John

I'd like to plan a trip to Spain for either August or next June. As a novice European traveller, does anyone have any advice for particular places to visit, where to stay, etc? I'd like to plan on 8-10 days there and hit most of the major cities (madrid, seville, toledo, granada, barcelona), unless advised not to do so. Kind of a broad request, but any ideas are appreciated. <BR> <BR>John

David

John <BR> <BR>8-10 days in Spain! <BR> <BR>As far as I am concerned, and this is only my opinion of course, that is only enough time to see Madrid with day trips to Toledo, Segovia, Avila, El Escorial etc. To see Sevilla you will need at least 3 days. Granada at least 2-3 days. Barcelona at least 2-3 days. And that doesn't include travelling time, and only covers a small porportion of Spain. <BR> <BR>My recommendation to you, as it is to every-one else, and as I apply to my own planning is "Quality not quantity" as Europe is not going any-where and can always be visited again. <BR> <BR>I suggest that you look at the follwing sites for further information: <BR> <BR> <BR>http://www.andalucia.org/Web/enghomepage.jsp <BR>http://www.madridman.com/ <BR>http://tuspain.com/travel/travel.htm <BR>http://www.renfe.es/renfe1/homglish.htm <BR> <BR>They will help a little. <BR> <BR>Whatever you decide - enjoy Spain <BR> <BR>David <BR>

kristi

First of all you might want to plan for June, a lot of restaurants and shops close in August as that's when they seem to travel. We've been in late May and early September, both excellent times to visit. <BR> <BR>With 8-10 days, I would probably skip Barcelona and save it for another trip. It's a fabulous city but it takes a long time to get there from Madrid unless you fly and I would advise visiting there for at least three days. There are plenty of places to see in southern Spain, we spent 12 days there and left without seeing everything that we wanted to. <BR> <BR>I have to respectfully disagree with David about only focusing on the area around Madrid, it would be a shame to be that close to Seville and skip it. Seville is only 2 1/2 hours by AVE train from Madrid. And I thought the Alhambra in Granada was one of the highlights of our trip. You might be able to see it on a day trip from Seville but I'm not sure. <BR> <BR>I would spend at least a couple of days in Madrid, one to wander around and recover from jet lag, one to see the Prado, palace, etc., take a day trip to Toledo on day three, another day trip from Madrid on day four, day 5 and 6 in Seville, day 7 for Granada, day 8 for Cordoba (easy day trip from Seville, 1/2 hour by AVE train). If you end up with more days, you could add another day trip from Madrid or spend an extra night in Granada.

Cis

I agree that the south of Spain is the best if you donīt know anything, I also would skeep Barcelona. I recomend that if you do the south you begin wiht Sevilla, then Cordoba and then Granada. Itīs important otherwise you wonīt enjoy Sevilla the same because Granada it's too beautiful. (the best for me). Arround Madrid the best is Toledo and if you like art go to the Museo Del Prado, if you are not too fan of Romantic paintins you can skeep it. El Escorial, El valle de los Caidos and Segovia are also easy on 2 days and worth. Try the Tortilla Espaņola in Toledo and the seafood Paella in the south is something different.

David

John <BR> <BR>Kristi is correct in what she has said - and Kristi, I don't take any offence in your comments as I was simply stating what time I considered would be the minimum time needed in any area. I didn't mean to simply concentrate on Marid and surrounding areas, although it could be done. Sevilla is one of my all time favourite cities, and one of only 4 or 5 in the World that I "HAVE TO" return to. The others are Paris, Roma, Madrid and Hong Kong. <BR> <BR>Granada and La Alhambra could be done in a day as it's about 3 hours by train from Sevilla and La Alhambra take the best part of a day to see it effectively. Besides there is more to see in Granada, although La Alhambra dominates the choices. <BR> <BR>The main thing to remember is that you only have 8-10 days in Spain and the last thing that you will want to be doing is travelling for most of your time. Keep travelling to a minimum and concentrate on Mardid (with Toledo, Segovia, Avila (?)), Cordoba, Sevilla and Granada. <BR> <BR>Whatever, enjoy Spain and think about your next trip there. <BR> <BR>David

David

John <BR> <BR>Oooops!!!! <BR> <BR>Re Granada, I meant that it couldn't really be done effectively in a day trip. <BR> <BR>Sorry <BR> <BR>David

richardab

Spain is great! (but it takes a bit to get use to) . I was in Madrid in November and had a great time. i spent 7 day in the city with 1 side trip to Toledo which was a great medievil fortress town. I don't recommend bouncing from one place to another either. Slow down and do as the Spanish do. Enjoy life! Sit in a cafe, shop, have a coffee, take in a museum, have a loooooooong lunch. If you try to do move too fast Spain will not move with you. People are friendly and most speak a little English. I stayed ate the Hotel Santo Domingo which I really enjoyed. The price was right and it is centrally located. <BR> <BR>The only thing I recommend is to know the culture and customs before you arrive. The Spanish are a bit different than typical Europeans. <BR> <BR>Have a good time and if you have any questions about Madrid please Email me.