Montreal or Madrid
Feb 16th, 2015, 09:34 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Montreal or Madrid
Our family, 2 adults and 2 children, ages 13 and 10 just booked a Mediterranean Cruise in August. We are flying from Los Angeles and have an opportunity to stopover in Montreal or Madrid for a few days in route to Barcelona where we will also spend 2-3 days pre-cruise. It would be a little cheaper from a flight stand point to stop in Montreal but hotels appear less expensive in Madrid so it is probably a wash financially. I have never been to either city so I was trying to figure out which city is better for a short stay for teens and tweens. We will mostly like to experience a new culture and site see. If there is hiking or outdoor activity nearby all the better. Thank you in advance for your feedback.
Feb 16th, 2015, 10:50 AM
#4
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 281
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would say go for Madrid, if only because it makes more "thematic" sense with the rest of your trip. It might be nice to experience Madrid and Barcelona and be able to contrast your experiences of the two most popular cities of Spain.
Feb 16th, 2015, 01:33 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 12,018
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Madrid will be hot, but still would be my pick.
Things close during the heat of the day. Plan on dinner starting very late, 8-9 and later in the evening, so be sure to eat lunch and have some snacks for the afternoon if the kids are hungry.
Kids could go rowing in Retiro Park.
Day trip (30 minutes by fast train) to Toledo. Even kids find the cathedral there exciting.
In the evening, there is a little train that circles through the mountains around Toledo and gives you great views of the city. Sit on the right side for the best views.
Day trip (about 45 minutes, as I recall, but not sure) to Segovia to see wonderful old Roman aquaduct, Isabella's castle and great views from the town.
Things close during the heat of the day. Plan on dinner starting very late, 8-9 and later in the evening, so be sure to eat lunch and have some snacks for the afternoon if the kids are hungry.
Kids could go rowing in Retiro Park.
Day trip (30 minutes by fast train) to Toledo. Even kids find the cathedral there exciting.
In the evening, there is a little train that circles through the mountains around Toledo and gives you great views of the city. Sit on the right side for the best views.
Day trip (about 45 minutes, as I recall, but not sure) to Segovia to see wonderful old Roman aquaduct, Isabella's castle and great views from the town.
Feb 16th, 2015, 01:45 PM
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much for the suggestions. I also posted this on the Canadian form. Madrid is unanimous. Also, can someone provide insight on taking the high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. How much does that cost? Is it cheaper than flying? Thanks.
Feb 16th, 2015, 03:49 PM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
You can also look at the long term implication. You have equal opportunities to visit either... now and ok with choosing either one.
What are your opportunities to visit the one you did not visit in the future? I presume it is much easier to visit Montreal from San Diego.
What are your opportunities to visit the one you did not visit in the future? I presume it is much easier to visit Montreal from San Diego.
Feb 16th, 2015, 04:00 PM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,969
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For train prices, look at www.renfe.com. For flying, you can look at several resources. www.vueling.com is one of them. But for train - flying comparison, cost is not the only relevant factor. Look at the whole package. Look at all the cost, all the time required, and all the hassles.
For plane, both airports are outside the city. You need transports to get there. You need time to get there and go through security checks. Trains are city center to city center, simpler security check, and you can walk around during the trip. The seats are much much more comfortable than planes.
For plane, both airports are outside the city. You need transports to get there. You need time to get there and go through security checks. Trains are city center to city center, simpler security check, and you can walk around during the trip. The seats are much much more comfortable than planes.
Feb 16th, 2015, 09:29 PM
#12
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I still can't believe someone included Montreal and Madrid in the same post as a stopover in route to a Mediterranean Cruise out of Barcelona. You would still have a long international flight once you ended you brief visit to Montreal.
Feb 16th, 2015, 10:24 PM
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 23,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'll also "vote" for Madrid, but I think greg raises a good question about your long-term travel plans, not to mention the potential long-term plans of your children. FWIW, I thoroughly enjoyed Montreal; I LOVED Madrid. JMO!
I also think greg offered good advice about transportation. I know I'd go for the train, but YMMV.
I also think greg offered good advice about transportation. I know I'd go for the train, but YMMV.
