Hitashi

We are going to Europe for first time this July for 13-14 days.
We will be spending 7 Days/8 Nights In Italy (Rome, Florence &, Venice). We enjoy Food, Culture, Country Side and Architecture . Really looking forward for a trip with a good mix of touristy city's and small picturesque towns.

We will be doing an open jaw trip - will fly to Rome and fly out of another big airport or vice-versa. We would love to do 1 more country - have been thinking to squeeze in Spain for 5 days/6 Nights.

Our Thoughts:
Barcelona 3 days
Seville 2 days
Is that a god mix to get a decent flavor of Spain in limited days we have in hand?

Or Should we fly into Madrid and then spend
1-2 days Madrid
2 Days in Seville or Cordoba
1 day in Toledo.

Suggestions please? We just want to explore Spanish Culture and do things that will be little different from our Italy Trip.

Hitashi

Also, was thinking of travelling between Rome and Barcelona via overnight ferry (http://www.grimaldi-lines.com/). Has anyone done that? Suggestions?

joannyc

I'd do only Italy. It's only 2 weeks and there is so much within your Italian areas.

I love Spain and am going there again this year. Spain, to me, is "seen" but not even "experienced" in at least 4-5 trips. This year will be parts of central Spain.

Have a great trip!

Cehegin

Either options you mention are good to get a flavour.I wouldnt waste time on the ferry, although I havent done it personally.have a nice trip.
http://theartichokeadventures.blogspot.com.es/

Hitashi

@ joannyc - We are looking to take two small bites instead of one big one.

@Cehegin - Thanks for the tip. Will make sure, travel between countries is spend wisely.

kimhe

Allow at least two days for wonderful Sevilla although it can be very hot in July. Because of the July heat, I would have opted for the Barcelona (on the coast and with city beach) - Sevilla alternative.

Always updated info about Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/

Be sure to visit places outside the beautiful but very touristy Santa Cruz disitrict. Go just a little west/North-west to the atmospheric Arenal area, a little north to the wonderful San Lorenzo district or the bustling Alameda/Macarena areas, or across the famous river Guadalquivir to wonderful Triana, a cradle of flamenco culture.

Hitashi

@ Kimhe - Thanks ! Wow, Santa cruz area sounds exciting. We really want to experience Spain Fiesta's esp the flamenco culture.
Is there a link i can read to get more info Santa Cruz district?

Chicago_Heather

Personally, if you are taking "small bites" with that amount of time and given it's usually more time consuming to get oriented in a big city (and assuming that you'll hope to one day go back and take more bites), I would fly into Granada for 2 nights, then off to Seville for last 3 nights.

Hitashi

@Chicago_heather - I See what you are saying.

If we plan to do a 4 night stay in Barcelona - so we dont have to waste time in check out and check in.
What do you suggest for day trips possibly two ?
Love to experience - local architecture, Hidden gems and Flamenco ?

kimhe

In the Santa Cruz district in Sevilla you could experience real deal flamenco at Casa de la Memória. Intimate and although popular with tourists you would for sure get a feel of the art: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html

Later into the night, you could go to El Rejoneo or extremely popular Casa Anselma on the other side of the river. No need to come before midnight.
El Rejoneo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPZT3ADgWsw
Casa Anselma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw1atBQq_u0

adrienne

<< a trip with a good mix of touristy city's and small picturesque towns >>

I'm wondering why you do not have any small picturesque towns on your itinerary? You've mentioned 5 or 6 cities only.

Hitashi

@adrienne - suggestions please In northern Italy and around Barcelona ?

Hitashi

@adrienne - Can you suggest any picturesque towns in vicinity of Barcelona and/or Venice?