Travel around Spain. Suggestions please!!!!
#1
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Travel around Spain. Suggestions please!!!!
Hi, I'm travelling to Europe next March/April and have just 6 days in Spain before heading to Vienna for a 15 day tour. So far I've booked 2 nights in Madrid and then plan to head to Seville for 2 nights before 2 nights in Barcelona. (Fight to Vienna booked from there). I've never been to Spain and have not travelled alone in Europe so am kinda nervous and unsure of how the transport all works and the best way to travel. Would everyone recommend I go by train from Madrid- Seville? And how should I get to Barcelona from there?? Are there overnight sleeper trains? How easy is it to get tickets on the day of travel, or day before for such trips or do I need to pre book here in Australia? Oh and I have no Spanish!!! Can speak Japanese but doubt hat will be much help. Will I struggle getting around Spain wi no language skills?
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If Madrid is your arrival city from Oz, you'll be so knackered that you need more than two nights there to make it worth your while. The first arrival day will only be a dim foggy memory later - you just have to get through it, trying to keep your wits about you. Try not to sleep during the day (maybe a bit of a nap...) so you won't be "turned around". Whatever you do that first day doesn't count in the big picture. Then you have a night's sleep and a first day where you can do something worthwhile - do you really want to leave Madrid the next day already?
Anyway, www.renfe.es is the website for the trains, they are fast and will get you to Sevilla better than a flight - there are cheap flights but the hassle of having to go back out to the airport etc. doesn't make it a good prospect.
You can book no more than 3 months (I think...) in advance. By doing so you can save some money if you can be flexible, but with your hasty schedule you may want to give preference to the earliest train even if it is not discounted.
There are also coaches - very common in Spain, a bit cheaper but taking a bit longer.
From Seville to Barcelona you want to fly, it's too long a train trip for you with your hasty schedule.
Look at www.vueling.es for fares, and also on www.kayak.com, on www.skyscanner.com, and on www.whichbudget.com
Be sure to read the luggage restrictions - too much stuff and weight and a budget fare is no longer "budget".
Anyway, www.renfe.es is the website for the trains, they are fast and will get you to Sevilla better than a flight - there are cheap flights but the hassle of having to go back out to the airport etc. doesn't make it a good prospect.
You can book no more than 3 months (I think...) in advance. By doing so you can save some money if you can be flexible, but with your hasty schedule you may want to give preference to the earliest train even if it is not discounted.
There are also coaches - very common in Spain, a bit cheaper but taking a bit longer.
From Seville to Barcelona you want to fly, it's too long a train trip for you with your hasty schedule.
Look at www.vueling.es for fares, and also on www.kayak.com, on www.skyscanner.com, and on www.whichbudget.com
Be sure to read the luggage restrictions - too much stuff and weight and a budget fare is no longer "budget".
#3
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You are not taking into account travel time, so you will little time to do whatver you wanted to do. You can spend three days in Madrid and then take the high speed train called the AVE to Barcelona for three days. By taking the train you will go from city to city without losing all that valuable time at airports.
You canh get by in both those cities with little English.
You canh get by in both those cities with little English.
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I'm with IMDonehere - you will lose SO much time to jet lag and travel that I would urge you to consider visiting AT MOST 2 of these cities. Or you could do just one with some day trips (e.g., Madrid with Segovia and Toledo OR Barcelona with Girona and Tarragona).
A good guide book or two will probably prove very helpful to you as you plan.
A good guide book or two will probably prove very helpful to you as you plan.
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Since you are already booked into Madrid and out of Barcelona, there is your trip to Spain. No time for another city, except as a day trip. Take the fast train between them. Don't worry. Madrid and Barcelona are very different from each other so will give you two unique experiences. Very different foods, culture, museums and vibes.
Depending on your exact times, and your level of energy, you could do a wonderful day trip from Madrid to Toledo. It is only a 30 minute train ride and one of the most beautiful small cities anywhere, with one of the most amazing cathedrals in the world. Seeing the Toledo Cathedral, then the Segrada Familia in Barcelona will give you an incredible contrast of architectural styles.
Depending on your exact times, and your level of energy, you could do a wonderful day trip from Madrid to Toledo. It is only a 30 minute train ride and one of the most beautiful small cities anywhere, with one of the most amazing cathedrals in the world. Seeing the Toledo Cathedral, then the Segrada Familia in Barcelona will give you an incredible contrast of architectural styles.
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wildannak,
agree with above comments. Coming from Australia thats moving around too much in 6 days! Since you already booked you flight from Barcelona to Vienna, I would suggest 3 nights in Madrid, then train from Madrid to Barcelona and 3 days in Barcelona. I would not even attempt any day trips from Madrid.
agree with above comments. Coming from Australia thats moving around too much in 6 days! Since you already booked you flight from Barcelona to Vienna, I would suggest 3 nights in Madrid, then train from Madrid to Barcelona and 3 days in Barcelona. I would not even attempt any day trips from Madrid.
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