After many weeks of research, posting and reading messages on the forum, and sufing the net, I have finally put together my trip which I feel encompasses some of the best recommendations of this forum--thanks to all <BR> <BR>My itinerary is as follows: <BR> <BR>Fly to Amsterdam for a 10 hour layover to see the city--then off to Madrid for 1 night at the Tryp Ambassador ($140) <BR> <BR>After a day in the city--AVE train to Seville for 3 nights at Casas de la Jederia ($130) where we have rented a car through Avis at $118 for 7 days <BR> <BR>Day drips from Seville will include Jerez, Cadiz and Acros. <BR> <BR>We will then drive through Ronda to Granada where we are staying in the caves ($50)for 3 nights. <BR> <BR>We are then driving to Toledo for one night at the Hostal de Cardinal($70) <BR> <BR>And finally our last night in Madrid at the Tryp <BR>Please feel free to offer any details--of if I can offer anything--I look forward to 10 days of sites, tapas, and sherry. <BR> <BR>thanks again--Jason <BR>

Jason - seems like youre short changing Madrid. Have you already been there before?

i have been to Madrid before and we still have about 1 1/2 days there--we really wanted to explore southern spain

Jason, I think it looks great. You have <BR>been paying attention. My only comment <BR>is the tab at the Tryp---you can do the <BR>Carlos V for about $100. You will have <BR>a great time.

Jason, I agree - your itinerary looks great to see Andalucia. I did notice you overlooked Cordoba however. It is just a few hours from Seville by car. Perhaps you could include it as a day trip from there. It is a city rich in Muslim Christian and Jewish history, noted for the Mezquita, a great example of Muslim architecture. I could also recommend the Caballo Rojo restaurant for an authentic Andalusian meal. On your way you could stop in Carmona, just outside Seville and see the parador, one of the finest in Spain. Great for a drink or lunch. <BR>Have fun whatever you do.

Bob-it was a tough call between the two but I did read the Carlos was in a real busy area--and the architecture at the tryp was amazing <BR> <BR>Tom--We will definately try to see Cordoba--we want to keep the driving times down and see as much of the hill towns as possible

I spent 6 weeks in Southern Spain, followed by 7 days in Madrid, and did a fair amount of touring, so I'll offer some recommendations and lessons learned; feel free to email me for more info. <BR> <BR>Is your rental car $117 a day, or for the entire trip? If that's the weekly rate, you might want to reconsider. The lowest grade of cars have very small engines and won't make it though the hilly countryside. I rented within the second lowest price range, and my car was about half the size of an Escort, with stick shift, and no extras...no radio, no AC, almost no trunk space. <BR> <BR>Recommend eating the Menu of the Day. It always includes two entrees, bread, butter, drinks and dessert, usually for less than the price of an entree alone. I prefer wine with dinner, and the local women drink what they call the wine of summer, which is table wine diluted with something like 7up. Their beer is excellent. Local seafood is great, especially the shrimp or prawns. <BR> <BR>Buy fresh bread in local bakeries or sandwich shops...it's fantastic. So are the local oranges. When buying fresh produce, don't touch. <BR> <BR>To be served, stand "belly up" to the bar or counter. If you aren't touching the bar, they assume you aren't ready to order, and the locals will squeeze in front of you. <BR> <BR>Visit some of the bodegas (sherry wineries) in Jerez. Try to see flamenco dancing in one of the small towns such as Jerez. On Wednesdays, the Royal Horse Academy puts on a wonderful show...similar to the Lipizon stallions. <BR> <BR>I loved the Alhambra in Granada. The most opulent church I saw was the chapel in the Monastery of San Jeronimo...it only gets about 4 visitors a day. <BR> <BR>In Sevilla, see the Alcazar, Cathedral, Plaza de Espana, and Maria Luisa Park. <BR> <BR>Near Sevilla is the remains of a Roman town, Italica...great mosaics. <BR> <BR>Wear good walking shoes...it's usually easier to park in a town and then walk from there. <BR> <BR>I used a tour book called "Visitor's Guide: Southern Spain & Coasta Del Sol". <BR> <BR>Enjoy!!!

You mentioned that you were staying in the Cave in Granada. How do I get information about them? Thanks

Dear Jason, <BR>Your itinerary looks great. A couple of add-ons: I believe the "wine of summer" that Joyce referred to is called tinto verano. Also, as recommended earlier, the Royal Andalucian Equestrian Academy in Jerez is a must-see: think horses dancing ballet. Performances are every Thursday at noon (Tuesdays, too, in the summer), with open rehearsals other days. Definitely visit a bodega, but unless your Spanish is good, find an English tour. Buen viaje!

I went on a similar itinerary for my honeymoon in September. The Mezquita and Juderia in Cordoba are very interesting. I cannot overemphasize how wonderful the Alhambra is to visit. You can get a great view and have a nice meal at several restaurants near the Mirador San Somethingorother in the Albaicin (Gypsy neighborhood). <BR> <BR>If I remember correctly, your hotel in Sevilla is in the heart of the Barrio de Santa Cruz and, therefore, very close to the Cathedral. <BR> <BR>One piece of advice - Sevillianos work on a different schedule than typical Americans. If you try to eat at "normal" mealtimes, you will have a hard time finding much of a selection. Lunch is sometime between 1 and 4pm and dinner runs from around 8 or 8:30pm to midnight or later. We met some locals who took us to some college bars in Triana. They would call at midnight to let us know if they were going out and where to meet. This is all very enjoyable, but can be very frustrating if you are starving at 5pm and looking for nightlife at 10pm...

In Ronda try Restaurant Tragabuches, excellent. <BR> <BR>I live in Marbella and I go driving 40 Km of Mountain road to Ronda just to eat there. <BR> <BR>Javi

Bill--for the caves in granada go to the following site- at the top of the page you can choose a tapas route--find the one for sacromonte the page down and you will see the link for the caveshttp://www.granadainfo.com/tapichuela/indexen.htm <BR> <BR>joice--thanks for the great suggestions and I double checked with avis and we have a mid-size (4door and 4 wheels) for 118 <BR> <BR>jason <BR>

Jason, <BR>I wish I were going with you. <BR> <BR>I, too, suggest you do not miss Cordoba. <BR>The mosque is incredible and the town at night is lovely. It's a great overnight spot. It DOES, however, get a lot of daytrippers. <BR>In Seville, try to have tapas at Casa Blanca on Madrid Ave. ( I think). It's hidden with only a small sign, but the tapas are superb and it is ALWAYS crowded. It has a seal of appreciation from the royal family and is a favorite with the matadors. <BR> <BR>Have fun! You are going to a most interesting place. Wait until you see the Alhambra... <BR>

Just wanted to bring my post back on top <BR>--what can i expect the weather to be like mid march in Madrid as well as Andalucia

Wouldn't we all like to know!!! Expect everything from rain to heat! Very unpredictable so plan for everything- except snow (we hope).