My fiance and I are currently living in Cairo and are planning to go to Spain August 27 - Sept. 4. We definitely want to go to Tomatino on the 31st in Bunol and it looks like Madrid is the cheapest entry/exit point.

I am looking for advice on the best itinerary that will allow us to see as much as possible without spending all our time on the road/in the train. We like to do outdoor things like camping, hiking, kiteboarding. We both love food and wine so a trip to a vineyard and/or a cooking class would be great.

So far I am thinking Madrid for a couple days, then Tarifa for kitboarding for a day or so then Velencia/Bunol for the festival for two days, then Barcelona and maybe swing through the Pyranees for hiking before heading back to Madrid. Is that too much? Should we cut out the Pyranees? How difficult/easy is it to get around?

Any advice on the itinerary OR places to stay for Tomatina is very much appreciated!

Your proposal won't work - you really need to look hard at the map. In 8 days you'd just be driving from Madrid to Tarifa, then Bunol/Valencia, then Barcelona, Pyrennes and back to Madrid.....

I'm not sure why you'd want to focus on the Tomatino but if this is the case I'd probably just visit Valencia and one other location - perhaps Barcelona or Madrid.

If you want to go to the Tomatino, then you really do need some help.

As CathyM noted, you do not have enough time to cover everything you're listed.

thanks for the input. We are thinking of cutting out Madrid altogether and cutting out the Pyrennes and Tarifa

How easy/difficult is it to get from Barcelona to Velencia? We could fly into Barcelona, head to Valencia after 4-5 days.

Barcelona-Valencia is well-connected by trains.
Check www.renfe.es for timetables and fares.
Special/saver fares "Estrella" or "Web" sell out so the sooner you book the more choices you have.

Another option would be the long-distance bus services.
www.alsa.es

I remember vaguely that one local Fodorite gave lots of helpful information on how to go to Buñol and to attend the fiesta. I think a search for "tomatina" will let you find that or more info.

There are plenty of trains that go to Buñol but start early. You can get your tickets from the machines. They do not take bills larger than 10E. The trains will leave from Valencia Nord station, NOT the new Joaquin Sorolla station.

You will have to dispose of the clothes you are wearing there so perhaps bring a change in a waterproof bag.

Thank you! This is very helpful!