8 nights in Spain
 

Depart US March 30 arrive in Madrid, March 31- Depart April 8 (8 nights). Prefer not such a structured schedule, but want to see the sights and spend time with our daughter, college student. Southern cities, Seville, Cordova and Granada (or Malaga) are appealing. Thoughts on Valencia? What about 2 days in Madrid, 3 days in the southern area, not sure what city to stay in, with 3 days remaining. Too many cities in 8 nights?

We are doing the exact same thing, and I posted the same questions...I'll follow your post. My daughter loved Granada, spent a whole weekend there. Anything that holds her attention that long must be good.

Yes, it's a bit much. Since you appear to be flying into and out of Madrid, you'll should spend some time there maybe on both ends. That leaves 4 or 5 nights for Seville.

Consider:

1) 2 nights in Madrid, 4 nights in Seville, 2 nights in Madrid (with one day trip - maybe Toledo or Segovia)

2) 2 nights in Madrid, 5 nights in Seville (with a day trip to Cordoba), 1 night in Madrid.

Or something completely different - but limit the number of home bases to two.

You are traveling a week before Semana Santa. It is a good time to catch festivities but a harder time to find accommodations at popular destinations. Even if you are book accommodations as you go type, you should at least check the lodging situations beforehand.

I hope you are aware that you are going during Semana Santa (April 1-8). It's huge in all of Spain, but especially in Andalucía/the South. Here you should book accomodation as soon as possible to find a place that is reasonably central and where prices are not sky high.

People in the streets, bars and restaurants for an entire week of the very Spansih mix of devotion, celebration and fiesta. Should be a great experience, but be prepared. http://www.andalucia.com/festival/easter/home.htm

We are tied to that week due to college break schedule. Would you suggest other areas rather than southern Spain instead?

there ia always Barcelona... 3 hours by train from Madrid.

How about 4 nights Madrid (w/ a day trip) and 4 nights Barcelona?

That frees you up for a proper future 10-12 night trip to southern Spain including day trips to some smaller villages - 4 nights Seville, 2 nights Ronda, 3 nights Granada, 2 nights Malaga - or something similar.

Very much suggest Andalucía during Semana Santa, some days down here at this time could be a huge experience and something to remember.

I would suggest some 4 days Madrid, and four days Andalucía with base in Sevilla. You can go to small and beautiful Carmona just outside Sevilla for a respite if you need one. Málaga on the coast is another option. Serious Semana Santa celebrations here as well, but not as crowded as Sevilla.