Our Spain itinerary for next May has changed from the last time I posted. We’ve sadly cancelled the northern Spain section, but happily added Barcelona and Tangier, Morocco. It was a decision based primarily on an opportunity to meet up with old friends in Barcelona. Please comment on any section that may still need work and add any changes that you would make if this was your trip. The flight has been booked, as well as hotels in Barcelona and Madrid. Thanks.

Arrive in Barcelona, 5 nights.
AVE train to Madrid, 5 nights.
Fly to Lisbon, Portugal, 4 nights.
Bus to Seville, 3 nights.
Train to Granada, 2 nights.
Bus to Tarifa, 2 nights (Ferry to Tangier for the following day).
Bus to Cadiz (conference commitments) 2 nights, most of a third day.
Late train to Cordoba 1 night, and most of the next day.
Late AVE train to Madrid, then to airport hotel.
Depart next morning for home.

The only city/ time period which isn’t flexible is Cadiz.

Any recommendations for a Madrid airport hotel that can be easily reached by taking the train, and that has an airport shuttle for the next morning?

Is the bus from Granada to Tarifa one single booking, or will we have to change busses in some town along the way. How long will this bus ride be? I assume the bus from Tarifa to Cadiz is more straightforward and won’t require a change?

Appreciate any suggestions.

Kathy

I have heard that the bus ride from Lisbon to Seville is arduous so you may wish to consider flying instead.

Lily, Thanks for the suggestion. We looked into flying, but the costs are high for Spanair and Iberia, and Veuling does not have service between these two cities. There seems to be no direct train service either. On the other hand, and as a plus, the bus will go through the Algarve region with a quick stop in Faro. We were curious about this coastal region. By taking a land route we'll get to see an additional part of Portugal besides Lisbon and environs. Going on the report by other poster here who recently took the bus (reverse direction) and describing it as comfortable, it will take about 6 1/2 hours. I guess that's not too long of a journey.

I'm more concerned about the logistics of getting from Granada to Tarifa. The bus website is confusing to me, and I can't seem to navigate through it. I am hoping the bus will take us the entire way, and we won't have to transfer mid-point to another bus. Anyone know? Thanks. Kathy

Hi

EasyJet do Madrid to Lisbon - http://www.easyjet.com. I found their flight on - www.whichbudget.com.

Good luck!

May not be a direct train line, but don't give up on the service. I think yo umay just be struggling with the fact that the two train companies's web sites don't link... (hey its only a peninsula).

Thanks world. I like the fly price for both easy jet and vueling-- Madrid to Lisbon, but neither airline does Lisbon to Seville. I can't locate a discount airline between these two cities.

no you are right 4 changes !

Bilboburgler, Great. Then I will keep looking for the train options. Thank you.

Okay, I'll stop looking at the train option.