jci

We're planning a trip to Spain for the week before Easter for 8 days. My husband and I have been to Andalusia (but not Cordoba), Barcelona, and Bilbao/San Sebastian. We're traveling with our kids (7 and 9) this time and thought we'd focus on Madrid and Castile Leon. Our kids can handle some museums but will probably be more into castles. We'd also like to see some Jewish historical sites and some of the Semana Santa events. We also don't want to move hotels every night. Below is our planned itinerary so far. Any advice on whether we're allotting too much or too little time in any place or whether we're missing any towns we should see would be appreciated. Also, we haven't yet looked into staying in a castle, but if we could work that in, that would be a plus.

Arrive Saturday, stay Saturday night through Wednesday night at Artrip hotel in Madrid, see Madrid for 2 days, do day trips from Madrid to Segovia, Avila and/or Salamanca

Train to Cordoba from Madrid. Stay in Cordoba Thursday and Friday nights (need suggestions for hotels with quad rooms or apartments)

Train from Cordoba back to Madrid, train to Toledo. Stay in Toledo Friday and Saturday nights at Apartamentos Cueva de Hercules III.

IMDonehere

Cordoba and Toledo are excellent for Spanish-Jewish history.

The parador in Toledo has a stunning vista of the city. The parador in Avila will give you the impression you are staying in a castle. With two kids that age, I would not want to move that much.

kja

Two days is not much for Madrid, particularly if you might be dealing with jet lag upon arrival.

I enjoyed a full day in Segovia and the better part of a day in Avila, but many people see them both in a single day trip from Madrid.

I thought Salamanca deserved 2 full days. It is lovely and holds a great deal of interest. I must admit that I can't imagine trying to see it as a day trip from Madrid.

I think giving both Cordoba and Toledo 2 nights is a great idea -- each city has a lot to offer.

IMDonehere

BTW, one city with a incredibly rich Jewish history is Girona. It was the world center for Kabbalah in the 12th and 13th cent. But that is on the other end of Spain.

jci

Thanks for the tips. If we had to drop one town out of Avila, Segovia, and Salamanca to get more time in Madrid, would Avila be the one to miss? Is the Sierra de Gredos Regional Reserve near Avila a good choice for kids and can you reach it by train or by bus?

Bedar

You can skip Avila. It's basically a drive-by on the way to Salamanca. You can see the walls from the highway.

IMDonehere

I have not been in Avila in many years, do they still let you climb the turrets? If yes, than Avila would be a fun stop for the boys.

Salamanca has one of the most beautiful plaza mayors in Spain. But do not skip Segovia with the old synagouge, the Roman aqueduct, the Alcazar, and the Cathedral.

Aramis

Of those three options - Avila is definitely the one to skip.

wildannak

What exact dates are you in Madrid? I'm travelling alone and will be there March 23-25th if you guys happen to be up for a tapas or coffee?

kja

If I were to skip just one of Segovia, Avila, or Salamanca as a day trip from Madrid, I would skip Salamanca -- it is IMO too far and too filled with places of interest to be amenable to visiting as a day trip. Just my opinion.