Candace, I love your highlights report! As you know, we are planning a trip to Madrid and southern Spain in September, which I am very excited about. After reading your report and trip highlights about Portugal, I would love to make that our next trip to Europe, in 2018!

I hope you write about your trip to Italy this spring!
Thank you for taking the time to write such an interesting and descriptive report; I have enjoyed being the armchair traveler.

Maine, thank you for your kind words. When trying to book the night train, we also found the Renfe site confusing, so we booked through Rail Europe, which was pretty straightforward. I know that booking directly with Renfe is supposed to be cheaper, but for me it was worth it to use a site I could understand. We paid 148.10 euros per person for our 2 person compartment with toilet and shower, plus 13.46 tax. Not cheap, but we justified it as a combination of transportation and lodging for one night.

Karen, I appreciated your faithful following of my report. Have a wonderful trip to Spain! I know you will love it. When we travel to Italy in April, I am definitely planning to keep a journal so I can write another report. I so enjoyed writing this one.

Candace, thanks for the information. Actually today, on the Renfe site, the fare per person is 148.10. So, Rail Europe didn't increase the fare for you. I know they add some fees, but good to hear they actually use the fare quoted by the rail line.

Good to know, Maine. Thanks.

bookmarking...

I thoroughly enjoyed this trip report, Candace.

We also loved Portugal (those delicious pasteis de belem), and are looking to vacation in both Paris and southwest France again soon. Your detailed report will be helpful in our planning.

Boots

Boots, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my report. We loved southwest France and the Basque Country, and the Pyrenees were spectacular. Good luck with your trip planning.

Bookmarking this fabulous trip report. I'm already head over heels in love with Spain, and this has totally sold me on San Sebastian and Basque country!