indy_dad

Yet another Andalusia question . . . . I see danon has a similar thread but I thought I ask my own specific question.

Family of 4 with kids 14 & 11 years old. We will have 5 nights in Seville in mid/late October and would like to take a day trip to Cordoba.

Confused by the "tarif ida y vuelta" which appears to be a round-trip / return fare but yet it seems I have to select a return trip (and fare) on top of that??

If I'm doing that correctly, then it appears the "mesa" fare for small groups is best. Does that sound right?

Do get the cheapest fares, I need to book a specific train, correct? I assume I'd want arrive slightly before 10. Any recommended departure times?

Thanks for your continued patience.

bardo1

Yes, you need to book a specific train to get any possible discounts. I suspect and discounted tickets are already gone for mid-Oct, however.

Also, I would look at a 9:00 departure from Seville to allow you to see the Mesquite before a leisurely lunch in the Jewish quarter.

Here's another thread on this topic with good info. Especially to eschew the AVE and go for a much cheaper local train which is only a slightly longer trip. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...Andalucia.html

Robert2533

Read the responses under danon's post. If you have your specific dates, you can check the Renfe.com website. I just checked the lowest mesa fares on 17 October, Sevilla-Cordoba R/T on the AVE. The Turista Plus fare for mesa seats on the 09:45 or 10:45 AVE is €14,45/person (x4) each way. You would have to return at 17:44 to keep that price, other wise it would be slightly higher on the return unless you took the 20:52 AVE back to Sevilla.

There are enough departures from Sevilla to Cordoba to allow you some options, but don't wait too long to purchase your tickets. Prices do go up as the less expensive seats are sold.

michelhuebeli

Take the Alsa bus - costs 21.41 Euros for the return trip for adults, possibly cheaper for under-26 and 15-day in advance - read all about it at www.alsa.es

danon

The bus ride takes close to. TWO hours..

indy_dad

Thanks for the comments.

The Mesa deals look pretty good relatively. We are more time than cash strapped so I don't think we opt for the bus option for this one.

Looks like the 8:50 outbound AVE and 17:44 AVE return will work the best.

Is the Turista Plus option worth the 10€ (family) premium for each leg?

danon

AVE is a very comfortable train...and the ride is only. 40.min.
I would not pay more for TP

Robert2533

From what I understand, the Turista Plus are slightly larger seats, but is only available on certain AVE and Long Distance trains. It shouldn't matter on such a short run as Sevilla to Cordoba.

indy_dad

Done. Thanks for the guidance.

FYI, my US based Capital One card went through without a hitch. It looked like it was going to a verified popup but it sorted itself automatically. (My UK Visa debit would require a password at this point normally).

Mesa fare, €12.05 per person, per journey (€96.40 total)

kimhe

In Córdoba, I very much recommend to have lunch outside the touristy Jewish quarter. There are much better and more local atmosphere places just some 300 meters north of the Mezuita in "Roman Córdoba" in and around the main square Plaza de las Tendillas and the Plaza Corredera (Plaza Corredera must be seen, very much in the style of Plaza Mayor in Madrid).

Traditional and affordable tabernas on every corner up here. Had great meals in some of them two years ago. Taberna Salinas is one of the more famous, recommended by the Michelin guide: http://www.tabernasalinas.com/

Less known Taberna El Juramento, close to the Corredera plaza, would be another excellent option: http://www.cordoba24.info/tavernen/h...amento_en.html

I also very much liked Taberna El Gallo in C/Mária Cristina, 6, two minutes from Plaza de las Tendillas, and next door to the Roman temple ruins. Great wines - try the dry Amargoso - and excellent tapas. In one word: Genuine!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...Andalucia.html
http://cordobapedia.wikanda.es/wiki/Taberna_El_Gallo

indy_dad

Thanks as always, kimhe.