Evaluate our itinerary please! Madrid/Seville/Malaga/Cartagena/Barcelona
Mar 28th, 2011, 07:59 AM
#1
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Evaluate our itinerary please! Madrid/Seville/Malaga/Cartagena/Barcelona
Hi Everyone,
I have been reading over this forum and there seems to be some great feedback so I wanted to post our trip ideas and see what everyone thinks.
1. Arrive in Madrid on 4/8 and stay there for 3 days. Leave on 4/10.
2. Travel by train to Seville (2.5 hours) and stay there for 2 days. Leave on 4/12.
3. Travel by train to Malaga (2.5 hours) and stay there for 2 days. Leave on 4/13.
4. Travel by Car rental to Cartagena (4 hour drive) and stay there for 2 days. Leave on 4/15.
5. Travel by train to Barcelona (7 hours) and stay there for 3 days. Leave on 4/19.
Is this schedule too aggressive? Will we be spending too much time travelling and not enough time seeing things in the cities? I would hate to have to drop one of those cities from our trip, but if we had to, can anyone suggest one to drop (Madrid/Barcelona are not optional)?
Our interests are museums, parks, arts, etc.
I have been reading over this forum and there seems to be some great feedback so I wanted to post our trip ideas and see what everyone thinks.
1. Arrive in Madrid on 4/8 and stay there for 3 days. Leave on 4/10.
2. Travel by train to Seville (2.5 hours) and stay there for 2 days. Leave on 4/12.
3. Travel by train to Malaga (2.5 hours) and stay there for 2 days. Leave on 4/13.
4. Travel by Car rental to Cartagena (4 hour drive) and stay there for 2 days. Leave on 4/15.
5. Travel by train to Barcelona (7 hours) and stay there for 3 days. Leave on 4/19.
Is this schedule too aggressive? Will we be spending too much time travelling and not enough time seeing things in the cities? I would hate to have to drop one of those cities from our trip, but if we had to, can anyone suggest one to drop (Madrid/Barcelona are not optional)?
Our interests are museums, parks, arts, etc.
Mar 28th, 2011, 08:10 AM
#2
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With only 11 nights if Madrid and Barcelona are not optional I'd probably just stick with them and save Andalucia for another trip. 3 days for Madrid (one jetlagged) and 3 days for Barcelona is very short. You're also shortchanging Seville with only 2 days (no time for a daytrip to Cordoba) and somehow overlooking Granada.
If you were set on heading south you could possibly do something like 4 days each in Madrid & Barcelona and 3 in Sevilla. However, it would be a shame to miss Granada, Malaga, the white villages, etc...in Andalucia.
If you're interested in museums, arts & parks I think that Madrid & Barcelona would offer plenty to keep you busy. If you wanted to get out of the big cities for a night or 2 you could spend a couple of nights in Toledo, Segovia, or Girona (and others). Or you could visit these as daytrips using Madrid & Barcelona as bases - less packing/unpacking, etc....
Just my 2 cents.
If you were set on heading south you could possibly do something like 4 days each in Madrid & Barcelona and 3 in Sevilla. However, it would be a shame to miss Granada, Malaga, the white villages, etc...in Andalucia.
If you're interested in museums, arts & parks I think that Madrid & Barcelona would offer plenty to keep you busy. If you wanted to get out of the big cities for a night or 2 you could spend a couple of nights in Toledo, Segovia, or Girona (and others). Or you could visit these as daytrips using Madrid & Barcelona as bases - less packing/unpacking, etc....
Just my 2 cents.
Mar 28th, 2011, 08:21 AM
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Is this 2012 travel? I ask, because if this is 2011 you ought to be packing with planning behind you....:-?
Anyways, You are traveling the week prior Holy Week inclusive; some impact to public transportation, it will get crowded, so plan accordingly.
Why Cartagena? Why Malaga? I am sure both cities are enchanting, just not sure why and how they fit into this trip. You need to add days to Seville; make them 5 days; take them from Malaga and Cartagena. Day trip Seville to Cordova. rent a car for a day and day trip the Route of the Whille Villages (Vejer de la Frontera, Grazalema, Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, etc...) Fly Seville-Barcelona. Enough of the dilly-dally and try to secure hotels.
Anyways, You are traveling the week prior Holy Week inclusive; some impact to public transportation, it will get crowded, so plan accordingly.
Why Cartagena? Why Malaga? I am sure both cities are enchanting, just not sure why and how they fit into this trip. You need to add days to Seville; make them 5 days; take them from Malaga and Cartagena. Day trip Seville to Cordova. rent a car for a day and day trip the Route of the Whille Villages (Vejer de la Frontera, Grazalema, Ronda, Arcos de la Frontera, etc...) Fly Seville-Barcelona. Enough of the dilly-dally and try to secure hotels.
Mar 28th, 2011, 09:18 AM
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I think you need to re-think everything. First off, this is not one trip it's at least two separate trips.
You might start back at square one and ask the group here what would be some minimum days as well as maximum days for various places in Spain you are interested in (for example: Madrid 5 nights min 7 nights max, Barcelona 4 nights min 7 nights max, Seville 4 nights min. 7 nights max, Granada 2 nights min 4 nights max., etc.).
Then you can decide what makes sense for THIS trip to Spain and group cities and towns by proximity and to fill your available time (for this trip). It will also give you a better idea of what your next trip to Spain might look like.
You might start back at square one and ask the group here what would be some minimum days as well as maximum days for various places in Spain you are interested in (for example: Madrid 5 nights min 7 nights max, Barcelona 4 nights min 7 nights max, Seville 4 nights min. 7 nights max, Granada 2 nights min 4 nights max., etc.).
Then you can decide what makes sense for THIS trip to Spain and group cities and towns by proximity and to fill your available time (for this trip). It will also give you a better idea of what your next trip to Spain might look like.
Mar 28th, 2011, 09:52 AM
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So yes, after reading some of the responses, I realize I left a little bit of information out.
I have a friend that may or may not be in town that lives in Cartagena. That is why it is on my list. If he is actually in town while we are there, he would be able to take care of us at his house, show us around, etc. etc. He is also the one that suggested Malaga.
Believe it or not, this trip is planned for 2011
(Yes, we leave in about a week). We are purposely leaving things open and not any sort of static set dates so that we have the flexibility to change things on the fly (want another day in a city? Sure, no problem, and not have to rearrange the entire rest of the trip). So we may get to Seville, realize that we really like it there and then just stay 2 more days and eliminate Malaga as an example. The only dates we have firm is the day we are flying into Madrid and the day we are flying out of Zurich. We've done this on 2 or 3 trips to Europe over the past few years with lots of success.
I do apologize for the lack of information, but REALLY appreciate the feedback so far. Even if it's "wow, you really need to re-think things" You have given me some things to consider and would appreciate more information you guys have to offer. I will be doing some research on Granada in the meantime.
I have a friend that may or may not be in town that lives in Cartagena. That is why it is on my list. If he is actually in town while we are there, he would be able to take care of us at his house, show us around, etc. etc. He is also the one that suggested Malaga.
Believe it or not, this trip is planned for 2011
(Yes, we leave in about a week). We are purposely leaving things open and not any sort of static set dates so that we have the flexibility to change things on the fly (want another day in a city? Sure, no problem, and not have to rearrange the entire rest of the trip). So we may get to Seville, realize that we really like it there and then just stay 2 more days and eliminate Malaga as an example. The only dates we have firm is the day we are flying into Madrid and the day we are flying out of Zurich. We've done this on 2 or 3 trips to Europe over the past few years with lots of success.I do apologize for the lack of information, but REALLY appreciate the feedback so far. Even if it's "wow, you really need to re-think things"
You have given me some things to consider and would appreciate more information you guys have to offer. I will be doing some research on Granada in the meantime.
Mar 28th, 2011, 10:06 AM
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Considering how much time it takes (and the irritability involved) in moving out of one place just after settling in, only two days anywhere is a drag. Do you have time to sit and enjoy your coffee or are you worried about getting to the train station in time. How many days do you want to spend your morning getting ready to go someplace else?
I agree, narrow it down.
I haven't been to Seville and would love it, I know, but I have been to Malaga and love the vibe there. Very calm, relaxing, lovely sun sparkling on the water, and fabulous food.
If you end up planning on Malaga, look for posts from Josele. He's got the inside info on the restaurants.
I agree, narrow it down.
I haven't been to Seville and would love it, I know, but I have been to Malaga and love the vibe there. Very calm, relaxing, lovely sun sparkling on the water, and fabulous food.
If you end up planning on Malaga, look for posts from Josele. He's got the inside info on the restaurants.
Mar 28th, 2011, 10:24 AM
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Unfortunately you are counting the same days several times - as being in one place - as traveling to the next place - as arriving at the next place. So you actually have fewer days in each place than you think. Agree with so few days you need to do either Madrid and north or Madrid and south.
Mar 28th, 2011, 10:25 AM
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We travel extremely light (no checked luggage, only carry-on) so the pickup-and-go is pretty easy for us, but I do know what you are saying. Thank you though for those thoughts on Malaga!
Mar 28th, 2011, 10:32 AM
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nytraveler: When you say " Agree with so few days you need to do either Madrid and north or Madrid and south."
Do you mean exclude Barcelona? That's the only city north of Madrid. All others are south, so it's really just Madrid and South that is listed. The longest trip we would have would be from Cartagena to Barcelona (7 hours).
Thank you!
Do you mean exclude Barcelona? That's the only city north of Madrid. All others are south, so it's really just Madrid and South that is listed. The longest trip we would have would be from Cartagena to Barcelona (7 hours).
Thank you!
Mar 28th, 2011, 10:42 AM
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So after thinking this through, it may be better to just do Madrid, Seville, Barcelona.
It looks like the flights from Seville to Barcelona are VERY cheap (7 euro for 1 ticket? wow) and only 1.5 hours. This may be a more reasonable way to go although we will not get to see as much
It looks like the flights from Seville to Barcelona are VERY cheap (7 euro for 1 ticket? wow) and only 1.5 hours. This may be a more reasonable way to go although we will not get to see as much
Mar 28th, 2011, 10:57 AM
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For lots of great info on Spanish trains check out these fab IMO sites - www.seat61.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com; www.ricksteves.com. And if you stick to your original plan of train travel you may even want to investigate the Spain Railpass - that is if you keep plans in OP - if cut something then definitely not (perhaps) - and flying the long distances may make sense - not much in between really Seville and Barcelona the way the train goes - mainly scrubland IME if you go straight thru - via Madrid.
Mar 28th, 2011, 12:49 PM
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I highly recommend you book train tickets and hotels for anything beginning April 16 as it's leading into Semana Santa. Otherwise you could be stuck. I still think trying to visit Madrid, Barcelona & Sevilla in 11 days is a little ambitious but doable. You won't have alot of time to relax but you'll hit the highlights. Still a shame to not visit Granada - which is why I'd save this entire area for another trip.
Mar 28th, 2011, 01:53 PM
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I think Madrid, Seville, Barcelona looks great.
And the Seville/Barcelona flight: Wow! Don't worry about missing something by flying. The quick time and low cost makes up for anything you might see out of a train window. You'll also have enough time based in Seville to do a day trip or two to see other parts of Andalucia.
And the Seville/Barcelona flight: Wow! Don't worry about missing something by flying. The quick time and low cost makes up for anything you might see out of a train window. You'll also have enough time based in Seville to do a day trip or two to see other parts of Andalucia.
Mar 29th, 2011, 05:04 AM
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Next time I recommend you to include Málaga and Granada. Málaga is one of my absolute favourite towns in all of Spain after yearly travels in many parts of the country since the mid 80's. Very easy-going and welcoming.
http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...ed2/malaga.htm
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/home.htm
http://www.andalucia.com/magazine/en...ed2/malaga.htm
http://www.andalucia.com/cities/malaga/home.htm
Mar 29th, 2011, 05:43 AM
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Stop that! Now you are making me want to somehow fit in Malaga
I just wish we had more time than we actually do
I guess this means we will just have to make another trip to Spain during our lifetime!!
Thanks everyone. Any other thoughts on Madrid/Seville/Barcelona?
This is my revised time schedule thanks to everyone's advice:
1. Arrive in Madrid at 8am on Friday 4/8. (4 days in Madrid)
2. Leave Madrid on Tuesday 4/12 at 10am (2.5 hour $95/person train)
3. Arrive in Seville on Tuesday 4/12 at 12:30pm (3.5 days in Seville)
4. Leave Seville on Friday 4/15 at 9pm (1.5 hour flight E57/person)
5. Arrive in Barcelona on Friday 4/15 at 10:30pm. (4 days in Barcelona)
6. Leave Barcelona on Tuesday 4/19 for Zurich
How does the above sound?
I just wish we had more time than we actually do
I guess this means we will just have to make another trip to Spain during our lifetime!!
Thanks everyone. Any other thoughts on Madrid/Seville/Barcelona?
This is my revised time schedule thanks to everyone's advice:
1. Arrive in Madrid at 8am on Friday 4/8. (4 days in Madrid)
2. Leave Madrid on Tuesday 4/12 at 10am (2.5 hour $95/person train)
3. Arrive in Seville on Tuesday 4/12 at 12:30pm (3.5 days in Seville)
4. Leave Seville on Friday 4/15 at 9pm (1.5 hour flight E57/person)
5. Arrive in Barcelona on Friday 4/15 at 10:30pm. (4 days in Barcelona)
6. Leave Barcelona on Tuesday 4/19 for Zurich
How does the above sound?
Mar 29th, 2011, 07:33 AM
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Experience world class flamenco in Madrid or Sevilla, both are flamenco capitals. Sevilla breaths flamenco, at least in the Triana district across the river Guadalquivir. But although the art form comes from Andalucía, everybody has to conquer Madrid to get to the top. On their way there, or as an opportunity to try out new things and get an up close audience, many of them work the top tablaos.
On the 8th and 9th of April the madrileña Guadalupe Torres dances at Casa Patas. She recently won a prestigious flamenco prize for her coreographic work and is a wonderful dancer. Torres used to dance in the company of world famous María Pagés, and she is now starting to get serious attention in the flamenco community. From a previous performance at Casa Patas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNu1...eature=related
Casa Patas: http://www.casapatas.com/
In Sevilla, some of the finest artists perform in Casa de la Memória. Popular with tourists, but it's definitely the real deal. Pastora Galván has danced here once a week for a long time. She made her definitive breakthrough as one of the absolute finest bailaoras of our time during the last Bienal de flamenco in Sevilla (the world's largest and most prestigious flamenco festival) some months ago. She was recently voted best female flamenco dancer in 2010 by Spanish critics. Also many other great talents, not only dancers but also singers and guitarists.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalusia.html
The program at Casa de la Memória, new artists every night: http://www.casadelamemoria.es/eventos.htm
And maybe wind down in the Arab bath house Aire de Sevilla. A friend of mine went five times in a week...
http://www.airedesevilla.com/
On the 8th and 9th of April the madrileña Guadalupe Torres dances at Casa Patas. She recently won a prestigious flamenco prize for her coreographic work and is a wonderful dancer. Torres used to dance in the company of world famous María Pagés, and she is now starting to get serious attention in the flamenco community. From a previous performance at Casa Patas: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNu1...eature=related
Casa Patas: http://www.casapatas.com/
In Sevilla, some of the finest artists perform in Casa de la Memória. Popular with tourists, but it's definitely the real deal. Pastora Galván has danced here once a week for a long time. She made her definitive breakthrough as one of the absolute finest bailaoras of our time during the last Bienal de flamenco in Sevilla (the world's largest and most prestigious flamenco festival) some months ago. She was recently voted best female flamenco dancer in 2010 by Spanish critics. Also many other great talents, not only dancers but also singers and guitarists.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalusia.html
The program at Casa de la Memória, new artists every night: http://www.casadelamemoria.es/eventos.htm
And maybe wind down in the Arab bath house Aire de Sevilla. A friend of mine went five times in a week...
http://www.airedesevilla.com/
Mar 29th, 2011, 08:28 AM
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Kimhe - do you know Cordoba as well? I hope to at least stop there or better yet, overnight in Cordoba if we go this June. I've wanted to see the mosque since I found out about it while visiting a museum in Narbonne that had several oil paintings featuring it. Plus, I think I would love the city.
loginid - check out my Malaga paella photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37060272@N04/3631567660/
El Caleño
Sweet shrimp, delicately flavored rice, beachfront tent-covered outdoor seating, glass of white wine, sun sparkling on the water, light breeze. Take a nice walk then a nice nap.
loginid - check out my Malaga paella photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/37060272@N04/3631567660/
El Caleño
Sweet shrimp, delicately flavored rice, beachfront tent-covered outdoor seating, glass of white wine, sun sparkling on the water, light breeze. Take a nice walk then a nice nap.
