13 Nights In Spain at the end of December
 

With 13 nights in country, I am still finalizing my route and nights in each location. I am a 62 year old fairly experienced solo traveler who enjoys history, culture, good food and people watching.

Barcelona - 4 nights - arrive 18 December and depart 22 December

Granada - 2 nights - arrive 22 December and depart 24 December

Seville - 3 nights - arrive 24 December and depart 27 December

Madrid - 4 nights - arrive 27 December and depart for home 31 December

I am concerned about how much of Seville will be open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And, will the trains run on a holiday schedule that might make travel difficult?

Alternatively, I welcome other recommendations on how best to route my entire trip - other cities, number of nights per city, etc. My only confirmed plans are arrival and departure cities.

I would add a day to Seville in order to make a day trip to Cordoba.

You could also stop in Cordoba on the way from Granada to Seville
or on the way from Seville to Madrid. Either would be a long day, but it is doable.
Glad you are spending at least two nights in Granada.
From Madrid, be sure to go to Toledo.

I must admit that this trip is faster paced than I would like -- there is so much to see in each of these magnificent cities!

I agree that making time for Cordoba is well worth considering -- the Mezquita is stunning!

For many of us, it is easier to get to Barcelona and Madrid than other parts of Spain because of their international airports, so you might want to consider adding some time to Seville and perhaps Granada, even it if means shortchanging Barcelona or Madrid (to which you can return more easily).

You'll see some wonderful things no matter what you choose!

Sevilla will be fairly quiet on Christmas day, and most restaurants will be closed, but Restaurant Oriza will be open with a special lunch celebration (http://www.restauranteoriza.com/en/l...time-in-oriza/).

You will need to book a table as soon as possible as they are already accepting reservations.