first trip to Spain, help needed! - Mallorca, Andalusia, and Barcelona
Feb 4th, 2015, 05:10 PM
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first trip to Spain, help needed! - Mallorca, Andalusia, and Barcelona
I've been working on our itinerary for Fall 2015 and have changed it quite a bit from original plans which covered Madrid and towns around it. Since then, I discovered Mallorca and think that it looks and sounds amazing! So, here is our updated itinerary. If we choose this itinerary, we will simply have to save Madrid and surrounding area for another trip. We try to plan trips by the RS adage that we will go back!
Day 1 (Saturday, Sept 26): Flight from US into Madrid or Barcelona
Day 2: Arrive Spain; flight to Mallorca. Explore Mallorca.
Day 3: Mallorca
Day 4: Mallorca
Day 5: Mallorca
Day 6: Granada - 10:35 to 11:55 flight to Granada. Bus into town, check into hotel. Explore Granada, take evening walking tour to explore. Take night tour of Alhambra.
Day 7: Granada - tour Alhambra. Visit Hammam baths after. Enjoy sunset views of Alhambra at San Nicholas.
Day 8: Cordoba - either take 10:30-13:10 bus or 6:45-9:39 train to Cordoba. Tour Mezquita, check out the artisan market, and walk the roman bridge. Maybe do a tapas tour or catch a show? Flamenco or horses?
Day 9: Seville - explore Cordoba in the morning. Take train late morning or around noon to Seville. Visit archaeological museum and cathedral. Take tapas tour at night.
Day 10: Seville - visit Alcazar and Plaza de Espana and roman mosaic museum. Walk the Barrio neighborhood. Catch Flamenco show.
Day 11: Seville - visit Italica. See a hill town possibly?
Day 12: fly to Barcelona, arrive around noon and check into hotel. Explore Gothic quarter and its sites using RS walk as a guide. Visit Barcelona History museum in Gothic quarter. Go on tapas tour 7:30-11:30.
Day 13: Barcelona - explore Guell Park late morning. Sagrada Familia guided tour at 3pm (15:00). Explore Barri de Gracia area. Evening visit of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) at either 8:30 or 9:15.
Day 14: Barcelona - explore La Boqueria Market in early morning. Visit Casa Battlo first. Visit Casa Lleo Morera with guided tour at 11am. Take guided tour of Sant Pau Noveau Hospital at 1pm (13:00). Evening show at Palace of Catalan Music.
Day 15: Barcelona - free day. Possibly see Montserrat? Would also like to visit Guell Palace if we haven't had time to see it on another day.
Day 16 (Sunday, October 11): Flight
Our evenings are interchangeable in Barcelona, as far as I'm concerned. But, I would like to do the tapas tour on the first night in hopes that it will help us get our bearings in the city. Waiting to see what events will be posted at the Palace of Catalan Music so I'm not sure what night we will want to go there.
Questions:
1. Considering the rest of our itinerary, is four nights for Mallorca the right amount of time (or too much, too little)? Just starting to research this the island and I need to figure out where to stay. Soller, Deia, and Valldemossa all look like places we would like (remind me a little of Orvieto in Italy -- which we loved!). Not a big fan of overdeveloped, resort type areas. We prefer smaller and rustic, but would still like a little a place that's not dead at night. We definitely aren't looking for clubs or big parties, though, just a nice place to go enjoy some atmosphere and a drink. For our activities while on Mallorca, we want ample time to explore some of the towns on the island. Also interested in walking, light hiking, and exploring beaches. We'd also be interested in picking up a motorcycle for a day and exploring the island that way as well, weather permitting. Definitely ok with picking up a rental car, too since that seems to be the best way to explore.
2. Should we catch the morning or the afternoon tour of the Alhambra? I'm guessing we might want to sleep in (which is relative, since we're not usually very good at that) if we go on the night tour of the Alhambra the night before.
3. I was thinking that we should consider spending a night in Cordoba versus seeing it as a day-trip from Seville. I'm hoping it will be worth the hassle of switching hotels for a single night (but, on the bright side, it will be our only single night). Recommendations for night activities in Cordoba?
4. Third day in Seville - we would like to see Italica and possibly a hill-town (or two)? Anyone have recommendations of which one(s) to see? Should we do this via rental car or public transportation?
5. What neighborhood do you recommend to stay at in Barcelona? I am attracted to the Gothic quarter...good or bad in perspective to the rest of our sight-seeing? Would prefer to stay in the $200USD or less range but could spend more, depending on the rest of our lodging for the trip. I did see the Arai Aparthotel that is higher and it would be a splurge for us. Looks wonderful though.
6. This itinerary will require us to catch (3) in-country flights: BCN/MAD to Mallorca, Mallorca to Granada, Seville to Barcelona. If at some point our luggage gets overweight do to purchases, how do the airlines fine you? Do you just pay for an extra bag? Anyone have experience with this? Our plan is to have (1) carry-on bag and (1) larger checked bag, with (2) small personal bags.
Day 1 (Saturday, Sept 26): Flight from US into Madrid or Barcelona
Day 2: Arrive Spain; flight to Mallorca. Explore Mallorca.
Day 3: Mallorca
Day 4: Mallorca
Day 5: Mallorca
Day 6: Granada - 10:35 to 11:55 flight to Granada. Bus into town, check into hotel. Explore Granada, take evening walking tour to explore. Take night tour of Alhambra.
Day 7: Granada - tour Alhambra. Visit Hammam baths after. Enjoy sunset views of Alhambra at San Nicholas.
Day 8: Cordoba - either take 10:30-13:10 bus or 6:45-9:39 train to Cordoba. Tour Mezquita, check out the artisan market, and walk the roman bridge. Maybe do a tapas tour or catch a show? Flamenco or horses?
Day 9: Seville - explore Cordoba in the morning. Take train late morning or around noon to Seville. Visit archaeological museum and cathedral. Take tapas tour at night.
Day 10: Seville - visit Alcazar and Plaza de Espana and roman mosaic museum. Walk the Barrio neighborhood. Catch Flamenco show.
Day 11: Seville - visit Italica. See a hill town possibly?
Day 12: fly to Barcelona, arrive around noon and check into hotel. Explore Gothic quarter and its sites using RS walk as a guide. Visit Barcelona History museum in Gothic quarter. Go on tapas tour 7:30-11:30.
Day 13: Barcelona - explore Guell Park late morning. Sagrada Familia guided tour at 3pm (15:00). Explore Barri de Gracia area. Evening visit of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) at either 8:30 or 9:15.
Day 14: Barcelona - explore La Boqueria Market in early morning. Visit Casa Battlo first. Visit Casa Lleo Morera with guided tour at 11am. Take guided tour of Sant Pau Noveau Hospital at 1pm (13:00). Evening show at Palace of Catalan Music.
Day 15: Barcelona - free day. Possibly see Montserrat? Would also like to visit Guell Palace if we haven't had time to see it on another day.
Day 16 (Sunday, October 11): Flight
Our evenings are interchangeable in Barcelona, as far as I'm concerned. But, I would like to do the tapas tour on the first night in hopes that it will help us get our bearings in the city. Waiting to see what events will be posted at the Palace of Catalan Music so I'm not sure what night we will want to go there.
Questions:
1. Considering the rest of our itinerary, is four nights for Mallorca the right amount of time (or too much, too little)? Just starting to research this the island and I need to figure out where to stay. Soller, Deia, and Valldemossa all look like places we would like (remind me a little of Orvieto in Italy -- which we loved!). Not a big fan of overdeveloped, resort type areas. We prefer smaller and rustic, but would still like a little a place that's not dead at night. We definitely aren't looking for clubs or big parties, though, just a nice place to go enjoy some atmosphere and a drink. For our activities while on Mallorca, we want ample time to explore some of the towns on the island. Also interested in walking, light hiking, and exploring beaches. We'd also be interested in picking up a motorcycle for a day and exploring the island that way as well, weather permitting. Definitely ok with picking up a rental car, too since that seems to be the best way to explore.
2. Should we catch the morning or the afternoon tour of the Alhambra? I'm guessing we might want to sleep in (which is relative, since we're not usually very good at that) if we go on the night tour of the Alhambra the night before.
3. I was thinking that we should consider spending a night in Cordoba versus seeing it as a day-trip from Seville. I'm hoping it will be worth the hassle of switching hotels for a single night (but, on the bright side, it will be our only single night). Recommendations for night activities in Cordoba?
4. Third day in Seville - we would like to see Italica and possibly a hill-town (or two)? Anyone have recommendations of which one(s) to see? Should we do this via rental car or public transportation?
5. What neighborhood do you recommend to stay at in Barcelona? I am attracted to the Gothic quarter...good or bad in perspective to the rest of our sight-seeing? Would prefer to stay in the $200USD or less range but could spend more, depending on the rest of our lodging for the trip. I did see the Arai Aparthotel that is higher and it would be a splurge for us. Looks wonderful though.
6. This itinerary will require us to catch (3) in-country flights: BCN/MAD to Mallorca, Mallorca to Granada, Seville to Barcelona. If at some point our luggage gets overweight do to purchases, how do the airlines fine you? Do you just pay for an extra bag? Anyone have experience with this? Our plan is to have (1) carry-on bag and (1) larger checked bag, with (2) small personal bags.
Feb 4th, 2015, 07:13 PM
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I haven't been to Mallorca, so no advice from me on that part of your trip.
For the Alhambra, I recommend as much time as you can manage during the day, a tour of the Nasrid Palace AFTER your day visit, and -- if you can arrange it -- a tour of the Generalife the night before your visit. I'm not sure if that will work for you. If not, better to visit during both the day and night in ANY order than to skip either.
Re: Cordoba -- I loved Cordoba after day-trippers left and found MORE than enough to keep my happily busy there for 2 full days. YMMV.
IMO, your time in Sevilla is limited. It depends on what YOU want to see and experience, but you might want to think that through before deciding.
BTW, you might want to invest in the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet -- as a rule, they cover MANY MANY MANY more sites that might be of interest than the RS guidebook.
Enjoy!
For the Alhambra, I recommend as much time as you can manage during the day, a tour of the Nasrid Palace AFTER your day visit, and -- if you can arrange it -- a tour of the Generalife the night before your visit. I'm not sure if that will work for you. If not, better to visit during both the day and night in ANY order than to skip either.
Re: Cordoba -- I loved Cordoba after day-trippers left and found MORE than enough to keep my happily busy there for 2 full days. YMMV.
IMO, your time in Sevilla is limited. It depends on what YOU want to see and experience, but you might want to think that through before deciding.
BTW, you might want to invest in the Rough Guide or Lonely Planet -- as a rule, they cover MANY MANY MANY more sites that might be of interest than the RS guidebook.
Enjoy!
Feb 5th, 2015, 02:15 AM
#3
Mallorca is one of my favourite spots in the Med and we have been visiting the island for years. If you prefer smaller places to stay, it rules out Palma itself and my thought would be to head North and stay at Pollenca, IMO the best little town on the island.
It has good restaurants and hotels across the price range and is a typically Mallorcan town with a hint of tourism, but not overly so. I think that's what puts me off Soller and Valdemossa. It's also a good base for the whole of the North side of the island and has good access o the North/South Motorway (freeway) that runs from Palma northwards.
I can recommend several restaurants in Pollenca and the hotel that we normally stay in that's a boutique (without pretentiousness) hotel three minutes walk from the main square.
It has good restaurants and hotels across the price range and is a typically Mallorcan town with a hint of tourism, but not overly so. I think that's what puts me off Soller and Valdemossa. It's also a good base for the whole of the North side of the island and has good access o the North/South Motorway (freeway) that runs from Palma northwards.
I can recommend several restaurants in Pollenca and the hotel that we normally stay in that's a boutique (without pretentiousness) hotel three minutes walk from the main square.
Feb 6th, 2015, 09:26 PM
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Re-typing my reply...just had it typed up and hit submit and Fodors decided to update their website so I lost it. What luck!
Thank you both for your replies! I have been reading RS Spain, LP Spain, and LP Mallorca. Between the books and the great trip reports on Fodors, my head is spinning.
Rubicund, if we take Kja's advice and add another night to Andalusia, we will have to cut a night from Mallorca since cutting from Barcelona isn't an option. Will three nights be sufficient to get a good taste of the island? I would like to focus on the north and west sides of the island, mainly the mountain areas. To clarify, did you mean that you were put off from Soller and Valdemossa by the tourism?
Kja, we were planning on one night visit, hadn't really considered doing two. Since we only have two nights in Granada (current itinerary at least), do you think that's the best way to spend our second night?
I am working on a change to our itinerary. We would spend (3) nights instead of (4) on Mallorca. We would then fly to Seville and spend (3) nights there and a majority of our (4) day would be spent there and we would take an evening train to Cordoba, for (2) nights. Still working on this...just really conflicted between seeing Cordoba at night versus not adding another hotel change. The last train back to Seville from Cordoba is at 11:24 (23:24), so should we just consider one big day-trip?
(3) nights Mallorca
(3) nights Seville
(2) nights Cordoba
(2) nights Granada
(4) nights Barcelona
Thank you both for your replies! I have been reading RS Spain, LP Spain, and LP Mallorca. Between the books and the great trip reports on Fodors, my head is spinning.
Rubicund, if we take Kja's advice and add another night to Andalusia, we will have to cut a night from Mallorca since cutting from Barcelona isn't an option. Will three nights be sufficient to get a good taste of the island? I would like to focus on the north and west sides of the island, mainly the mountain areas. To clarify, did you mean that you were put off from Soller and Valdemossa by the tourism?
Kja, we were planning on one night visit, hadn't really considered doing two. Since we only have two nights in Granada (current itinerary at least), do you think that's the best way to spend our second night?
I am working on a change to our itinerary. We would spend (3) nights instead of (4) on Mallorca. We would then fly to Seville and spend (3) nights there and a majority of our (4) day would be spent there and we would take an evening train to Cordoba, for (2) nights. Still working on this...just really conflicted between seeing Cordoba at night versus not adding another hotel change. The last train back to Seville from Cordoba is at 11:24 (23:24), so should we just consider one big day-trip?
(3) nights Mallorca
(3) nights Seville
(2) nights Cordoba
(2) nights Granada
(4) nights Barcelona
Feb 6th, 2015, 09:33 PM
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NO right or wrong choices here -- it's just that there's too much to see and enjoy!
As for the Alhambra, check whether both evening visits are options during the time you would be there, see if they appeal, and then make a decision based on YOUR interests.
You'll have a great trip no matter what you choose!
As for the Alhambra, check whether both evening visits are options during the time you would be there, see if they appeal, and then make a decision based on YOUR interests.
You'll have a great trip no matter what you choose!
Feb 6th, 2015, 09:37 PM
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Regarding where to stay in Barcelona - you'll see a lot of different opinions, but I really liked staying in the Gothic Quarter. We stayed in one of the Habitat apartments there. It is a very different feel than l'Eixample, with narrower (and therefore darker) streets, but for us the location was great.
Since you mentioned getting your bearings in the city, we took two walking tours with Runnerbean and really, really enjoyed them both. The guides were fantastic and I felt like it really helped us see a lot of the city.
www.runnerbeantours.com
Since you mentioned getting your bearings in the city, we took two walking tours with Runnerbean and really, really enjoyed them both. The guides were fantastic and I felt like it really helped us see a lot of the city.
www.runnerbeantours.com
Feb 7th, 2015, 03:11 AM
#7
It's all down to personal taste I suppose. I did mean that Soller and Valdemossa get very touristy in season and even in the evenings after the day trippers have gone, they are still too "unSpanish" for me. Soller is better IMO than Valdemossa in that regard, but neither has the feel that Pollenca has.
If you stay on the west coast in the mountain area, it will take you longer to see other parts of the island due to the distance, roads etc. It would be far better to stay somewhere in that area with good road links, especially if you have one less night to play with, hence Pollenca. You'll still have good access to Deia etc from Pollenca.
If you stay on the west coast in the mountain area, it will take you longer to see other parts of the island due to the distance, roads etc. It would be far better to stay somewhere in that area with good road links, especially if you have one less night to play with, hence Pollenca. You'll still have good access to Deia etc from Pollenca.
Feb 7th, 2015, 05:23 AM
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3: Recommend to stay a night in Córdoba, "the city that changed the world":
http://www.theguardian.com/spanish-t...-changed-world
Regarding night activities, I would suggest the flamenco performances at Arte y Sabores de Cordoba. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html
A relatively newly established venue, and from what I see in the videos, this is the kind of atmosphere and confident and devoted performances you usually only experience in the local peñas with a small, local and very knowledgeable crowd. From reactions both on tripadvisor and their newly established facebook-page, it shows that the place has gained a high reputation among both flamenco aficionados and flamenco artists in a very short time. Many flamenco artists among those who congratulate the tablao and show their admiration for what they have achieved so far. This is the atmosphere and spirit of a local peña/flamenco club: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4gMn1fqRf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whP0qSXAy8s
Be sure to visit "Roman Córdoba", around Plaza de las Tendillas and Plaza de la Corredera just North of the most obvious attractions. Great atmosphere and local feel and affordable tabernas on every corner up here. Great atmosphere cafes and terraces long into the night at Plaza de las Tendillas.
This gives you an idea of the Córdoba state of mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk
http://www.theguardian.com/spanish-t...-changed-world
Regarding night activities, I would suggest the flamenco performances at Arte y Sabores de Cordoba. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...Andalucia.html
A relatively newly established venue, and from what I see in the videos, this is the kind of atmosphere and confident and devoted performances you usually only experience in the local peñas with a small, local and very knowledgeable crowd. From reactions both on tripadvisor and their newly established facebook-page, it shows that the place has gained a high reputation among both flamenco aficionados and flamenco artists in a very short time. Many flamenco artists among those who congratulate the tablao and show their admiration for what they have achieved so far. This is the atmosphere and spirit of a local peña/flamenco club: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4gMn1fqRf4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whP0qSXAy8s
Be sure to visit "Roman Córdoba", around Plaza de las Tendillas and Plaza de la Corredera just North of the most obvious attractions. Great atmosphere and local feel and affordable tabernas on every corner up here. Great atmosphere cafes and terraces long into the night at Plaza de las Tendillas.
This gives you an idea of the Córdoba state of mind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfGdpF55Uk
Feb 7th, 2015, 12:19 PM
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Thank you all again for your fantastic replies!
Kja, we will have to decide on taking a second night tour after we look at more options and consider our travel plans of an 8:50 flight the morning following our last night in Granada.
Jent103, we will plan to stay in the Gothic Quarter. I think we will really enjoy the ambiance of the area. Thanks for the tip on the tour!
Rubicund, I have spent some time on AirBNB and have found some really nice looking lodging that appeals to me more than the hotels I've seen and they are for a better price, as well. The airBNBs are all in different towns...not sure which would be best. I have more research to do.
Kimhe, that video of Cordoba is fantastic. And thanks for the recommendation for flamenco. Thanks for the tip on the "Roman Cordoba" area. We have added the Roman temple to our list and look forward to exploring the area.
I've revised our itinerary and determined some lodging.
Mallorca (3) nights - airBNB property, somewhere
Seville (4) nights - Hotel Amadeus
Cordoba (1) night - Hotel Amistad
Granada (2) nights - Hotel Santa Isabel La Real
Barcelona (4) nights - somewhere in Gothic Quarter
For our fourth day in Seville, we would really like to see Italica. I have found a tour group called Naturanda Turismo Ambiental that offers a morning tour to Italica. They also offer a combo tour for the day, seeing Italica, Dehases de Sierra Morena, Aracena, and the Mosque of Almonaster la Real. Has anyone visited these sights? Seems like it would make a really nice day trip. Especially in seeing the ancient Mosque of Almonaster. I don't know how interested I am in seeing the pigs and cattle in Sierra Morena (I'm from Kansas so livestock isn't unusual), so I may contact them to see if it's possible to customize the itinerary.
I have read that the archaeological museum in Seville doesn't have much written in English so I'm thinking of skipping that and adding the bullfighting museum instead.
Day 1 (Saturday, Sept 26): Flight from US into Madrid or Barcelona
Day 2: Mallorca - Arrive Palma airport around 12. Pick up rental car in Palma, drive to destination unknown, check in and explore.
Day 3: Mallorca - explore
Day 4: Mallorca - explore
Day 5: Seville - Explore Palma in morning maybe? Drop rental car. 2:00-3:35 (14:00-15:35) flight to Seville. Check into hotel and explore. Triana Tapas tour at 8:00pm (20:00).
Day 6: Seville - Tour Royal Alcazar and visit Plaza de Espana. Walk Barrio area in evening. Catch Flamenco show.
Day 7: Seville - Visit Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Librija and the Seville Cathedral and Bell Tower. See bullfighting museum if there is time.
Day 8: Seville - Guided tour of Italica. Possibly expand guided tour to towns further north of Seville? Or possibly customize for different location?
Day 9: Cordoba - early morning train (either 7:00 or 8:45) to Cordoba. Check into hotel. Tour Mezquita, check out the artisan market, and walk the roman bridge. Explore the "Roman Cordoba" area. Considering tapas tour, flamenco performance, or equestrian show.
Day 10: Granada - 8:30 - 11:10 train to Granada. Check into hotel. Explore Granada, take 5:00-8:00 (17:00-20:00) "Feel the City" walking tour to explore. Take night tour of Alhambra palaces.
Day 11: Granada - tour Alhambra. Visit Charles V Palace and Museum afterwards. Visit Hammam baths to relax. Enjoy sunset views of Alhambra at San Nicholas. Eat dinner with views of Alhambra.
Day 12: 8:50-10:15 flight to Barcelona, arrive around noon and check into hotel. Explore Gothic quarter and its sites using RS walk as a guide. Visit Barcelona History museum in Gothic quarter. Go on tapas tour 7:30-11:30.
Day 13: Barcelona - explore Guell Park late morning. Sagrada Familia guided tour at 3pm (15:00). Explore Barri de Gracia area. Evening visit of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) at either 8:30 or 9:15.
Day 14: Barcelona - explore La Boqueria Market in early morning. Visit Casa Battlo first. Visit Casa Lleo Morera with guided tour at 11am. Take guided tour of Sant Pau Noveau Hospital at 1pm (13:00). Evening show at Palace of Catalan Music.
Day 15: Barcelona - free day. Possibly see Montserrat? Would also like to visit Guell Palace if we haven't had time to see it on another day (or anything else we didn't have time for).
Day 16 (Sunday, October 11): Flight
Kja, we will have to decide on taking a second night tour after we look at more options and consider our travel plans of an 8:50 flight the morning following our last night in Granada.
Jent103, we will plan to stay in the Gothic Quarter. I think we will really enjoy the ambiance of the area. Thanks for the tip on the tour!
Rubicund, I have spent some time on AirBNB and have found some really nice looking lodging that appeals to me more than the hotels I've seen and they are for a better price, as well. The airBNBs are all in different towns...not sure which would be best. I have more research to do.
Kimhe, that video of Cordoba is fantastic. And thanks for the recommendation for flamenco. Thanks for the tip on the "Roman Cordoba" area. We have added the Roman temple to our list and look forward to exploring the area.
I've revised our itinerary and determined some lodging.
Mallorca (3) nights - airBNB property, somewhere
Seville (4) nights - Hotel Amadeus
Cordoba (1) night - Hotel Amistad
Granada (2) nights - Hotel Santa Isabel La Real
Barcelona (4) nights - somewhere in Gothic Quarter
For our fourth day in Seville, we would really like to see Italica. I have found a tour group called Naturanda Turismo Ambiental that offers a morning tour to Italica. They also offer a combo tour for the day, seeing Italica, Dehases de Sierra Morena, Aracena, and the Mosque of Almonaster la Real. Has anyone visited these sights? Seems like it would make a really nice day trip. Especially in seeing the ancient Mosque of Almonaster. I don't know how interested I am in seeing the pigs and cattle in Sierra Morena (I'm from Kansas so livestock isn't unusual), so I may contact them to see if it's possible to customize the itinerary.
I have read that the archaeological museum in Seville doesn't have much written in English so I'm thinking of skipping that and adding the bullfighting museum instead.
Day 1 (Saturday, Sept 26): Flight from US into Madrid or Barcelona
Day 2: Mallorca - Arrive Palma airport around 12. Pick up rental car in Palma, drive to destination unknown, check in and explore.
Day 3: Mallorca - explore
Day 4: Mallorca - explore
Day 5: Seville - Explore Palma in morning maybe? Drop rental car. 2:00-3:35 (14:00-15:35) flight to Seville. Check into hotel and explore. Triana Tapas tour at 8:00pm (20:00).
Day 6: Seville - Tour Royal Alcazar and visit Plaza de Espana. Walk Barrio area in evening. Catch Flamenco show.
Day 7: Seville - Visit Museo Palacio de la Condesa de Librija and the Seville Cathedral and Bell Tower. See bullfighting museum if there is time.
Day 8: Seville - Guided tour of Italica. Possibly expand guided tour to towns further north of Seville? Or possibly customize for different location?
Day 9: Cordoba - early morning train (either 7:00 or 8:45) to Cordoba. Check into hotel. Tour Mezquita, check out the artisan market, and walk the roman bridge. Explore the "Roman Cordoba" area. Considering tapas tour, flamenco performance, or equestrian show.
Day 10: Granada - 8:30 - 11:10 train to Granada. Check into hotel. Explore Granada, take 5:00-8:00 (17:00-20:00) "Feel the City" walking tour to explore. Take night tour of Alhambra palaces.
Day 11: Granada - tour Alhambra. Visit Charles V Palace and Museum afterwards. Visit Hammam baths to relax. Enjoy sunset views of Alhambra at San Nicholas. Eat dinner with views of Alhambra.
Day 12: 8:50-10:15 flight to Barcelona, arrive around noon and check into hotel. Explore Gothic quarter and its sites using RS walk as a guide. Visit Barcelona History museum in Gothic quarter. Go on tapas tour 7:30-11:30.
Day 13: Barcelona - explore Guell Park late morning. Sagrada Familia guided tour at 3pm (15:00). Explore Barri de Gracia area. Evening visit of Casa Mila (La Pedrera) at either 8:30 or 9:15.
Day 14: Barcelona - explore La Boqueria Market in early morning. Visit Casa Battlo first. Visit Casa Lleo Morera with guided tour at 11am. Take guided tour of Sant Pau Noveau Hospital at 1pm (13:00). Evening show at Palace of Catalan Music.
Day 15: Barcelona - free day. Possibly see Montserrat? Would also like to visit Guell Palace if we haven't had time to see it on another day (or anything else we didn't have time for).
Day 16 (Sunday, October 11): Flight
Jul 28th, 2015, 03:56 AM
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Just found this thread and wondered if candj83 had any updates to her/his plans. We are planning a last minute trip to Barcelona and "somewhere" for two weeks in September. Have been to Granada and Seville (loved that area!) and are just now considering a week on Mallorca. Would love to know about places to stay in Pollenca.
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cindder
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May 20th, 2013 02:15 PM
