9 Day Trip to Spain - I need some advice por favor! :)
 

Hello all,

So it appears that I will be taking a rather impromptu trip to Spain (along the east coast mostly) with a good friend of mine Sept 4-14th (so only a few weeks from now!) and I was wanting to get some advice on a few things...

We are planning on flying into Barcelona and staying there for about 2 days, taking a train (I believe) to Valencia (staying there for 1 day), then heading down to Almeria where her parent's house is (for 3 days). From there, we plan to head up to Madrid (possibly fly) and stay there for about 2 days, then fly home out of Madrid. We are meeting up in Toronto and flying the main leg together on Sept 4th, but will be flying back separately coming home.

One of my first questions is if this a good itinerary idea? Or should we see something else along the way? We want to stay the longest at her parents house to save money (obviously) so that is to be kept in mind. Secondly, is it better to utilize public transportation while in major cities, then take a train to get from major city to major city? Next, we are already planning on getting a rental car while we are in Almeria because of the location of her parent's house (it's on a hill, windy roads, etc.). We are 22 and 23 years old. Are there any recommended rental car websites? (We are also prepared for a large security deposit because we are underage for renting cars).

Any other advice would be most helpful! Thanks everyone!

Sounds like a fine plan, Barcelona, Valencia and Madrid are fabulous cities and very different. The Almería part may nevertheless be a highlight, the land of the so called Spaghetti westerns (Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Ennio Morricone etc.)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sponsored...Andalucia.html

Some tips:
Barcelona:
Hostal Orleans is basic but great value (ensuite bathroom etc) in the best location. In the great vibe El Born district, close to "everything" and ten min walk from the Barceloneta beach. http://www.hostalorleans.com/index.php?lang=en
El Born district: http://www.barcelona-tourist-guide.c...s/el-born.html

Excellent Madrid guide: http://www.esmadrid.com/en/portal.do

La Perla Asturiana is budget, basic and the best location in Madrid (ensuite bathroom). Close to majestic Plaza Mayor and the vibrant Letras district with great tapas bars, cafés, flamenco venues and jazz clubs. http://www.perlaasturiana.com/

Barrio de las Letras: http://www.barrioletras.com/

According to your itinerary, you'll be in Valencia on the 7th, and head south on the 8th. These days are the major fiestas in Algemesí, a village about 40km south of Valencia and easily reached by train. They make a very interesting procession these days, and the highlight is La Muixeranga (people climbing on each other to form human towers, with traditional music). I would recommend to go and watch it, it's really impressive. They were made Immaterial Cultural Heritage by UNESCO last year and, although they also perform in other towns, Algemesí is their town and this is their fiesta, and it is here that they make their best.

You can watch a video here:

http://www.google.es/url?sa=t&rct=j&...Ubw2DYAAstbctQ

You must drive along the cabo de gatos road down around Almeria. Ii is amazing. you' d be best to get the car when leaving Valencia I think. it can take awhile to get to Almeria on public transportation. nice trip .. might stop at Mojacar's old town in the hills if I were you.

Check several rental car sites but include Goldcar also. they are quite reasonable USUALLY. I don't know if they allow one ways from Valencia to Madrid though, but it shouldn't affect the price too much with most companies.

If you don't mind letting someone drive you, you can share transportation cheaply on www.blablacar.com

Put in Valencia as origin, then Almeria as destination. Might be a done deal.

Your plan sounds good. Usually I'd suggest using AutoEurope, but depending on where you're going in Almeria, you may find an equivalent of our Rent-a-Wreck which won't charge you a very large deposit because of your age. Where is their house, and can't you ask for their help in finding a car ? Depending on where they are, you may not need one.

Possible.. but if keep the car to go to madrid you could make a stop somewhere along the way to make it worth it.