9 day trip to Spain Rioja, Madrid and Southern Spain - possible?
Mar 25th, 2011, 12:42 PM
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9 day trip to Spain Rioja, Madrid and Southern Spain - possible?
I am planning a 9 day trip to Spain in October and we are currently planning of flying in and out of Madrid. We were going to rent a car and drive to the Rioja region for about 4 days and then head back to Madrid. This is where a lot of the questions are popping up. Do we stay in Madrid and just do day trips to Toledo, Seville and possibly Granada? Or do we spend time in Madrid and then drive to Southern Spain for a couple of days and then fly out of Malaga. I would love to hear different suggestions. Thanks!!
Mar 25th, 2011, 01:46 PM
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With only 5 days for Madrid this would be enough time to do a couple of daytrips from Madrid. But I don't see how you could also squeeze in a separate trip to Granada and Malaga.
If you only have 9 days for Spain and are interested in La Rioja, Madrid and Granada/Malaga I think you're going to have to eliminate one of these places. If you think you're ever going to return I'd save Andalucia for another trip where you can spend more time and visit Sevilla, Cordoba, etc....
If you only have 9 days for Spain and are interested in La Rioja, Madrid and Granada/Malaga I think you're going to have to eliminate one of these places. If you think you're ever going to return I'd save Andalucia for another trip where you can spend more time and visit Sevilla, Cordoba, etc....
Mar 26th, 2011, 12:59 AM
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It's perfectly doable. Andalucía in October is as good as it gets. On return from Rioja, two days in Madrid. Then take the high speed AVE train to Sevilla in 2 1/2 hours, stay two days and then go down to fabulous Málaga city on the coast for the final day.
About Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/
And Málaga: http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...ed2/malaga.htm
About Sevilla: http://www.exploreseville.com/
And Málaga: http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...ed2/malaga.htm
Mar 27th, 2011, 07:32 AM
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I agree with Eghbert, 9 days will allow you just about enought time to get a feel of Madrid (4 days) before heading to Sevilla and finishing with two nights in Granada. You should book your return flight from Granada instead of having to return to Madrid.
The Rioja demands at least three days just to find your way around and can be combined with a visit to the Basque country (Rioja Alavesa) and Navarra.
The Rioja demands at least three days just to find your way around and can be combined with a visit to the Basque country (Rioja Alavesa) and Navarra.
Mar 29th, 2011, 06:14 PM
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Thanks for all the responses. I think I have decided to eliminate Southern Spain from this trip and split my time between Rioja, Ribera Del Duero and Madrid (with day trips to Toledo and Segovia). Now the fun begins as I try and decide on specifics! Thanks again!
Mar 30th, 2011, 12:33 AM
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If you go up north, you should consider San Sebastián, the gastronomical capital of Spain. According to the world\s most renowned chef, Ferran Adria at El Bulli, San Sebastian is the best place to eat in the world \in terms of what you get at ant place you happen to walk into.\ http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandsty...rink.shopping2
17 Michelin stars in town, but the most fun might be to go for the famous pintxos. http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en
17 Michelin stars in town, but the most fun might be to go for the famous pintxos. http://www.todopintxos.com/home/home.php?lang=en
