Which Itinerary would you choose in Spain
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:17 AM
#3
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Why #2 - I've got to sell the idea to some skeptics tonight! What is there to see, do, etc? We're not big on just wandering around little towns but like to have sites in mind to visit. Thx
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:34 AM
#4
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Seville is hardly a little town. Its population tops 1,000,000 and has numerous sites relevant to Spain's imperial history. Cordoba is a very nice place and was the center of Moorish Spain, thus it exemplifies the merger of Moorish, Jewish and Catholic influences on medieval Spain.
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:40 AM
#5
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Cordoba has the Mezquita, a ninth-century mosque with incredible horseshoe arches, mosaics, etc., etc., that is one of the largest in the world, into which a 16th-century cathedral was built, and the Juderia (I think that's the name), a lovely old quarter of quaint houses on narrow lanes, including the Calleja de Flores (sp?), which is an absolute gem when the geraniums are flowering in the pots on all the walls. And all of the old houses are built around pretty courtyards. It also has the best Andalusian (Spanish with Arab influence) restaurant in the province: El Caballo Rojo, within a few yards of the Mezquita.
Seville is the largest city in Andalusia; its Cathedral is one of the largest in the world; the Barrio di Santa Cruz is similar to the Juderia in Cordoba; the Alcazar is a splendid Spanish/Arab palace with more horseshoe arches, fascinating mosaics, intricate carvings. It's also the best place to shop in Andalusia; it has numerous restaurants and tapas bars.
Ronda is a geographical wonder; there is a deep, deep ravine that divides the old part (worth visiting for the old palaces) from the new part of town. It has the oldest bullring in the world (it can be visited), many restaurants and, I understand, a lovely parador overlooking the ravine (which did not exist when I was in Ronda).
I would also try to fit in a day trip from Cordoba to Granada, to visit the Alhambra, an absolutely wonderful Arab/Spanish palace, with reflecting pools, lovely gardens, more mosaics, more carvings, as well as a round palace built by the emperor Charles V.
(It is best to have reservations for the Alhambra.) And while you're there, have lunch at the Parador de San Francesco, which is in an old monastery within the Alhambra walls.
Having said all the above, this is the "cultural" choice. If your skeptical friends prefer resorts, then you're better off with Nerja and Malaga, but you won't find a great deal to visit in either city...
Seville is the largest city in Andalusia; its Cathedral is one of the largest in the world; the Barrio di Santa Cruz is similar to the Juderia in Cordoba; the Alcazar is a splendid Spanish/Arab palace with more horseshoe arches, fascinating mosaics, intricate carvings. It's also the best place to shop in Andalusia; it has numerous restaurants and tapas bars.
Ronda is a geographical wonder; there is a deep, deep ravine that divides the old part (worth visiting for the old palaces) from the new part of town. It has the oldest bullring in the world (it can be visited), many restaurants and, I understand, a lovely parador overlooking the ravine (which did not exist when I was in Ronda).
I would also try to fit in a day trip from Cordoba to Granada, to visit the Alhambra, an absolutely wonderful Arab/Spanish palace, with reflecting pools, lovely gardens, more mosaics, more carvings, as well as a round palace built by the emperor Charles V.
(It is best to have reservations for the Alhambra.) And while you're there, have lunch at the Parador de San Francesco, which is in an old monastery within the Alhambra walls.
Having said all the above, this is the "cultural" choice. If your skeptical friends prefer resorts, then you're better off with Nerja and Malaga, but you won't find a great deal to visit in either city...
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:57 AM
#6
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I didn't mean to imply that Seville was a small town. If we look at the map, there are towns listed all along route N334 and C341. What I want to avoid is saying - we'll drive around and stop at various little towns along the way.
Sep 21st, 2004, 09:21 AM
#7
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I agree with choice 2. We are leaving Thursday for Paris and then to Andalucia. We researched this trip extensively as it is our first time in Spain. We found so much more if interest in Seville, Cordoba, Granada and Ronda. Try to fit a day trip to Granada to visit the Alhambra - I am told it is a fabulous building.
Sep 21st, 2004, 09:53 AM
#9
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How about Madrid to Cordoba - Seville - Ronda - Malaga - Granada, we did this is reverse in 6 days and saw everything. If you go to Malaga, stay in the Parador Gibralter, it's magnificent. Ronda and Cordoba can both be done as day trips. All are worth seeing!
Sep 21st, 2004, 09:53 AM
#10
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choice 2 for the above noted reasons.
I personally would try to substitute granada for Ronda altogether if that is possible.
Ronda seems to be one of those places you love or dont particularly care for, the scenery is magnificent but it doesnt have much to see (in terms of sights) and is quite touristy.
I personally would try to substitute granada for Ronda altogether if that is possible.
Ronda seems to be one of those places you love or dont particularly care for, the scenery is magnificent but it doesnt have much to see (in terms of sights) and is quite touristy.
Sep 21st, 2004, 10:18 AM
#11
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I should also mention that we'll be travelling a total of 12 days with one day of travel on each end - 10 days to see the sites. However, I absolutely don't want to be unpacking and moving every night to a different hotel.
Sep 21st, 2004, 10:20 AM
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Sorry - I hit post before finishing up. I'm looking at 3 days in Madrid and will have to be back there a day before our flight home since it leaves at 11am...so 7 days to see the sites in Andalusia.
Sep 21st, 2004, 05:56 PM
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IMO: Sevilla and Granada are the two gems in the south. Cordoba has the Mezquita but most of the rest of the town is very similar to Sevilla. Suggestion: take the Ave to Sevilla with a stop en route in Cordoba for about 3-4 hours. Visit the Mezqita. [baggage lockers avail at Cordoba train station]. Go on to Sevilla for 2-3 days. Rent a car at Santa Justa station and drive via Ronda to Granada. Stay there two nights. and then drive or train back to Madrid. forget Malaga.
Sep 21st, 2004, 06:03 PM
#16
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We used Malaga as a base and did day trips to Ronda, Granada, Nerja. Then on our way back to Madrid we spent 2 days in Seville and took the AVE to Cordoba and spent the morning and afternoon there before reboarding the train to Madrid. It was perfect.
Sep 21st, 2004, 07:26 PM
#17
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OK - this is what I think we've hammered out: arrive Madrid and stay 3 days/2 nights; train to Seville and stay in Seville 3 days/3nights; rent a car and drive to Granada. Stay in Granada and do trips to Malaga and Nerja 4 days/4 nights; drop off car and take the train back to madrid for last day/overnight before flying home. That gives us a total of 12 days on the journey; 2 travelling and 10 sightseeing. Now, on to the hotel question! Recommendations for Madrid (thinking of the Rick Steeves' Hotel Europa), Seville and Granada? Gracias!
Sep 21st, 2004, 07:39 PM
#18
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Is there a particular reason you want to see Malaga and Nerja?
Per your plan, maybe drop off the car at Seville and taking the AVE back to Madrid..the train from Granada is quite slower.
Hotels..what is your price range? Some that i have stayed at and enjoyed
Madrid- Palacio San Martin- it is a 4 star but more than worth it. Location is very close to the Puerta del Sol. Good restaurants all around. Nearest metro is CAllao.
Sevilla-Casas de la Juderia. get the car on the way out of Seville. parking will be nightmarish.
Granada-Melia Granada. I thought the location right near the plaza nueva was outstanding.
Per your plan, maybe drop off the car at Seville and taking the AVE back to Madrid..the train from Granada is quite slower.
Hotels..what is your price range? Some that i have stayed at and enjoyed
Madrid- Palacio San Martin- it is a 4 star but more than worth it. Location is very close to the Puerta del Sol. Good restaurants all around. Nearest metro is CAllao.
Sevilla-Casas de la Juderia. get the car on the way out of Seville. parking will be nightmarish.
Granada-Melia Granada. I thought the location right near the plaza nueva was outstanding.
Sep 21st, 2004, 08:07 PM
#19
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Wildfire - thanks for the quick response. We are travelling with two teenaged boys so would need either a quad room or two doubles. Would like to keep the lodging costs below 250e/night. We have starwood points that could be used if necessary at the Westins in the areas. Casas De La Juderia is sold out for our dates already. I've personally enjoyed a mixture of family run, classic 3-Stars and the luxe of a Westin during our trips.
