanding of the city. Figured from there we can choose what interests us and go back on our own.
Can someone please give me a rough draft of what their itinerary would look like? Barcelona, Seville, Cordoba, Madrid (day trip to Toledo). We need to start in Barcelona and end in Madrid. Examples of flights, trains, tickets, in what order etc...
Thanks again!
Mar 26th, 2017, 05:04 PM
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Hi Kwar,
My vacation to Spain in September is longer than yours, so I don't know if this will help, but since you ask for people's itineraries, I will give you mine. I hope it will help with your decision making. Firstly, we went to Barcelona in 2010 and spent 5 or 6 nights in Barcelona, 1 night in Cadaques, and 2 nights in Girona.
For our trip this September, we are doing the following in this order:
Madrid - 4 nights
Toledo - 1 night
Córdoba - 2 nights
Granada - 2 nights
Malaga - 2 nights
Seville - 4 nights
I based my decisions on reading many guidebooks (Fodors, Michelin Green Guide, & Lonely Planet) and from getting valuable advice from people on this forum. I feel confident I have a good itinerary planned. The order of our itinerary is based on us flying home from Seville so that we don't have to backtrack to Madrid. We plan on taking the train from Madrid to Toledo, Toledo (via Madrid) to Córdoba, the bus from Córdoba to Granada, the bus from Granada to Malaga, and then the train from Malaga to Seville.
I hope this helps.
My vacation to Spain in September is longer than yours, so I don't know if this will help, but since you ask for people's itineraries, I will give you mine. I hope it will help with your decision making. Firstly, we went to Barcelona in 2010 and spent 5 or 6 nights in Barcelona, 1 night in Cadaques, and 2 nights in Girona.
For our trip this September, we are doing the following in this order:
Madrid - 4 nights
Toledo - 1 night
Córdoba - 2 nights
Granada - 2 nights
Malaga - 2 nights
Seville - 4 nights
I based my decisions on reading many guidebooks (Fodors, Michelin Green Guide, & Lonely Planet) and from getting valuable advice from people on this forum. I feel confident I have a good itinerary planned. The order of our itinerary is based on us flying home from Seville so that we don't have to backtrack to Madrid. We plan on taking the train from Madrid to Toledo, Toledo (via Madrid) to Córdoba, the bus from Córdoba to Granada, the bus from Granada to Malaga, and then the train from Malaga to Seville.
I hope this helps.
Mar 27th, 2017, 05:07 AM
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@karenwoo Thank you for your input! I have traveled extensively through Europe (never Spain) but my husbands company travel agent has planned everything for us. This is the first time that I am planning a european trip on my own and I feel so clueless. Here are my 2 thoughts... option A- I am thinking train from Barcelona to Cordoba, spend one night there. Then either train to seville or rent a car for this part as we really love to explore if at all possible on our family trips. From Seville take a train back to Madrid. Once in Madrid we will take train for a day trip to Toledo but I also thought this might be a good day to rent a car, leave our luggage at the hotel and drive the 46 miles to Toledo and explore on our own. I'm not sure if this sounds totally ridiculous?? option B- Fly from Barcelona to Seville, from Seville train to Cordoba (stay 1 night), train from Cordoba to Madrid, day trip to Toledo from Madrid either train or rent car for day.
Looking for advice as to which makes more sense, how to purchase train tickets i.e. how far in advance, single tickets or multi city passes, where to purchase etc. As you can see, we are trying to fit at least one day of driving in if we can. Some of the best memories our family has are the days we rented cars and explored on our own. My husband is very adventurous so that always makes for good memories!
Thanks again! Keep all your great advice coming!
Looking for advice as to which makes more sense, how to purchase train tickets i.e. how far in advance, single tickets or multi city passes, where to purchase etc. As you can see, we are trying to fit at least one day of driving in if we can. Some of the best memories our family has are the days we rented cars and explored on our own. My husband is very adventurous so that always makes for good memories!
Thanks again! Keep all your great advice coming!
Mar 27th, 2017, 06:48 AM
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I'm not sure it makes sense to take a train from Barcelona to Cordoba because you have to go through Madrid, which adds time. If makes sense if you are traveling to Madrid after Barcelona, however, and you could likely return to Madrid from Seville by train on the day of your flight (or you could book your air tickets to land in Barcelona but return from Seville, which might not cost any more). But if you want to go directly from Barcelona to Seville, it would likely save you time to fly since there are some nonstops, including on Ryanair.
You can buy your train tickets online on the Renfe web site. It will save you considerably over buying them from Rail Europe, which tacks on hefty fees. A rail pass for Spain starts at 195 euros direct from Renfe ($232 from Rail Europe) for 4 journeys. You'd have to price out the individual tickets to know if this is a good value or not. Just remember that if you have a rail pass, you still have to make reservations for the trains you wish to travel on, and you have to do that once you get to Spain, but they are free. If you buy individual tickets, you can get the reservations at the same time.
You can buy your train tickets online on the Renfe web site. It will save you considerably over buying them from Rail Europe, which tacks on hefty fees. A rail pass for Spain starts at 195 euros direct from Renfe ($232 from Rail Europe) for 4 journeys. You'd have to price out the individual tickets to know if this is a good value or not. Just remember that if you have a rail pass, you still have to make reservations for the trains you wish to travel on, and you have to do that once you get to Spain, but they are free. If you buy individual tickets, you can get the reservations at the same time.
Mar 27th, 2017, 07:26 AM
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My trip plans might be even more unhelpful then Karenwoo's, but here it goes, and at least gives you sense of prioritization. We are also not going to Barcelona this trip.
1. Fly into Madrid, and transfer directly via 11am AVE train to Seville
2. Seville - 5 nights, including day or overnight trip to Cordoba via train
3. Granada via 10am Supra Econ bus - 2 nights
4. Madrid via 9am Premium bus - 7 nights including day trip to Toledo via train and one day trip to Segovia (haven't decided bus or train yet)
Our priorities are museums and architecture, as well as food to a lesser degree (we almost went to Lisbon for the seafood instead). So we chose Madrid for the museums, and Granada for the Alhambra, and everything else followed from there. We don't like rushing, unless absolutely necessary, and we like settling in and feeling the rhythm of big cities.
1. Fly into Madrid, and transfer directly via 11am AVE train to Seville
2. Seville - 5 nights, including day or overnight trip to Cordoba via train
3. Granada via 10am Supra Econ bus - 2 nights
4. Madrid via 9am Premium bus - 7 nights including day trip to Toledo via train and one day trip to Segovia (haven't decided bus or train yet)
Our priorities are museums and architecture, as well as food to a lesser degree (we almost went to Lisbon for the seafood instead). So we chose Madrid for the museums, and Granada for the Alhambra, and everything else followed from there. We don't like rushing, unless absolutely necessary, and we like settling in and feeling the rhythm of big cities.
Mar 27th, 2017, 10:36 AM
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Looks like we have some overlapping destinations although I have a little more time on the ground than you and am adding Majorca/Menorca, which is why I've added some additional time 
A few points:
Google train rail lines and Spain. There are some maps where I was able to see the high-speed lines compared to other train lines. That helped me more than the Rail Europe website although I used the website to determine specific lengths of travel between destinations. (I am going from Granada to Madrid for one part of my trip. It isn't completely high-speed so it's going to be a pain.)
Regarding Cordoba...a train from Barcelona for one night in Cordoba to then go the next day onto Seville isn't worth it IMO. Fly from Barcelona to Seville, spend time there, and then take the high-speed train from Seville to Cordoba (less than 1 hr) and visit Cordoba (day trip or overnight up to you). Then take the high-speed train from Cordoba on to Madrid to fly out. One question I have asked the forum (another thread) is whether Cordoba could be a day trip or if one really should stay the night. You might want to check it out if you're considering it. If you decide on a day trip and against a rental car, note there are storage lockers for luggage near the train station. They're off-site but within a block or two of the train station.
Really think about what you want to do in Barcelona. Many people here think you could spend weeks and weeks in that city alone. Only you can decide what's important to your family. Some items will necessarily have to come off the list. One idea - ask your kids to make a list of what they want to see. At their ages, they might surprise you.
A few points:
Google train rail lines and Spain. There are some maps where I was able to see the high-speed lines compared to other train lines. That helped me more than the Rail Europe website although I used the website to determine specific lengths of travel between destinations. (I am going from Granada to Madrid for one part of my trip. It isn't completely high-speed so it's going to be a pain.)
Regarding Cordoba...a train from Barcelona for one night in Cordoba to then go the next day onto Seville isn't worth it IMO. Fly from Barcelona to Seville, spend time there, and then take the high-speed train from Seville to Cordoba (less than 1 hr) and visit Cordoba (day trip or overnight up to you). Then take the high-speed train from Cordoba on to Madrid to fly out. One question I have asked the forum (another thread) is whether Cordoba could be a day trip or if one really should stay the night. You might want to check it out if you're considering it. If you decide on a day trip and against a rental car, note there are storage lockers for luggage near the train station. They're off-site but within a block or two of the train station.
Really think about what you want to do in Barcelona. Many people here think you could spend weeks and weeks in that city alone. Only you can decide what's important to your family. Some items will necessarily have to come off the list. One idea - ask your kids to make a list of what they want to see. At their ages, they might surprise you.
Mar 27th, 2017, 10:48 AM
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One other thought on Cordoba... When I only have a short amount of time in one destination I don't know a lot about and can't see everything I've read in a guidebook, I use Pinterest. It sounds lame but hear me out. There are a lot (probably too many) travel bloggers out there these days. Many post a "top X things to do in whatever city." These pins link back to their blog posts (via the Pinterest app/website so you don't have to worry about viruses). There, you'll find pictures and tips on how they went about the destination. I have found these to be very helpful because I can aggregate so many people's opinions and find the common themes. (If you haven't used Pinterest then ignore this. It's too complicated to learn just for travel ideas.)
For me, in Cordoba, the items I want to see are the Mezquita Mosque, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and Roman Bridge. They appear to be close together but I'm waiting to hear from others on this forum if that's doable as a day-trip, with walking to/from the train station.
For me, in Cordoba, the items I want to see are the Mezquita Mosque, Alcazar de los Reyes Cristianos, and Roman Bridge. They appear to be close together but I'm waiting to hear from others on this forum if that's doable as a day-trip, with walking to/from the train station.
