Sameer1509

Me and friend are planning on visiting Spain first time for 10-12 days in the month of March. We both are adult bachelors don't want the usual tour package and want to explore the Country by ourselves and hence the self drive. Can any one suggest a rough itinerary with places and what all can we done like adventurous activities, night life, how many days to be spent at which place.
All comments will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

kja

No need to rent a car -- Spain has excellent public transportation, including high speed trains between major cities.

And Spain has so many highlights that a first trip of only 10 to 12 days can, at best, include only a very, very few of it's best sites. It seems to me that you would do well to consult a good guidebook or two.

Good luck!

kimhe

Driving in Spain is very scenic in the North (Pyreenees and the Atlantic coast), in Extremeadura in the west and in Andalucía in the south. Given the time of year, I suggest you do most of your driving in Andalucía. Warm but not to hot, excellent time of year to go here.

In Andalucía you have fascinating big cities such as Sevilla, Córdoba, Granada, Cádiz and Málaga, lots of small towns and villages and great and varied landcapes, both large mountain areas and the long Mediterranean coast. Andalucía could be adventurous activities for a lifetime, and all the nightlife you could want. http://www.andalucia.com/
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/andalucia

Perhaps combine it with a few days in majestic Madrid at the start, the capital and some of the best nightlife in Europe. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/madrid

Then take the high speed AVE train in no time down to either Córdoba, Sevilla or Málaga and start your Andalucía drive/tour from there.

Some ideas outside the cities which are all packed with great tapas bars, cafés, restaurants, theaters and nightlife.

Torcal limestone mountain just north of Málaga city: http://www.andalucia.com/environment/protect/torcal.htm

Medium sized Antequera, the so called heart of Andalucía, just outside Torcal: http://wild-about-travel.com/2011/07...ing-antequera/

If you're up for it, El Caminito del Rey (The king's trail) close to Antequera: http://www.caminitodelrey.info/en/#1

Famous Ronda in the Málaga mountains: http://www.andalucia.com/ronda/home.htm

The great Axarquía region just east of Málaga city, great landscapes and many small towns and villages: http://www.rusticblue.com/andalucia_...a_axarquia.php

The spectacular Alpujarras region South from Granada: http://www.rusticblue.com/andalucia_...alpujarras.php

March is also time for the fabulous annual flamenco festival in Jerez de la Frontera: http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/festi...enco-festival/

You should also know that mid March is time for the excellent Fallas festival in Valencia, but that's in another part of the country: http://www.spanish-fiestas.com/festivals/las-fallas/

Sameer1509

Thanks a lot for your replies. With work and everything getting leaves is a bit difficult but still trying to extend the trip up-to 15 days. The route that I have in mind is Madrid->toledo->cordoba->seville->granada->valencia->barcelona->zarazoga->mardrid. What do you guys think of this?

Number of days in each city is not yet decided but just need to finalise the cities first.

kja

"The route that I have in mind is Madrid->toledo->cordoba->seville->granada->valencia->barcelona->zarazoga->mardrid. What do you guys think of this?"

WAY too much for my tastes; I would want at least 32 days for that itinerary. YMMV.

Try plotting your trip out on a calendar -- mark it with the things you want to see and do, transportation, time to get to/from your hotel and to check in/out, meals, etc. Keep in mind 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.

Good luck!

Sassafrass

Kimhe and Kja have given you excellent ideas and advice.

Did you mean Zaragoza? Were you thinking of driving from Barcelona to Madrid? I have done it, and the drive is not fun or very scenic! I would never do it again!
So, though Zaragoza is a lovely city, unless it calls to you in some special way, skip it and take the fast train between Barcelona and Madrid - that is if you must fly into and out of Madrid.

If doing both Madrid and Barcelona, try to fly into one and out of the other.

If you have only 10-12 days, stick with Andalucia and either Madrid or Barcelona. Do both Barcelona and Madrid only if you have 15 days, and know that it will be rushed, even then.

Personally, I would drop Valencia in favor of Granada.

Sameer1509

Thanks a lot guys. This was really helpful. Will get back once i have something concrete.

Cheers