My girlfriend and I will be in Spain for 10 days arriving and departing from Barcelona. We are early 30s, single, looking for a relaxing time...we have had a rough yr. Our only thoughts were to spend a few days in Barcelona and then go to Pamplona for a night for San Fermin but everything else is open. Any ideas on itineraries??? Would a parador type tour work and be worth it??? I know all you worldly fodorians can help me!!! Thanks!!!

I visited Pamplona during San Fermin in 1997, and I booked lodging many months before arrival. If you don't have lodging, you'll end up in the park, which lots of people do, but that doesn't seem very appealing to me. Its a non-stop party, running with the bulls is exhilerating, and the daily bullfights are fascinating. You can easily spend several days in Pamplona.

Thanks. I figured as much. The park doesnt seem appealing to me either. I thought me might stay out of town and take a bus or train in?

peppatty: You might get more response if you re-post w/ a better title, explaining your specific questions.

"Attn: Experienced Travelers...HELP!" could be asking anything about anywhere in Europe.

I too went to Spain with a girlfriend a few years ago when we were in our early 30s. We were in Barcelona for most of the time but did drive north to Girona & Rosas-think that was the name-the best advice I have is do not, under any circumstances, but regular gasoline in your diesel only rental car!

So you'll be there early-to mid July?
Pamplona for San Fermines and "looking for a relaxing time" don't go together in my book!

Ten days isn't much; but if your trip is earlier than mid-July (16 Jul: la Virgen de Carmen peak season starts) I recommend the north coast and maybe even a pilgrimage to Santiago. Santander is my favorite: they have a Santiago festival just after San Fermin (16-22 July?); there are Paradors (2) in Santillana del mar, in Fuente De (Picos de Europa), in Leon in Santiago de Compostela and in Baiona (Pontevedra, Galicia).

I didn't even mention the ones in Tuy amd Limpias